Top of the Morning https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com en 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 https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4a95d46e-e899-11ef-9fe0-9b13b069c9e0/image/e11720dbf9e4a99c616d639f7469c89c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Top of the Morning https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com no episodic Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> HT Smartcast podcasts@hindustantimes.com WEST ASIA, DIESEL, AND DARK TOWERS | GIFT CITY: INDIA'S GATEWAY TO GLOBAL MARKETS | Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where India stands right now. GIFT City is quietly becoming India's gateway to global markets, but there's a catch most investors don't know about. India's MSME sector has survived COVID, war, and trade chaos and the data shows just how costly that survival has been. India's IT giants are in the middle of a full identity shift, moving from headcount to AI, and not every employee is making it across. On the ground, a war in West Asia is cutting into diesel supply, and that's keeping telecom towers dark across rural India. And from April 2026, the RBI's new payment authentication rules have kicked in the OTP era isn't over, but it's on notice. Five stories. All connected by one reality: India is adapting, whether it wants to or not. Tune in to Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where India stands right now. GIFT City is quietly becoming India's gateway to global markets, but there's a catch most investors don't know about. India's MSME sector has survived COVID, war, and trade chaos and the data shows just how costly that survival has been. India's IT giants are in the middle of a full identity shift, moving from headcount to AI, and not every employee is making it across. On the ground, a war in West Asia is cutting into diesel supply, and that's keeping telecom towers dark across rural India. And from April 2026, the RBI's new payment authentication rules have kicked in the OTP era isn't over, but it's on notice. Five stories. All connected by one reality: India is adapting, whether it wants to or not. Tune in to Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where India stands right now. GIFT City is quietly becoming India's gateway to global markets, but there's a catch most investors don't know about. India's MSME sector has survived COVID, war, and trade chaos and the data shows just how costly that survival has been. India's IT giants are in the middle of a full identity shift, moving from headcount to AI, and not every employee is making it across. On the ground, a war in West Asia is cutting into diesel supply, and that's keeping telecom towers dark across rural India. And from April 2026, the RBI's new payment authentication rules have kicked in the OTP era isn't over, but it's on notice. Five stories. All connected by one reality: India is adapting, whether it wants to or not. Tune in to Top of the Morning.


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]]> 868 no WORLD BANK BACKS INDIA | TCS SLIPS | EVs BOOM | GAMING BUST Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today, the World Bank just raised India's growth forecast to 6.6% for FY27, calling it the fastest-growing major economy on the planet. India's EV market nearly doubled in FY26 with close to 2 lakh units sold, and the competition between Tata, Mahindra, and Maruti is heating up fast. Anthropic just revealed an AI model so powerful they refuse to release it publicly, launching Project Glasswing with Apple, Microsoft, and Google to fix thousands of software vulnerabilities before hackers find them. TCS posted its Q4 results with a strong recovery, but the full-year numbers tell a different story: the first annual revenue decline in constant currency since the company listed. And India's gaming industry is attempting the comeback of a lifetime after the real-money gaming ban wiped out 95% of Dream11's revenue overnight. Five stories. One theme. Every single one is a stress test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:57:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today, the World Bank just raised India's growth forecast to 6.6% for FY27, calling it the fastest-growing major economy on the planet. India's EV market nearly doubled in FY26 with close to 2 lakh units sold, and the competition between Tata, Mahindra, and Maruti is heating up fast. Anthropic just revealed an AI model so powerful they refuse to release it publicly, launching Project Glasswing with Apple, Microsoft, and Google to fix thousands of software vulnerabilities before hackers find them. TCS posted its Q4 results with a strong recovery, but the full-year numbers tell a different story: the first annual revenue decline in constant currency since the company listed. And India's gaming industry is attempting the comeback of a lifetime after the real-money gaming ban wiped out 95% of Dream11's revenue overnight. Five stories. One theme. Every single one is a stress test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today, the World Bank just raised India's growth forecast to 6.6% for FY27, calling it the fastest-growing major economy on the planet. India's EV market nearly doubled in FY26 with close to 2 lakh units sold, and the competition between Tata, Mahindra, and Maruti is heating up fast. Anthropic just revealed an AI model so powerful they refuse to release it publicly, launching Project Glasswing with Apple, Microsoft, and Google to fix thousands of software vulnerabilities before hackers find them. TCS posted its Q4 results with a strong recovery, but the full-year numbers tell a different story: the first annual revenue decline in constant currency since the company listed. And India's gaming industry is attempting the comeback of a lifetime after the real-money gaming ban wiped out 95% of Dream11's revenue overnight. Five stories. One theme. Every single one is a stress test.

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]]> 854 no INDIA'S BEST MARKET DAY IN 5 YEARS | THE SPOUSE PROPERTY TAX TRAP | THE RBI HOLDS THE LINE | Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, India had one of those rare mornings where every story broke in the same direction. The Sensex surged nearly 4 percent in its best single-day gain in five years, adding close to 17 lakh crore rupees in investor wealth. Crude oil crashed 14 percent. The RBI held rates steady at 5.25 percent, and Governor Sanjay Malhotra sent a quiet but important signal that low rates could be here for a while. The West Asia ceasefire has also opened a pathway for India's battered LPG supply chain to recover though experts caution it will take weeks, not days. And in today's personal finance story, we break down a tax trap that catches a lot of people off guard gifting property to your spouse. The gift is tax-free. The income it generates? That's a different story. All of this on today's Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, India had one of those rare mornings where every story broke in the same direction. The Sensex surged nearly 4 percent in its best single-day gain in five years, adding close to 17 lakh crore rupees in investor wealth. Crude oil crashed 14 percent. The RBI held rates steady at 5.25 percent, and Governor Sanjay Malhotra sent a quiet but important signal that low rates could be here for a while. The West Asia ceasefire has also opened a pathway for India's battered LPG supply chain to recover though experts caution it will take weeks, not days. And in today's personal finance story, we break down a tax trap that catches a lot of people off guard gifting property to your spouse. The gift is tax-free. The income it generates? That's a different story. All of this on today's Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, India had one of those rare mornings where every story broke in the same direction. The Sensex surged nearly 4 percent in its best single-day gain in five years, adding close to 17 lakh crore rupees in investor wealth. Crude oil crashed 14 percent. The RBI held rates steady at 5.25 percent, and Governor Sanjay Malhotra sent a quiet but important signal that low rates could be here for a while. The West Asia ceasefire has also opened a pathway for India's battered LPG supply chain to recover though experts caution it will take weeks, not days. And in today's personal finance story, we break down a tax trap that catches a lot of people off guard gifting property to your spouse. The gift is tax-free. The income it generates? That's a different story. All of this on today's Top of the Morning.


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]]> 770 no US-Iran Ceasefire | India's Data Centers vs the Grid | AI Reshapes India's IT Jobs Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. A last-minute ceasefire pauses the US-Iran war brokered by Pakistan, with talks now set for Islamabad on Friday. Inside India's IT sector, AI has nearly frozen mass hiring: the top five firms added just 17 net employees in nine months, down from 17,764 the year before. Tata Trusts is in a serious governance dispute after its CEO asked two senior trustees to step down without sharing a critical legal opinion — and the matter is heading to court. India's power grid is nowhere near ready for the data center boom that AI demands, with capacity needing to grow from 1.2 GW to 10 GW by 2030. And India launches an ₹7,280 crore scheme to build its own rare earth magnet industry and cut its dependence on China. All of that — on Top of the Morning today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:08:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. A last-minute ceasefire pauses the US-Iran war brokered by Pakistan, with talks now set for Islamabad on Friday. Inside India's IT sector, AI has nearly frozen mass hiring: the top five firms added just 17 net employees in nine months, down from 17,764 the year before. Tata Trusts is in a serious governance dispute after its CEO asked two senior trustees to step down without sharing a critical legal opinion — and the matter is heading to court. India's power grid is nowhere near ready for the data center boom that AI demands, with capacity needing to grow from 1.2 GW to 10 GW by 2030. And India launches an ₹7,280 crore scheme to build its own rare earth magnet industry and cut its dependence on China. All of that — on Top of the Morning today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. A last-minute ceasefire pauses the US-Iran war brokered by Pakistan, with talks now set for Islamabad on Friday. Inside India's IT sector, AI has nearly frozen mass hiring: the top five firms added just 17 net employees in nine months, down from 17,764 the year before. Tata Trusts is in a serious governance dispute after its CEO asked two senior trustees to step down without sharing a critical legal opinion — and the matter is heading to court. India's power grid is nowhere near ready for the data center boom that AI demands, with capacity needing to grow from 1.2 GW to 10 GW by 2030. And India launches an ₹7,280 crore scheme to build its own rare earth magnet industry and cut its dependence on China. All of that — on Top of the Morning today.


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]]> 866 no India's GDP Forecast Takes a Hit | RBI Hits Pause on Rate Cuts | Microsoft Breaks Free from OpenAI Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where the world stands right now. India's GDP forecast just got slashed by a full percentage point thanks to the Iran war. Your grocery bill is about to feel the heat as food prices climb globally. China is positioning itself as the peacemaker in West Asia while quietly benefiting from the chaos. The RBI is expected to hit pause on rate cuts as oil and inflation rewrite the rulebook. And Microsoft just launched its own AI models, signaling a dramatic shift away from OpenAI. It's all connected, and we break it all down. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where the world stands right now. India's GDP forecast just got slashed by a full percentage point thanks to the Iran war. Your grocery bill is about to feel the heat as food prices climb globally. China is positioning itself as the peacemaker in West Asia while quietly benefiting from the chaos. The RBI is expected to hit pause on rate cuts as oil and inflation rewrite the rulebook. And Microsoft just launched its own AI models, signaling a dramatic shift away from OpenAI. It's all connected, and we break it all down. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and this is Top of the Morning. Today we're covering five stories that tell you exactly where the world stands right now. India's GDP forecast just got slashed by a full percentage point thanks to the Iran war. Your grocery bill is about to feel the heat as food prices climb globally. China is positioning itself as the peacemaker in West Asia while quietly benefiting from the chaos. The RBI is expected to hit pause on rate cuts as oil and inflation rewrite the rulebook. And Microsoft just launched its own AI models, signaling a dramatic shift away from OpenAI. It's all connected, and we break it all down. Tune in now.

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]]> 934 no Oracle's 30,000-Job Bloodbath Signals a New Era | TV Ratings Overhaul | Flying Abroad This Summer? Brace for Sticker Shock Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's episode of Top of the Morning, we break down five stories shaping the business world right now. Oil is above $110 a barrel and the ripple effects are everywhere, from inflation concerns to airline ticket prices surging across India. India's consulting and IT sector is grappling with AI-driven layoffs as firms like KPMG, McKinsey, and Accenture cut thousands. The government has dropped a major overhaul of TV ratings, replacing 12-year-old rules with tighter controls, bigger sample sizes, and real penalties. And Oracle just executed what could be the largest layoff in its history, cutting up to 30,000 jobs globally, with 12,000 in India, all while posting record profits. Five stories. One theme: the great restructuring is here. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:16:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's episode of Top of the Morning, we break down five stories shaping the business world right now. Oil is above $110 a barrel and the ripple effects are everywhere, from inflation concerns to airline ticket prices surging across India. India's consulting and IT sector is grappling with AI-driven layoffs as firms like KPMG, McKinsey, and Accenture cut thousands. The government has dropped a major overhaul of TV ratings, replacing 12-year-old rules with tighter controls, bigger sample sizes, and real penalties. And Oracle just executed what could be the largest layoff in its history, cutting up to 30,000 jobs globally, with 12,000 in India, all while posting record profits. Five stories. One theme: the great restructuring is here. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's episode of Top of the Morning, we break down five stories shaping the business world right now. Oil is above $110 a barrel and the ripple effects are everywhere, from inflation concerns to airline ticket prices surging across India. India's consulting and IT sector is grappling with AI-driven layoffs as firms like KPMG, McKinsey, and Accenture cut thousands. The government has dropped a major overhaul of TV ratings, replacing 12-year-old rules with tighter controls, bigger sample sizes, and real penalties. And Oracle just executed what could be the largest layoff in its history, cutting up to 30,000 jobs globally, with 12,000 in India, all while posting record profits. Five stories. One theme: the great restructuring is here. Tune in now.

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]]> 975 no Sensex +1,500 | Goldman Says 5.9% India Slowing? | Oil Crisis Deepens 5.9% GDP | War, Oil & Kitchens Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today, markets are bouncing back hard with Sensex jumping 1,500 points after the US paused strikes on Iran. But behind the rally, Goldman Sachs just slashed India's growth forecast to 5.9% as oil prices and a weakening rupee squeeze the economy. We look at what this means for ONGC, why India's sugar and grain lobbies want ethanol in your kitchen, and TRAI's bold new plan to fine telcos up to 1% of their turnover. Five stories, one thread: oil is reshaping everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:45:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today, markets are bouncing back hard with Sensex jumping 1,500 points after the US paused strikes on Iran. But behind the rally, Goldman Sachs just slashed India's growth forecast to 5.9% as oil prices and a weakening rupee squeeze the economy. We look at what this means for ONGC, why India's sugar and grain lobbies want ethanol in your kitchen, and TRAI's bold new plan to fine telcos up to 1% of their turnover. Five stories, one thread: oil is reshaping everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today, markets are bouncing back hard with Sensex jumping 1,500 points after the US paused strikes on Iran. But behind the rally, Goldman Sachs just slashed India's growth forecast to 5.9% as oil prices and a weakening rupee squeeze the economy. We look at what this means for ONGC, why India's sugar and grain lobbies want ethanol in your kitchen, and TRAI's bold new plan to fine telcos up to 1% of their turnover. Five stories, one thread: oil is reshaping everything.


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]]> 749 no ₹8 Lakh Crore Wiped | Oil -14% | Rupee Record Low Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today's episode covers the biggest market crash of the week as the Sensex fell over 1,800 points on Monday. Oil prices swung wildly after Trump announced a five-day halt on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, sending Brent crude down 14 percent before partially recovering. The rupee hit a record low as the RBI juggled currency defence, bond buying, and liquidity management. India's LNG supply chain is under severe stress with factory shutdowns and cooking gas rationing. And foreign investors have now pulled over 1 lakh crore out of Indian markets in 2026. We break down each story and what it means going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:52:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today's episode covers the biggest market crash of the week as the Sensex fell over 1,800 points on Monday. Oil prices swung wildly after Trump announced a five-day halt on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, sending Brent crude down 14 percent before partially recovering. The rupee hit a record low as the RBI juggled currency defence, bond buying, and liquidity management. India's LNG supply chain is under severe stress with factory shutdowns and cooking gas rationing. And foreign investors have now pulled over 1 lakh crore out of Indian markets in 2026. We break down each story and what it means going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today's episode covers the biggest market crash of the week as the Sensex fell over 1,800 points on Monday. Oil prices swung wildly after Trump announced a five-day halt on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, sending Brent crude down 14 percent before partially recovering. The rupee hit a record low as the RBI juggled currency defence, bond buying, and liquidity management. India's LNG supply chain is under severe stress with factory shutdowns and cooking gas rationing. And foreign investors have now pulled over 1 lakh crore out of Indian markets in 2026. We break down each story and what it means going forward.


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]]> 811 no Why the RBI Publicly Defended HDFC Bank | HSBC Considers Cutting 20,000 Jobs | Russia Becomes the New Gulf for Indian Workers Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. In today's episode, we start with the double shock that hit Dalal Street  HDFC Bank's part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing ethical concerns he observed over two years, sending the stock plunging 8% to a 52-week low and wiping out over one lakh crore in market value. The RBI took the rare step of publicly defending the bank's governance. We then look at HSBC reportedly planning to cut up to 20,000 jobs over three to five years as it accelerates its AI overhaul under CEO Georges Elhedery. Next, India's fuel price math under pressure as Brent crude surges past $115 following Iranian strikes on Saudi, Qatari, and Kuwaiti energy infrastructure, with the Strait of Hormuz under threat. And finally, a shift in Indian labour migration as Russia emerges as a new destination for blue-collar workers, with over 70,000 positions allocated for Indian nationals in 2026 under a bilateral mobility agreement though the opportunity comes with significant risks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. In today's episode, we start with the double shock that hit Dalal Street  HDFC Bank's part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing ethical concerns he observed over two years, sending the stock plunging 8% to a 52-week low and wiping out over one lakh crore in market value. The RBI took the rare step of publicly defending the bank's governance. We then look at HSBC reportedly planning to cut up to 20,000 jobs over three to five years as it accelerates its AI overhaul under CEO Georges Elhedery. Next, India's fuel price math under pressure as Brent crude surges past $115 following Iranian strikes on Saudi, Qatari, and Kuwaiti energy infrastructure, with the Strait of Hormuz under threat. And finally, a shift in Indian labour migration as Russia emerges as a new destination for blue-collar workers, with over 70,000 positions allocated for Indian nationals in 2026 under a bilateral mobility agreement though the opportunity comes with significant risks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. In today's episode, we start with the double shock that hit Dalal Street  HDFC Bank's part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing ethical concerns he observed over two years, sending the stock plunging 8% to a 52-week low and wiping out over one lakh crore in market value. The RBI took the rare step of publicly defending the bank's governance. We then look at HSBC reportedly planning to cut up to 20,000 jobs over three to five years as it accelerates its AI overhaul under CEO Georges Elhedery. Next, India's fuel price math under pressure as Brent crude surges past $115 following Iranian strikes on Saudi, Qatari, and Kuwaiti energy infrastructure, with the Strait of Hormuz under threat. And finally, a shift in Indian labour migration as Russia emerges as a new destination for blue-collar workers, with over 70,000 positions allocated for Indian nationals in 2026 under a bilateral mobility agreement though the opportunity comes with significant risks.

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]]> 784 no Adani’s Land Grab | Tata’s Boardroom Battle | India’s LPG Lifeline Through a War Zone Good Morning, I’m Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today — a quiet power struggle is unfolding inside Tata Sons after Noel Tata puts conditions on Chandrasekaran’s third term. Volkswagen is building its own electric vehicle platform specifically for India. Indian tankers are navigating the Strait of Hormuz under Iran’s blockade to bring home desperately needed cooking gas. Adani just won NCLT approval for a Rs 14,535 crore deal that gives it nearly 4,000 acres in Noida. And Ola Electric is scrambling to raise Rs 2,000 crore as its scooter sales collapse. Five stories. One show. Let’s go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:34:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I’m Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today — a quiet power struggle is unfolding inside Tata Sons after Noel Tata puts conditions on Chandrasekaran’s third term. Volkswagen is building its own electric vehicle platform specifically for India. Indian tankers are navigating the Strait of Hormuz under Iran’s blockade to bring home desperately needed cooking gas. Adani just won NCLT approval for a Rs 14,535 crore deal that gives it nearly 4,000 acres in Noida. And Ola Electric is scrambling to raise Rs 2,000 crore as its scooter sales collapse. Five stories. One show. Let’s go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I’m Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. Today — a quiet power struggle is unfolding inside Tata Sons after Noel Tata puts conditions on Chandrasekaran’s third term. Volkswagen is building its own electric vehicle platform specifically for India. Indian tankers are navigating the Strait of Hormuz under Iran’s blockade to bring home desperately needed cooking gas. Adani just won NCLT approval for a Rs 14,535 crore deal that gives it nearly 4,000 acres in Noida. And Ola Electric is scrambling to raise Rs 2,000 crore as its scooter sales collapse. Five stories. One show. Let’s go.

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]]> 755 no India Becomes the Auto Parts Factory | Trump's Cuba Gambit | India's Data Centre Gold Rush Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. President Trump says he expects to take Cuba as the island faces its worst energy crisis in decades. Global automakers are accelerating their shift to Indian suppliers, driven by tariffs and the India-EU trade deal. India's data centre capacity is set to triple, creating thousands of new jobs. The Supreme Court begins a landmark hearing on the legal definition of an industry. And India's farmer collectives cross the 10,000 mark with 30 lakh members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:51:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. President Trump says he expects to take Cuba as the island faces its worst energy crisis in decades. Global automakers are accelerating their shift to Indian suppliers, driven by tariffs and the India-EU trade deal. India's data centre capacity is set to triple, creating thousands of new jobs. The Supreme Court begins a landmark hearing on the legal definition of an industry. And India's farmer collectives cross the 10,000 mark with 30 lakh members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning, I'm Nelson John. Welcome to Top Of The Morning. President Trump says he expects to take Cuba as the island faces its worst energy crisis in decades. Global automakers are accelerating their shift to Indian suppliers, driven by tariffs and the India-EU trade deal. India's data centre capacity is set to triple, creating thousands of new jobs. The Supreme Court begins a landmark hearing on the legal definition of an industry. And India's farmer collectives cross the 10,000 mark with 30 lakh members.


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]]> 749 no India’s First Passive Euthanasia | India’s Rs 20,000 Crore Nuclear Bet | West Asia Drags Dalal Street Down Again In today's episode, Nelson covers the ongoing market turmoil as the West Asia conflict pushes crude past $110 and wipes out Rs 22 lakh crore in investor wealth. Indian airlines are cancelling hundreds of flights, rerouting long-haul services, and seeking government fuel duty relief. Qualcomm Ventures commits $150 million to back Indian startups building on-device AI for the world. India's Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission takes shape with small modular reactors targeting 2033. And the Supreme Court delivers a historic verdict allowing passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a man in a vegetative state for 13 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast In today's episode, Nelson covers the ongoing market turmoil as the West Asia conflict pushes crude past $110 and wipes out Rs 22 lakh crore in investor wealth. Indian airlines are cancelling hundreds of flights, rerouting long-haul services, and seeking government fuel duty relief. Qualcomm Ventures commits $150 million to back Indian startups building on-device AI for the world. India's Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission takes shape with small modular reactors targeting 2033. And the Supreme Court delivers a historic verdict allowing passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a man in a vegetative state for 13 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In today's episode, Nelson covers the ongoing market turmoil as the West Asia conflict pushes crude past $110 and wipes out Rs 22 lakh crore in investor wealth. Indian airlines are cancelling hundreds of flights, rerouting long-haul services, and seeking government fuel duty relief. Qualcomm Ventures commits $150 million to back Indian startups building on-device AI for the world. India's Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission takes shape with small modular reactors targeting 2033. And the Supreme Court delivers a historic verdict allowing passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a man in a vegetative state for 13 years.


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]]> 838 no India Opens Door To China | IndiGo CEO GONE. What Now? | Auto component industry hit by Hormuz disruption Good Morning, I’m Nelson John, and today’s episode is loaded. India’s cabinet has officially eased investment rules for Chinese firms, signalling a major shift in a relationship that’s been frozen since the 2020 border clashes. IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers has resigned with immediate effect after a disastrous December that saw thousands of flights cancelled and a record DGCA fine. India’s auto component industry is sounding alarms as the Iran conflict chokes the Strait of Hormuz, threatening exports and production. And the LPG supply crisis is now hitting home, with restaurants shutting across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. All this and more on today’s Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I’m Nelson John, and today’s episode is loaded. India’s cabinet has officially eased investment rules for Chinese firms, signalling a major shift in a relationship that’s been frozen since the 2020 border clashes. IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers has resigned with immediate effect after a disastrous December that saw thousands of flights cancelled and a record DGCA fine. India’s auto component industry is sounding alarms as the Iran conflict chokes the Strait of Hormuz, threatening exports and production. And the LPG supply crisis is now hitting home, with restaurants shutting across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. All this and more on today’s Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I’m Nelson John, and today’s episode is loaded. India’s cabinet has officially eased investment rules for Chinese firms, signalling a major shift in a relationship that’s been frozen since the 2020 border clashes. IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers has resigned with immediate effect after a disastrous December that saw thousands of flights cancelled and a record DGCA fine. India’s auto component industry is sounding alarms as the Iran conflict chokes the Strait of Hormuz, threatening exports and production. And the LPG supply crisis is now hitting home, with restaurants shutting across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. All this and more on today’s Top of the Morning.

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]]> 893 no Market Bloodbath | India's LPG Emergency | PhonePe IPO vs Paytm Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today on Top of the Morning, we're breaking down the full impact of the West Asia conflict on India. Markets just had their worst day in months with the Sensex crashing over 2,400 points and nearly 13 lakh crore rupees wiped out. Cooking gas supplies are being rationed as the government invokes emergency powers. Crude oil has crossed $115 a barrel, and the pressure on fuel prices and inflation is mounting. India's road construction sector is staring at a bitumen shortage, but a homegrown alternative called bio-bitumen could change the game. And amid all this chaos, PhonePe is gearing up for what could be India's biggest fintech IPO since Paytm. Five stories, one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:09:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today on Top of the Morning, we're breaking down the full impact of the West Asia conflict on India. Markets just had their worst day in months with the Sensex crashing over 2,400 points and nearly 13 lakh crore rupees wiped out. Cooking gas supplies are being rationed as the government invokes emergency powers. Crude oil has crossed $115 a barrel, and the pressure on fuel prices and inflation is mounting. India's road construction sector is staring at a bitumen shortage, but a homegrown alternative called bio-bitumen could change the game. And amid all this chaos, PhonePe is gearing up for what could be India's biggest fintech IPO since Paytm. Five stories, one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today on Top of the Morning, we're breaking down the full impact of the West Asia conflict on India. Markets just had their worst day in months with the Sensex crashing over 2,400 points and nearly 13 lakh crore rupees wiped out. Cooking gas supplies are being rationed as the government invokes emergency powers. Crude oil has crossed $115 a barrel, and the pressure on fuel prices and inflation is mounting. India's road construction sector is staring at a bitumen shortage, but a homegrown alternative called bio-bitumen could change the game. And amid all this chaos, PhonePe is gearing up for what could be India's biggest fintech IPO since Paytm. Five stories, one episode.

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]]> 1109 no 444 Indian flights grounded | India's Oil Vulnerability Exposed | Canada Comes Calling Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The Gulf is on fire and India is caught in the middle. 444 flights grounded. 9 million Indians in a conflict zone. The Strait of Hormuz under threat. Pakistan at war with Afghanistan. And Canada's PM in Mumbai pushing a historic trade deal. Five stories. One brutal Monday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The Gulf is on fire and India is caught in the middle. 444 flights grounded. 9 million Indians in a conflict zone. The Strait of Hormuz under threat. Pakistan at war with Afghanistan. And Canada's PM in Mumbai pushing a historic trade deal. Five stories. One brutal Monday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The Gulf is on fire and India is caught in the middle. 444 flights grounded. 9 million Indians in a conflict zone. The Strait of Hormuz under threat. Pakistan at war with Afghanistan. And Canada's PM in Mumbai pushing a historic trade deal. Five stories. One brutal Monday morning.


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]]> 1089 no Markets Take a Hit | Kerala Becomes Keralam | Reducing Your Tax Drag Without Breaking Your Compounding Good Morning, I’m Nelson John and here’s what you need to know today. Sensex crashed over 1,000 points as Trump’s tariff threats and AI disruption fears rattled Dalal Street. IT stocks got hammered, the rupee weakened to 90.95 against the dollar, and about three lakh crore in investor wealth was wiped out. In better news, India’s shipbuilding sector is gearing up for a game-changing $500M joint venture between Cochin Shipyard and HD Hyundai. We also break down three smart strategies to reduce your tax drag without disturbing your long-term compounding. And Kerala just officially became Keralam after the Union Cabinet approved the historic name change. Full episode out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:04:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I’m Nelson John and here’s what you need to know today. Sensex crashed over 1,000 points as Trump’s tariff threats and AI disruption fears rattled Dalal Street. IT stocks got hammered, the rupee weakened to 90.95 against the dollar, and about three lakh crore in investor wealth was wiped out. In better news, India’s shipbuilding sector is gearing up for a game-changing $500M joint venture between Cochin Shipyard and HD Hyundai. We also break down three smart strategies to reduce your tax drag without disturbing your long-term compounding. And Kerala just officially became Keralam after the Union Cabinet approved the historic name change. Full episode out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I’m Nelson John and here’s what you need to know today. Sensex crashed over 1,000 points as Trump’s tariff threats and AI disruption fears rattled Dalal Street. IT stocks got hammered, the rupee weakened to 90.95 against the dollar, and about three lakh crore in investor wealth was wiped out. In better news, India’s shipbuilding sector is gearing up for a game-changing $500M joint venture between Cochin Shipyard and HD Hyundai. We also break down three smart strategies to reduce your tax drag without disturbing your long-term compounding. And Kerala just officially became Keralam after the Union Cabinet approved the historic name change. Full episode out now.

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]]> 750 no IDFC First Bank Rs 590 Cr Fraud | New HRA Tax Rules Hit Rent-to-Parents Claims | Airtel's Rs 20,000 Crore NBFC Bet Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's Top of the Morning: IDFC First Bank is reeling from a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch — government money, forged cheques, and a 20% stock crash. Bharti Airtel is going all in on fintech, pumping Rs 20,000 crore into its NBFC arm to build one of India's biggest digital lending platforms. The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is backfiring on the US, turning India into a deep tech hiring magnet for Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. New draft tax rules are about to make it much harder to claim HRA on rent paid to your parents. And ONDC's dream of becoming the UPI of e-commerce is hitting some hard truths. Five stories. One theme: trust under pressure. Let's get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:04:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's Top of the Morning: IDFC First Bank is reeling from a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch — government money, forged cheques, and a 20% stock crash. Bharti Airtel is going all in on fintech, pumping Rs 20,000 crore into its NBFC arm to build one of India's biggest digital lending platforms. The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is backfiring on the US, turning India into a deep tech hiring magnet for Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. New draft tax rules are about to make it much harder to claim HRA on rent paid to your parents. And ONDC's dream of becoming the UPI of e-commerce is hitting some hard truths. Five stories. One theme: trust under pressure. Let's get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and on today's Top of the Morning: IDFC First Bank is reeling from a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch — government money, forged cheques, and a 20% stock crash. Bharti Airtel is going all in on fintech, pumping Rs 20,000 crore into its NBFC arm to build one of India's biggest digital lending platforms. The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is backfiring on the US, turning India into a deep tech hiring magnet for Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. New draft tax rules are about to make it much harder to claim HRA on rent paid to your parents. And ONDC's dream of becoming the UPI of e-commerce is hitting some hard truths. Five stories. One theme: trust under pressure. Let's get into it.


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]]> 934 Formula 1 Is Coming Back to India | Why Lula Flew to India With 300 Businessmen | Karnataka Wants To Ban Phones For Under-16s Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The US Supreme Court killed Trump's sweeping tariffs and Indian exporters in textiles, leather, gems, pharma, and engineering now face just 10 percent instead of 25. Real competitive edge over China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh but India already made concessions for a deal at 18 percent. That conversation is now live in Washington. Europe is rearming with $800 billion and Indian defense manufacturers are squarely in the frame. Karan Adani says he is personally working to bring Formula 1 back to India the Buddh Circuit comes bundled with the Jaypee acquisition, and this time there is a serious business case behind it. Brazil's Lula doubled his own trade target on the spot. And Karnataka wants to ban phones for under-16s. All of that on today's Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The US Supreme Court killed Trump's sweeping tariffs and Indian exporters in textiles, leather, gems, pharma, and engineering now face just 10 percent instead of 25. Real competitive edge over China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh but India already made concessions for a deal at 18 percent. That conversation is now live in Washington. Europe is rearming with $800 billion and Indian defense manufacturers are squarely in the frame. Karan Adani says he is personally working to bring Formula 1 back to India the Buddh Circuit comes bundled with the Jaypee acquisition, and this time there is a serious business case behind it. Brazil's Lula doubled his own trade target on the spot. And Karnataka wants to ban phones for under-16s. All of that on today's Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The US Supreme Court killed Trump's sweeping tariffs and Indian exporters in textiles, leather, gems, pharma, and engineering now face just 10 percent instead of 25. Real competitive edge over China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh but India already made concessions for a deal at 18 percent. That conversation is now live in Washington. Europe is rearming with $800 billion and Indian defense manufacturers are squarely in the frame. Karan Adani says he is personally working to bring Formula 1 back to India the Buddh Circuit comes bundled with the Jaypee acquisition, and this time there is a serious business case behind it. Brazil's Lula doubled his own trade target on the spot. And Karnataka wants to ban phones for under-16s. All of that on today's Top of the Morning.

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]]> 1017 no The Adani-Telecom Standoff | India's Chief AI Officer Boom | Gold vs Equities vs Bonds Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's boardrooms are creating a new C-suite role the Chief AI Officer. We also break down gold vs equities in 2026, the connectivity battle at Navi Mumbai Airport, Sridhar Vembu's bold AI prediction, and what the latest fresher hiring data means for India's young job seekers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:30:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's boardrooms are creating a new C-suite role the Chief AI Officer. We also break down gold vs equities in 2026, the connectivity battle at Navi Mumbai Airport, Sridhar Vembu's bold AI prediction, and what the latest fresher hiring data means for India's young job seekers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's boardrooms are creating a new C-suite role the Chief AI Officer. We also break down gold vs equities in 2026, the connectivity battle at Navi Mumbai Airport, Sridhar Vembu's bold AI prediction, and what the latest fresher hiring data means for India's young job seekers.

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]]> 980 no Micron Fires Up India's First Chip Factory | PFC-REC Merger | RBI Rewrites the Rules on Capital Market Lending Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's Top of the Morning: Gold just had its worst crash in 40 years, falling 21% from record highs after Trump named Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. India is rolling out its first commercial semiconductor chip from Micron's Gujarat facility this month. The trade deficit blew out to $34.68 billion in January, nearly doubling year-on-year, driven by a surge in gold and silver imports right before the crash. PFC and REC are merging into a $61 billion power finance giant. And the RBI just opened the door for banks to fund M&A deals up to 75% of value, while clamping down hard on broker lending. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:33:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's Top of the Morning: Gold just had its worst crash in 40 years, falling 21% from record highs after Trump named Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. India is rolling out its first commercial semiconductor chip from Micron's Gujarat facility this month. The trade deficit blew out to $34.68 billion in January, nearly doubling year-on-year, driven by a surge in gold and silver imports right before the crash. PFC and REC are merging into a $61 billion power finance giant. And the RBI just opened the door for banks to fund M&A deals up to 75% of value, while clamping down hard on broker lending. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's Top of the Morning: Gold just had its worst crash in 40 years, falling 21% from record highs after Trump named Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. India is rolling out its first commercial semiconductor chip from Micron's Gujarat facility this month. The trade deficit blew out to $34.68 billion in January, nearly doubling year-on-year, driven by a surge in gold and silver imports right before the crash. PFC and REC are merging into a $61 billion power finance giant. And the RBI just opened the door for banks to fund M&A deals up to 75% of value, while clamping down hard on broker lending. Tune in now.

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]]> 1084 no India's AI Impact Summit | India's 38-Nation Trade Web | Global Growth Hits a Wall Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today on Top of the Morning we're looking at a world in recalibration. India is about to host the biggest AI summit ever held in the Global South, but AI fears just wiped 5.7 lakh crore off Indian IT stocks. A new Fed Chair is about to change the game in Washington. India now has trade deals spanning 38 countries. And the UN says global growth is slowing but holding. Five stories, one theme. The rules are being rewritten. Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:49:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today on Top of the Morning we're looking at a world in recalibration. India is about to host the biggest AI summit ever held in the Global South, but AI fears just wiped 5.7 lakh crore off Indian IT stocks. A new Fed Chair is about to change the game in Washington. India now has trade deals spanning 38 countries. And the UN says global growth is slowing but holding. Five stories, one theme. The rules are being rewritten. Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John and today on Top of the Morning we're looking at a world in recalibration. India is about to host the biggest AI summit ever held in the Global South, but AI fears just wiped 5.7 lakh crore off Indian IT stocks. A new Fed Chair is about to change the game in Washington. India now has trade deals spanning 38 countries. And the UN says global growth is slowing but holding. Five stories, one theme. The rules are being rewritten. Listen now.


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]]> 880 no India's Telecom Slowdown | SBI Overtakes TCS | RBI Takes On Mis-Selling Good Morning, Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. A new analysis reveals US states have paid $199 billion in tariffs since March 2025, with $134 billion coming from key midterm battleground states. India's telecom sector posts its slowest growth in six quarters as tariff hike benefits fade. SBI surpasses TCS to become India's fourth largest company after record quarterly profits, a shift not seen in 15 years. And the RBI issues sweeping new guidelines to stop banks from mis-selling products and using dark patterns. Four stories about who really pays the price when the rules change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. A new analysis reveals US states have paid $199 billion in tariffs since March 2025, with $134 billion coming from key midterm battleground states. India's telecom sector posts its slowest growth in six quarters as tariff hike benefits fade. SBI surpasses TCS to become India's fourth largest company after record quarterly profits, a shift not seen in 15 years. And the RBI issues sweeping new guidelines to stop banks from mis-selling products and using dark patterns. Four stories about who really pays the price when the rules change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.


A new analysis reveals US states have paid $199 billion in tariffs since March 2025, with $134 billion coming from key midterm battleground states. India's telecom sector posts its slowest growth in six quarters as tariff hike benefits fade. SBI surpasses TCS to become India's fourth largest company after record quarterly profits, a shift not seen in 15 years. And the RBI issues sweeping new guidelines to stop banks from mis-selling products and using dark patterns. Four stories about who really pays the price when the rules change.


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]]> 758 no Sending Money Abroad Got Cheaper | New Tax Rules: Simpler Forms, Harder Choices | Neopolis: Hyderabad's New Manhattan | Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's episode of Top of the Morning: Hyderabad's real estate market is on fire with 200 million square feet sanctioned in 2025 alone, and a new district called Neopolis is being called the city's Manhattan with land prices crossing 150 crore per acre. Meanwhile, Sattva Group just entered Mumbai with a massive 11,000 crore redevelopment bet across six projects. On the tax front, the new draft income tax rules look simpler on paper but actually make choosing between old and new regimes harder than ever. And if you send money abroad, TCS on education and medical remittances just dropped from 5 percent to 2 percent. All this and more on today's show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's episode of Top of the Morning: Hyderabad's real estate market is on fire with 200 million square feet sanctioned in 2025 alone, and a new district called Neopolis is being called the city's Manhattan with land prices crossing 150 crore per acre. Meanwhile, Sattva Group just entered Mumbai with a massive 11,000 crore redevelopment bet across six projects. On the tax front, the new draft income tax rules look simpler on paper but actually make choosing between old and new regimes harder than ever. And if you send money abroad, TCS on education and medical remittances just dropped from 5 percent to 2 percent. All this and more on today's show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. On today's episode of Top of the Morning: Hyderabad's real estate market is on fire with 200 million square feet sanctioned in 2025 alone, and a new district called Neopolis is being called the city's Manhattan with land prices crossing 150 crore per acre. Meanwhile, Sattva Group just entered Mumbai with a massive 11,000 crore redevelopment bet across six projects. On the tax front, the new draft income tax rules look simpler on paper but actually make choosing between old and new regimes harder than ever. And if you send money abroad, TCS on education and medical remittances just dropped from 5 percent to 2 percent. All this and more on today's show.

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]]> 934 no The SaaSpocalypse | SGB Tax Changes | MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G | Credit Score Expansion Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. This week saw $285 billion vanish from global software stocks after Anthropic's AI plugins launched. The India-US trade deal enters its final stretch with tariffs dropping to 18%. Your credit score is now being pulled by employers, insurers, and telecom companies. Sovereign gold bonds bought from secondary markets lose their tax-free status starting April. And MGNREGA is being phased out for a new scheme with a completely different funding structure. Five stories, one morning. Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:05:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. This week saw $285 billion vanish from global software stocks after Anthropic's AI plugins launched. The India-US trade deal enters its final stretch with tariffs dropping to 18%. Your credit score is now being pulled by employers, insurers, and telecom companies. Sovereign gold bonds bought from secondary markets lose their tax-free status starting April. And MGNREGA is being phased out for a new scheme with a completely different funding structure. Five stories, one morning. Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. This week saw $285 billion vanish from global software stocks after Anthropic's AI plugins launched. The India-US trade deal enters its final stretch with tariffs dropping to 18%. Your credit score is now being pulled by employers, insurers, and telecom companies. Sovereign gold bonds bought from secondary markets lose their tax-free status starting April. And MGNREGA is being phased out for a new scheme with a completely different funding structure. Five stories, one morning. Listen now.

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]]> 993 no IndiGo Faces Antitrust Probe | Vodafone's Banking Test & The Metals Correction Explained Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. In today's episode, we unpack five stories that reveal what happens when business as usual stops working. IndiGo's December meltdown 4,500 cancelled flights just triggered a Competition Commission investigation. When you control 60% of the market and create artificial scarcity during peak demand, regulators take notice. Vodafone Idea is back seeking ₹35,000 crore from banks. Supreme Court relief on AGR dues helps, but ₹1.25 trillion in spectrum payments and 7 million lost subscribers tell a different story. Gold and silver just corrected sharply down 12% and 24% after historic rallies. Multi-asset fund managers are rebalancing, moving capital back to unloved equities. India halved EV charger benchmark prices. A 60kW charger drops from ₹7.28 lakh to ₹3.4 lakh, easing fiscal burden while accelerating deployment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:51:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. In today's episode, we unpack five stories that reveal what happens when business as usual stops working. IndiGo's December meltdown 4,500 cancelled flights just triggered a Competition Commission investigation. When you control 60% of the market and create artificial scarcity during peak demand, regulators take notice. Vodafone Idea is back seeking ₹35,000 crore from banks. Supreme Court relief on AGR dues helps, but ₹1.25 trillion in spectrum payments and 7 million lost subscribers tell a different story. Gold and silver just corrected sharply down 12% and 24% after historic rallies. Multi-asset fund managers are rebalancing, moving capital back to unloved equities. India halved EV charger benchmark prices. A 60kW charger drops from ₹7.28 lakh to ₹3.4 lakh, easing fiscal burden while accelerating deployment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. In today's episode, we unpack five stories that reveal what happens when business as usual stops working.


IndiGo's December meltdown 4,500 cancelled flights just triggered a Competition Commission investigation. When you control 60% of the market and create artificial scarcity during peak demand, regulators take notice.


Vodafone Idea is back seeking ₹35,000 crore from banks. Supreme Court relief on AGR dues helps, but ₹1.25 trillion in spectrum payments and 7 million lost subscribers tell a different story.


Gold and silver just corrected sharply down 12% and 24% after historic rallies. Multi-asset fund managers are rebalancing, moving capital back to unloved equities.


India halved EV charger benchmark prices. A 60kW charger drops from ₹7.28 lakh to ₹3.4 lakh, easing fiscal burden while accelerating deployment.

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]]> 1080 no India's Russian Oil Problem | Iran Talks After Drone Shootdown | Gold Market Chaos Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: President Trump claims India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, but industry insiders say 1.2 million barrels daily will keep flowing for months because contracts are already locked. Then, a US fighter jet shoots down an Iranian drone heading for an aircraft carrier just hours before announcing talks are still on for Friday in Istanbul. Gold and silver pulled off one of the wildest rides in decades, crashing 20% to 40% from record highs before bouncing back this week, exposing what analysts call a broken market structure. And the Reserve Bank of India is expected to pause rate cuts on Friday, shifting focus to liquidity operations as banking system pressures mount despite ₹6.6 lakh crore in support measures. When headlines say one thing but the details tell a different story, we break down what's actually happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: President Trump claims India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, but industry insiders say 1.2 million barrels daily will keep flowing for months because contracts are already locked. Then, a US fighter jet shoots down an Iranian drone heading for an aircraft carrier just hours before announcing talks are still on for Friday in Istanbul. Gold and silver pulled off one of the wildest rides in decades, crashing 20% to 40% from record highs before bouncing back this week, exposing what analysts call a broken market structure. And the Reserve Bank of India is expected to pause rate cuts on Friday, shifting focus to liquidity operations as banking system pressures mount despite ₹6.6 lakh crore in support measures. When headlines say one thing but the details tell a different story, we break down what's actually happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: President Trump claims India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, but industry insiders say 1.2 million barrels daily will keep flowing for months because contracts are already locked. Then, a US fighter jet shoots down an Iranian drone heading for an aircraft carrier just hours before announcing talks are still on for Friday in Istanbul. Gold and silver pulled off one of the wildest rides in decades, crashing 20% to 40% from record highs before bouncing back this week, exposing what analysts call a broken market structure. And the Reserve Bank of India is expected to pause rate cuts on Friday, shifting focus to liquidity operations as banking system pressures mount despite ₹6.6 lakh crore in support measures. When headlines say one thing but the details tell a different story, we break down what's actually happening.

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]]> 875 no China's $1.2T Surplus vs India's Trade Gamble | ₹60,000 Crore Gap: Who Pays? Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's Budget 2026 promises fiscal discipline while betting ₹12.2 lakh crore on infrastructure. Meanwhile, China posts a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus, proving tariffs couldn't stop its export machine. And closer to home, the government's ₹1.4 trillion telecom receipt target could spell trouble for Airtel's AGR relief hopes. Budget math, trade wars, and telecom tensions — all connected, all consequential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:26:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's Budget 2026 promises fiscal discipline while betting ₹12.2 lakh crore on infrastructure. Meanwhile, China posts a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus, proving tariffs couldn't stop its export machine. And closer to home, the government's ₹1.4 trillion telecom receipt target could spell trouble for Airtel's AGR relief hopes. Budget math, trade wars, and telecom tensions — all connected, all consequential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: India's Budget 2026 promises fiscal discipline while betting ₹12.2 lakh crore on infrastructure. Meanwhile, China posts a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus, proving tariffs couldn't stop its export machine. And closer to home, the government's ₹1.4 trillion telecom receipt target could spell trouble for Airtel's AGR relief hopes. Budget math, trade wars, and telecom tensions — all connected, all consequential.


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]]> 579 no Air India's $1.6b Loss | Blackstone Wants RCB | OpenAI Wants $50 Billion Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Air India stares at a $1.6 billion loss as the Ahmedabad crash and Pakistan airspace closure derail its turnaround. India's $686 billion forex reserves look healthy on paper but there's a worrying trend underneath. Global giants Blackstone and Temasek are circling RCB in what could be cricket's biggest ownership deal. Sam Altman is in the Middle East hunting for $50 billion to fuel OpenAI's AI ambitions. And IndiGo's profits crashed 77% in a brutal December quarter. Let's break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Air India stares at a $1.6 billion loss as the Ahmedabad crash and Pakistan airspace closure derail its turnaround. India's $686 billion forex reserves look healthy on paper but there's a worrying trend underneath. Global giants Blackstone and Temasek are circling RCB in what could be cricket's biggest ownership deal. Sam Altman is in the Middle East hunting for $50 billion to fuel OpenAI's AI ambitions. And IndiGo's profits crashed 77% in a brutal December quarter. Let's break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Air India stares at a $1.6 billion loss as the Ahmedabad crash and Pakistan airspace closure derail its turnaround. India's $686 billion forex reserves look healthy on paper but there's a worrying trend underneath. Global giants Blackstone and Temasek are circling RCB in what could be cricket's biggest ownership deal. Sam Altman is in the Middle East hunting for $50 billion to fuel OpenAI's AI ambitions. And IndiGo's profits crashed 77% in a brutal December quarter. Let's break it all down.

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]]> 834 no India - EU Mother Of All Deals Incoming | China Squeezes India's Ev Dream | $100 BILLION Shadow Fleet Exposed Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Beijing just pulled the plug on battery export rebates and Indian EV makers are scrambling. We unpack what this means for prices at your local showroom. Then, the shadow fleet of oil tankers that moves 100 billion dollars worth of crude while dodging sanctions just got bigger. And finally, India and the EU are days away from signing what some are calling the mother of all trade deals. A 2 billion person market. A quarter of global GDP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:32:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Beijing just pulled the plug on battery export rebates and Indian EV makers are scrambling. We unpack what this means for prices at your local showroom. Then, the shadow fleet of oil tankers that moves 100 billion dollars worth of crude while dodging sanctions just got bigger. And finally, India and the EU are days away from signing what some are calling the mother of all trade deals. A 2 billion person market. A quarter of global GDP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Beijing just pulled the plug on battery export rebates and Indian EV makers are scrambling. We unpack what this means for prices at your local showroom. Then, the shadow fleet of oil tankers that moves 100 billion dollars worth of crude while dodging sanctions just got bigger. And finally, India and the EU are days away from signing what some are calling the mother of all trade deals. A 2 billion person market. A quarter of global GDP.


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]]> 757 no Apple Needs Google Now | Toll Roads Go Barrier-free | India's Space Defense Bet Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Apple just handed Siri's brain to Google in a billion-dollar deal that's reshaping the AI landscape. India's private space startups are pivoting hard toward defense contracts worth hundreds of crores. China just pulled the plug on solar export rebates, and Indian manufacturers are celebrating. Plus, India's highways are going barrier-free with AI-powered tolling. And why smartphone makers are pushing back against India's new security proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Apple just handed Siri's brain to Google in a billion-dollar deal that's reshaping the AI landscape. India's private space startups are pivoting hard toward defense contracts worth hundreds of crores. China just pulled the plug on solar export rebates, and Indian manufacturers are celebrating. Plus, India's highways are going barrier-free with AI-powered tolling. And why smartphone makers are pushing back against India's new security proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning: Apple just handed Siri's brain to Google in a billion-dollar deal that's reshaping the AI landscape. India's private space startups are pivoting hard toward defense contracts worth hundreds of crores. China just pulled the plug on solar export rebates, and Indian manufacturers are celebrating. Plus, India's highways are going barrier-free with AI-powered tolling. And why smartphone makers are pushing back against India's new security proposals

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]]> 765 no Fed Under Fire | India To Join Pax Silica | MUFG-Shriram $4.4B Deal Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The DOJ just subpoenaed Fed Chair Powell in what critics call an attack on central bank independence. India gets invited to Pax Silica, America's chip alliance. Japan's MUFG is pouring $4.4 billion into Shriram Finance amid governance debates. India's electronics sector targets $500 billion by 2030. And health-tech startups bet on AI to keep you engaged. Five stories, one theme: who controls the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:23:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The DOJ just subpoenaed Fed Chair Powell in what critics call an attack on central bank independence. India gets invited to Pax Silica, America's chip alliance. Japan's MUFG is pouring $4.4 billion into Shriram Finance amid governance debates. India's electronics sector targets $500 billion by 2030. And health-tech startups bet on AI to keep you engaged. Five stories, one theme: who controls the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. The DOJ just subpoenaed Fed Chair Powell in what critics call an attack on central bank independence. India gets invited to Pax Silica, America's chip alliance. Japan's MUFG is pouring $4.4 billion into Shriram Finance amid governance debates. India's electronics sector targets $500 billion by 2030. And health-tech startups bet on AI to keep you engaged. Five stories, one theme: who controls the future?

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]]> 477 no US exits 66 international organizations | Europe racing to rearm | Oil prices heading down | Exporters diversifying beyond US Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today we're looking at how the world is reorganizing itself. The US just walked away from 66 international organizations, but the UN says the energy transition continues regardless. Europe is scrambling to build its own military without American backing. Oil markets are heading toward a massive surplus that could crash prices. India is buying 6,000 more electric buses while its exporters are frantically finding new customers beyond America. Five stories about power shifting in real time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:45:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today we're looking at how the world is reorganizing itself. The US just walked away from 66 international organizations, but the UN says the energy transition continues regardless. Europe is scrambling to build its own military without American backing. Oil markets are heading toward a massive surplus that could crash prices. India is buying 6,000 more electric buses while its exporters are frantically finding new customers beyond America. Five stories about power shifting in real time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John, and today we're looking at how the world is reorganizing itself. The US just walked away from 66 international organizations, but the UN says the energy transition continues regardless. Europe is scrambling to build its own military without American backing. Oil markets are heading toward a massive surplus that could crash prices. India is buying 6,000 more electric buses while its exporters are frantically finding new customers beyond America. Five stories about power shifting in real time.


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]]> 1120 no New Airlines Exposed | Studying Abroad? The Hidden Tax On Your Dreams | Rupee At 91 | Big Tech Vs India | Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning, we dig into the uncomfortable truths behind India's newly approved airlines. One has directors convicted in court. Another is led by a promoter who went from driving a tempo to planning a 30-plane fleet. We also unpack what the rupee hitting 91 means for your portfolio and for families planning overseas education. Plus, why Big Tech is fighting India's plan to make AI companies pay for the data they scrape. It's a reality check kind of morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today on Top of the Morning, we dig into the uncomfortable truths behind India's newly approved airlines. One has directors convicted in court. Another is led by a promoter who went from driving a tempo to planning a 30-plane fleet. We also unpack what the rupee hitting 91 means for your portfolio and for families planning overseas education. Plus, why Big Tech is fighting India's plan to make AI companies pay for the data they scrape. It's a reality check kind of morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.

Today on Top of the Morning, we dig into the uncomfortable truths behind India's newly approved airlines. One has directors convicted in court. Another is led by a promoter who went from driving a tempo to planning a 30-plane fleet. We also unpack what the rupee hitting 91 means for your portfolio and for families planning overseas education. Plus, why Big Tech is fighting India's plan to make AI companies pay for the data they scrape. It's a reality check kind of morning.

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]]> 1058 no Grok AI controversy | Japan's India tech bet | Steel cartel bombshell | Semaglutide patent wars | Good Morning. I'm Nelson John. India's IT ministry gives X a 72-hour ultimatum over Grok's explicit content. The semaglutide patent war could slash weight-loss drug prices by 90%. A steel cartel bombshell names 56 executives including Sajjan Jindal and TV Narendran. Japanese giants MUFG and Nidec double down on India GCCs. And the finance ministry weighs a major credit guarantee for microfinance lenders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning. I'm Nelson John. India's IT ministry gives X a 72-hour ultimatum over Grok's explicit content. The semaglutide patent war could slash weight-loss drug prices by 90%. A steel cartel bombshell names 56 executives including Sajjan Jindal and TV Narendran. Japanese giants MUFG and Nidec double down on India GCCs. And the finance ministry weighs a major credit guarantee for microfinance lenders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning. I'm Nelson John.


India's IT ministry gives X a 72-hour ultimatum over Grok's explicit content. The semaglutide patent war could slash weight-loss drug prices by 90%. A steel cartel bombshell names 56 executives including Sajjan Jindal and TV Narendran. Japanese giants MUFG and Nidec double down on India GCCs. And the finance ministry weighs a major credit guarantee for microfinance lenders.


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]]> 732 no Venezuela Crisis Sends Gold Past $4,400 | Silver's 137% Year | India Opens Nuclear to Private Sector Good Morning, Welcome to top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.. The US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro has sent gold past $4,400 an ounce, reinforcing its role as the world's geopolitical hedge. Silver is having an even bigger moment, with ETF inflows tripling in India and returns hitting 137% in 2025. Meanwhile, the SHANTI Bill opens India's nuclear sector to private investment for the first time since independence. And in wellness, Dabur and Hamdard are racing to reinvent themselves as D2C brands like Kapiva and Wellbeing Nutrition capture Gen Z. Today on Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:04:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, Welcome to top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.. The US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro has sent gold past $4,400 an ounce, reinforcing its role as the world's geopolitical hedge. Silver is having an even bigger moment, with ETF inflows tripling in India and returns hitting 137% in 2025. Meanwhile, the SHANTI Bill opens India's nuclear sector to private investment for the first time since independence. And in wellness, Dabur and Hamdard are racing to reinvent themselves as D2C brands like Kapiva and Wellbeing Nutrition capture Gen Z. Today on Top of the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, Welcome to top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John..


The US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro has sent gold past $4,400 an ounce, reinforcing its role as the world's geopolitical hedge. Silver is having an even bigger moment, with ETF inflows tripling in India and returns hitting 137% in 2025. Meanwhile, the SHANTI Bill opens India's nuclear sector to private investment for the first time since independence. And in wellness, Dabur and Hamdard are racing to reinvent themselves as D2C brands like Kapiva and Wellbeing Nutrition capture Gen Z. Today on Top of the Morning.

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]]> 668 no RBI's 3 Trillion Rupee Banking Boost | Gold Silver Historic Rally | Samsung India Engineering Powerhouse The RBI just announced 3 trillion rupees in liquidity support to stabilize banks and the rupee. Swiggy Instamart opened a physical store in Gurugram a surprising move in the quick commerce wars. Samsung revealed India is now its most critical engineering hub outside South Korea, even as it fights to regain market share. Gold and silver hit record highs, posting their strongest gains since 1979 amid Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. And 3.6 million Indians are voluntarily revising their tax returns before the December 31 deadline. From monetary policy to retail experiments to precious metals here's what you need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:08:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast The RBI just announced 3 trillion rupees in liquidity support to stabilize banks and the rupee. Swiggy Instamart opened a physical store in Gurugram a surprising move in the quick commerce wars. Samsung revealed India is now its most critical engineering hub outside South Korea, even as it fights to regain market share. Gold and silver hit record highs, posting their strongest gains since 1979 amid Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. And 3.6 million Indians are voluntarily revising their tax returns before the December 31 deadline. From monetary policy to retail experiments to precious metals here's what you need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The RBI just announced 3 trillion rupees in liquidity support to stabilize banks and the rupee. Swiggy Instamart opened a physical store in Gurugram a surprising move in the quick commerce wars. Samsung revealed India is now its most critical engineering hub outside South Korea, even as it fights to regain market share. Gold and silver hit record highs, posting their strongest gains since 1979 amid Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. And 3.6 million Indians are voluntarily revising their tax returns before the December 31 deadline. From monetary policy to retail experiments to precious metals here's what you need to know.


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]]> 760 no Apple Got Fined Again, Your Watch Reads BP, AI Jobs & That Oman Deal On today's episode: Italy hits Apple with a €98 million fine over App Tracking Transparency. Indian IT giants TCS, Infosys and Wipro pivot hard toward AI integration. India's 850,000 cooperatives face pressure to go digital. Smartwatches earn medical certifications for hypertension tracking. And the India Oman trade deal opens new doors amid global tariff pressures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:11:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast On today's episode: Italy hits Apple with a €98 million fine over App Tracking Transparency. Indian IT giants TCS, Infosys and Wipro pivot hard toward AI integration. India's 850,000 cooperatives face pressure to go digital. Smartwatches earn medical certifications for hypertension tracking. And the India Oman trade deal opens new doors amid global tariff pressures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On today's episode: Italy hits Apple with a €98 million fine over App Tracking Transparency. Indian IT giants TCS, Infosys and Wipro pivot hard toward AI integration. India's 850,000 cooperatives face pressure to go digital. Smartwatches earn medical certifications for hypertension tracking. And the India Oman trade deal opens new doors amid global tariff pressures.


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]]> 632 no Railways Need 600 Crore, Pharma Wants a Billion, and Indians cleaning Russian Streets This week: Indian Railways announces its second fare hike of the year, adding 10 to 28 rupees on long-distance trips. India's capital formation slumps to a decade low as households pour money into gold instead of productive investments. IndiaRF looks to exit Synthimed Labs at a billion-dollar valuation. Defence and aerospace startups like Skyroot are now competing with Big Tech for IIT engineers. And in St. Petersburg, 17 Indians including a former software developer are cleaning streets, earning 1.1 lakh rupees a month in a country desperate for labour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This week: Indian Railways announces its second fare hike of the year, adding 10 to 28 rupees on long-distance trips. India's capital formation slumps to a decade low as households pour money into gold instead of productive investments. IndiaRF looks to exit Synthimed Labs at a billion-dollar valuation. Defence and aerospace startups like Skyroot are now competing with Big Tech for IIT engineers. And in St. Petersburg, 17 Indians including a former software developer are cleaning streets, earning 1.1 lakh rupees a month in a country desperate for labour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week: Indian Railways announces its second fare hike of the year, adding 10 to 28 rupees on long-distance trips. India's capital formation slumps to a decade low as households pour money into gold instead of productive investments. IndiaRF looks to exit Synthimed Labs at a billion-dollar valuation. Defence and aerospace startups like Skyroot are now competing with Big Tech for IIT engineers. And in St. Petersburg, 17 Indians including a former software developer are cleaning streets, earning 1.1 lakh rupees a month in a country desperate for labour.


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]]> 710 no Rupee at Record Low, IndiGo Grounded, Data Centres Under Pressure The rupee's slide past 90 is hitting travellers beyond just US-bound trips. IndiGo's flight chaos reveals a pattern of reactive governance. TRAI proposes slashing backhaul spectrum charges. The $70 billion data centre rush runs into resource constraints. And record-low inflation might not be the good news it appears. What connects them? Systems under stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast The rupee's slide past 90 is hitting travellers beyond just US-bound trips. IndiGo's flight chaos reveals a pattern of reactive governance. TRAI proposes slashing backhaul spectrum charges. The $70 billion data centre rush runs into resource constraints. And record-low inflation might not be the good news it appears. What connects them? Systems under stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The rupee's slide past 90 is hitting travellers beyond just US-bound trips. IndiGo's flight chaos reveals a pattern of reactive governance. TRAI proposes slashing backhaul spectrum charges. The $70 billion data centre rush runs into resource constraints. And record-low inflation might not be the good news it appears. What connects them? Systems under stress.


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]]> 1006 no AI Valuations, RBI Warnings, and Hollywood's Biggest Deal AI stocks now make up 30% of the S&P 500 is a bubble brewing? India's burnout crisis hits Parliament with the Right to Disconnect Bill. RBI slams the door on stablecoins and bets on the Digital Rupee. Netflix makes an $83 billion play for Warner Bros that could reshape India's streaming wars. Plus, Acko preps for a blockbuster IPO. Five stories shaping money, markets, and policy all in one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast AI stocks now make up 30% of the S&P 500 is a bubble brewing? India's burnout crisis hits Parliament with the Right to Disconnect Bill. RBI slams the door on stablecoins and bets on the Digital Rupee. Netflix makes an $83 billion play for Warner Bros that could reshape India's streaming wars. Plus, Acko preps for a blockbuster IPO. Five stories shaping money, markets, and policy all in one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices AI stocks now make up 30% of the S&P 500 is a bubble brewing? India's burnout crisis hits Parliament with the Right to Disconnect Bill. RBI slams the door on stablecoins and bets on the Digital Rupee. Netflix makes an $83 billion play for Warner Bros that could reshape India's streaming wars. Plus, Acko preps for a blockbuster IPO. Five stories shaping money, markets, and policy all in one episode.


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]]> 927 no How UPI Changed 500 Million Daily Lives | Prada's $900 Indian Sandals | Mickey Mouse Meets AI Welcome to Top Of The Morning. I'm Nelson John. In this episode, we explore how India's UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, processing more daily transactions than Visa globally. We break down Mexico's new 50% tariffs threatening nearly $2 billion in Indian auto exports. We follow the story of how Prada turned a cultural appropriation controversy into an $800 collaboration with Indian artisans. We examine Amazon's massive $75 billion commitment to India across e-commerce, cloud, and quick commerce. And we unpack Disney's surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI that brings Mickey Mouse to AI video generation. From street-level payments to billion-dollar boardroom deals, this episode connects the dots on how money, trade, and technology are reshaping business across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top Of The Morning. I'm Nelson John. In this episode, we explore how India's UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, processing more daily transactions than Visa globally. We break down Mexico's new 50% tariffs threatening nearly $2 billion in Indian auto exports. We follow the story of how Prada turned a cultural appropriation controversy into an $800 collaboration with Indian artisans. We examine Amazon's massive $75 billion commitment to India across e-commerce, cloud, and quick commerce. And we unpack Disney's surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI that brings Mickey Mouse to AI video generation. From street-level payments to billion-dollar boardroom deals, this episode connects the dots on how money, trade, and technology are reshaping business across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top Of The Morning. I'm Nelson John.


In this episode, we explore how India's UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, processing more daily transactions than Visa globally. We break down Mexico's new 50% tariffs threatening nearly $2 billion in Indian auto exports. We follow the story of how Prada turned a cultural appropriation controversy into an $800 collaboration with Indian artisans. We examine Amazon's massive $75 billion commitment to India across e-commerce, cloud, and quick commerce. And we unpack Disney's surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI that brings Mickey Mouse to AI video generation.

From street-level payments to billion-dollar boardroom deals, this episode connects the dots on how money, trade, and technology are reshaping business across the globe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 792 no Billion Dollar Moves: TCS, Trump's Gold Card, and India's Trade Shuffle Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. In this episode, we unpack five major developments reshaping India's economic and trade landscape. We start with the government's exploration of higher ethanol blends beyond E20, including E23 and E27, and why the auto industry is pushing for flex-fuel vehicles instead. Then we examine the US-India trade negotiations happening under the shadow of a Supreme Court case that could invalidate Trump's tariffs entirely. We break down TCS's $700 million acquisition of Coastal Cloud and what it signals about the future of India's largest IT services company. Next, we look at the Trump Gold Card visa programme that's now accepting applications, offering US residency for $1 million. Finally, we analyse how India's export diversification strategy is paying off despite steep US tariffs, with China, Spain, and Russia emerging as growing markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:35:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. In this episode, we unpack five major developments reshaping India's economic and trade landscape. We start with the government's exploration of higher ethanol blends beyond E20, including E23 and E27, and why the auto industry is pushing for flex-fuel vehicles instead. Then we examine the US-India trade negotiations happening under the shadow of a Supreme Court case that could invalidate Trump's tariffs entirely. We break down TCS's $700 million acquisition of Coastal Cloud and what it signals about the future of India's largest IT services company. Next, we look at the Trump Gold Card visa programme that's now accepting applications, offering US residency for $1 million. Finally, we analyse how India's export diversification strategy is paying off despite steep US tariffs, with China, Spain, and Russia emerging as growing markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John..


In this episode, we unpack five major developments reshaping India's economic and trade landscape. We start with the government's exploration of higher ethanol blends beyond E20, including E23 and E27, and why the auto industry is pushing for flex-fuel vehicles instead. Then we examine the US-India trade negotiations happening under the shadow of a Supreme Court case that could invalidate Trump's tariffs entirely. We break down TCS's $700 million acquisition of Coastal Cloud and what it signals about the future of India's largest IT services company. Next, we look at the Trump Gold Card visa programme that's now accepting applications, offering US residency for $1 million. Finally, we analyse how India's export diversification strategy is paying off despite steep US tariffs, with China, Spain, and Russia emerging as growing markets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 926 no Peak XV Doubles Down | Adani's Bankruptcy Play | China's Eight-Month Slump Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Peak XV's Meesho IPO success. AI's enterprise determinism problem. Adani's 15,000 crore bankruptcy play. RCB's $2 billion sale question. China's eight-month manufacturing slump. Five stories that show how money, technology, and power are being repositioned globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:11:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Peak XV's Meesho IPO success. AI's enterprise determinism problem. Adani's 15,000 crore bankruptcy play. RCB's $2 billion sale question. China's eight-month manufacturing slump. Five stories that show how money, technology, and power are being repositioned globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John.

Peak XV's Meesho IPO success. AI's enterprise determinism problem. Adani's 15,000 crore bankruptcy play. RCB's $2 billion sale question. China's eight-month manufacturing slump. Five stories that show how money, technology, and power are being repositioned globally.


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]]> 861 no SEBI's Biggest Finfluencer Crackdown | IndiGo's STAFFING DISASTER | The Consumer AI Bet Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. This week on Top of the Morning: SEBI delivers its biggest finfluencer crackdown, ordering Avadhut Sathe and his trading academy to return ₹546 crore in "unlawful gains." IndiGo's pilot shortage cancels 3,600+ flights and exposes years of staffing decisions. Putin visits Delhi amid US tariffs and sanctions, signing 16 agreements as India maintains its strategic balancing act. Wakefit opens its ₹1,289 crore IPO, asking public markets to validate a premium valuation. And Indian VCs bet big on consumer AI startups from Kuku FM to Dashverse. Five stories, one theme: accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:07:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. This week on Top of the Morning: SEBI delivers its biggest finfluencer crackdown, ordering Avadhut Sathe and his trading academy to return ₹546 crore in "unlawful gains." IndiGo's pilot shortage cancels 3,600+ flights and exposes years of staffing decisions. Putin visits Delhi amid US tariffs and sanctions, signing 16 agreements as India maintains its strategic balancing act. Wakefit opens its ₹1,289 crore IPO, asking public markets to validate a premium valuation. And Indian VCs bet big on consumer AI startups from Kuku FM to Dashverse. Five stories, one theme: accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. This week on Top of the Morning: SEBI delivers its biggest finfluencer crackdown, ordering Avadhut Sathe and his trading academy to return ₹546 crore in "unlawful gains." IndiGo's pilot shortage cancels 3,600+ flights and exposes years of staffing decisions. Putin visits Delhi amid US tariffs and sanctions, signing 16 agreements as India maintains its strategic balancing act. Wakefit opens its ₹1,289 crore IPO, asking public markets to validate a premium valuation. And Indian VCs bet big on consumer AI startups from Kuku FM to Dashverse. Five stories, one theme: accountability.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1001 no BYD’s Fast Lane in India | Gen Alpha Wants to Redesign Work | India’s Data Law Puts Consent First Welcome to Top Of The Morning, Im Nelson John Today, India’s workplaces, industries, and digital systems are all shifting at once. Gen Alpha is rewriting the rules of work before they’ve even entered the workforce — expecting hybrid setups, AI partners, VR meetings, and shorter weeks. In the market, BYD’s rapid rise in EV sales shows how fast global players are reshaping India’s electric future. At the same time, India’s new data protection law is tightening consent and compliance, forcing companies to rethink how they collect and move data. Streaming platforms are also adapting, moving from subscriber counts to watch-time and engagement as budgets tighten and ad-supported models grow. And in the corporate world, Tata Communications’ move to acquire 51% of AI platform Commotion highlights how Indian firms are racing to build smarter, automated customer experiences. Together, these shifts tell the same story — technology, regulation, and consumer behaviour are rewriting how India works, watches, moves, and interacts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:11:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top Of The Morning, Im Nelson John Today, India’s workplaces, industries, and digital systems are all shifting at once. Gen Alpha is rewriting the rules of work before they’ve even entered the workforce — expecting hybrid setups, AI partners, VR meetings, and shorter weeks. In the market, BYD’s rapid rise in EV sales shows how fast global players are reshaping India’s electric future. At the same time, India’s new data protection law is tightening consent and compliance, forcing companies to rethink how they collect and move data. Streaming platforms are also adapting, moving from subscriber counts to watch-time and engagement as budgets tighten and ad-supported models grow. And in the corporate world, Tata Communications’ move to acquire 51% of AI platform Commotion highlights how Indian firms are racing to build smarter, automated customer experiences. Together, these shifts tell the same story — technology, regulation, and consumer behaviour are rewriting how India works, watches, moves, and interacts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top Of The Morning, Im Nelson John


Today,

India’s workplaces, industries, and digital systems are all shifting at once. Gen Alpha is rewriting the rules of work before they’ve even entered the workforce — expecting hybrid setups, AI partners, VR meetings, and shorter weeks. In the market, BYD’s rapid rise in EV sales shows how fast global players are reshaping India’s electric future. At the same time, India’s new data protection law is tightening consent and compliance, forcing companies to rethink how they collect and move data. Streaming platforms are also adapting, moving from subscriber counts to watch-time and engagement as budgets tighten and ad-supported models grow. And in the corporate world, Tata Communications’ move to acquire 51% of AI platform Commotion highlights how Indian firms are racing to build smarter, automated customer experiences. Together, these shifts tell the same story — technology, regulation, and consumer behaviour are rewriting how India works, watches, moves, and interacts.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 781 no No SIM, No WhatsApp | British Airways Doubles Down on India | A JetBlue flight suddenly drops altitude. Investigation reveals: solar radiation corrupted flight control data. The result? The largest mass recall in Airbus history, with 6,000 jets grounded worldwide. Meanwhile, British Airways announces major India expansion, adding a third daily Delhi-London flight. India's DoT mandates that WhatsApp and Telegram must link to active SIM cards. And PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat celebrates 8.2% GDP growth and record 357 million tonnes of food grain production. Systems everywhere are being recalibrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast A JetBlue flight suddenly drops altitude. Investigation reveals: solar radiation corrupted flight control data. The result? The largest mass recall in Airbus history, with 6,000 jets grounded worldwide. Meanwhile, British Airways announces major India expansion, adding a third daily Delhi-London flight. India's DoT mandates that WhatsApp and Telegram must link to active SIM cards. And PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat celebrates 8.2% GDP growth and record 357 million tonnes of food grain production. Systems everywhere are being recalibrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A JetBlue flight suddenly drops altitude. Investigation reveals: solar radiation corrupted flight control data. The result? The largest mass recall in Airbus history, with 6,000 jets grounded worldwide. Meanwhile, British Airways announces major India expansion, adding a third daily Delhi-London flight. India's DoT mandates that WhatsApp and Telegram must link to active SIM cards. And PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat celebrates 8.2% GDP growth and record 357 million tonnes of food grain production. Systems everywhere are being recalibrated.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 940 no Canada Start-up Visa Crisis | China Controls Your Pills | India's Labour Standoff Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, Canada's immigration dream turns into a 10 year wait. China's pharma grip tightens. Mahindra bets big on electric SUVs. Indian unions strike. The tax net widens. Five stories about systems under pressure and what happens when the rules change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:44:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, Canada's immigration dream turns into a 10 year wait. China's pharma grip tightens. Mahindra bets big on electric SUVs. Indian unions strike. The tax net widens. Five stories about systems under pressure and what happens when the rules change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.


Today,

Canada's immigration dream turns into a 10 year wait. China's pharma grip tightens. Mahindra bets big on electric SUVs. Indian unions strike. The tax net widens. Five stories about systems under pressure and what happens when the rules change.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 755 Wall Street's AI Hangover | The Magnet We Don't Make | Eight Digits, One Crore Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.. What's something really worth? This episode explores the price of ambition from Wall Street's growing panic over a $5 trillion AI bubble, to Tesla opening its first all-in-one centre in Gurugram, India's ₹7,280 crore bet on rare earth magnets after China nearly shut down our EV industry, UPI's historic linkage with Europe's payments system, and a Haryana number plate that sold for ₹1.17 crore. Five stories, one question: Are we building the future or overpaying for it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:24:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.. What's something really worth? This episode explores the price of ambition from Wall Street's growing panic over a $5 trillion AI bubble, to Tesla opening its first all-in-one centre in Gurugram, India's ₹7,280 crore bet on rare earth magnets after China nearly shut down our EV industry, UPI's historic linkage with Europe's payments system, and a Haryana number plate that sold for ₹1.17 crore. Five stories, one question: Are we building the future or overpaying for it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John..

What's something really worth? This episode explores the price of ambition from Wall Street's growing panic over a $5 trillion AI bubble, to Tesla opening its first all-in-one centre in Gurugram, India's ₹7,280 crore bet on rare earth magnets after China nearly shut down our EV industry, UPI's historic linkage with Europe's payments system, and a Haryana number plate that sold for ₹1.17 crore. Five stories, one question: Are we building the future or overpaying for it?


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1010 no Why China Cleared Its Skies While India Still Chokes | Trump's Gold Card | India's Nuclear Gambit Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today America puts a price tag on citizenship, India-Canada restart trade talks, China's air got clean while India's didn't, nuclear power opens to private players, and AI transforms farming. Five stories, one theme: execution beats intention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:50:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today America puts a price tag on citizenship, India-Canada restart trade talks, China's air got clean while India's didn't, nuclear power opens to private players, and AI transforms farming. Five stories, one theme: execution beats intention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John.


Today

America puts a price tag on citizenship, India-Canada restart trade talks, China's air got clean while India's didn't, nuclear power opens to private players, and AI transforms farming. Five stories, one theme: execution beats intention

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1325 no India's War on Superbugs | Canada Moves Beyond the US | Battery Storage Bets on India I'm Nelson John. Welcome to "Top of The Morning" by Mint. Five stories, one theme: strategic inflection points. India launches a comprehensive plan to combat antibiotic resistance threatening millions of lives globally. Fluence Energy bets on India as supply chains shift away from concentrated manufacturing bases. India implements its biggest labour reform since Independence, overhauling 29 colonial-era laws amid union opposition. Canadian PM Carney secures major investment deals at a Trump-boycotted G20, signaling a fundamental realignment in global partnerships. And CoinDCX, India's first crypto unicorn, faces existential challenges after spectacular boom and bust. Systems under pressure, old models breaking down, and the scramble to build what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:27:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast I'm Nelson John. Welcome to "Top of The Morning" by Mint. Five stories, one theme: strategic inflection points. India launches a comprehensive plan to combat antibiotic resistance threatening millions of lives globally. Fluence Energy bets on India as supply chains shift away from concentrated manufacturing bases. India implements its biggest labour reform since Independence, overhauling 29 colonial-era laws amid union opposition. Canadian PM Carney secures major investment deals at a Trump-boycotted G20, signaling a fundamental realignment in global partnerships. And CoinDCX, India's first crypto unicorn, faces existential challenges after spectacular boom and bust. Systems under pressure, old models breaking down, and the scramble to build what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I'm Nelson John. Welcome to "Top of The Morning" by Mint.


Five stories, one theme: strategic inflection points. India launches a comprehensive plan to combat antibiotic resistance threatening millions of lives globally. Fluence Energy bets on India as supply chains shift away from concentrated manufacturing bases. India implements its biggest labour reform since Independence, overhauling 29 colonial-era laws amid union opposition. Canadian PM Carney secures major investment deals at a Trump-boycotted G20, signaling a fundamental realignment in global partnerships. And CoinDCX, India's first crypto unicorn, faces existential challenges after spectacular boom and bust. Systems under pressure, old models breaking down, and the scramble to build what comes next.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1316 no India's New Smart Passports | Sheikh Hasina Extradition | Russia Wants to Build Ships in Mumbai & Chennai Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. India launches biometric e-passports, faces pressure to extradite Bangladesh's ex-PM, debates a billionaire's 72-hour workweek proposal, explores Russian shipbuilding partnerships, and gets Google AI localized. Five stories revealing how India's rebuilding infrastructure—both physical and digital—for global competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:18:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. India launches biometric e-passports, faces pressure to extradite Bangladesh's ex-PM, debates a billionaire's 72-hour workweek proposal, explores Russian shipbuilding partnerships, and gets Google AI localized. Five stories revealing how India's rebuilding infrastructure—both physical and digital—for global competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.


India launches biometric e-passports, faces pressure to extradite Bangladesh's ex-PM, debates a billionaire's 72-hour workweek proposal, explores Russian shipbuilding partnerships, and gets Google AI localized. Five stories revealing how India's rebuilding infrastructure—both physical and digital—for global competition.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1269 no Railways' Biggest Budget Ever | Russia's Boldest Defense Move Yet | Android Had This in 2023. iPhone Gets It Now | Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today's Top of the Morning: WhatsApp finally brings multi-account to iPhone (2 years late), Russia offers India unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer, Indian Railways heads for record ₹2.76T budget, and half of young American men are gambling. Four stories about big bets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:16:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today's Top of the Morning: WhatsApp finally brings multi-account to iPhone (2 years late), Russia offers India unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer, Indian Railways heads for record ₹2.76T budget, and half of young American men are gambling. Four stories about big bets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.


Today's Top of the Morning: WhatsApp finally brings multi-account to iPhone (2 years late), Russia offers India unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer, Indian Railways heads for record ₹2.76T budget, and half of young American men are gambling. Four stories about big bets.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1270 no India's Infrastructure Revolution, Pollution Emergency & US Defense Partnership Welcome to Top of The Morning with me Nelson John. Today: NHAI raises ₹46,000 crore through highway InvITs attracting global investors, BIS overhauls cybersecurity and wind energy standards, ED attaches more RCom properties amid ₹40,000 crore fraud probe, Delhi's air pollution crisis kills 1.72 million Indians annually per Lancet study, and the US approves $93 million defense deal for Javelin missiles and Excalibur rounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of The Morning with me Nelson John. Today: NHAI raises ₹46,000 crore through highway InvITs attracting global investors, BIS overhauls cybersecurity and wind energy standards, ED attaches more RCom properties amid ₹40,000 crore fraud probe, Delhi's air pollution crisis kills 1.72 million Indians annually per Lancet study, and the US approves $93 million defense deal for Javelin missiles and Excalibur rounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of The Morning with me Nelson John.

Today: NHAI raises ₹46,000 crore through highway InvITs attracting global investors, BIS overhauls cybersecurity and wind energy standards, ED attaches more RCom properties amid ₹40,000 crore fraud probe, Delhi's air pollution crisis kills 1.72 million Indians annually per Lancet study, and the US approves $93 million defense deal for Javelin missiles and Excalibur rounds.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 931 no Trump's $82M Bond Shopping Spree | Gen Z's War on Cash | India's Russia Bet | Manipal vs upGrad: The Byju's Bidding War | Happy Monday! Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today: Byju's gets carved up in bankruptcy court, India ditches cash for UPI, Trump's investment conflicts deepen, American voters inadvertently save Indian exporters, and India plays both superpowers while maintaining strategic autonomy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:38:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Happy Monday! Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today: Byju's gets carved up in bankruptcy court, India ditches cash for UPI, Trump's investment conflicts deepen, American voters inadvertently save Indian exporters, and India plays both superpowers while maintaining strategic autonomy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Happy Monday! Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.


Today: Byju's gets carved up in bankruptcy court, India ditches cash for UPI, Trump's investment conflicts deepen, American voters inadvertently save Indian exporters, and India plays both superpowers while maintaining strategic autonomy.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1468 no ₹14,599 CRORE FRAUD | Steel War Tricks | Biscoff vs Parle-G Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm your host Nelson John. In today's Top of the Morning, we dissect five major developments that illuminate the complexities of Asian economic transformation. We begin with India's latest anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese steel products, exploring how importers are already circumventing the $121.50/tonne levy by importing semi-finished products instead – highlighting the cat-and-mouse game between policymakers and market players. The arrest of Jaypee Infratech's former MD Manoj Gaur by the Enforcement Directorate brings into sharp focus the governance challenges in India's real estate sector, with ₹14,599 crore allegedly diverted from homebuyers to unrelated entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm your host Nelson John. In today's Top of the Morning, we dissect five major developments that illuminate the complexities of Asian economic transformation. We begin with India's latest anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese steel products, exploring how importers are already circumventing the $121.50/tonne levy by importing semi-finished products instead – highlighting the cat-and-mouse game between policymakers and market players. The arrest of Jaypee Infratech's former MD Manoj Gaur by the Enforcement Directorate brings into sharp focus the governance challenges in India's real estate sector, with ₹14,599 crore allegedly diverted from homebuyers to unrelated entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm your host Nelson John.


In today's Top of the Morning, we dissect five major developments that illuminate the complexities of Asian economic transformation. We begin with India's latest anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese steel products, exploring how importers are already circumventing the $121.50/tonne levy by importing semi-finished products instead – highlighting the cat-and-mouse game between policymakers and market players.

The arrest of Jaypee Infratech's former MD Manoj Gaur by the Enforcement Directorate brings into sharp focus the governance challenges in India's real estate sector, with ₹14,599 crore allegedly diverted from homebuyers to unrelated entities.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 772 no Trump DEFENDS H-1B Visas | Pakistan's Constitutional Coup | Groww's Billion-Dollar Debut Good Morning, I'm Nelson John New episode explores five interconnected stories reshaping global business: from H-1B policy reversals to Pakistan's governance transformation to India's infrastructure revolution. The boundaries between tech and traditional industry are dissolving faster than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:10:00 -0000 trailer Mint - HT Smartcast Good Morning, I'm Nelson John New episode explores five interconnected stories reshaping global business: from H-1B policy reversals to Pakistan's governance transformation to India's infrastructure revolution. The boundaries between tech and traditional industry are dissolving faster than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good Morning, I'm Nelson John

New episode explores five interconnected stories reshaping global business: from H-1B policy reversals to Pakistan's governance transformation to India's infrastructure revolution. The boundaries between tech and traditional industry are dissolving faster than ever.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1127 no SoftBank's $5.8B Nvidia Exit for OpenAI | Adani's Multi-Billion Battery Storage Play | Trump Signals Major India Tariff Cuts | Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m your host Nelson John This episode connects five seemingly disparate stories - SoftBank selling Nvidia for OpenAI, Trump cutting India tariffs from 50% to 15%, Adani building massive battery storage, Modi strengthening Bhutan ties, and India's pharma crackdown - to reveal how India is transitioning from rule-taker to rule-maker on the global stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m your host Nelson John This episode connects five seemingly disparate stories - SoftBank selling Nvidia for OpenAI, Trump cutting India tariffs from 50% to 15%, Adani building massive battery storage, Modi strengthening Bhutan ties, and India's pharma crackdown - to reveal how India is transitioning from rule-taker to rule-maker on the global stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m your host Nelson John

This episode connects five seemingly disparate stories - SoftBank selling Nvidia for OpenAI, Trump cutting India tariffs from 50% to 15%, Adani building massive battery storage, Modi strengthening Bhutan ties, and India's pharma crackdown - to reveal how India is transitioning from rule-taker to rule-maker on the global stage.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 816 no China's Rare Earth Olive Branch | Ather vs Ola | Cognizant Productivity Tracking Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m Nelson John. From Beijing to Bengaluru: Four stories about what happens when the rules suddenly change. China eases rare earth export restrictions after Trump-Xi meeting Ather Energy overtakes Ola Electric despite being the smaller player Vodafone Idea fights for survival with ₹2 trillion debt Cognizant introduces mouse-tracking surveillance for employees Different industries, different challenges, same lesson: adaptation under pressure is everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m Nelson John. From Beijing to Bengaluru: Four stories about what happens when the rules suddenly change. China eases rare earth export restrictions after Trump-Xi meeting Ather Energy overtakes Ola Electric despite being the smaller player Vodafone Idea fights for survival with ₹2 trillion debt Cognizant introduces mouse-tracking surveillance for employees Different industries, different challenges, same lesson: adaptation under pressure is everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning, I’m Nelson John.

From Beijing to Bengaluru: Four stories about what happens when the rules suddenly change. China eases rare earth export restrictions after Trump-Xi meeting Ather Energy overtakes Ola Electric despite being the smaller player Vodafone Idea fights for survival with ₹2 trillion debt Cognizant introduces mouse-tracking surveillance for employees Different industries, different challenges, same lesson: adaptation under pressure is everything.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1462 no America’s Skies on Pause | HAL–GE Aerospace Engine Deal | Google Maps Gets Smarter in India Welcome to Top of the Morning.. I’m Nelson John. This week’s stories may look unrelated a US government shutdown, a pharma firm duped by an email typo, Google Maps getting an AI brain, SEBI’s digital gold warning, and a billion-dollar jet engine deal. But they all point to one thing: how fragile our systems really are. In the US, a 40-day shutdown is pushing air travel toward collapse. Air traffic controllers aren’t being paid, flights are being slashed, and political gridlock is grounding families ahead of Thanksgiving. Infrastructure, it turns out, can’t run on politics. Back home, Dr. Reddy’s lost ₹2.16 crore to an email scam one capital letter fooled its finance team. A reminder that the weakest link in any digital system is still human. Meanwhile, Google Maps is getting a Gemini AI upgrade for India smarter routes, live alerts, even accident-prone zone warnings. It’s a glimpse of AI that’s genuinely useful, though it raises fresh privacy questions. SEBI, on the other hand, is warning investors about digital gold those flashy online gold products aren’t regulated, meaning no safety net if things go wrong. And HAL just inked a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for fighter jet engines. Critical for India’s defense ambitions, but also proof we still depend heavily on foreign tech. From government grids to financial systems, from AI tools to defense deals, one truth stands out: the most advanced systems fail at their simplest points trust, oversight, and human judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning.. I’m Nelson John. This week’s stories may look unrelated a US government shutdown, a pharma firm duped by an email typo, Google Maps getting an AI brain, SEBI’s digital gold warning, and a billion-dollar jet engine deal. But they all point to one thing: how fragile our systems really are. In the US, a 40-day shutdown is pushing air travel toward collapse. Air traffic controllers aren’t being paid, flights are being slashed, and political gridlock is grounding families ahead of Thanksgiving. Infrastructure, it turns out, can’t run on politics. Back home, Dr. Reddy’s lost ₹2.16 crore to an email scam one capital letter fooled its finance team. A reminder that the weakest link in any digital system is still human. Meanwhile, Google Maps is getting a Gemini AI upgrade for India smarter routes, live alerts, even accident-prone zone warnings. It’s a glimpse of AI that’s genuinely useful, though it raises fresh privacy questions. SEBI, on the other hand, is warning investors about digital gold those flashy online gold products aren’t regulated, meaning no safety net if things go wrong. And HAL just inked a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for fighter jet engines. Critical for India’s defense ambitions, but also proof we still depend heavily on foreign tech. From government grids to financial systems, from AI tools to defense deals, one truth stands out: the most advanced systems fail at their simplest points trust, oversight, and human judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning.. I’m Nelson John.


This week’s stories may look unrelated a US government shutdown, a pharma firm duped by an email typo, Google Maps getting an AI brain, SEBI’s digital gold warning, and a billion-dollar jet engine deal. But they all point to one thing: how fragile our systems really are.

In the US, a 40-day shutdown is pushing air travel toward collapse. Air traffic controllers aren’t being paid, flights are being slashed, and political gridlock is grounding families ahead of Thanksgiving. Infrastructure, it turns out, can’t run on politics.

Back home, Dr. Reddy’s lost ₹2.16 crore to an email scam one capital letter fooled its finance team. A reminder that the weakest link in any digital system is still human.

Meanwhile, Google Maps is getting a Gemini AI upgrade for India smarter routes, live alerts, even accident-prone zone warnings. It’s a glimpse of AI that’s genuinely useful, though it raises fresh privacy questions.

SEBI, on the other hand, is warning investors about digital gold those flashy online gold products aren’t regulated, meaning no safety net if things go wrong.

And HAL just inked a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for fighter jet engines. Critical for India’s defense ambitions, but also proof we still depend heavily on foreign tech.

From government grids to financial systems, from AI tools to defense deals, one truth stands out: the most advanced systems fail at their simplest points trust, oversight, and human judgment.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1194 no India's Latin America Pivot | Bigger Banks Coming | India's Banking Consolidation Push | Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John Apple is paying Google around $1 billion annually for AI to power Siri's overhaul. Meanwhile, India is pushing for bigger banks, negotiating trade deals with Peru and Chile to diversify from the US market, and dealing with a trademark battle between IndiGo and Mahindra. The common thread? Scale, strategy, and survival in an increasingly competitive world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John Apple is paying Google around $1 billion annually for AI to power Siri's overhaul. Meanwhile, India is pushing for bigger banks, negotiating trade deals with Peru and Chile to diversify from the US market, and dealing with a trademark battle between IndiGo and Mahindra. The common thread? Scale, strategy, and survival in an increasingly competitive world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John

Apple is paying Google around $1 billion annually for AI to power Siri's overhaul. Meanwhile, India is pushing for bigger banks, negotiating trade deals with Peru and Chile to diversify from the US market, and dealing with a trademark battle between IndiGo and Mahindra. The common thread? Scale, strategy, and survival in an increasingly competitive world.

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]]> 1169 no RCB Eyes $2 Billion Sale | US-China Trade War Gets a Temporary Truce | How Zohran Mamdani sees India? This week's episode explores five major developments shaping business, politics, and society. In New York City, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo with a progressive platform that embraced his multicultural heritage—though his criticism of PM Modi sparked fierce debate in India. Meanwhile, United Spirits announced a review of its Royal Challengers Bangalore investment, potentially valuing Virat Kohli's IPL team at $2 billion and setting a new benchmark for cricket franchises. On the global stage, the US-China trade war saw a temporary thaw as Beijing suspended most retaliatory tariffs following a Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, offering relief to businesses caught in the crossfire. Back in India, Maharashtra became the first state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite internet, promising to bridge the digital divide in remote regions. Finally, Titan defied conventional wisdom by posting strong earnings despite record gold prices of ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, as Indian consumers adapted by buying lighter jewelry ahead of the crucial wedding season. Together, these stories reveal a world marked by political disruption, evolving valuations of cultural assets, tentative diplomatic progress, technological leaps, and remarkable consumer resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:06:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This week's episode explores five major developments shaping business, politics, and society. In New York City, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo with a progressive platform that embraced his multicultural heritage—though his criticism of PM Modi sparked fierce debate in India. Meanwhile, United Spirits announced a review of its Royal Challengers Bangalore investment, potentially valuing Virat Kohli's IPL team at $2 billion and setting a new benchmark for cricket franchises. On the global stage, the US-China trade war saw a temporary thaw as Beijing suspended most retaliatory tariffs following a Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, offering relief to businesses caught in the crossfire. Back in India, Maharashtra became the first state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite internet, promising to bridge the digital divide in remote regions. Finally, Titan defied conventional wisdom by posting strong earnings despite record gold prices of ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, as Indian consumers adapted by buying lighter jewelry ahead of the crucial wedding season. Together, these stories reveal a world marked by political disruption, evolving valuations of cultural assets, tentative diplomatic progress, technological leaps, and remarkable consumer resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week's episode explores five major developments shaping business, politics, and society. In New York City, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo with a progressive platform that embraced his multicultural heritage—though his criticism of PM Modi sparked fierce debate in India. Meanwhile, United Spirits announced a review of its Royal Challengers Bangalore investment, potentially valuing Virat Kohli's IPL team at $2 billion and setting a new benchmark for cricket franchises. On the global stage, the US-China trade war saw a temporary thaw as Beijing suspended most retaliatory tariffs following a Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, offering relief to businesses caught in the crossfire. Back in India, Maharashtra became the first state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite internet, promising to bridge the digital divide in remote regions. Finally, Titan defied conventional wisdom by posting strong earnings despite record gold prices of ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, as Indian consumers adapted by buying lighter jewelry ahead of the crucial wedding season. Together, these stories reveal a world marked by political disruption, evolving valuations of cultural assets, tentative diplomatic progress, technological leaps, and remarkable consumer resilience.

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]]> 1192 no US HIRE Act: India's IT Under Threat | IndiGo's ₹2,600 Crore Forex Loss | Canada's Mass Visa Cancellation Plan US HIRE Act: India's IT Under Threat IndiGo's ₹2,600 Crore Forex Loss Canada's Mass Visa Cancellation Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast US HIRE Act: India's IT Under Threat IndiGo's ₹2,600 Crore Forex Loss Canada's Mass Visa Cancellation Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices US HIRE Act: India's IT Under Threat

IndiGo's ₹2,600 Crore Forex Loss

Canada's Mass Visa Cancellation Plan

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]]> 1543 no India-Bahrain Partnership | Airtel's Premium Play | Vi's Lifeline | Cement War Heats Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 1579 no ISRO's Heaviest Satellite Launch | Buffett Sells for 12th Straight Quarter | Canada Courts India to Ditch US Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold stocks for 12 consecutive quarters, building a record $382 billion cash pile as the legendary investor prepares to step down as CEO, signaling caution about market conditions. Meanwhile, Big Tech is going the opposite direction—Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are collectively spending over $380 billion on AI infrastructure, though investor reactions have been mixed due to unclear ROI paths, especially for Meta. India faces a severe trade crisis as US tariffs hit 50%, causing exports to plummet 37.5% between May and September, devastating sectors from textiles to smartphones. On a positive note, ISRO successfully launched India's heaviest communication satellite (4,410kg) from Indian soil, proving growing self-reliance in space technology. Finally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively improving relations with India as part of his strategy to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States, aiming to double non-US exports within a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold stocks for 12 consecutive quarters, building a record $382 billion cash pile as the legendary investor prepares to step down as CEO, signaling caution about market conditions. Meanwhile, Big Tech is going the opposite direction—Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are collectively spending over $380 billion on AI infrastructure, though investor reactions have been mixed due to unclear ROI paths, especially for Meta. India faces a severe trade crisis as US tariffs hit 50%, causing exports to plummet 37.5% between May and September, devastating sectors from textiles to smartphones. On a positive note, ISRO successfully launched India's heaviest communication satellite (4,410kg) from Indian soil, proving growing self-reliance in space technology. Finally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively improving relations with India as part of his strategy to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States, aiming to double non-US exports within a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold stocks for 12 consecutive quarters, building a record $382 billion cash pile as the legendary investor prepares to step down as CEO, signaling caution about market conditions. Meanwhile, Big Tech is going the opposite direction—Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are collectively spending over $380 billion on AI infrastructure, though investor reactions have been mixed due to unclear ROI paths, especially for Meta. India faces a severe trade crisis as US tariffs hit 50%, causing exports to plummet 37.5% between May and September, devastating sectors from textiles to smartphones. On a positive note, ISRO successfully launched India's heaviest communication satellite (4,410kg) from Indian soil, proving growing self-reliance in space technology. Finally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively improving relations with India as part of his strategy to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States, aiming to double non-US exports within a decade.

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]]> 1208 no Trump & Xi Strike Deal | India Wins 6-Month Chabahar Exemption | JioBlackRock Enters India | Crypto Legally Recognized as Property in India | OpenAI Eyes $1 Trillion IPO 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. Trump & Xi Strike Deal India Wins 6-Month Chabahar Exemption JioBlackRock Enters India Crypto Legally Recognized as Property in India OpenAI Eyes $1 Trillion IPO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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. Trump & Xi Strike Deal India Wins 6-Month Chabahar Exemption JioBlackRock Enters India Crypto Legally Recognized as Property in India OpenAI Eyes $1 Trillion IPO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.


Trump & Xi Strike Deal

India Wins 6-Month Chabahar Exemption

JioBlackRock Enters India

Crypto Legally Recognized as Property in India

OpenAI Eyes $1 Trillion IPO

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]]> 1434 no 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 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:14:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.



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]]> 1335 no 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 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:11:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.

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]]> 561 no 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 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:36:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 562 no 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 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:40:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.


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]]> 575 no 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 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:38:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

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]]> 514 no 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 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:43:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.

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]]> 602 no 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 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 559 no 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 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:14:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.


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]]> 643 no India, Canada Hit Reset | Silver & Gold Surge | Trump Declares Gaza War Over | India at Gaza Summit Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Donald Trump just made a dramatic claim aboard Air Force One: “The war in Gaza is over.” The US President is flying to the Middle East, first stopping in Israel to address parliament, then co-hosting a peace summit in Egypt with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. His peace deal’s first step — Hamas frees all Israeli hostages from the October 7 attack, while Israel releases 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allows aid into Gaza. Netanyahu called it a “victory,” though he warned the fight isn’t done. World leaders, including Modi’s envoy Kirti Vardhan Singh, will join the summit, signaling a potential end to one of the deadliest modern conflicts that’s killed over 67,000 in Gaza. Meanwhile, diplomacy’s getting a reboot elsewhere. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand landed in New Delhi to “hit reset” on strained India-Canada ties. This marks the first official visit under new PM Mark Carney. She’ll meet Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and key business leaders in Mumbai before heading to China and Singapore — part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific push to rebuild strategic partnerships. In Kabul’s shadow, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced tough questions from women journalists after earlier barring them. His response — it was a “technical issue” — didn’t land well. The optics? A regime still struggling to convince the world it respects women’s rights. And in markets, gold and silver are on fire. Silver neared $51 an ounce, gold hit $4,060, and traders are literally flying silver bars across the Atlantic. A mix of short squeezes, Fed cuts, and US-China tensions has sent precious metals soaring up to 80% this year. Hashtags: #Trump #GazaCeasefire #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Taliban #Afghanistan #GoldPrices #SilverRally #USChinaTensions #GlobalMarkets #PeaceSummit #Netanyahu #BreakingNews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:14:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Donald Trump just made a dramatic claim aboard Air Force One: “The war in Gaza is over.” The US President is flying to the Middle East, first stopping in Israel to address parliament, then co-hosting a peace summit in Egypt with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. His peace deal’s first step — Hamas frees all Israeli hostages from the October 7 attack, while Israel releases 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allows aid into Gaza. Netanyahu called it a “victory,” though he warned the fight isn’t done. World leaders, including Modi’s envoy Kirti Vardhan Singh, will join the summit, signaling a potential end to one of the deadliest modern conflicts that’s killed over 67,000 in Gaza. Meanwhile, diplomacy’s getting a reboot elsewhere. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand landed in New Delhi to “hit reset” on strained India-Canada ties. This marks the first official visit under new PM Mark Carney. She’ll meet Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and key business leaders in Mumbai before heading to China and Singapore — part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific push to rebuild strategic partnerships. In Kabul’s shadow, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced tough questions from women journalists after earlier barring them. His response — it was a “technical issue” — didn’t land well. The optics? A regime still struggling to convince the world it respects women’s rights. And in markets, gold and silver are on fire. Silver neared $51 an ounce, gold hit $4,060, and traders are literally flying silver bars across the Atlantic. A mix of short squeezes, Fed cuts, and US-China tensions has sent precious metals soaring up to 80% this year. Hashtags: #Trump #GazaCeasefire #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Taliban #Afghanistan #GoldPrices #SilverRally #USChinaTensions #GlobalMarkets #PeaceSummit #Netanyahu #BreakingNews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Donald Trump just made a dramatic claim aboard Air Force One: “The war in Gaza is over.” The US President is flying to the Middle East, first stopping in Israel to address parliament, then co-hosting a peace summit in Egypt with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. His peace deal’s first step — Hamas frees all Israeli hostages from the October 7 attack, while Israel releases 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allows aid into Gaza. Netanyahu called it a “victory,” though he warned the fight isn’t done. World leaders, including Modi’s envoy Kirti Vardhan Singh, will join the summit, signaling a potential end to one of the deadliest modern conflicts that’s killed over 67,000 in Gaza.

Meanwhile, diplomacy’s getting a reboot elsewhere. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand landed in New Delhi to “hit reset” on strained India-Canada ties. This marks the first official visit under new PM Mark Carney. She’ll meet Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and key business leaders in Mumbai before heading to China and Singapore — part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific push to rebuild strategic partnerships.

In Kabul’s shadow, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced tough questions from women journalists after earlier barring them. His response — it was a “technical issue” — didn’t land well. The optics? A regime still struggling to convince the world it respects women’s rights.

And in markets, gold and silver are on fire. Silver neared $51 an ounce, gold hit $4,060, and traders are literally flying silver bars across the Atlantic. A mix of short squeezes, Fed cuts, and US-China tensions has sent precious metals soaring up to 80% this year.

Hashtags:

#Trump #GazaCeasefire #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Taliban #Afghanistan #GoldPrices #SilverRally #USChinaTensions #GlobalMarkets #PeaceSummit #Netanyahu #BreakingNews


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]]> 500 no Putin's Apology | UK–India Missile Deal | Delhi Dials Jerusalem | UK Universities in India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India Fortifies Its Partnerships India and Australia signed three major defense agreements in Canberra on Thursday, covering intelligence sharing, submarine rescue cooperation, and joint military staff talks. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles as part of the inaugural Defense Ministers' Dialogue, marking five years of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Singh was blunt about Pakistan: "Terror and talks cannot go together." But the real focus is the Indo-Pacific, where both nations, alongside the US and Japan through the Quad, are countering China's expanding military footprint. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a £350 million ($468 million) missile deal for India. The lightweight multirole systems, made in Belfast, will boost Indian Army air defenses. Britain also signed a £250 million deal for electric propulsion systems for Indian warships. Starmer announced Lancaster and Surrey universities received approval to open Indian campuses. With nine UK universities now operating in India, Britain has the biggest higher education footprint in the country. India needs 70 million university places by 2035 – it currently has 40 million students. Modi's Middle East Diplomacy Prime Minister Modi called Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting to take the call. Modi welcomed the hostage release and humanitarian assistance, reaffirming that "terrorism in any form is unacceptable." Putin's Apology Ten months after Russian air defense mistakenly downed an Azerbaijani passenger plane killing 38 people, Vladimir Putin pledged compensation. Meeting Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan, Putin explicitly acknowledged Russia's role for the first time, saying missiles detonated near the December 2024 flight after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace. SEO Hashtags: #GlobalNews #IndiaAustralia #UKIndia #DefenseDeals #ModiNetanyahu #GazaPeace #PutinApology #AzerbaijanPlaneCrash #QuadSecurity #IndoPacific #BritishUniversities #MissileDefense #InternationalRelations #GeopoliticalNews #WorldAffairs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 Oct 2025 03:24:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India Fortifies Its Partnerships India and Australia signed three major defense agreements in Canberra on Thursday, covering intelligence sharing, submarine rescue cooperation, and joint military staff talks. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles as part of the inaugural Defense Ministers' Dialogue, marking five years of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Singh was blunt about Pakistan: "Terror and talks cannot go together." But the real focus is the Indo-Pacific, where both nations, alongside the US and Japan through the Quad, are countering China's expanding military footprint. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a £350 million ($468 million) missile deal for India. The lightweight multirole systems, made in Belfast, will boost Indian Army air defenses. Britain also signed a £250 million deal for electric propulsion systems for Indian warships. Starmer announced Lancaster and Surrey universities received approval to open Indian campuses. With nine UK universities now operating in India, Britain has the biggest higher education footprint in the country. India needs 70 million university places by 2035 – it currently has 40 million students. Modi's Middle East Diplomacy Prime Minister Modi called Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting to take the call. Modi welcomed the hostage release and humanitarian assistance, reaffirming that "terrorism in any form is unacceptable." Putin's Apology Ten months after Russian air defense mistakenly downed an Azerbaijani passenger plane killing 38 people, Vladimir Putin pledged compensation. Meeting Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan, Putin explicitly acknowledged Russia's role for the first time, saying missiles detonated near the December 2024 flight after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace. SEO Hashtags: #GlobalNews #IndiaAustralia #UKIndia #DefenseDeals #ModiNetanyahu #GazaPeace #PutinApology #AzerbaijanPlaneCrash #QuadSecurity #IndoPacific #BritishUniversities #MissileDefense #InternationalRelations #GeopoliticalNews #WorldAffairs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


India Fortifies Its Partnerships

India and Australia signed three major defense agreements in Canberra on Thursday, covering intelligence sharing, submarine rescue cooperation, and joint military staff talks. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles as part of the inaugural Defense Ministers' Dialogue, marking five years of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Singh was blunt about Pakistan: "Terror and talks cannot go together." But the real focus is the Indo-Pacific, where both nations, alongside the US and Japan through the Quad, are countering China's expanding military footprint.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a £350 million ($468 million) missile deal for India. The lightweight multirole systems, made in Belfast, will boost Indian Army air defenses. Britain also signed a £250 million deal for electric propulsion systems for Indian warships.

Starmer announced Lancaster and Surrey universities received approval to open Indian campuses. With nine UK universities now operating in India, Britain has the biggest higher education footprint in the country. India needs 70 million university places by 2035 – it currently has 40 million students.

Modi's Middle East Diplomacy

Prime Minister Modi called Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting to take the call. Modi welcomed the hostage release and humanitarian assistance, reaffirming that "terrorism in any form is unacceptable."

Putin's Apology

Ten months after Russian air defense mistakenly downed an Azerbaijani passenger plane killing 38 people, Vladimir Putin pledged compensation. Meeting Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan, Putin explicitly acknowledged Russia's role for the first time, saying missiles detonated near the December 2024 flight after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace.

SEO Hashtags: #GlobalNews #IndiaAustralia #UKIndia #DefenseDeals #ModiNetanyahu #GazaPeace #PutinApology #AzerbaijanPlaneCrash #QuadSecurity #IndoPacific #BritishUniversities #MissileDefense #InternationalRelations #GeopoliticalNews #WorldAffairs


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]]> 528 no Taliban in Delhi | New US Ambassador to India | Mahindra’s Big Split | A Ceasefire on Paper Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Trump’s Gaza Gamble: A Ceasefire on Paper After over a year of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire — brokered by Donald Trump. Hostages will be freed, troops pulled back, and prisoners exchanged. Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel,” while Hamas urged guarantees of compliance. Talks in Egypt, with Qatar and Turkey mediating, sealed the deal. Trump may visit Israel soon, marking his first trip since moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. For now, the guns are quiet — but whether this peace holds is anyone’s guess. 2. Taliban in Delhi: India’s Risky Diplomatic Bet In a first since 2021, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India. Meetings with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval are on the cards, along with a symbolic stop at Darul Uloom Deoband and the Taj Mahal. India hasn’t recognized the Taliban regime but is opening channels anyway — focused on security, counter-terror, and trade. The visit needed a UN waiver, which New Delhi quietly secured. 3. America’s New Face in Delhi The US finally has a new ambassador to India — Sergio Gor, confirmed alongside Paul Kapur for the South Asia desk. Both are Trump allies. But the relationship they inherit is tricky: tariffs, Russian energy tensions, and trade friction remain sore points. Still, for New Delhi, having a point of contact again brings relief — and clarity. 4. Mumbai’s Sky Leap: The New Digital Airport PM Modi just opened Phase 1 of the ₹19,650-crore Navi Mumbai International Airport — India’s first fully digital airport. AI-driven terminals, online baggage drop, and even a water taxi link make it a tech marvel. Set to handle 90 million passengers, it’s Mumbai’s fix for chronic air congestion. 5. Mahindra’s Big Split: SUVs vs Tractors Mahindra & Mahindra may demerge its SUV, truck, and tractor divisions — and the numbers make the case. Profits have jumped sevenfold since FY21, with SUVs now driving 57% of revenue. From tractors to trailblazing SUVs, M&M’s evolution could unlock major investor value. #TrumpCeasefire #GazaPeaceDeal #TalibanIndiaVisit #USIndiaRelations #NaviMumbaiAirport #MahindraSplit #IndiaNews #GlobalPolitics #TopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Trump’s Gaza Gamble: A Ceasefire on Paper After over a year of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire — brokered by Donald Trump. Hostages will be freed, troops pulled back, and prisoners exchanged. Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel,” while Hamas urged guarantees of compliance. Talks in Egypt, with Qatar and Turkey mediating, sealed the deal. Trump may visit Israel soon, marking his first trip since moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. For now, the guns are quiet — but whether this peace holds is anyone’s guess. 2. Taliban in Delhi: India’s Risky Diplomatic Bet In a first since 2021, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India. Meetings with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval are on the cards, along with a symbolic stop at Darul Uloom Deoband and the Taj Mahal. India hasn’t recognized the Taliban regime but is opening channels anyway — focused on security, counter-terror, and trade. The visit needed a UN waiver, which New Delhi quietly secured. 3. America’s New Face in Delhi The US finally has a new ambassador to India — Sergio Gor, confirmed alongside Paul Kapur for the South Asia desk. Both are Trump allies. But the relationship they inherit is tricky: tariffs, Russian energy tensions, and trade friction remain sore points. Still, for New Delhi, having a point of contact again brings relief — and clarity. 4. Mumbai’s Sky Leap: The New Digital Airport PM Modi just opened Phase 1 of the ₹19,650-crore Navi Mumbai International Airport — India’s first fully digital airport. AI-driven terminals, online baggage drop, and even a water taxi link make it a tech marvel. Set to handle 90 million passengers, it’s Mumbai’s fix for chronic air congestion. 5. Mahindra’s Big Split: SUVs vs Tractors Mahindra & Mahindra may demerge its SUV, truck, and tractor divisions — and the numbers make the case. Profits have jumped sevenfold since FY21, with SUVs now driving 57% of revenue. From tractors to trailblazing SUVs, M&M’s evolution could unlock major investor value. #TrumpCeasefire #GazaPeaceDeal #TalibanIndiaVisit #USIndiaRelations #NaviMumbaiAirport #MahindraSplit #IndiaNews #GlobalPolitics #TopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


1. Trump’s Gaza Gamble: A Ceasefire on Paper

After over a year of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire — brokered by Donald Trump. Hostages will be freed, troops pulled back, and prisoners exchanged. Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel,” while Hamas urged guarantees of compliance. Talks in Egypt, with Qatar and Turkey mediating, sealed the deal. Trump may visit Israel soon, marking his first trip since moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. For now, the guns are quiet — but whether this peace holds is anyone’s guess.


2. Taliban in Delhi: India’s Risky Diplomatic Bet

In a first since 2021, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India. Meetings with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval are on the cards, along with a symbolic stop at Darul Uloom Deoband and the Taj Mahal. India hasn’t recognized the Taliban regime but is opening channels anyway — focused on security, counter-terror, and trade. The visit needed a UN waiver, which New Delhi quietly secured.


3. America’s New Face in Delhi

The US finally has a new ambassador to India — Sergio Gor, confirmed alongside Paul Kapur for the South Asia desk. Both are Trump allies. But the relationship they inherit is tricky: tariffs, Russian energy tensions, and trade friction remain sore points. Still, for New Delhi, having a point of contact again brings relief — and clarity.


4. Mumbai’s Sky Leap: The New Digital Airport

PM Modi just opened Phase 1 of the ₹19,650-crore Navi Mumbai International Airport — India’s first fully digital airport. AI-driven terminals, online baggage drop, and even a water taxi link make it a tech marvel. Set to handle 90 million passengers, it’s Mumbai’s fix for chronic air congestion.


5. Mahindra’s Big Split: SUVs vs Tractors

Mahindra & Mahindra may demerge its SUV, truck, and tractor divisions — and the numbers make the case. Profits have jumped sevenfold since FY21, with SUVs now driving 57% of revenue. From tractors to trailblazing SUVs, M&M’s evolution could unlock major investor value.


#TrumpCeasefire #GazaPeaceDeal #TalibanIndiaVisit #USIndiaRelations #NaviMumbaiAirport #MahindraSplit #IndiaNews #GlobalPolitics #TopOfTheMorning

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]]> 479 no Bihar’s Battle: Modi vs Rahul | Trump-Carney Trade Talks | BP's $4B India Bet | India Greenlights ₹24.6K Crore Rail Upgrade Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Starmer’s India Pitch: Eastward Bound British PM Keir Starmer touched down in Mumbai with a 125-company strong business entourage, marking his first India visit. After clinching a landmark trade deal in July, he’s here to turn paperwork into partnership. “It’s a launchpad for growth,” he said, ahead of talks with PM Modi. With Trump’s tariffs reshaping global trade, Britain’s clearly betting on India — the world’s fastest-growing major economy — to anchor its post-Brexit growth story. 2. Bihar’s Battle Royale: Modi vs Rahul All eyes on Bihar — India’s political pressure cooker. Modi’s seventh visit this year signals a “development blitz,” launching projects worth thousands of crores. Rahul Gandhi’s counter? Social justice, unemployment, and inflation. It’s a classic clash — Modi’s record versus Rahul’s promise. And Bihar’s voters are right in the middle of it. 3. Canada vs Trump: Trade Chess in Washington Canadian PM Mark Carney’s first White House meet with Trump had both tension and intent. Trump wants tougher auto trade terms, while Carney’s dangling $1 trillion in potential investment. Tariffs are up, tempers are high — but both sides know a new deal could redefine North America’s economic playbook. 4. BP Bets Big on India’s Energy Future BP’s pouring $4 billion into India’s oil and gas sector, teaming up with Reliance and ONGC to boost local production. With India importing 85% of its energy, the move aims at fuel independence. “We need to do as much as we can,” says BP India chief Kartikeya Dube. 5. India’s ₹24,634-Crore Rail Push Four mega railway projects just got the green light — adding 894 km of track across four states by 2031. Expect smoother freight flow, cleaner energy use, and better rural connectivity for 8.5 million people. A logistical and environmental win rolled into one. #KeirStarmer #IndiaUKTrade #ModiVsRahul #CanadaUSDeal #BPIndia #IndianRailways #GlobalTrade #EnergySecurity #BiharElections #MintTopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:02:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Starmer’s India Pitch: Eastward Bound British PM Keir Starmer touched down in Mumbai with a 125-company strong business entourage, marking his first India visit. After clinching a landmark trade deal in July, he’s here to turn paperwork into partnership. “It’s a launchpad for growth,” he said, ahead of talks with PM Modi. With Trump’s tariffs reshaping global trade, Britain’s clearly betting on India — the world’s fastest-growing major economy — to anchor its post-Brexit growth story. 2. Bihar’s Battle Royale: Modi vs Rahul All eyes on Bihar — India’s political pressure cooker. Modi’s seventh visit this year signals a “development blitz,” launching projects worth thousands of crores. Rahul Gandhi’s counter? Social justice, unemployment, and inflation. It’s a classic clash — Modi’s record versus Rahul’s promise. And Bihar’s voters are right in the middle of it. 3. Canada vs Trump: Trade Chess in Washington Canadian PM Mark Carney’s first White House meet with Trump had both tension and intent. Trump wants tougher auto trade terms, while Carney’s dangling $1 trillion in potential investment. Tariffs are up, tempers are high — but both sides know a new deal could redefine North America’s economic playbook. 4. BP Bets Big on India’s Energy Future BP’s pouring $4 billion into India’s oil and gas sector, teaming up with Reliance and ONGC to boost local production. With India importing 85% of its energy, the move aims at fuel independence. “We need to do as much as we can,” says BP India chief Kartikeya Dube. 5. India’s ₹24,634-Crore Rail Push Four mega railway projects just got the green light — adding 894 km of track across four states by 2031. Expect smoother freight flow, cleaner energy use, and better rural connectivity for 8.5 million people. A logistical and environmental win rolled into one. #KeirStarmer #IndiaUKTrade #ModiVsRahul #CanadaUSDeal #BPIndia #IndianRailways #GlobalTrade #EnergySecurity #BiharElections #MintTopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


1. Starmer’s India Pitch: Eastward Bound

British PM Keir Starmer touched down in Mumbai with a 125-company strong business entourage, marking his first India visit. After clinching a landmark trade deal in July, he’s here to turn paperwork into partnership. “It’s a launchpad for growth,” he said, ahead of talks with PM Modi. With Trump’s tariffs reshaping global trade, Britain’s clearly betting on India — the world’s fastest-growing major economy — to anchor its post-Brexit growth story.


2. Bihar’s Battle Royale: Modi vs Rahul

All eyes on Bihar — India’s political pressure cooker. Modi’s seventh visit this year signals a “development blitz,” launching projects worth thousands of crores. Rahul Gandhi’s counter? Social justice, unemployment, and inflation. It’s a classic clash — Modi’s record versus Rahul’s promise. And Bihar’s voters are right in the middle of it.


3. Canada vs Trump: Trade Chess in Washington

Canadian PM Mark Carney’s first White House meet with Trump had both tension and intent. Trump wants tougher auto trade terms, while Carney’s dangling $1 trillion in potential investment. Tariffs are up, tempers are high — but both sides know a new deal could redefine North America’s economic playbook.


4. BP Bets Big on India’s Energy Future

BP’s pouring $4 billion into India’s oil and gas sector, teaming up with Reliance and ONGC to boost local production. With India importing 85% of its energy, the move aims at fuel independence. “We need to do as much as we can,” says BP India chief Kartikeya Dube.


5. India’s ₹24,634-Crore Rail Push

Four mega railway projects just got the green light — adding 894 km of track across four states by 2031. Expect smoother freight flow, cleaner energy use, and better rural connectivity for 8.5 million people. A logistical and environmental win rolled into one.


#KeirStarmer #IndiaUKTrade #ModiVsRahul #CanadaUSDeal #BPIndia #IndianRailways #GlobalTrade #EnergySecurity #BiharElections #MintTopOfTheMorning

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]]> 510 no Lula Woos Trump | Jaishankar “Weaponization of Everything” | France: Three PMs, Zero Solutions | Shoe Hurled at India’s Chief Justice Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump, Tariffs & Turnarounds Here’s the twist: Trump and Brazil’s Lula just had a surprisingly warm 30-minute call — and Bolsonaro, the man who caused their diplomatic fallout, wasn’t even mentioned. Earlier this year, Trump hit Brazil with 50% tariffs after its courts refused to drop coup charges against Bolsonaro. But this week, Lula flipped the script — pitching trade relief and reminding Trump that Brazil actually runs a deficit with the US. The call ended with promises of a face-to-face meet. Lula called it “cordial.” Translation? Trump’s letting go of ideology for a deal, and Lula’s charm offensive just paid off. #TrumpLulaCall #BrazilTrade #Bolsonaro #Geopolitics #USBrazilRelations Courtroom Chaos in Delhi A 71-year-old lawyer hurled his shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a live hearing — shouting, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma.” His outburst followed Gavai’s viral remark telling a petitioner to “ask the deity himself” after rejecting a temple plea. Gavai stayed calm; the lawyer’s been suspended. But the message is clear — India’s courtrooms are now ground zero for religious rage. #SupremeCourt #SanatanDharma #Judiciary #IndiaNews #BRGavai Trump’s “Tariff for Peace” Claim Trump now says he single-handedly stopped war between India and Pakistan — using tariffs. After India’s Operation Sindoor in May, he claims he told both sides: no ceasefire, no trade. India calls it nonsense. But Trump’s turning his economic policy into a peace narrative — one few outside MAGA circles buy. #Trump #IndiaPakistan #TariffWar #ForeignPolicy #PeaceClaim Jaishankar’s Warning Shot India’s foreign minister just called out the “weaponization of everything.” S Jaishankar said New Delhi won’t bow to tariff pressure — especially on farm and dairy imports — and must be the crisis anchor in South Asia. His message: India plays by its own rules, even in a volatile world order. #Jaishankar #IndiaForeignPolicy #Trade #Tariffs #SouthAsia France’s Political Freefall France just lost its third prime minister in under a year. Sébastien Lecornu quit after just 26 days — his cabinet picks enraged parliament, and Macron’s government is paralyzed. Debt’s ballooning, politics are fractured, and Marine Le Pen’s shadow looms large. France’s Fifth Republic is wobbling. #FranceCrisis #Macron #Lecornu #LePen #EuropePolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:28:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump, Tariffs & Turnarounds Here’s the twist: Trump and Brazil’s Lula just had a surprisingly warm 30-minute call — and Bolsonaro, the man who caused their diplomatic fallout, wasn’t even mentioned. Earlier this year, Trump hit Brazil with 50% tariffs after its courts refused to drop coup charges against Bolsonaro. But this week, Lula flipped the script — pitching trade relief and reminding Trump that Brazil actually runs a deficit with the US. The call ended with promises of a face-to-face meet. Lula called it “cordial.” Translation? Trump’s letting go of ideology for a deal, and Lula’s charm offensive just paid off. #TrumpLulaCall #BrazilTrade #Bolsonaro #Geopolitics #USBrazilRelations Courtroom Chaos in Delhi A 71-year-old lawyer hurled his shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a live hearing — shouting, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma.” His outburst followed Gavai’s viral remark telling a petitioner to “ask the deity himself” after rejecting a temple plea. Gavai stayed calm; the lawyer’s been suspended. But the message is clear — India’s courtrooms are now ground zero for religious rage. #SupremeCourt #SanatanDharma #Judiciary #IndiaNews #BRGavai Trump’s “Tariff for Peace” Claim Trump now says he single-handedly stopped war between India and Pakistan — using tariffs. After India’s Operation Sindoor in May, he claims he told both sides: no ceasefire, no trade. India calls it nonsense. But Trump’s turning his economic policy into a peace narrative — one few outside MAGA circles buy. #Trump #IndiaPakistan #TariffWar #ForeignPolicy #PeaceClaim Jaishankar’s Warning Shot India’s foreign minister just called out the “weaponization of everything.” S Jaishankar said New Delhi won’t bow to tariff pressure — especially on farm and dairy imports — and must be the crisis anchor in South Asia. His message: India plays by its own rules, even in a volatile world order. #Jaishankar #IndiaForeignPolicy #Trade #Tariffs #SouthAsia France’s Political Freefall France just lost its third prime minister in under a year. Sébastien Lecornu quit after just 26 days — his cabinet picks enraged parliament, and Macron’s government is paralyzed. Debt’s ballooning, politics are fractured, and Marine Le Pen’s shadow looms large. France’s Fifth Republic is wobbling. #FranceCrisis #Macron #Lecornu #LePen #EuropePolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Trump, Tariffs & Turnarounds

Here’s the twist: Trump and Brazil’s Lula just had a surprisingly warm 30-minute call — and Bolsonaro, the man who caused their diplomatic fallout, wasn’t even mentioned. Earlier this year, Trump hit Brazil with 50% tariffs after its courts refused to drop coup charges against Bolsonaro. But this week, Lula flipped the script — pitching trade relief and reminding Trump that Brazil actually runs a deficit with the US. The call ended with promises of a face-to-face meet. Lula called it “cordial.” Translation? Trump’s letting go of ideology for a deal, and Lula’s charm offensive just paid off.


#TrumpLulaCall #BrazilTrade #Bolsonaro #Geopolitics #USBrazilRelations



Courtroom Chaos in Delhi

A 71-year-old lawyer hurled his shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a live hearing — shouting, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma.” His outburst followed Gavai’s viral remark telling a petitioner to “ask the deity himself” after rejecting a temple plea. Gavai stayed calm; the lawyer’s been suspended. But the message is clear — India’s courtrooms are now ground zero for religious rage.


#SupremeCourt #SanatanDharma #Judiciary #IndiaNews #BRGavai



Trump’s “Tariff for Peace” Claim

Trump now says he single-handedly stopped war between India and Pakistan — using tariffs. After India’s Operation Sindoor in May, he claims he told both sides: no ceasefire, no trade. India calls it nonsense. But Trump’s turning his economic policy into a peace narrative — one few outside MAGA circles buy.


#Trump #IndiaPakistan #TariffWar #ForeignPolicy #PeaceClaim



Jaishankar’s Warning Shot

India’s foreign minister just called out the “weaponization of everything.” S Jaishankar said New Delhi won’t bow to tariff pressure — especially on farm and dairy imports — and must be the crisis anchor in South Asia. His message: India plays by its own rules, even in a volatile world order.


#Jaishankar #IndiaForeignPolicy #Trade #Tariffs #SouthAsia



France’s Political Freefall

France just lost its third prime minister in under a year. Sébastien Lecornu quit after just 26 days — his cabinet picks enraged parliament, and Macron’s government is paralyzed. Debt’s ballooning, politics are fractured, and Marine Le Pen’s shadow looms large. France’s Fifth Republic is wobbling.


#FranceCrisis #Macron #Lecornu #LePen #EuropePolitics


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]]> 461 no India Crushes Pak | S-400 Defense Deal | India–Qatar Trade Talks | Jaishankar Draws the Line Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. The week began with tragedy in the hills. Relentless rain turned Darjeeling and Kalimpong into death zones — 18 dead, thousands stranded, homes buried in landslides between 2 and 3 a.m. Roads caved in, bridges collapsed, and tourists trapped as five NDRF teams dug through debris. With NH-10 cut off and two steel bridges washed away, rescue ops stretched thin. Politics followed quickly — BJP hit out at Mamata Banerjee for staying at Kolkata’s Puja carnival; TMC shot back saying she was monitoring round the clock. Meanwhile, Modi and Shah expressed condolences as the toll rose across Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. Then came fire on the field — India crushed Pakistan by 88 runs at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo. No handshakes. No smiles. Just fierce stares and a coin toss controversy that added fuel to the rivalry. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “perfect strike,” while fans called it payback season. On the global front, India drew new red lines with Washington. S Jaishankar said Delhi won’t open agriculture or dairy to US markets, calling current tariffs “unfair.” The message: India will trade, but on its own terms. And in defense, Delhi’s doubling down on Russia — set to buy five more S-400 systems, with local manufacturing built in. It’s proof India’s sticking with what’s battle-tested. Finally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Doha to push a new trade pact with Qatar — a move that could reset Gulf ties and give India a stronger foothold beyond oil. #DarjeelingFloods #IndiaPakistanRivalry #WomensWorldCup #S400 #IndiaUSRelations #PiyushGoyal #IndiaQatar #Jaishankar #MamataBanerjee #BreakingIndia #GlobalTrade #IndiaNews #TopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Oct 2025 03:34:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. The week began with tragedy in the hills. Relentless rain turned Darjeeling and Kalimpong into death zones — 18 dead, thousands stranded, homes buried in landslides between 2 and 3 a.m. Roads caved in, bridges collapsed, and tourists trapped as five NDRF teams dug through debris. With NH-10 cut off and two steel bridges washed away, rescue ops stretched thin. Politics followed quickly — BJP hit out at Mamata Banerjee for staying at Kolkata’s Puja carnival; TMC shot back saying she was monitoring round the clock. Meanwhile, Modi and Shah expressed condolences as the toll rose across Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. Then came fire on the field — India crushed Pakistan by 88 runs at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo. No handshakes. No smiles. Just fierce stares and a coin toss controversy that added fuel to the rivalry. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “perfect strike,” while fans called it payback season. On the global front, India drew new red lines with Washington. S Jaishankar said Delhi won’t open agriculture or dairy to US markets, calling current tariffs “unfair.” The message: India will trade, but on its own terms. And in defense, Delhi’s doubling down on Russia — set to buy five more S-400 systems, with local manufacturing built in. It’s proof India’s sticking with what’s battle-tested. Finally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Doha to push a new trade pact with Qatar — a move that could reset Gulf ties and give India a stronger foothold beyond oil. #DarjeelingFloods #IndiaPakistanRivalry #WomensWorldCup #S400 #IndiaUSRelations #PiyushGoyal #IndiaQatar #Jaishankar #MamataBanerjee #BreakingIndia #GlobalTrade #IndiaNews #TopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

The week began with tragedy in the hills. Relentless rain turned Darjeeling and Kalimpong into death zones — 18 dead, thousands stranded, homes buried in landslides between 2 and 3 a.m. Roads caved in, bridges collapsed, and tourists trapped as five NDRF teams dug through debris. With NH-10 cut off and two steel bridges washed away, rescue ops stretched thin. Politics followed quickly — BJP hit out at Mamata Banerjee for staying at Kolkata’s Puja carnival; TMC shot back saying she was monitoring round the clock. Meanwhile, Modi and Shah expressed condolences as the toll rose across Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Then came fire on the field — India crushed Pakistan by 88 runs at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo. No handshakes. No smiles. Just fierce stares and a coin toss controversy that added fuel to the rivalry. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “perfect strike,” while fans called it payback season.

On the global front, India drew new red lines with Washington. S Jaishankar said Delhi won’t open agriculture or dairy to US markets, calling current tariffs “unfair.” The message: India will trade, but on its own terms.

And in defense, Delhi’s doubling down on Russia — set to buy five more S-400 systems, with local manufacturing built in. It’s proof India’s sticking with what’s battle-tested.

Finally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Doha to push a new trade pact with Qatar — a move that could reset Gulf ties and give India a stronger foothold beyond oil.

#DarjeelingFloods #IndiaPakistanRivalry #WomensWorldCup #S400 #IndiaUSRelations #PiyushGoyal #IndiaQatar #Jaishankar #MamataBanerjee #BreakingIndia #GlobalTrade #IndiaNews #TopOfTheMorning


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 462 no India–China Skies Reopen | Toxic Syrup Scare | France Erupts Again 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 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:35:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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


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]]> 448 no Zoho’s Arattai vs WhatsApp | Gandhi Statue Defaced | India Rails Into Bhutan | RBI’s Rate Dilemma 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 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:22:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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


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]]> 512 no Trump’s “Triple Sabotage” at UN | Big Boost for Medical Seats | India-Australia Organic Pact 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 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:19:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 500 no H-1B Lottery Overhaul | Kerala Brain Infection | Swiggy–Rapido Deal | India’s Defense Plant in Africa 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 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:51:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 521 no UK vs US: Talent Tug of War | India Plans Bodyguard Satellites | France Recognizes Palestine at UNGA | Trump Spares Doctors 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 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:07:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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


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]]> 545 no Adani Gets Clean Slate | US Sanctions Iran Port - Big Blow For India | UK Lands £150bn US Investment 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 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:34:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.


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]]> 568 no Trump's Birthday Call to Modi | TikTok's Oracle Lifeline | France Faces Massive Strike | Father Fights to Clear Dead Pilot's Name 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 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:14:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

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]]> 580 no IRCTC: No ID, No Seat | Gaza Under Fire | Dehradun Cloudburst | India–US Trade Resume 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 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:43:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 645 no GST Cuts Trigger Stock Clearance | Trump Responds To Brutal Dallas Case | Tax Dept Busts Rumor 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 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 647 no Mahindra E20 Fuel Advisory | No Palestinian State: Netanyahu | Canada Tightens Student Visas 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 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:40:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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.


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]]> 663 no Modi Rebukes Israel | UPI Raises Limit | UN Spat with Switzerland | Wangchuk’s 35-Day Fast 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 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 03:19:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 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

]]> 640 no India–Israel Pact | Nepal’s Youth Revolution | India’s VP Elections Today | India–Israel Pact Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Power Shifts in Motion The world feels off its axis. India is choosing a new vice president while fending off Trump’s trade wars. Nepal’s Gen Z has taken to the streets in bloody clashes against corruption. The US just slammed shut a visa loophole Indians depended on. And India and Israel are sealing billion-dollar investment deals even as rockets fly. Different stories, same thread: power — who has it, who wants it, and how far they’ll go to keep it. US Visa Roadblock America now requires all Indians to apply at home, ending the long-used “fast track” via other countries. Wait times stretch up to 9 months, and with interview waivers gone, even kids and seniors must queue. Business trips and family emergencies just got harder. India’s VP Race After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden health resignation, two southern heavyweights battle for the VP chair. BJP’s CP Radhakrishnan has the numbers, but the opposition’s Sudershan Reddy keeps the fight alive. A secret ballot could still spring surprises. Trade Wars Heat Up At a BRICS summit, India’s S. Jaishankar slammed Trump’s punitive tariffs, calling out “weaponized trade.” With China and Russia backing him, BRICS is drawing battle lines that could reshape global commerce. Nepal’s Youth Revolution Nineteen killed, over 100 injured as Nepal’s Gen Z confronted corruption in Kathmandu. Sparked by TikTok clips of politicians’ kids flaunting wealth, the protests mirror Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s youth-led uprisings. A government crackdown may have only fueled the fire. India–Israel Pact New Delhi and Jerusalem signed an ironclad investment treaty shielding investors and opening trade corridors. With $3.76B trade already flowing, the deal expands into fintech, defense, and cyber. Both nations gain: Israel’s tech meets India’s market scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:22:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Power Shifts in Motion The world feels off its axis. India is choosing a new vice president while fending off Trump’s trade wars. Nepal’s Gen Z has taken to the streets in bloody clashes against corruption. The US just slammed shut a visa loophole Indians depended on. And India and Israel are sealing billion-dollar investment deals even as rockets fly. Different stories, same thread: power — who has it, who wants it, and how far they’ll go to keep it. US Visa Roadblock America now requires all Indians to apply at home, ending the long-used “fast track” via other countries. Wait times stretch up to 9 months, and with interview waivers gone, even kids and seniors must queue. Business trips and family emergencies just got harder. India’s VP Race After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden health resignation, two southern heavyweights battle for the VP chair. BJP’s CP Radhakrishnan has the numbers, but the opposition’s Sudershan Reddy keeps the fight alive. A secret ballot could still spring surprises. Trade Wars Heat Up At a BRICS summit, India’s S. Jaishankar slammed Trump’s punitive tariffs, calling out “weaponized trade.” With China and Russia backing him, BRICS is drawing battle lines that could reshape global commerce. Nepal’s Youth Revolution Nineteen killed, over 100 injured as Nepal’s Gen Z confronted corruption in Kathmandu. Sparked by TikTok clips of politicians’ kids flaunting wealth, the protests mirror Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s youth-led uprisings. A government crackdown may have only fueled the fire. India–Israel Pact New Delhi and Jerusalem signed an ironclad investment treaty shielding investors and opening trade corridors. With $3.76B trade already flowing, the deal expands into fintech, defense, and cyber. Both nations gain: Israel’s tech meets India’s market scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Power Shifts in Motion

The world feels off its axis. India is choosing a new vice president while fending off Trump’s trade wars. Nepal’s Gen Z has taken to the streets in bloody clashes against corruption. The US just slammed shut a visa loophole Indians depended on. And India and Israel are sealing billion-dollar investment deals even as rockets fly. Different stories, same thread: power — who has it, who wants it, and how far they’ll go to keep it.

US Visa Roadblock

America now requires all Indians to apply at home, ending the long-used “fast track” via other countries. Wait times stretch up to 9 months, and with interview waivers gone, even kids and seniors must queue. Business trips and family emergencies just got harder.

India’s VP Race

After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden health resignation, two southern heavyweights battle for the VP chair. BJP’s CP Radhakrishnan has the numbers, but the opposition’s Sudershan Reddy keeps the fight alive. A secret ballot could still spring surprises.

Trade Wars Heat Up

At a BRICS summit, India’s S. Jaishankar slammed Trump’s punitive tariffs, calling out “weaponized trade.” With China and Russia backing him, BRICS is drawing battle lines that could reshape global commerce.

Nepal’s Youth Revolution

Nineteen killed, over 100 injured as Nepal’s Gen Z confronted corruption in Kathmandu. Sparked by TikTok clips of politicians’ kids flaunting wealth, the protests mirror Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s youth-led uprisings. A government crackdown may have only fueled the fire.

India–Israel Pact

New Delhi and Jerusalem signed an ironclad investment treaty shielding investors and opening trade corridors. With $3.76B trade already flowing, the deal expands into fintech, defense, and cyber. Both nations gain: Israel’s tech meets India’s market scale.


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]]> 688 no UK’s Tihar Jail Inspection | Physics Wallah IPO | India Hires Trump Ally | Tharoor Calls Out US Bluff Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Tariffs, Oil & Trump’s India Puzzle Trump doubled tariffs on India to 50% over Russian oil purchases, hoping Delhi would bend. It hasn’t. Ex-diplomat KP Fabian says Trump’s “Triple T – Trumped-up Trump Tariffs” failed. Modi and Trump still call each other “friends,” but beneath the smiles, India is sticking to its long game: dealing with the US, Russia, and China without picking sides. Tharoor Fires Back Congress MP Shashi Tharoor dismissed US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that India will “say sorry” to Trump. “We have nothing to apologize for,” he said, pointing out that past US governments encouraged India to buy Russian oil. With Trump’s team threatening harsher sanctions, Tharoor warned against his “mercurial temperament,” stressing India’s right to protect its energy security. Physics Wallah’s $437M Leap As Byju’s and Unacademy crash, Physics Wallah is preparing a $437 million IPO. Revenue jumped 49% to $330 million, losses shrank, and the founders are betting on affordable, quality learning and physical coaching centers. Proof that content beats hype. Tihar’s Image Makeover To overcome UK courts blocking extraditions, India let British officials inspect Tihar Jail. They were “largely impressed,” and Delhi even offered a special enclave for fugitives. With 178 extradition cases pending, including Mallya and Nirav Modi, India is desperate to fix its global image. India’s $1.8M Trump Whisperer India hired Trump’s ex-strategist Jason Miller for $1.8M a year to lobby in Washington. Miller recently posed with Trump at the White House, signaling Delhi now has a direct line into Trumpworld—an investment already paying off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:50:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Tariffs, Oil & Trump’s India Puzzle Trump doubled tariffs on India to 50% over Russian oil purchases, hoping Delhi would bend. It hasn’t. Ex-diplomat KP Fabian says Trump’s “Triple T – Trumped-up Trump Tariffs” failed. Modi and Trump still call each other “friends,” but beneath the smiles, India is sticking to its long game: dealing with the US, Russia, and China without picking sides. Tharoor Fires Back Congress MP Shashi Tharoor dismissed US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that India will “say sorry” to Trump. “We have nothing to apologize for,” he said, pointing out that past US governments encouraged India to buy Russian oil. With Trump’s team threatening harsher sanctions, Tharoor warned against his “mercurial temperament,” stressing India’s right to protect its energy security. Physics Wallah’s $437M Leap As Byju’s and Unacademy crash, Physics Wallah is preparing a $437 million IPO. Revenue jumped 49% to $330 million, losses shrank, and the founders are betting on affordable, quality learning and physical coaching centers. Proof that content beats hype. Tihar’s Image Makeover To overcome UK courts blocking extraditions, India let British officials inspect Tihar Jail. They were “largely impressed,” and Delhi even offered a special enclave for fugitives. With 178 extradition cases pending, including Mallya and Nirav Modi, India is desperate to fix its global image. India’s $1.8M Trump Whisperer India hired Trump’s ex-strategist Jason Miller for $1.8M a year to lobby in Washington. Miller recently posed with Trump at the White House, signaling Delhi now has a direct line into Trumpworld—an investment already paying off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Tariffs, Oil & Trump’s India Puzzle

Trump doubled tariffs on India to 50% over Russian oil purchases, hoping Delhi would bend. It hasn’t. Ex-diplomat KP Fabian says Trump’s “Triple T – Trumped-up Trump Tariffs” failed. Modi and Trump still call each other “friends,” but beneath the smiles, India is sticking to its long game: dealing with the US, Russia, and China without picking sides.

Tharoor Fires Back

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor dismissed US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that India will “say sorry” to Trump. “We have nothing to apologize for,” he said, pointing out that past US governments encouraged India to buy Russian oil. With Trump’s team threatening harsher sanctions, Tharoor warned against his “mercurial temperament,” stressing India’s right to protect its energy security.

Physics Wallah’s $437M Leap

As Byju’s and Unacademy crash, Physics Wallah is preparing a $437 million IPO. Revenue jumped 49% to $330 million, losses shrank, and the founders are betting on affordable, quality learning and physical coaching centers. Proof that content beats hype.

Tihar’s Image Makeover

To overcome UK courts blocking extraditions, India let British officials inspect Tihar Jail. They were “largely impressed,” and Delhi even offered a special enclave for fugitives. With 178 extradition cases pending, including Mallya and Nirav Modi, India is desperate to fix its global image.

India’s $1.8M Trump Whisperer

India hired Trump’s ex-strategist Jason Miller for $1.8M a year to lobby in Washington. Miller recently posed with Trump at the White House, signaling Delhi now has a direct line into Trumpworld—an investment already paying off.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 600 no Swiggy, Zomato hike fees | Ola stake Sale | Gold slips, Stocks Jump | India & Singapore Seal Big Deals Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Food apps hike festive fees Swiggy and Zomato (now Eternal) have raised platform fees—₹15 and ₹12 in metros—while adding surge, rain, and distance charges. With GST now at 18% on deliveries, your festive orders will cost more. But convenience rules, and platforms know demand spikes 30–50% during this season. Even a ₹2–3 hike per order translates into crores as they process 5 million orders daily. Afghan quake toll rises Twin earthquakes have killed over 2,200 and injured 3,600 in eastern Afghanistan, flattening villages and leaving 6,700 homes in ruins. Survivors face harsh weather and dwindling aid as the UN warns food and medicine could run out in weeks. Entire communities are shattered, with almost 98% of homes destroyed in some districts. EU looks to India European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says India has a key role in ending the Ukraine war, after talks with PM Modi. Both sides also push to conclude a long-delayed free trade pact this year, with the next round of talks set for September 8 in New Delhi. Gold slips, stocks jump Gold cooled as investors shifted to equities after GST reforms. MCX gold futures fell to ₹1,06,704, silver to ₹1,24,850, even as Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1%. Analysts advise booking profits and waiting for dips before fresh gold buys. SoftBank trims Ola stake SoftBank cut its Ola Electric holding to 15.68%, selling 95 million shares. Ironically, Ola stock soared 61% in August—its best rally since listing—driven by Bhavish Aggarwal’s roadmap and China lifting rare earth restrictions. Losses narrowed, but revenue halved year-on-year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Food apps hike festive fees Swiggy and Zomato (now Eternal) have raised platform fees—₹15 and ₹12 in metros—while adding surge, rain, and distance charges. With GST now at 18% on deliveries, your festive orders will cost more. But convenience rules, and platforms know demand spikes 30–50% during this season. Even a ₹2–3 hike per order translates into crores as they process 5 million orders daily. Afghan quake toll rises Twin earthquakes have killed over 2,200 and injured 3,600 in eastern Afghanistan, flattening villages and leaving 6,700 homes in ruins. Survivors face harsh weather and dwindling aid as the UN warns food and medicine could run out in weeks. Entire communities are shattered, with almost 98% of homes destroyed in some districts. EU looks to India European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says India has a key role in ending the Ukraine war, after talks with PM Modi. Both sides also push to conclude a long-delayed free trade pact this year, with the next round of talks set for September 8 in New Delhi. Gold slips, stocks jump Gold cooled as investors shifted to equities after GST reforms. MCX gold futures fell to ₹1,06,704, silver to ₹1,24,850, even as Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1%. Analysts advise booking profits and waiting for dips before fresh gold buys. SoftBank trims Ola stake SoftBank cut its Ola Electric holding to 15.68%, selling 95 million shares. Ironically, Ola stock soared 61% in August—its best rally since listing—driven by Bhavish Aggarwal’s roadmap and China lifting rare earth restrictions. Losses narrowed, but revenue halved year-on-year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Food apps hike festive fees

Swiggy and Zomato (now Eternal) have raised platform fees—₹15 and ₹12 in metros—while adding surge, rain, and distance charges. With GST now at 18% on deliveries, your festive orders will cost more. But convenience rules, and platforms know demand spikes 30–50% during this season. Even a ₹2–3 hike per order translates into crores as they process 5 million orders daily.

Afghan quake toll rises

Twin earthquakes have killed over 2,200 and injured 3,600 in eastern Afghanistan, flattening villages and leaving 6,700 homes in ruins. Survivors face harsh weather and dwindling aid as the UN warns food and medicine could run out in weeks. Entire communities are shattered, with almost 98% of homes destroyed in some districts.

EU looks to India

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says India has a key role in ending the Ukraine war, after talks with PM Modi. Both sides also push to conclude a long-delayed free trade pact this year, with the next round of talks set for September 8 in New Delhi.

Gold slips, stocks jump

Gold cooled as investors shifted to equities after GST reforms. MCX gold futures fell to ₹1,06,704, silver to ₹1,24,850, even as Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1%. Analysts advise booking profits and waiting for dips before fresh gold buys.

SoftBank trims Ola stake

SoftBank cut its Ola Electric holding to 15.68%, selling 95 million shares. Ironically, Ola stock soared 61% in August—its best rally since listing—driven by Bhavish Aggarwal’s roadmap and China lifting rare earth restrictions. Losses narrowed, but revenue halved year-on-year.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 622 no GST Reforms, What’s Cheaper | Cyberattack Hits JLR | Xi’s Power Parade | Putin Invites Zelensky Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Rat Bite Horror in Indore Two newborns bitten by rats inside Indore’s government-run MY Hospital died within 24 hours, sparking outrage. Hospital authorities insist the deaths were due to septicemia and congenital conditions, not the bites. But the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has demanded answers, opposition leaders call it systemic negligence, and the state government has suspended staff and fined the pest control agency. For grieving families, accountability comes too late. China’s Power Parade Marking 80 years since WWII, Xi Jinping unveiled a stunning display of military might in Beijing. From hypersonic Yingji missiles and DF-series ICBMs to stealth fighters, drones, and truck-mounted lasers, the showcase highlighted China’s growing edge in numbers and technology. Analysts, though, caution that parade power doesn’t equal battlefield experience—yet Beijing’s message to rivals is unmistakable: it’s preparing to outproduce and outpace them. Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Hit Luxury automaker JLR confirmed a cyberattack that forced global system shutdowns, disrupting production and retail. While no customer data breach is evident, the disruption adds to its troubles—delayed EV launches and trade headwinds. The attack highlights how UK firms remain prime targets for sophisticated hackers, raising fresh alarms on corporate cyber readiness. Putin Opens Door to Zelensky Talks In Beijing, Vladimir Putin said he’s ready to meet Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow—if talks are well-prepared. But he also warned Russia would continue fighting if diplomacy fails. With Trump pushing for a trilateral summit, both sides trade blame for delays. For now, Putin’s remarks offer only a slim glimmer of dialogue amid the grinding war. GST Rate Reset Before Diwali Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s GST Council has slashed rates on essentials—footwear and clothes up to ₹2,500 now fall under the 5% slab, doubling the earlier limit. Bigger reforms are coming: most 12% goods will drop to 5%, and many 28% items to 18%. Sin goods stay at 40%. The move ties back to PM Modi’s “Diwali gift” promise—lighter bills for households, heavier worries for states losing tax revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:08:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Rat Bite Horror in Indore Two newborns bitten by rats inside Indore’s government-run MY Hospital died within 24 hours, sparking outrage. Hospital authorities insist the deaths were due to septicemia and congenital conditions, not the bites. But the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has demanded answers, opposition leaders call it systemic negligence, and the state government has suspended staff and fined the pest control agency. For grieving families, accountability comes too late. China’s Power Parade Marking 80 years since WWII, Xi Jinping unveiled a stunning display of military might in Beijing. From hypersonic Yingji missiles and DF-series ICBMs to stealth fighters, drones, and truck-mounted lasers, the showcase highlighted China’s growing edge in numbers and technology. Analysts, though, caution that parade power doesn’t equal battlefield experience—yet Beijing’s message to rivals is unmistakable: it’s preparing to outproduce and outpace them. Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Hit Luxury automaker JLR confirmed a cyberattack that forced global system shutdowns, disrupting production and retail. While no customer data breach is evident, the disruption adds to its troubles—delayed EV launches and trade headwinds. The attack highlights how UK firms remain prime targets for sophisticated hackers, raising fresh alarms on corporate cyber readiness. Putin Opens Door to Zelensky Talks In Beijing, Vladimir Putin said he’s ready to meet Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow—if talks are well-prepared. But he also warned Russia would continue fighting if diplomacy fails. With Trump pushing for a trilateral summit, both sides trade blame for delays. For now, Putin’s remarks offer only a slim glimmer of dialogue amid the grinding war. GST Rate Reset Before Diwali Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s GST Council has slashed rates on essentials—footwear and clothes up to ₹2,500 now fall under the 5% slab, doubling the earlier limit. Bigger reforms are coming: most 12% goods will drop to 5%, and many 28% items to 18%. Sin goods stay at 40%. The move ties back to PM Modi’s “Diwali gift” promise—lighter bills for households, heavier worries for states losing tax revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Rat Bite Horror in Indore

Two newborns bitten by rats inside Indore’s government-run MY Hospital died within 24 hours, sparking outrage. Hospital authorities insist the deaths were due to septicemia and congenital conditions, not the bites. But the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has demanded answers, opposition leaders call it systemic negligence, and the state government has suspended staff and fined the pest control agency. For grieving families, accountability comes too late.

China’s Power Parade

Marking 80 years since WWII, Xi Jinping unveiled a stunning display of military might in Beijing. From hypersonic Yingji missiles and DF-series ICBMs to stealth fighters, drones, and truck-mounted lasers, the showcase highlighted China’s growing edge in numbers and technology. Analysts, though, caution that parade power doesn’t equal battlefield experience—yet Beijing’s message to rivals is unmistakable: it’s preparing to outproduce and outpace them.

Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Hit

Luxury automaker JLR confirmed a cyberattack that forced global system shutdowns, disrupting production and retail. While no customer data breach is evident, the disruption adds to its troubles—delayed EV launches and trade headwinds. The attack highlights how UK firms remain prime targets for sophisticated hackers, raising fresh alarms on corporate cyber readiness.

Putin Opens Door to Zelensky Talks

In Beijing, Vladimir Putin said he’s ready to meet Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow—if talks are well-prepared. But he also warned Russia would continue fighting if diplomacy fails. With Trump pushing for a trilateral summit, both sides trade blame for delays. For now, Putin’s remarks offer only a slim glimmer of dialogue amid the grinding war.

GST Rate Reset Before Diwali

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s GST Council has slashed rates on essentials—footwear and clothes up to ₹2,500 now fall under the 5% slab, doubling the earlier limit. Bigger reforms are coming: most 12% goods will drop to 5%, and many 28% items to 18%. Sin goods stay at 40%. The move ties back to PM Modi’s “Diwali gift” promise—lighter bills for households, heavier worries for states losing tax revenue.


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]]> 690 no Singapore PM in India | TCS $640M Deal | Pakistan Woos Russia | Sitharaman’s Reform Push Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India is at the center of some big moves this week—diplomatic, economic, and corporate. In Beijing, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif tried to woo Vladimir Putin, praising Russia’s “balancing act” in South Asia and calling him a “dynamic leader.” But here’s the truth—India’s ties with Moscow run deeper, built over decades of defense and energy cooperation, far outweighing Islamabad’s fresh overtures. Meanwhile, Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong has chosen New Delhi for his maiden visit, underlining confidence in India’s growth story. Deals on aviation, space, finance, and digital innovation are on the table, along with a $1.3 billion PSA port project. Singapore remains India’s top investor and is doubling down with plans to put in $15 billion this year. On the energy front, Russia has offered India even bigger discounts on crude, just as the Trump administration slapped 50% tariffs on Indian exports. New Delhi isn’t backing down—its refiners find Russian oil too cost-effective to resist. PM Modi reinforced at the SCO summit that Russia remains a “special partner.” Back home, Tata Consultancy Services finally landed a mega deal after a long dry spell—a $640 million contract with Danish insurer Tryg. The win comes at a time when rivals have been snapping up billion-dollar clients and TCS faces investor concerns after weak growth and job cuts. And setting the stage for long-term reform, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new task force to cut red tape and ease compliance for small businesses, paired with GST reforms. With GDP at 7.8%, inflation at an eight-year low, and a recent S&P upgrade, India’s economic resilience is shining through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:49:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India is at the center of some big moves this week—diplomatic, economic, and corporate. In Beijing, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif tried to woo Vladimir Putin, praising Russia’s “balancing act” in South Asia and calling him a “dynamic leader.” But here’s the truth—India’s ties with Moscow run deeper, built over decades of defense and energy cooperation, far outweighing Islamabad’s fresh overtures. Meanwhile, Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong has chosen New Delhi for his maiden visit, underlining confidence in India’s growth story. Deals on aviation, space, finance, and digital innovation are on the table, along with a $1.3 billion PSA port project. Singapore remains India’s top investor and is doubling down with plans to put in $15 billion this year. On the energy front, Russia has offered India even bigger discounts on crude, just as the Trump administration slapped 50% tariffs on Indian exports. New Delhi isn’t backing down—its refiners find Russian oil too cost-effective to resist. PM Modi reinforced at the SCO summit that Russia remains a “special partner.” Back home, Tata Consultancy Services finally landed a mega deal after a long dry spell—a $640 million contract with Danish insurer Tryg. The win comes at a time when rivals have been snapping up billion-dollar clients and TCS faces investor concerns after weak growth and job cuts. And setting the stage for long-term reform, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new task force to cut red tape and ease compliance for small businesses, paired with GST reforms. With GDP at 7.8%, inflation at an eight-year low, and a recent S&P upgrade, India’s economic resilience is shining through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

India is at the center of some big moves this week—diplomatic, economic, and corporate.

In Beijing, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif tried to woo Vladimir Putin, praising Russia’s “balancing act” in South Asia and calling him a “dynamic leader.” But here’s the truth—India’s ties with Moscow run deeper, built over decades of defense and energy cooperation, far outweighing Islamabad’s fresh overtures.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong has chosen New Delhi for his maiden visit, underlining confidence in India’s growth story. Deals on aviation, space, finance, and digital innovation are on the table, along with a $1.3 billion PSA port project. Singapore remains India’s top investor and is doubling down with plans to put in $15 billion this year.

On the energy front, Russia has offered India even bigger discounts on crude, just as the Trump administration slapped 50% tariffs on Indian exports. New Delhi isn’t backing down—its refiners find Russian oil too cost-effective to resist. PM Modi reinforced at the SCO summit that Russia remains a “special partner.”

Back home, Tata Consultancy Services finally landed a mega deal after a long dry spell—a $640 million contract with Danish insurer Tryg. The win comes at a time when rivals have been snapping up billion-dollar clients and TCS faces investor concerns after weak growth and job cuts.

And setting the stage for long-term reform, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new task force to cut red tape and ease compliance for small businesses, paired with GST reforms. With GDP at 7.8%, inflation at an eight-year low, and a recent S&P upgrade, India’s economic resilience is shining through.


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]]> 624 no Rupee Record Low | SpiceJet Fined Over 14-Hour Delay | SCO Backs India After Pahalgam Attack | Afghanistan Earthquake Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Quake Flattens Afghan Villages A 6.0 earthquake has left eastern Afghanistan shattered — more than 800 killed, nearly 3,000 injured. Entire villages in Kunar province are gone, with survivors describing terrifying jolts and endless aftershocks. Helicopters are the only way in as floods and landslides block roads. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed, and the Taliban has appealed for urgent international aid. SCO Backs India on Terror At its Tianjin summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and backed India’s demand that “double standards” on terrorism must end. Leaders from India, China, Russia, and Pakistan signed a declaration pledging zero tolerance for terror and more cooperation against cross-border threats. The statement also condemned violence in Gaza and strikes on Iran, while urging reforms at the UN, IMF, and World Bank. India, however, refused to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Trump Targets India Again US President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions, calling the India-US equation a “one-sided disaster.” He claimed India has offered to cut tariffs on American goods to “nothing,” but also linked Washington’s steep 50% tariffs to India’s oil trade with Russia. New Delhi has pushed back, defending farm protections and accusing the US of moving the goalposts. Rupee Sinks to 88.33 The Indian rupee has slipped to a fresh record low of 88.33 against the dollar, pressured by US tariffs, heavy importer hedging, and foreign outflows. Analysts warn it could slide toward 89–90 if the dispute drags on, though RBI may intervene. This comes even as India’s economy logged a robust 7.8% growth last quarter. SpiceJet Fined Over Delay A Mumbai consumer court has ordered SpiceJet to pay ₹55,000 to a passenger after a 14-hour Dubai–Mumbai delay where the airline served only a burger and fries. The ruling reminded carriers that technical glitches don’t excuse neglecting passengers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Quake Flattens Afghan Villages A 6.0 earthquake has left eastern Afghanistan shattered — more than 800 killed, nearly 3,000 injured. Entire villages in Kunar province are gone, with survivors describing terrifying jolts and endless aftershocks. Helicopters are the only way in as floods and landslides block roads. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed, and the Taliban has appealed for urgent international aid. SCO Backs India on Terror At its Tianjin summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and backed India’s demand that “double standards” on terrorism must end. Leaders from India, China, Russia, and Pakistan signed a declaration pledging zero tolerance for terror and more cooperation against cross-border threats. The statement also condemned violence in Gaza and strikes on Iran, while urging reforms at the UN, IMF, and World Bank. India, however, refused to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Trump Targets India Again US President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions, calling the India-US equation a “one-sided disaster.” He claimed India has offered to cut tariffs on American goods to “nothing,” but also linked Washington’s steep 50% tariffs to India’s oil trade with Russia. New Delhi has pushed back, defending farm protections and accusing the US of moving the goalposts. Rupee Sinks to 88.33 The Indian rupee has slipped to a fresh record low of 88.33 against the dollar, pressured by US tariffs, heavy importer hedging, and foreign outflows. Analysts warn it could slide toward 89–90 if the dispute drags on, though RBI may intervene. This comes even as India’s economy logged a robust 7.8% growth last quarter. SpiceJet Fined Over Delay A Mumbai consumer court has ordered SpiceJet to pay ₹55,000 to a passenger after a 14-hour Dubai–Mumbai delay where the airline served only a burger and fries. The ruling reminded carriers that technical glitches don’t excuse neglecting passengers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Quake Flattens Afghan Villages

A 6.0 earthquake has left eastern Afghanistan shattered — more than 800 killed, nearly 3,000 injured. Entire villages in Kunar province are gone, with survivors describing terrifying jolts and endless aftershocks. Helicopters are the only way in as floods and landslides block roads. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed, and the Taliban has appealed for urgent international aid.

SCO Backs India on Terror

At its Tianjin summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and backed India’s demand that “double standards” on terrorism must end. Leaders from India, China, Russia, and Pakistan signed a declaration pledging zero tolerance for terror and more cooperation against cross-border threats. The statement also condemned violence in Gaza and strikes on Iran, while urging reforms at the UN, IMF, and World Bank. India, however, refused to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Trump Targets India Again

US President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions, calling the India-US equation a “one-sided disaster.” He claimed India has offered to cut tariffs on American goods to “nothing,” but also linked Washington’s steep 50% tariffs to India’s oil trade with Russia. New Delhi has pushed back, defending farm protections and accusing the US of moving the goalposts.

Rupee Sinks to 88.33

The Indian rupee has slipped to a fresh record low of 88.33 against the dollar, pressured by US tariffs, heavy importer hedging, and foreign outflows. Analysts warn it could slide toward 89–90 if the dispute drags on, though RBI may intervene. This comes even as India’s economy logged a robust 7.8% growth last quarter.

SpiceJet Fined Over Delay

A Mumbai consumer court has ordered SpiceJet to pay ₹55,000 to a passenger after a 14-hour Dubai–Mumbai delay where the airline served only a burger and fries. The ruling reminded carriers that technical glitches don’t excuse neglecting passengers.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 533 no Modi–Xi Reset at SCO | Macron Recognizes Palestine | Tokyo Bets Big on India’s Growth Story | Trump May Skip India Visit Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Dragon & Elephant Talk Peace In Beijing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping struck a rare note of harmony at the SCO summit. After years of border tensions, both leaders stressed that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” agreeing to resume direct flights and even restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Xi said it was “vital for the dragon and elephant to walk together” in shaping a multipolar world. Macron Rekindles Two-State Push In Paris, Emmanuel Macron reignited the two-state debate by recognizing Palestine, despite protests from Israel and the US. Macron argued Gaza’s humanitarian crisis demands urgent action, while critics warned recognition could embolden militants. Several Western nations may follow France’s lead at the UN next month. India’s Next Biofuel Leap New Delhi is moving its biofuel experiment off the roads and onto construction sites. Bulldozers, cranes and heavy carriers that consume nearly 4% of India’s diesel could soon run on blended fuels. The move cuts oil imports, lowers emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by using crop-based fuels. Trump Skips India Visit US President Donald Trump may cancel his India trip and skip the Quad summit after slapping tariffs on Indian goods. Beyond trade, tensions stem from Trump’s claim that he personally brokered peace between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi strongly rejects. India & Japan Seal $68B Pact In Tokyo, Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a 10-year roadmap, with Japan pledging $68 billion in private investment into India. Both leaders called it a “golden chapter,” combining Japanese technology and Indian talent to drive growth, while reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:33:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Dragon & Elephant Talk Peace In Beijing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping struck a rare note of harmony at the SCO summit. After years of border tensions, both leaders stressed that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” agreeing to resume direct flights and even restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Xi said it was “vital for the dragon and elephant to walk together” in shaping a multipolar world. Macron Rekindles Two-State Push In Paris, Emmanuel Macron reignited the two-state debate by recognizing Palestine, despite protests from Israel and the US. Macron argued Gaza’s humanitarian crisis demands urgent action, while critics warned recognition could embolden militants. Several Western nations may follow France’s lead at the UN next month. India’s Next Biofuel Leap New Delhi is moving its biofuel experiment off the roads and onto construction sites. Bulldozers, cranes and heavy carriers that consume nearly 4% of India’s diesel could soon run on blended fuels. The move cuts oil imports, lowers emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by using crop-based fuels. Trump Skips India Visit US President Donald Trump may cancel his India trip and skip the Quad summit after slapping tariffs on Indian goods. Beyond trade, tensions stem from Trump’s claim that he personally brokered peace between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi strongly rejects. India & Japan Seal $68B Pact In Tokyo, Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a 10-year roadmap, with Japan pledging $68 billion in private investment into India. Both leaders called it a “golden chapter,” combining Japanese technology and Indian talent to drive growth, while reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Dragon & Elephant Talk Peace

In Beijing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping struck a rare note of harmony at the SCO summit. After years of border tensions, both leaders stressed that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” agreeing to resume direct flights and even restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Xi said it was “vital for the dragon and elephant to walk together” in shaping a multipolar world.

Macron Rekindles Two-State Push

In Paris, Emmanuel Macron reignited the two-state debate by recognizing Palestine, despite protests from Israel and the US. Macron argued Gaza’s humanitarian crisis demands urgent action, while critics warned recognition could embolden militants. Several Western nations may follow France’s lead at the UN next month.

India’s Next Biofuel Leap

New Delhi is moving its biofuel experiment off the roads and onto construction sites. Bulldozers, cranes and heavy carriers that consume nearly 4% of India’s diesel could soon run on blended fuels. The move cuts oil imports, lowers emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by using crop-based fuels.

Trump Skips India Visit

US President Donald Trump may cancel his India trip and skip the Quad summit after slapping tariffs on Indian goods. Beyond trade, tensions stem from Trump’s claim that he personally brokered peace between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi strongly rejects.

India & Japan Seal $68B Pact

In Tokyo, Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a 10-year roadmap, with Japan pledging $68 billion in private investment into India. Both leaders called it a “golden chapter,” combining Japanese technology and Indian talent to drive growth, while reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 no Groww Clears $1 Billion IPO | 40% Women Feel Unsafe | India Rolls Out First Chip | $200M Fighter Falls From Sky Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. F-35 Crash: Ice Brings Down $200M Jet In Alaska, a $200 million F-35 fighter jet crashed after its pilot spent nearly an hour circling mid-air on a live call with Lockheed Martin engineers. The cause? Ice in the hydraulic lines that froze the landing gear and tricked the jet into “ground mode.” The pilot ejected safely, but the crash added to a tally of 15 F-35 accidents worldwide. Earlier this year, another F-35 was grounded in Kerala and one made an emergency landing in Japan—raising questions about the reliability of America’s most advanced fighter. India’s First Made-in-India Chip Rolls Out In Sanand, Gujarat, India celebrated a milestone as IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s first packaged semiconductor chip from CG Semi’s pilot OSAT facility. The ₹600 crore G1 unit can produce half a million chips a day, with a much larger G2 plant set to follow next year. Together, they aim for 4.7 billion chips annually, serving electronics, auto, and EV sectors. Sanand is fast becoming India’s chip hub under the ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Mission. 40% of Urban Women Feel Unsafe: NARI 2025 A new survey across 31 cities shows 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. In 2024, 7% reported harassment—100 times higher than official crime data. Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Patna ranked least safe, while Mumbai and Kohima were rated safer. Only 22% reported incidents to authorities; over half were unsure if their workplaces had the legally mandated POSH policy. Groww Eyes $1B IPO Amid Investor Exodus Bengaluru-based Groww has SEBI’s approval to raise $800 million–$1 billion in an IPO. Backed by GIC, Tiger Global, and Satya Nadella, Groww heads to markets even as discount brokers lost nearly 2 million clients in 2025. Stricter SEBI rules on F&O trading have cooled retail participation. Still, Groww’s profits tripled to ₹1,819 crore, showing strength despite the turbulence. India to Be World’s No. 2 Economy by 2038: EY EY projects India’s GDP at $34.2 trillion by 2038 in purchasing power parity terms, overtaking most economies. PPP, which adjusts for cost-of-living differences, shows India’s consumer strength and competitiveness more accurately than volatile market exchange rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. F-35 Crash: Ice Brings Down $200M Jet In Alaska, a $200 million F-35 fighter jet crashed after its pilot spent nearly an hour circling mid-air on a live call with Lockheed Martin engineers. The cause? Ice in the hydraulic lines that froze the landing gear and tricked the jet into “ground mode.” The pilot ejected safely, but the crash added to a tally of 15 F-35 accidents worldwide. Earlier this year, another F-35 was grounded in Kerala and one made an emergency landing in Japan—raising questions about the reliability of America’s most advanced fighter. India’s First Made-in-India Chip Rolls Out In Sanand, Gujarat, India celebrated a milestone as IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s first packaged semiconductor chip from CG Semi’s pilot OSAT facility. The ₹600 crore G1 unit can produce half a million chips a day, with a much larger G2 plant set to follow next year. Together, they aim for 4.7 billion chips annually, serving electronics, auto, and EV sectors. Sanand is fast becoming India’s chip hub under the ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Mission. 40% of Urban Women Feel Unsafe: NARI 2025 A new survey across 31 cities shows 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. In 2024, 7% reported harassment—100 times higher than official crime data. Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Patna ranked least safe, while Mumbai and Kohima were rated safer. Only 22% reported incidents to authorities; over half were unsure if their workplaces had the legally mandated POSH policy. Groww Eyes $1B IPO Amid Investor Exodus Bengaluru-based Groww has SEBI’s approval to raise $800 million–$1 billion in an IPO. Backed by GIC, Tiger Global, and Satya Nadella, Groww heads to markets even as discount brokers lost nearly 2 million clients in 2025. Stricter SEBI rules on F&O trading have cooled retail participation. Still, Groww’s profits tripled to ₹1,819 crore, showing strength despite the turbulence. India to Be World’s No. 2 Economy by 2038: EY EY projects India’s GDP at $34.2 trillion by 2038 in purchasing power parity terms, overtaking most economies. PPP, which adjusts for cost-of-living differences, shows India’s consumer strength and competitiveness more accurately than volatile market exchange rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

F-35 Crash: Ice Brings Down $200M Jet

In Alaska, a $200 million F-35 fighter jet crashed after its pilot spent nearly an hour circling mid-air on a live call with Lockheed Martin engineers. The cause? Ice in the hydraulic lines that froze the landing gear and tricked the jet into “ground mode.” The pilot ejected safely, but the crash added to a tally of 15 F-35 accidents worldwide. Earlier this year, another F-35 was grounded in Kerala and one made an emergency landing in Japan—raising questions about the reliability of America’s most advanced fighter.

India’s First Made-in-India Chip Rolls Out

In Sanand, Gujarat, India celebrated a milestone as IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s first packaged semiconductor chip from CG Semi’s pilot OSAT facility. The ₹600 crore G1 unit can produce half a million chips a day, with a much larger G2 plant set to follow next year. Together, they aim for 4.7 billion chips annually, serving electronics, auto, and EV sectors. Sanand is fast becoming India’s chip hub under the ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Mission.

40% of Urban Women Feel Unsafe: NARI 2025

A new survey across 31 cities shows 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. In 2024, 7% reported harassment—100 times higher than official crime data. Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Patna ranked least safe, while Mumbai and Kohima were rated safer. Only 22% reported incidents to authorities; over half were unsure if their workplaces had the legally mandated POSH policy.

Groww Eyes $1B IPO Amid Investor Exodus

Bengaluru-based Groww has SEBI’s approval to raise $800 million–$1 billion in an IPO. Backed by GIC, Tiger Global, and Satya Nadella, Groww heads to markets even as discount brokers lost nearly 2 million clients in 2025. Stricter SEBI rules on F&O trading have cooled retail participation. Still, Groww’s profits tripled to ₹1,819 crore, showing strength despite the turbulence.

India to Be World’s No. 2 Economy by 2038: EY

EY projects India’s GDP at $34.2 trillion by 2038 in purchasing power parity terms, overtaking most economies. PPP, which adjusts for cost-of-living differences, shows India’s consumer strength and competitiveness more accurately than volatile market exchange rates.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 736 no India’s New War Doctrines | Modi in Japan | Indigo Stake Sale: Most Spectacular Exits In Indian Business History Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. US Tightens Visas DHS plans to scrap open-ended stays for students and visitors, capping F and J visas at four years, cutting grace periods, and limiting program changes. Officials cite security and oversight as millions enter each year. India’s New War Doctrines Three doctrines unveiled—Special Forces, airborne ops, and multi-domain warfare—aim to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for future conflicts across land, sea, space, and cyber. Modi in Japan PM Modi begins his first solo visit to Japan in seven years. Talks with PM Ishiba will cover semiconductors, EVs, bullet trains, and Indo-Pacific security under the Quad. Next stop: China for the SCO summit. Tariff Tensions US tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, targeting Russian oil buys. Treasury chief Bessent says ties are “complicated” but insists Modi and Trump will “come together.” India calls the move unjustified. Gangwal’s Mega Exit IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal turns a ₹15 crore bet into ₹45,000 crore, pulling off one of the most spectacular exits in Indian business history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Aug 2025 03:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. US Tightens Visas DHS plans to scrap open-ended stays for students and visitors, capping F and J visas at four years, cutting grace periods, and limiting program changes. Officials cite security and oversight as millions enter each year. India’s New War Doctrines Three doctrines unveiled—Special Forces, airborne ops, and multi-domain warfare—aim to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for future conflicts across land, sea, space, and cyber. Modi in Japan PM Modi begins his first solo visit to Japan in seven years. Talks with PM Ishiba will cover semiconductors, EVs, bullet trains, and Indo-Pacific security under the Quad. Next stop: China for the SCO summit. Tariff Tensions US tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, targeting Russian oil buys. Treasury chief Bessent says ties are “complicated” but insists Modi and Trump will “come together.” India calls the move unjustified. Gangwal’s Mega Exit IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal turns a ₹15 crore bet into ₹45,000 crore, pulling off one of the most spectacular exits in Indian business history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


US Tightens Visas

DHS plans to scrap open-ended stays for students and visitors, capping F and J visas at four years, cutting grace periods, and limiting program changes. Officials cite security and oversight as millions enter each year.


India’s New War Doctrines

Three doctrines unveiled—Special Forces, airborne ops, and multi-domain warfare—aim to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for future conflicts across land, sea, space, and cyber.


Modi in Japan

PM Modi begins his first solo visit to Japan in seven years. Talks with PM Ishiba will cover semiconductors, EVs, bullet trains, and Indo-Pacific security under the Quad. Next stop: China for the SCO summit.


Tariff Tensions

US tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, targeting Russian oil buys. Treasury chief Bessent says ties are “complicated” but insists Modi and Trump will “come together.” India calls the move unjustified.


Gangwal’s Mega Exit

IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal turns a ₹15 crore bet into ₹45,000 crore, pulling off one of the most spectacular exits in Indian business history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 623 no US to Scrap Green Card for Gold Card? | US-Russia Energy Talks | 50% India Tariffs Is On Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s 50% Tariffs on India Starting August 27, Indian exports to the US will face a steep 50% tariff. President Trump doubled duties earlier this month, punishing India for buying Russian oil—a move New Delhi calls “unfair and unreasonable.” Pharma, electronics, and key metals are exempt, but most exports will be hit. PM Modi, striking a defiant note, urged Indians to go “swadeshi” while officials brace exporters for a slowdown. US Pushes ‘Gold Card’ Visa Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration is set to overhaul the H1-B and green card system. The proposed “Gold Card” would give residency to foreigners investing $5 million. Officials claim 250,000 people are already interested, potentially generating $1.25 trillion. H1-B visas, meanwhile, could shift from a lottery to a wage-based system, prioritising higher-paying jobs—tough news for Indian tech workers. Modi to Attend SCO in China PM Modi will travel to Tianjin next week for the SCO summit—his first China visit in seven years. Alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, leaders from across Asia will attend what Beijing hopes is a show of Global South unity. Analysts say Modi may use the moment to reset ties with China after the 2020 border clashes, while Xi will showcase a “post-American-led world.” US-Russia Explore Energy Deals Even as India is punished for trading with Russia, Washington may be cutting its own deals with Moscow. Reports suggest talks are on to let Exxon Mobil re-enter Russia’s Sakhalin-1 project, allow sales of US equipment for LNG projects, and even buy nuclear icebreakers from Russia. The timing raises eyebrows: Trump penalises India for Russian oil but explores energy ties with Putin himself. HAL Orders 113 Jet Engines HAL is set to sign a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 GE-404 engines to power nearly 200 LCA Mk-1A fighters. These jets will replace India’s retiring MiG-21s. Delivery delays, however, have raised doubts within the Air Force. HAL is also negotiating joint production of GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mk-2, a deal with 80% tech transfer—crucial to India’s defence self-reliance push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:43:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s 50% Tariffs on India Starting August 27, Indian exports to the US will face a steep 50% tariff. President Trump doubled duties earlier this month, punishing India for buying Russian oil—a move New Delhi calls “unfair and unreasonable.” Pharma, electronics, and key metals are exempt, but most exports will be hit. PM Modi, striking a defiant note, urged Indians to go “swadeshi” while officials brace exporters for a slowdown. US Pushes ‘Gold Card’ Visa Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration is set to overhaul the H1-B and green card system. The proposed “Gold Card” would give residency to foreigners investing $5 million. Officials claim 250,000 people are already interested, potentially generating $1.25 trillion. H1-B visas, meanwhile, could shift from a lottery to a wage-based system, prioritising higher-paying jobs—tough news for Indian tech workers. Modi to Attend SCO in China PM Modi will travel to Tianjin next week for the SCO summit—his first China visit in seven years. Alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, leaders from across Asia will attend what Beijing hopes is a show of Global South unity. Analysts say Modi may use the moment to reset ties with China after the 2020 border clashes, while Xi will showcase a “post-American-led world.” US-Russia Explore Energy Deals Even as India is punished for trading with Russia, Washington may be cutting its own deals with Moscow. Reports suggest talks are on to let Exxon Mobil re-enter Russia’s Sakhalin-1 project, allow sales of US equipment for LNG projects, and even buy nuclear icebreakers from Russia. The timing raises eyebrows: Trump penalises India for Russian oil but explores energy ties with Putin himself. HAL Orders 113 Jet Engines HAL is set to sign a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 GE-404 engines to power nearly 200 LCA Mk-1A fighters. These jets will replace India’s retiring MiG-21s. Delivery delays, however, have raised doubts within the Air Force. HAL is also negotiating joint production of GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mk-2, a deal with 80% tech transfer—crucial to India’s defence self-reliance push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Trump’s 50% Tariffs on India

Starting August 27, Indian exports to the US will face a steep 50% tariff. President Trump doubled duties earlier this month, punishing India for buying Russian oil—a move New Delhi calls “unfair and unreasonable.” Pharma, electronics, and key metals are exempt, but most exports will be hit. PM Modi, striking a defiant note, urged Indians to go “swadeshi” while officials brace exporters for a slowdown.


US Pushes ‘Gold Card’ Visa

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration is set to overhaul the H1-B and green card system. The proposed “Gold Card” would give residency to foreigners investing $5 million. Officials claim 250,000 people are already interested, potentially generating $1.25 trillion. H1-B visas, meanwhile, could shift from a lottery to a wage-based system, prioritising higher-paying jobs—tough news for Indian tech workers.


Modi to Attend SCO in China

PM Modi will travel to Tianjin next week for the SCO summit—his first China visit in seven years. Alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, leaders from across Asia will attend what Beijing hopes is a show of Global South unity. Analysts say Modi may use the moment to reset ties with China after the 2020 border clashes, while Xi will showcase a “post-American-led world.”


US-Russia Explore Energy Deals

Even as India is punished for trading with Russia, Washington may be cutting its own deals with Moscow. Reports suggest talks are on to let Exxon Mobil re-enter Russia’s Sakhalin-1 project, allow sales of US equipment for LNG projects, and even buy nuclear icebreakers from Russia. The timing raises eyebrows: Trump penalises India for Russian oil but explores energy ties with Putin himself.


HAL Orders 113 Jet Engines

HAL is set to sign a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 GE-404 engines to power nearly 200 LCA Mk-1A fighters. These jets will replace India’s retiring MiG-21s. Delivery delays, however, have raised doubts within the Air Force. HAL is also negotiating joint production of GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mk-2, a deal with 80% tech transfer—crucial to India’s defence self-reliance push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 542 no India’s New Tax Law SOP | Trump Spares China, Hits India | India’s MiG-21 Era Ends | Trump’s 600k Student Remark Backfires Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. MiG-21 Retires After nearly 60 years in service, India’s iconic MiG-21 is flying into history. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh marked the farewell with a formation flight alongside No. 23 Squadron, led by Sqn Ldr Priya. Official retirement comes on September 26, closing a legendary chapter in IAF history. Trump Targets India From the Oval Office, Donald Trump praised China while warning India. He spared Beijing but pressed ahead with a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s sharp rise in Russian oil purchases—from under 1% before the Ukraine war to 42% after. Half the tariff is already in place; the rest lands this week. MAGA vs Trump Trump also stirred his base by saying the US would welcome 600,000 Chinese students. Supporters erupted online, calling it a betrayal of “America First.” With 277,000 Chinese students already in US universities and new visa restrictions announced earlier this year, his comment struck many as contradictory. Mail to US Halted Taiwan joined India and Europe in suspending postal services to America after Washington scrapped its duty-free exemption for imports under $800. Now, every international parcel faces customs duties, leaving families, small businesses, and e-commerce players scrambling as the US mailbox effectively shuts to the world. New Tax Rules India readies its Income Tax Act, 2025. To ease transition, CBDT will issue an SOP on digital seizures, clarifying how officials can access electronic data. Ramesh Narain Parbat stressed no new powers were added, only clearer wording. The aim: consistency, transparency, and predictability for taxpayers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:22:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. MiG-21 Retires After nearly 60 years in service, India’s iconic MiG-21 is flying into history. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh marked the farewell with a formation flight alongside No. 23 Squadron, led by Sqn Ldr Priya. Official retirement comes on September 26, closing a legendary chapter in IAF history. Trump Targets India From the Oval Office, Donald Trump praised China while warning India. He spared Beijing but pressed ahead with a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s sharp rise in Russian oil purchases—from under 1% before the Ukraine war to 42% after. Half the tariff is already in place; the rest lands this week. MAGA vs Trump Trump also stirred his base by saying the US would welcome 600,000 Chinese students. Supporters erupted online, calling it a betrayal of “America First.” With 277,000 Chinese students already in US universities and new visa restrictions announced earlier this year, his comment struck many as contradictory. Mail to US Halted Taiwan joined India and Europe in suspending postal services to America after Washington scrapped its duty-free exemption for imports under $800. Now, every international parcel faces customs duties, leaving families, small businesses, and e-commerce players scrambling as the US mailbox effectively shuts to the world. New Tax Rules India readies its Income Tax Act, 2025. To ease transition, CBDT will issue an SOP on digital seizures, clarifying how officials can access electronic data. Ramesh Narain Parbat stressed no new powers were added, only clearer wording. The aim: consistency, transparency, and predictability for taxpayers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


MiG-21 Retires

After nearly 60 years in service, India’s iconic MiG-21 is flying into history. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh marked the farewell with a formation flight alongside No. 23 Squadron, led by Sqn Ldr Priya. Official retirement comes on September 26, closing a legendary chapter in IAF history.


Trump Targets India

From the Oval Office, Donald Trump praised China while warning India. He spared Beijing but pressed ahead with a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s sharp rise in Russian oil purchases—from under 1% before the Ukraine war to 42% after. Half the tariff is already in place; the rest lands this week.


MAGA vs Trump

Trump also stirred his base by saying the US would welcome 600,000 Chinese students. Supporters erupted online, calling it a betrayal of “America First.” With 277,000 Chinese students already in US universities and new visa restrictions announced earlier this year, his comment struck many as contradictory.


Mail to US Halted

Taiwan joined India and Europe in suspending postal services to America after Washington scrapped its duty-free exemption for imports under $800. Now, every international parcel faces customs duties, leaving families, small businesses, and e-commerce players scrambling as the US mailbox effectively shuts to the world.


New Tax Rules

India readies its Income Tax Act, 2025. To ease transition, CBDT will issue an SOP on digital seizures, clarifying how officials can access electronic data. Ramesh Narain Parbat stressed no new powers were added, only clearer wording. The aim: consistency, transparency, and predictability for taxpayers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 514 no Vi on the Brink | Apollo Stake Sale | Visa Freeze After Tragic Crash | India Stands Firm With Russia | Putin’s 3 Demands for Peace Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Putin's Three Demands to End the War What does Vladimir Putin actually want to end the war in Ukraine? For the first time, we have a clear picture. Sources close to the Kremlin say Putin has three core demands, reportedly discussed during his recent summit with Donald Trump. First, Ukraine must cede the entire Donbas region. Second, it must abandon its ambition to join NATO. And third, it must remain officially neutral, with no Western troops ever stationed on its soil. 2. India's Defiant Message to the U.S. India’s top diplomat just sent a very clear message to Washington—from inside Moscow. As the U.S. slapped new tariffs on Indian goods over its energy trade with Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Vladimir Putin. At a press conference, Jaishankar didn't hold back. "We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil—that is China... So why single out India?" he asked, calling the U.S. logic "very perplexing." 3. One Tragic Crash Halts All Foreign Trucker Visas in the U.S. A tragic crash in Florida has triggered a sweeping U.S. government response. Three people were killed after an undocumented Indian national, Harjinder Singh, attempted a reckless U-turn in a tractor-trailer. It was later discovered Singh had obtained a commercial driver's license from California. Now, Washington has slammed the brakes, freezing all new worker visas for foreign truck drivers, effective immediately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:54:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Putin's Three Demands to End the War What does Vladimir Putin actually want to end the war in Ukraine? For the first time, we have a clear picture. Sources close to the Kremlin say Putin has three core demands, reportedly discussed during his recent summit with Donald Trump. First, Ukraine must cede the entire Donbas region. Second, it must abandon its ambition to join NATO. And third, it must remain officially neutral, with no Western troops ever stationed on its soil. 2. India's Defiant Message to the U.S. India’s top diplomat just sent a very clear message to Washington—from inside Moscow. As the U.S. slapped new tariffs on Indian goods over its energy trade with Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Vladimir Putin. At a press conference, Jaishankar didn't hold back. "We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil—that is China... So why single out India?" he asked, calling the U.S. logic "very perplexing." 3. One Tragic Crash Halts All Foreign Trucker Visas in the U.S. A tragic crash in Florida has triggered a sweeping U.S. government response. Three people were killed after an undocumented Indian national, Harjinder Singh, attempted a reckless U-turn in a tractor-trailer. It was later discovered Singh had obtained a commercial driver's license from California. Now, Washington has slammed the brakes, freezing all new worker visas for foreign truck drivers, effective immediately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. Putin's Three Demands to End the War

What does Vladimir Putin actually want to end the war in Ukraine? For the first time, we have a clear picture. Sources close to the Kremlin say Putin has three core demands, reportedly discussed during his recent summit with Donald Trump. First, Ukraine must cede the entire Donbas region. Second, it must abandon its ambition to join NATO. And third, it must remain officially neutral, with no Western troops ever stationed on its soil.


2. India's Defiant Message to the U.S.

India’s top diplomat just sent a very clear message to Washington—from inside Moscow. As the U.S. slapped new tariffs on Indian goods over its energy trade with Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Vladimir Putin. At a press conference, Jaishankar didn't hold back. "We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil—that is China... So why single out India?" he asked, calling the U.S. logic "very perplexing."


3. One Tragic Crash Halts All Foreign Trucker Visas in the U.S.

A tragic crash in Florida has triggered a sweeping U.S. government response. Three people were killed after an undocumented Indian national, Harjinder Singh, attempted a reckless U-turn in a tractor-trailer. It was later discovered Singh had obtained a commercial driver's license from California. Now, Washington has slammed the brakes, freezing all new worker visas for foreign truck drivers, effective immediately.

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]]> 582 no Seven-Minute Gaming Ban | Russia’s Oil Promise | Agni-5 Blazes Through Test | Bills That Can Topple Leaders Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India flexed its defence muscle by successfully test-firing the Agni-5 ballistic missile from Odisha’s Chandipur range. With a 5,000-km range, it can strike deep into Asia—including northern China—and even parts of Europe. Developed by DRDO, an upgraded 7,500-km version is in the works. The Agni-5 family, now equipped with MIRV tech that can deliver multiple nuclear warheads, sits atop India’s deterrence strategy. PM Modi hailed it as another leap in defence modernisation. In just seven minutes, the Lok Sabha passed one of the toughest gaming laws in the world. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all money-based online games—from fantasy cricket to poker and rummy. Operators face up to three years in jail and fines of ₹1 crore; advertising carries its own penalties. With 450 million users and ₹31,000 crore in annual revenues, the industry calls it a “death knell” for 400 startups, 200,000 jobs, and ₹20,000 crore in tax revenues. Critics warn it could drive players to offshore sites, while the government insists e-Sports remain untouched. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha. High drama in Parliament as Amit Shah introduced three bills to disqualify the PM, CMs, or ministers if jailed for over 30 days on charges carrying a minimum five-year sentence. Pitched as an anti-corruption measure, the Opposition erupted—calling it unconstitutional, warning it undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” With memories of Kejriwal and Soren’s arrests fresh, fears of political misuse loom large. The bills are now with a Joint Parliamentary Committee, due to report back in November. Even as US tariffs pile up, Moscow assured India its oil supply is safe. “We have a very special mechanism,” said Russian officials, confirming crude flows to India’s Vadinar refinery remain unaffected by EU sanctions. India now sources nearly 40% of its crude from Russia. On defence, Moscow reminded Delhi it remains the “partner of choice,” citing BrahMos and the S-400’s “successful battle test” in May. With trade at $68.7 billion but a $60 billion imbalance, Russia pledged to ease access and hit $100 billion by 2030. Putin is expected in India later this year. Five years after walking away, India is reconsidering the world’s biggest trade bloc—RCEP. With Trump’s tariffs biting and China easing curbs on exports to India, Delhi is reassessing the costs and benefits of joining the 15-nation pact. Officials want assurances from China and ASEAN for greater market access, especially for pharma and IT. Studies highlight untapped export potential of $161 billion to China, mostly in high-tech goods. With Modi heading to Beijing for the SCO summit, the signals are clear: India is warming up to the East again, even as it faces pressure from the West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India flexed its defence muscle by successfully test-firing the Agni-5 ballistic missile from Odisha’s Chandipur range. With a 5,000-km range, it can strike deep into Asia—including northern China—and even parts of Europe. Developed by DRDO, an upgraded 7,500-km version is in the works. The Agni-5 family, now equipped with MIRV tech that can deliver multiple nuclear warheads, sits atop India’s deterrence strategy. PM Modi hailed it as another leap in defence modernisation. In just seven minutes, the Lok Sabha passed one of the toughest gaming laws in the world. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all money-based online games—from fantasy cricket to poker and rummy. Operators face up to three years in jail and fines of ₹1 crore; advertising carries its own penalties. With 450 million users and ₹31,000 crore in annual revenues, the industry calls it a “death knell” for 400 startups, 200,000 jobs, and ₹20,000 crore in tax revenues. Critics warn it could drive players to offshore sites, while the government insists e-Sports remain untouched. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha. High drama in Parliament as Amit Shah introduced three bills to disqualify the PM, CMs, or ministers if jailed for over 30 days on charges carrying a minimum five-year sentence. Pitched as an anti-corruption measure, the Opposition erupted—calling it unconstitutional, warning it undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” With memories of Kejriwal and Soren’s arrests fresh, fears of political misuse loom large. The bills are now with a Joint Parliamentary Committee, due to report back in November. Even as US tariffs pile up, Moscow assured India its oil supply is safe. “We have a very special mechanism,” said Russian officials, confirming crude flows to India’s Vadinar refinery remain unaffected by EU sanctions. India now sources nearly 40% of its crude from Russia. On defence, Moscow reminded Delhi it remains the “partner of choice,” citing BrahMos and the S-400’s “successful battle test” in May. With trade at $68.7 billion but a $60 billion imbalance, Russia pledged to ease access and hit $100 billion by 2030. Putin is expected in India later this year. Five years after walking away, India is reconsidering the world’s biggest trade bloc—RCEP. With Trump’s tariffs biting and China easing curbs on exports to India, Delhi is reassessing the costs and benefits of joining the 15-nation pact. Officials want assurances from China and ASEAN for greater market access, especially for pharma and IT. Studies highlight untapped export potential of $161 billion to China, mostly in high-tech goods. With Modi heading to Beijing for the SCO summit, the signals are clear: India is warming up to the East again, even as it faces pressure from the West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

India flexed its defence muscle by successfully test-firing the Agni-5 ballistic missile from Odisha’s Chandipur range. With a 5,000-km range, it can strike deep into Asia—including northern China—and even parts of Europe. Developed by DRDO, an upgraded 7,500-km version is in the works. The Agni-5 family, now equipped with MIRV tech that can deliver multiple nuclear warheads, sits atop India’s deterrence strategy. PM Modi hailed it as another leap in defence modernisation.





In just seven minutes, the Lok Sabha passed one of the toughest gaming laws in the world. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all money-based online games—from fantasy cricket to poker and rummy. Operators face up to three years in jail and fines of ₹1 crore; advertising carries its own penalties. With 450 million users and ₹31,000 crore in annual revenues, the industry calls it a “death knell” for 400 startups, 200,000 jobs, and ₹20,000 crore in tax revenues. Critics warn it could drive players to offshore sites, while the government insists e-Sports remain untouched. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha.





High drama in Parliament as Amit Shah introduced three bills to disqualify the PM, CMs, or ministers if jailed for over 30 days on charges carrying a minimum five-year sentence. Pitched as an anti-corruption measure, the Opposition erupted—calling it unconstitutional, warning it undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” With memories of Kejriwal and Soren’s arrests fresh, fears of political misuse loom large. The bills are now with a Joint Parliamentary Committee, due to report back in November.





Even as US tariffs pile up, Moscow assured India its oil supply is safe. “We have a very special mechanism,” said Russian officials, confirming crude flows to India’s Vadinar refinery remain unaffected by EU sanctions. India now sources nearly 40% of its crude from Russia. On defence, Moscow reminded Delhi it remains the “partner of choice,” citing BrahMos and the S-400’s “successful battle test” in May. With trade at $68.7 billion but a $60 billion imbalance, Russia pledged to ease access and hit $100 billion by 2030. Putin is expected in India later this year.





Five years after walking away, India is reconsidering the world’s biggest trade bloc—RCEP. With Trump’s tariffs biting and China easing curbs on exports to India, Delhi is reassessing the costs and benefits of joining the 15-nation pact. Officials want assurances from China and ASEAN for greater market access, especially for pharma and IT. Studies highlight untapped export potential of $161 billion to China, mostly in high-tech goods. With Modi heading to Beijing for the SCO summit, the signals are clear: India is warming up to the East again, even as it faces pressure from the West.


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]]> 591 no India Plans Ban on Money Gaming | China Snaps Up Russian Oil | INDIA Bloc VP Candidate | Monorail Chaos in Mumbai Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.Monorail Chaos in Mumbai It was a rescue straight out of a disaster drill. Heavy rain stalled two Mumbai monorails on Tuesday—one carrying 200 passengers, another with 582—leaving hundreds trapped mid-air for hours. The worst was at Mysore Colony, where rescuers smashed windows and used cranes and scissor lifts to evacuate over 500 people from a train stuck on a curve. By 9:50 pm, all were safe. Another train between Wadala and Acharya Atre was towed back after 200 passengers were rescued. Officials blamed overcrowding: the monorail overshot its 104-tonne limit, hitting 109 tonnes, which snapped power contact and jammed brakes. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called it “a major accident averted,” while CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. Meanwhile, local trains—the city’s lifeline—were also hit, with 17 inches of water flooding tracks. For commuters, it was another monsoon reminder of how fragile Mumbai’s transport really is. India is preparing a sweeping ban on online games played with money, potentially shaking a sector worth billions. A draft bill reviewed by Reuters says no one can “offer, aid or engage” in real-money gaming. That would put fantasy cricket giants Dream11 ($8B) and Mobile Premier League ($2.5B) in the firing line. The government argues these apps use “addictive algorithms” that fuel compulsive behaviour and financial ruin. Offenders could face up to three years in jail. With India’s gaming market projected at $3.6B by 2029, the ban could send shockwaves through investors. Popular during IPL season, these apps allow entry for as little as 8 rupees with million-rupee prize pools, often endorsed by cricket stars. Now the government’s message is blunt: play for fun, not for money. As India pulls back, China is stepping in. Analysts say Chinese refiners bought 15 cargoes of Russian Urals crude for October–November, each up to a million barrels. Until last month, India was Russia’s biggest seaborne buyer, but shrinking discounts made state refiners pause—cutting imports by nearly 700,000 barrels/day. China, the world’s top importer, usually buys ESPO crude from Russia’s Far East, but cheaper Urals—priced $2–3 below Middle Eastern oil—sparked fresh demand. The shift could pressure Dubai crude, already softening. Yet, analysts caution Beijing won’t absorb all volumes; Urals isn’t a staple grade for its refineries. Another risk: U.S. sanctions. Donald Trump hinted penalties could hit buyers of Russian oil “in two or three weeks” if peace talks stall. For now, the balance tilts: India out, China in—with Washington watching. The Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, kept his message simple: “There’s only one citizenship in this country.” He faces NDA nominee and Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan in the September 9 vote. Both hail from the south—Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, Reddy from Andhra Pradesh—adding a subtle regional undertone. But Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge and Goa’s first Lokayukta, stressed unity: MPs, not the public, elect the Vice President, he reminded. Born in 1946, Reddy rose from Andhra Pradesh’s High Court to Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and in 2007, the Supreme Court, serving until 2011. His candidacy, announced at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, sets up a heated Parliament battle. In a move seen as breaking the ice, India scrapped customs duty and cess on cotton imports until September 30. The exemption, cutting the 11% levy to zero, directly benefits American exporters pushing for access amid escalating tariffs. Cotton is critical for India—employing 35 million people and driving 80% of textile exports. With domestic output slipping and prices tight, the duty cut also helps local mills ahead of the festive season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.Monorail Chaos in Mumbai It was a rescue straight out of a disaster drill. Heavy rain stalled two Mumbai monorails on Tuesday—one carrying 200 passengers, another with 582—leaving hundreds trapped mid-air for hours. The worst was at Mysore Colony, where rescuers smashed windows and used cranes and scissor lifts to evacuate over 500 people from a train stuck on a curve. By 9:50 pm, all were safe. Another train between Wadala and Acharya Atre was towed back after 200 passengers were rescued. Officials blamed overcrowding: the monorail overshot its 104-tonne limit, hitting 109 tonnes, which snapped power contact and jammed brakes. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called it “a major accident averted,” while CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. Meanwhile, local trains—the city’s lifeline—were also hit, with 17 inches of water flooding tracks. For commuters, it was another monsoon reminder of how fragile Mumbai’s transport really is. India is preparing a sweeping ban on online games played with money, potentially shaking a sector worth billions. A draft bill reviewed by Reuters says no one can “offer, aid or engage” in real-money gaming. That would put fantasy cricket giants Dream11 ($8B) and Mobile Premier League ($2.5B) in the firing line. The government argues these apps use “addictive algorithms” that fuel compulsive behaviour and financial ruin. Offenders could face up to three years in jail. With India’s gaming market projected at $3.6B by 2029, the ban could send shockwaves through investors. Popular during IPL season, these apps allow entry for as little as 8 rupees with million-rupee prize pools, often endorsed by cricket stars. Now the government’s message is blunt: play for fun, not for money. As India pulls back, China is stepping in. Analysts say Chinese refiners bought 15 cargoes of Russian Urals crude for October–November, each up to a million barrels. Until last month, India was Russia’s biggest seaborne buyer, but shrinking discounts made state refiners pause—cutting imports by nearly 700,000 barrels/day. China, the world’s top importer, usually buys ESPO crude from Russia’s Far East, but cheaper Urals—priced $2–3 below Middle Eastern oil—sparked fresh demand. The shift could pressure Dubai crude, already softening. Yet, analysts caution Beijing won’t absorb all volumes; Urals isn’t a staple grade for its refineries. Another risk: U.S. sanctions. Donald Trump hinted penalties could hit buyers of Russian oil “in two or three weeks” if peace talks stall. For now, the balance tilts: India out, China in—with Washington watching. The Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, kept his message simple: “There’s only one citizenship in this country.” He faces NDA nominee and Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan in the September 9 vote. Both hail from the south—Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, Reddy from Andhra Pradesh—adding a subtle regional undertone. But Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge and Goa’s first Lokayukta, stressed unity: MPs, not the public, elect the Vice President, he reminded. Born in 1946, Reddy rose from Andhra Pradesh’s High Court to Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and in 2007, the Supreme Court, serving until 2011. His candidacy, announced at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, sets up a heated Parliament battle. In a move seen as breaking the ice, India scrapped customs duty and cess on cotton imports until September 30. The exemption, cutting the 11% levy to zero, directly benefits American exporters pushing for access amid escalating tariffs. Cotton is critical for India—employing 35 million people and driving 80% of textile exports. With domestic output slipping and prices tight, the duty cut also helps local mills ahead of the festive season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.Monorail Chaos in Mumbai

It was a rescue straight out of a disaster drill. Heavy rain stalled two Mumbai monorails on Tuesday—one carrying 200 passengers, another with 582—leaving hundreds trapped mid-air for hours. The worst was at Mysore Colony, where rescuers smashed windows and used cranes and scissor lifts to evacuate over 500 people from a train stuck on a curve. By 9:50 pm, all were safe. Another train between Wadala and Acharya Atre was towed back after 200 passengers were rescued.

Officials blamed overcrowding: the monorail overshot its 104-tonne limit, hitting 109 tonnes, which snapped power contact and jammed brakes. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called it “a major accident averted,” while CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. Meanwhile, local trains—the city’s lifeline—were also hit, with 17 inches of water flooding tracks. For commuters, it was another monsoon reminder of how fragile Mumbai’s transport really is.



India is preparing a sweeping ban on online games played with money, potentially shaking a sector worth billions. A draft bill reviewed by Reuters says no one can “offer, aid or engage” in real-money gaming. That would put fantasy cricket giants Dream11 ($8B) and Mobile Premier League ($2.5B) in the firing line.

The government argues these apps use “addictive algorithms” that fuel compulsive behaviour and financial ruin. Offenders could face up to three years in jail. With India’s gaming market projected at $3.6B by 2029, the ban could send shockwaves through investors. Popular during IPL season, these apps allow entry for as little as 8 rupees with million-rupee prize pools, often endorsed by cricket stars. Now the government’s message is blunt: play for fun, not for money.



As India pulls back, China is stepping in. Analysts say Chinese refiners bought 15 cargoes of Russian Urals crude for October–November, each up to a million barrels. Until last month, India was Russia’s biggest seaborne buyer, but shrinking discounts made state refiners pause—cutting imports by nearly 700,000 barrels/day.

China, the world’s top importer, usually buys ESPO crude from Russia’s Far East, but cheaper Urals—priced $2–3 below Middle Eastern oil—sparked fresh demand. The shift could pressure Dubai crude, already softening. Yet, analysts caution Beijing won’t absorb all volumes; Urals isn’t a staple grade for its refineries. Another risk: U.S. sanctions. Donald Trump hinted penalties could hit buyers of Russian oil “in two or three weeks” if peace talks stall. For now, the balance tilts: India out, China in—with Washington watching.



The Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, kept his message simple: “There’s only one citizenship in this country.” He faces NDA nominee and Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan in the September 9 vote.

Both hail from the south—Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, Reddy from Andhra Pradesh—adding a subtle regional undertone. But Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge and Goa’s first Lokayukta, stressed unity: MPs, not the public, elect the Vice President, he reminded. Born in 1946, Reddy rose from Andhra Pradesh’s High Court to Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and in 2007, the Supreme Court, serving until 2011. His candidacy, announced at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, sets up a heated Parliament battle.



In a move seen as breaking the ice, India scrapped customs duty and cess on cotton imports until September 30. The exemption, cutting the 11% levy to zero, directly benefits American exporters pushing for access amid escalating tariffs. Cotton is critical for India—employing 35 million people and driving 80% of textile exports. With domestic output slipping and prices tight, the duty cut also helps local mills ahead of the festive season.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 567 no GST 2.0 Is Coming | Putin Agrees to Meet Zelensky | Putin Calls Modi After Trump Meet | Will Modi and Xi Break the Ice? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump Pushes Biggest Ukraine Breakthrough Yet After nearly four years of war, Washington may have delivered the most concrete peace opening so far. On Monday, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and seven top European leaders to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. The real headline came right after: Trump called Vladimir Putin for a 40-minute conversation and set the stage for a potential Putin–Zelensky face-to-face within two weeks. Trump later said he hopes to follow that with a trilateral summit including himself. Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as the “best conversation so far,” while NATO’s Mark Rutte hailed Trump’s offer of NATO-style guarantees as a “breakthrough.” France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz called for Europe’s role in shaping long-term security and pressed for a ceasefire as a first step. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Britain’s Keir Starmer stressed that only ironclad safeguards can deliver lasting peace. Finland’s Alexander Stubb noted more progress in two weeks “than in three and a half years.” For the first time in years, the US, EU, and Ukraine seem aligned on a peace path. India’s Big GST Reset Before Diwali On Independence Day, the Finance Ministry announced sweeping reforms to simplify GST. Instead of four slabs—5, 12, 18 and 28 percent—the new plan proposes just three: 5, 18, and a 40 percent “sin tax” for items like tobacco and beer. Nearly all goods in the 12 percent bracket could drop to 5 percent, making groceries, medicines, footwear, and even appliances cheaper. Most 28 percent items would shift to 18 percent, cutting costs on furniture, electronics and more.  Putin Calls Modi Amid Peace Push While Trump worked the phones with Putin, Moscow also reached out to New Delhi. On Monday, Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefing him on the Alaska talks with Trump. Modi reiterated India’s consistent line—support for dialogue and a peaceful settlement. The timing was striking: just hours before Trump’s White House meeting with Zelensky. Yet this diplomatic outreach comes with pressure.  India–China Relations Thawing For the first time since the bloody Galwan clashes of 2020, India and China are signaling a thaw. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, insisting that peace and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control are essential. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said. Already, concrete steps are visible: the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after five years, India has reopened tourist visas for Chinese nationals, and talks are underway to restart direct flights. Wang Yi pointed to “shared confidence” driving progress and said both nations can offer stability to Asia and the world. The real test could come later this month, when Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit—potentially turning a painful page in bilateral ties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:37:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump Pushes Biggest Ukraine Breakthrough Yet After nearly four years of war, Washington may have delivered the most concrete peace opening so far. On Monday, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and seven top European leaders to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. The real headline came right after: Trump called Vladimir Putin for a 40-minute conversation and set the stage for a potential Putin–Zelensky face-to-face within two weeks. Trump later said he hopes to follow that with a trilateral summit including himself. Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as the “best conversation so far,” while NATO’s Mark Rutte hailed Trump’s offer of NATO-style guarantees as a “breakthrough.” France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz called for Europe’s role in shaping long-term security and pressed for a ceasefire as a first step. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Britain’s Keir Starmer stressed that only ironclad safeguards can deliver lasting peace. Finland’s Alexander Stubb noted more progress in two weeks “than in three and a half years.” For the first time in years, the US, EU, and Ukraine seem aligned on a peace path. India’s Big GST Reset Before Diwali On Independence Day, the Finance Ministry announced sweeping reforms to simplify GST. Instead of four slabs—5, 12, 18 and 28 percent—the new plan proposes just three: 5, 18, and a 40 percent “sin tax” for items like tobacco and beer. Nearly all goods in the 12 percent bracket could drop to 5 percent, making groceries, medicines, footwear, and even appliances cheaper. Most 28 percent items would shift to 18 percent, cutting costs on furniture, electronics and more.  Putin Calls Modi Amid Peace Push While Trump worked the phones with Putin, Moscow also reached out to New Delhi. On Monday, Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefing him on the Alaska talks with Trump. Modi reiterated India’s consistent line—support for dialogue and a peaceful settlement. The timing was striking: just hours before Trump’s White House meeting with Zelensky. Yet this diplomatic outreach comes with pressure.  India–China Relations Thawing For the first time since the bloody Galwan clashes of 2020, India and China are signaling a thaw. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, insisting that peace and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control are essential. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said. Already, concrete steps are visible: the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after five years, India has reopened tourist visas for Chinese nationals, and talks are underway to restart direct flights. Wang Yi pointed to “shared confidence” driving progress and said both nations can offer stability to Asia and the world. The real test could come later this month, when Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit—potentially turning a painful page in bilateral ties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Trump Pushes Biggest Ukraine Breakthrough Yet

After nearly four years of war, Washington may have delivered the most concrete peace opening so far. On Monday, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and seven top European leaders to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. The real headline came right after: Trump called Vladimir Putin for a 40-minute conversation and set the stage for a potential Putin–Zelensky face-to-face within two weeks. Trump later said he hopes to follow that with a trilateral summit including himself. Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as the “best conversation so far,” while NATO’s Mark Rutte hailed Trump’s offer of NATO-style guarantees as a “breakthrough.” France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz called for Europe’s role in shaping long-term security and pressed for a ceasefire as a first step. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Britain’s Keir Starmer stressed that only ironclad safeguards can deliver lasting peace. Finland’s Alexander Stubb noted more progress in two weeks “than in three and a half years.” For the first time in years, the US, EU, and Ukraine seem aligned on a peace path.

India’s Big GST Reset Before Diwali

On Independence Day, the Finance Ministry announced sweeping reforms to simplify GST. Instead of four slabs—5, 12, 18 and 28 percent—the new plan proposes just three: 5, 18, and a 40 percent “sin tax” for items like tobacco and beer. Nearly all goods in the 12 percent bracket could drop to 5 percent, making groceries, medicines, footwear, and even appliances cheaper. Most 28 percent items would shift to 18 percent, cutting costs on furniture, electronics and more. 

Putin Calls Modi Amid Peace Push

While Trump worked the phones with Putin, Moscow also reached out to New Delhi. On Monday, Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefing him on the Alaska talks with Trump. Modi reiterated India’s consistent line—support for dialogue and a peaceful settlement. The timing was striking: just hours before Trump’s White House meeting with Zelensky. Yet this diplomatic outreach comes with pressure. 

India–China Relations Thawing

For the first time since the bloody Galwan clashes of 2020, India and China are signaling a thaw. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, insisting that peace and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control are essential. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said. Already, concrete steps are visible: the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after five years, India has reopened tourist visas for Chinese nationals, and talks are underway to restart direct flights. Wang Yi pointed to “shared confidence” driving progress and said both nations can offer stability to Asia and the world. The real test could come later this month, when Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit—potentially turning a painful page in bilateral ties.


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]]> 487 no NDA's VP Pick | US-India Deal Off? | Apple Bets Big In Bangalore | Europe Rushes to Washington Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Putin’s ‘Jelly Legs’ Steal Spotlight Forget the Alaska handshake—what went viral after Trump and Putin’s summit was the Russian president’s shaky stance. Kremlin footage showed Putin’s knee twitching and toes lifting as he chatted with Trump, sparking a flood of online theories. Ukrainians joked about hidden shoe lifts and exoskeletons, while others speculated about illness, dubbing it “jelly legs.” Some even claimed it wasn’t Putin at all, but a body double—pointing to his missing “gunslinger gait,” a hallmark of his KGB training. The Kremlin has stayed silent, but the optics of wobbly knees may have upstaged Trump’s claims of “big progress.” India-US Trade Talks Collapse A breakthrough in India-US trade is off the table for now. Washington has called off its negotiators’ trip to New Delhi, originally planned for August 25–29. That leaves little hope of avoiding Trump’s steep new tariffs—hiked to 50% on Indian goods—set to take effect August 27. Trump says the penalties are “punishment” for India’s Russian oil purchases, which he argues bankroll Moscow’s war. Five rounds of talks collapsed over two sticking points: opening India’s farm and dairy markets, and cutting oil ties with Russia. India hit back, accusing the US and Europe of hypocrisy for still buying Russian goods. For now, tariffs are locked in, and businesses brace for impact. NDA Picks CP Radhakrishnan as VP Candidate India’s ruling NDA has named Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice-President. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi made the announcement on August 17, with elections slated for September 9. A veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has served as governor in multiple states and is a two-time MP from Coimbatore. His nomination balances experience with regional representation, and the NDA’s numbers got a boost as Shiv Sena pledged unconditional support. The move is seen as another carefully placed piece in India’s political chessboard. Trump Teases ‘Big Progress’ with Russia President Trump is fanning speculation after his three-hour Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin—the first time Putin has set foot on Western soil since 2022. On Truth Social, Trump posted in all caps: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” His envoy later hinted at “game-changing” security guarantees for Ukraine, though reports suggest a controversial land-for-peace deal could be on the table. Alarmed, European leaders will join Zelensky in Washington for urgent talks with Trump. Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Merz, and Ursula von der Leyen are flying in, hoping to stiffen Ukraine’s position as Trump presses for a quick peace. The stage is set for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown. Apple’s ₹1,000-Crore Bengaluru Bet Apple has made a blockbuster real estate move in Bengaluru—inking a 10-year lease worth over ₹1,000 crore for nearly 2.7 lakh sq ft in Embassy Zenith, a new tower built on the old Le Meridien site. The rent—₹235 per sq ft per month—sets a city record, with Apple shelling out ₹6.3 crore every month for nine floors, plus parking for 362 cars. The lease includes a 4.5% annual hike and an option to expand further. Propstack’s Raja Seetharaman calls it a “huge vote of confidence” in India, aligning Apple’s office expansion with its booming iPhone manufacturing push. Together, it cements India’s role at the center of Apple’s global supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Putin’s ‘Jelly Legs’ Steal Spotlight Forget the Alaska handshake—what went viral after Trump and Putin’s summit was the Russian president’s shaky stance. Kremlin footage showed Putin’s knee twitching and toes lifting as he chatted with Trump, sparking a flood of online theories. Ukrainians joked about hidden shoe lifts and exoskeletons, while others speculated about illness, dubbing it “jelly legs.” Some even claimed it wasn’t Putin at all, but a body double—pointing to his missing “gunslinger gait,” a hallmark of his KGB training. The Kremlin has stayed silent, but the optics of wobbly knees may have upstaged Trump’s claims of “big progress.” India-US Trade Talks Collapse A breakthrough in India-US trade is off the table for now. Washington has called off its negotiators’ trip to New Delhi, originally planned for August 25–29. That leaves little hope of avoiding Trump’s steep new tariffs—hiked to 50% on Indian goods—set to take effect August 27. Trump says the penalties are “punishment” for India’s Russian oil purchases, which he argues bankroll Moscow’s war. Five rounds of talks collapsed over two sticking points: opening India’s farm and dairy markets, and cutting oil ties with Russia. India hit back, accusing the US and Europe of hypocrisy for still buying Russian goods. For now, tariffs are locked in, and businesses brace for impact. NDA Picks CP Radhakrishnan as VP Candidate India’s ruling NDA has named Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice-President. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi made the announcement on August 17, with elections slated for September 9. A veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has served as governor in multiple states and is a two-time MP from Coimbatore. His nomination balances experience with regional representation, and the NDA’s numbers got a boost as Shiv Sena pledged unconditional support. The move is seen as another carefully placed piece in India’s political chessboard. Trump Teases ‘Big Progress’ with Russia President Trump is fanning speculation after his three-hour Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin—the first time Putin has set foot on Western soil since 2022. On Truth Social, Trump posted in all caps: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” His envoy later hinted at “game-changing” security guarantees for Ukraine, though reports suggest a controversial land-for-peace deal could be on the table. Alarmed, European leaders will join Zelensky in Washington for urgent talks with Trump. Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Merz, and Ursula von der Leyen are flying in, hoping to stiffen Ukraine’s position as Trump presses for a quick peace. The stage is set for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown. Apple’s ₹1,000-Crore Bengaluru Bet Apple has made a blockbuster real estate move in Bengaluru—inking a 10-year lease worth over ₹1,000 crore for nearly 2.7 lakh sq ft in Embassy Zenith, a new tower built on the old Le Meridien site. The rent—₹235 per sq ft per month—sets a city record, with Apple shelling out ₹6.3 crore every month for nine floors, plus parking for 362 cars. The lease includes a 4.5% annual hike and an option to expand further. Propstack’s Raja Seetharaman calls it a “huge vote of confidence” in India, aligning Apple’s office expansion with its booming iPhone manufacturing push. Together, it cements India’s role at the center of Apple’s global supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Putin’s ‘Jelly Legs’ Steal Spotlight

Forget the Alaska handshake—what went viral after Trump and Putin’s summit was the Russian president’s shaky stance. Kremlin footage showed Putin’s knee twitching and toes lifting as he chatted with Trump, sparking a flood of online theories. Ukrainians joked about hidden shoe lifts and exoskeletons, while others speculated about illness, dubbing it “jelly legs.” Some even claimed it wasn’t Putin at all, but a body double—pointing to his missing “gunslinger gait,” a hallmark of his KGB training. The Kremlin has stayed silent, but the optics of wobbly knees may have upstaged Trump’s claims of “big progress.”

India-US Trade Talks Collapse

A breakthrough in India-US trade is off the table for now. Washington has called off its negotiators’ trip to New Delhi, originally planned for August 25–29. That leaves little hope of avoiding Trump’s steep new tariffs—hiked to 50% on Indian goods—set to take effect August 27. Trump says the penalties are “punishment” for India’s Russian oil purchases, which he argues bankroll Moscow’s war. Five rounds of talks collapsed over two sticking points: opening India’s farm and dairy markets, and cutting oil ties with Russia. India hit back, accusing the US and Europe of hypocrisy for still buying Russian goods. For now, tariffs are locked in, and businesses brace for impact.

NDA Picks CP Radhakrishnan as VP Candidate

India’s ruling NDA has named Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice-President. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi made the announcement on August 17, with elections slated for September 9. A veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has served as governor in multiple states and is a two-time MP from Coimbatore. His nomination balances experience with regional representation, and the NDA’s numbers got a boost as Shiv Sena pledged unconditional support. The move is seen as another carefully placed piece in India’s political chessboard.

Trump Teases ‘Big Progress’ with Russia

President Trump is fanning speculation after his three-hour Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin—the first time Putin has set foot on Western soil since 2022. On Truth Social, Trump posted in all caps: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” His envoy later hinted at “game-changing” security guarantees for Ukraine, though reports suggest a controversial land-for-peace deal could be on the table. Alarmed, European leaders will join Zelensky in Washington for urgent talks with Trump. Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Merz, and Ursula von der Leyen are flying in, hoping to stiffen Ukraine’s position as Trump presses for a quick peace. The stage is set for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown.

Apple’s ₹1,000-Crore Bengaluru Bet

Apple has made a blockbuster real estate move in Bengaluru—inking a 10-year lease worth over ₹1,000 crore for nearly 2.7 lakh sq ft in Embassy Zenith, a new tower built on the old Le Meridien site. The rent—₹235 per sq ft per month—sets a city record, with Apple shelling out ₹6.3 crore every month for nine floors, plus parking for 362 cars. The lease includes a 4.5% annual hike and an option to expand further. Propstack’s Raja Seetharaman calls it a “huge vote of confidence” in India, aligning Apple’s office expansion with its booming iPhone manufacturing push. Together, it cements India’s role at the center of Apple’s global supply chain.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 519 no MLC Kills 2,800 Dogs | Perplexity’s $34.5B Chrome Bid | Wang Yi in Delhi | ICICI’s ₹50K Rule Lasted Just Days Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Wang Yi’s Delhi Visit: Setting the Stage for Modi’s China Trip China’s foreign minister Wang Yi will be in New Delhi on August 18 to meet NSA Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives dialogue — just ahead of PM Modi’s August 31 visit to Beijing for the SCO summit. The talks aim to rebuild ties fractured by the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Recent thaw signs include meetings between EAM Jaishankar and Wang, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s China visit, and the resumption of direct Delhi-Beijing flights. Analysts say Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian imports has also pushed New Delhi to keep Beijing channels open. Perplexity’s $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome AI search startup Perplexity, led by Aravind Srinivas, has made an audacious $34.5B cash offer to buy Google Chrome — despite being valued at just $18B. The firm, backed by Nvidia and SoftBank, says unnamed funds are ready to finance the deal. Chrome’s 3B users could supercharge Perplexity’s AI browser, Comet. Google hasn’t put Chrome up for sale but faces monopoly rulings and interest from OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo. Karnataka MLC Admits to Killing 2,800 Stray Dogs JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda told the Karnataka Legislative Council he poisoned and buried 2,800 stray dogs to curb attacks on poor children. His statement came days after the Supreme Court ordered all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR removed to shelters within eight weeks. The admission has sparked outrage from animal rights groups and could lead to legal consequences. Zelensky Rejects Donbas ‘Land Swap’ Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks With Trump and Putin set to meet in Alaska to discuss ending the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding Donbas. He insists Ukraine must be part of the talks and warns the region is key to Russia’s future offensives. Trump says he’ll try to win back some territory for Ukraine, but Putin wants Kyiv to withdraw entirely from Donetsk and Luhansk — 9,000 sq km of land Russia hasn’t fully seized in over a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:16:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Wang Yi’s Delhi Visit: Setting the Stage for Modi’s China Trip China’s foreign minister Wang Yi will be in New Delhi on August 18 to meet NSA Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives dialogue — just ahead of PM Modi’s August 31 visit to Beijing for the SCO summit. The talks aim to rebuild ties fractured by the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Recent thaw signs include meetings between EAM Jaishankar and Wang, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s China visit, and the resumption of direct Delhi-Beijing flights. Analysts say Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian imports has also pushed New Delhi to keep Beijing channels open. Perplexity’s $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome AI search startup Perplexity, led by Aravind Srinivas, has made an audacious $34.5B cash offer to buy Google Chrome — despite being valued at just $18B. The firm, backed by Nvidia and SoftBank, says unnamed funds are ready to finance the deal. Chrome’s 3B users could supercharge Perplexity’s AI browser, Comet. Google hasn’t put Chrome up for sale but faces monopoly rulings and interest from OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo. Karnataka MLC Admits to Killing 2,800 Stray Dogs JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda told the Karnataka Legislative Council he poisoned and buried 2,800 stray dogs to curb attacks on poor children. His statement came days after the Supreme Court ordered all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR removed to shelters within eight weeks. The admission has sparked outrage from animal rights groups and could lead to legal consequences. Zelensky Rejects Donbas ‘Land Swap’ Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks With Trump and Putin set to meet in Alaska to discuss ending the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding Donbas. He insists Ukraine must be part of the talks and warns the region is key to Russia’s future offensives. Trump says he’ll try to win back some territory for Ukraine, but Putin wants Kyiv to withdraw entirely from Donetsk and Luhansk — 9,000 sq km of land Russia hasn’t fully seized in over a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Wang Yi’s Delhi Visit: Setting the Stage for Modi’s China Trip

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi will be in New Delhi on August 18 to meet NSA Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives dialogue — just ahead of PM Modi’s August 31 visit to Beijing for the SCO summit. The talks aim to rebuild ties fractured by the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Recent thaw signs include meetings between EAM Jaishankar and Wang, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s China visit, and the resumption of direct Delhi-Beijing flights. Analysts say Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian imports has also pushed New Delhi to keep Beijing channels open.


Perplexity’s $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome

AI search startup Perplexity, led by Aravind Srinivas, has made an audacious $34.5B cash offer to buy Google Chrome — despite being valued at just $18B. The firm, backed by Nvidia and SoftBank, says unnamed funds are ready to finance the deal. Chrome’s 3B users could supercharge Perplexity’s AI browser, Comet. Google hasn’t put Chrome up for sale but faces monopoly rulings and interest from OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo.

Karnataka MLC Admits to Killing 2,800 Stray Dogs

JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda told the Karnataka Legislative Council he poisoned and buried 2,800 stray dogs to curb attacks on poor children. His statement came days after the Supreme Court ordered all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR removed to shelters within eight weeks. The admission has sparked outrage from animal rights groups and could lead to legal consequences.

Zelensky Rejects Donbas ‘Land Swap’ Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks

With Trump and Putin set to meet in Alaska to discuss ending the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding Donbas. He insists Ukraine must be part of the talks and warns the region is key to Russia’s future offensives. Trump says he’ll try to win back some territory for Ukraine, but Putin wants Kyiv to withdraw entirely from Donetsk and Luhansk — 9,000 sq km of land Russia hasn’t fully seized in over a decade.


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]]> 549 no Biggest Tax Law Overhaul in 64 Years | South Africa’s ‘Generous’ Offer to US | India-China Ties Take Off Again | Ultraviolette’s $21M EV Boost Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. SOUTH AFRICA RUSHES TO AVOID US TARIFF HIT South Africa is racing to avert the US’s steepest sub-Saharan tariff yet — 30% on some exports. Pretoria says it’s ready to offer a “broad, generous” trade deal, including more imports of US poultry, blueberries, and pork, to save an estimated 30,000 jobs in an economy with 33.2% unemployment. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Trade Minister Parks Tau argue SA exports — just 0.25% of US imports — aren’t a threat. Talks, however, are tangled with US concerns over SA’s land reform and race-based job laws, which Trump has criticised. Steenhuisen calls it a “new era” of tariffs tied to politics, while Tau brands the process “unprecedented” and outside WTO norms. INDIA–CHINA FLIGHTS SET FOR TAKE-OFF After four years, direct India–China flights could return by September. New Delhi has told carriers to be ready, with an announcement expected at the SCO summit in China. IndiGo is already preparing. Flights were halted after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that froze ties. Recent thaw: India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals and agreed to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. PM Modi is due in Tianjin on Aug 31 for his first China visit in seven years. ULTRAVIOLETTE CHARGES UP WITH $21M FUNDING Bengaluru-based premium e-motorcycle maker Ultraviolette has raised $21M, led by Japan’s TDK Ventures, with continued backing from Zoho, Lingotto, and notable angel investors. Funds will scale manufacturing, R&D, and expand retail from 20 to 100 cities. CEO Narayan Subramaniam says the TDK tie-up accelerates its push for advanced batteries, intelligent systems, and global expansion. NEW TAX ERA FOR INDIA Parliament has passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the 1961 Act from April 1, 2026. The rewrite halves the law’s size to 536 sections, swaps “assessment year” for “tax year,” reintroduces some deductions, and keeps tax rates unchanged. It enables tech-driven faceless assessments but retains search-and-seizure powers, raising privacy concerns. The Bill now awaits the President’s assent. ₹18,500 CR PUSH FOR CHIPS, POWER & METRO The Union Cabinet has cleared ₹18,500 crore for manufacturing and infrastructure. Four new semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh — including a silicon carbide fab in Bhubaneswar — will create 2,000+ skilled jobs. Also approved: the ₹8,146 crore 700 MW Tato-II hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh and Lucknow Metro’s ₹5,801 crore Phase-1B expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Aug 2025 01:23:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. SOUTH AFRICA RUSHES TO AVOID US TARIFF HIT South Africa is racing to avert the US’s steepest sub-Saharan tariff yet — 30% on some exports. Pretoria says it’s ready to offer a “broad, generous” trade deal, including more imports of US poultry, blueberries, and pork, to save an estimated 30,000 jobs in an economy with 33.2% unemployment. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Trade Minister Parks Tau argue SA exports — just 0.25% of US imports — aren’t a threat. Talks, however, are tangled with US concerns over SA’s land reform and race-based job laws, which Trump has criticised. Steenhuisen calls it a “new era” of tariffs tied to politics, while Tau brands the process “unprecedented” and outside WTO norms. INDIA–CHINA FLIGHTS SET FOR TAKE-OFF After four years, direct India–China flights could return by September. New Delhi has told carriers to be ready, with an announcement expected at the SCO summit in China. IndiGo is already preparing. Flights were halted after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that froze ties. Recent thaw: India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals and agreed to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. PM Modi is due in Tianjin on Aug 31 for his first China visit in seven years. ULTRAVIOLETTE CHARGES UP WITH $21M FUNDING Bengaluru-based premium e-motorcycle maker Ultraviolette has raised $21M, led by Japan’s TDK Ventures, with continued backing from Zoho, Lingotto, and notable angel investors. Funds will scale manufacturing, R&D, and expand retail from 20 to 100 cities. CEO Narayan Subramaniam says the TDK tie-up accelerates its push for advanced batteries, intelligent systems, and global expansion. NEW TAX ERA FOR INDIA Parliament has passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the 1961 Act from April 1, 2026. The rewrite halves the law’s size to 536 sections, swaps “assessment year” for “tax year,” reintroduces some deductions, and keeps tax rates unchanged. It enables tech-driven faceless assessments but retains search-and-seizure powers, raising privacy concerns. The Bill now awaits the President’s assent. ₹18,500 CR PUSH FOR CHIPS, POWER & METRO The Union Cabinet has cleared ₹18,500 crore for manufacturing and infrastructure. Four new semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh — including a silicon carbide fab in Bhubaneswar — will create 2,000+ skilled jobs. Also approved: the ₹8,146 crore 700 MW Tato-II hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh and Lucknow Metro’s ₹5,801 crore Phase-1B expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

SOUTH AFRICA RUSHES TO AVOID US TARIFF HIT

South Africa is racing to avert the US’s steepest sub-Saharan tariff yet — 30% on some exports. Pretoria says it’s ready to offer a “broad, generous” trade deal, including more imports of US poultry, blueberries, and pork, to save an estimated 30,000 jobs in an economy with 33.2% unemployment. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Trade Minister Parks Tau argue SA exports — just 0.25% of US imports — aren’t a threat. Talks, however, are tangled with US concerns over SA’s land reform and race-based job laws, which Trump has criticised. Steenhuisen calls it a “new era” of tariffs tied to politics, while Tau brands the process “unprecedented” and outside WTO norms.



INDIA–CHINA FLIGHTS SET FOR TAKE-OFF

After four years, direct India–China flights could return by September. New Delhi has told carriers to be ready, with an announcement expected at the SCO summit in China. IndiGo is already preparing. Flights were halted after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that froze ties. Recent thaw: India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals and agreed to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. PM Modi is due in Tianjin on Aug 31 for his first China visit in seven years.



ULTRAVIOLETTE CHARGES UP WITH $21M FUNDING

Bengaluru-based premium e-motorcycle maker Ultraviolette has raised $21M, led by Japan’s TDK Ventures, with continued backing from Zoho, Lingotto, and notable angel investors. Funds will scale manufacturing, R&D, and expand retail from 20 to 100 cities. CEO Narayan Subramaniam says the TDK tie-up accelerates its push for advanced batteries, intelligent systems, and global expansion.



NEW TAX ERA FOR INDIA

Parliament has passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the 1961 Act from April 1, 2026. The rewrite halves the law’s size to 536 sections, swaps “assessment year” for “tax year,” reintroduces some deductions, and keeps tax rates unchanged. It enables tech-driven faceless assessments but retains search-and-seizure powers, raising privacy concerns. The Bill now awaits the President’s assent.



₹18,500 CR PUSH FOR CHIPS, POWER & METRO

The Union Cabinet has cleared ₹18,500 crore for manufacturing and infrastructure. Four new semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh — including a silicon carbide fab in Bhubaneswar — will create 2,000+ skilled jobs. Also approved: the ₹8,146 crore 700 MW Tato-II hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh and Lucknow Metro’s ₹5,801 crore Phase-1B expansion


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]]> 566 no H-1B Interviews Return | Trump Seizes D.C. Police | 90-Day U.S.-China Trade Truce | No Pause in Defence Deals Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 90-Day U.S.-China Trade Truce President Donald Trump has extended the tariff suspension with China for another 90 days, keeping U.S. duties capped at 30% and Beijing’s at 10%. Both sides confirmed the move after talks in Stockholm, avoiding hikes that would have kicked in on August 12. The reprieve calms markets but sets up another tense deadline before year-end. H-1B Interview Rule Returns From Sept 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa renewals—including H-1Bs—will require in-person interviews in applicants’ home countries. This will hit Silicon Valley hardest, where over 39,000 H-1B approvals were issued in 2024, mostly to Indian and Chinese tech workers. Experts warn of costly delays and workflow disruptions at firms like Google, Meta, and Apple, as employees and families must travel abroad for renewals. Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police In a rare move, Trump is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to tackle violent crime and homelessness. Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the takeover. The Guard will handle logistics and support, freeing police for arrests. D.C.’s mayor has voiced concern over Guard patrols, as federal agents from the FBI, ICE, DEA, and ATF already operate in the city. India’s 50-Market Export Pivot With U.S. tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, Delhi is targeting 50 priority markets across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—covering 90% of current exports. Focus sectors include textiles, engineering goods, gems & jewellery, seafood, agriculture, and chemicals, some at risk of a 40% export drop. Plans include redirecting shipments, reviving the Interest Equalization Scheme, and using a ₹20,000 crore export promotion mission. No Pause in Defence Deals India will continue defence ties with the U.S. despite the tariff dispute, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told Parliament’s external affairs panel. He stressed the “multi-dimensional” relationship, citing U.S. cooperation on security, including extraditing 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana and designating The Resistance Front as a terror group. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed the sixth round of trade talks is still on. India is also leveraging existing trade pacts and working to finalise deals with the UK and EU. Misri dismissed Pakistani army chief Asim Munir’s Indus River comments as routine sabre-rattling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 90-Day U.S.-China Trade Truce President Donald Trump has extended the tariff suspension with China for another 90 days, keeping U.S. duties capped at 30% and Beijing’s at 10%. Both sides confirmed the move after talks in Stockholm, avoiding hikes that would have kicked in on August 12. The reprieve calms markets but sets up another tense deadline before year-end. H-1B Interview Rule Returns From Sept 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa renewals—including H-1Bs—will require in-person interviews in applicants’ home countries. This will hit Silicon Valley hardest, where over 39,000 H-1B approvals were issued in 2024, mostly to Indian and Chinese tech workers. Experts warn of costly delays and workflow disruptions at firms like Google, Meta, and Apple, as employees and families must travel abroad for renewals. Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police In a rare move, Trump is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to tackle violent crime and homelessness. Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the takeover. The Guard will handle logistics and support, freeing police for arrests. D.C.’s mayor has voiced concern over Guard patrols, as federal agents from the FBI, ICE, DEA, and ATF already operate in the city. India’s 50-Market Export Pivot With U.S. tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, Delhi is targeting 50 priority markets across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—covering 90% of current exports. Focus sectors include textiles, engineering goods, gems & jewellery, seafood, agriculture, and chemicals, some at risk of a 40% export drop. Plans include redirecting shipments, reviving the Interest Equalization Scheme, and using a ₹20,000 crore export promotion mission. No Pause in Defence Deals India will continue defence ties with the U.S. despite the tariff dispute, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told Parliament’s external affairs panel. He stressed the “multi-dimensional” relationship, citing U.S. cooperation on security, including extraditing 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana and designating The Resistance Front as a terror group. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed the sixth round of trade talks is still on. India is also leveraging existing trade pacts and working to finalise deals with the UK and EU. Misri dismissed Pakistani army chief Asim Munir’s Indus River comments as routine sabre-rattling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

90-Day U.S.-China Trade Truce

President Donald Trump has extended the tariff suspension with China for another 90 days, keeping U.S. duties capped at 30% and Beijing’s at 10%. Both sides confirmed the move after talks in Stockholm, avoiding hikes that would have kicked in on August 12. The reprieve calms markets but sets up another tense deadline before year-end.




H-1B Interview Rule Returns

From Sept 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa renewals—including H-1Bs—will require in-person interviews in applicants’ home countries. This will hit Silicon Valley hardest, where over 39,000 H-1B approvals were issued in 2024, mostly to Indian and Chinese tech workers. Experts warn of costly delays and workflow disruptions at firms like Google, Meta, and Apple, as employees and families must travel abroad for renewals.




Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police

In a rare move, Trump is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to tackle violent crime and homelessness. Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the takeover. The Guard will handle logistics and support, freeing police for arrests. D.C.’s mayor has voiced concern over Guard patrols, as federal agents from the FBI, ICE, DEA, and ATF already operate in the city.




India’s 50-Market Export Pivot

With U.S. tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, Delhi is targeting 50 priority markets across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—covering 90% of current exports. Focus sectors include textiles, engineering goods, gems & jewellery, seafood, agriculture, and chemicals, some at risk of a 40% export drop. Plans include redirecting shipments, reviving the Interest Equalization Scheme, and using a ₹20,000 crore export promotion mission.




No Pause in Defence Deals

India will continue defence ties with the U.S. despite the tariff dispute, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told Parliament’s external affairs panel. He stressed the “multi-dimensional” relationship, citing U.S. cooperation on security, including extraditing 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana and designating The Resistance Front as a terror group. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed the sixth round of trade talks is still on. India is also leveraging existing trade pacts and working to finalise deals with the UK and EU. Misri dismissed Pakistani army chief Asim Munir’s Indus River comments as routine sabre-rattling.

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]]> 511 Red Fort Security Lapse Exposed | China Link in Tata EV Push | F-35 Emergency… Again | Munir’s Nuke Threat from America Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Red Fort Security Breach Days Before I-Day A “dummy terrorist” from Delhi Police’s Special Cell walked into the high-security Red Fort with mock explosives during a drill — reaching the children’s enclosure, taking selfies, and leaving unnoticed. This marks the third lapse in recent drills ahead of Independence Day. The man scaled a wall near Nishad Raj Road, loitered in the VIP seating zone, and exited before the breach was reported to police HQ and the PM’s Security Unit. No action has been taken yet. Last week, seven policemen were suspended over illegal Bangladeshi nationals and live cartridges found near the fort. Pakistan Army Chief’s Nuclear Threat in US During a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warned, “If we’re going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” Reviving tensions over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, he accused India of risking famine for 250 million Pakistanis and vowed to destroy any Indian dam with “10 missiles.” On his second US visit in two months, Munir met top US military leaders. India’s Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him a “Failed Marshal” and urged scrapping cricket ties with Pakistan. Trump’s 50% Tariff Hits India Hard India now faces the highest US tariff rate — 50% — more than China’s 30% and Vietnam/Bangladesh’s 20%. Exports in gems, jewellery, textiles, and some foods have stalled. Bloomberg Economics projects a 60% fall in US-bound exports and a 1% GDP hit. The Nifty 50 is down 7% from its peak, with potential for a 10% drop if tariffs persist. Analysts warn Trump’s unpredictability, high market valuations, and foreign investor exits could prolong the pain. The tariffs could also fuel US inflation, risk stagflation, and keep Fed rates high. Experts say the trade war could last until the 2026 US midterms. British F-35’s Second Emergency Landing A British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kagoshima, Japan, after a malfunction, briefly shutting the runway. Just two months earlier, another British F-35B made an emergency landing in Kerala due to a hydraulic fault. Two landings in two countries in eight weeks raise questions about the reliability of one of the world’s most advanced — and expensive — fighter jets. Tata’s Battery Arm Gets Chinese-Owned Partner For the first time, Tata Group acknowledged a Chinese-owned company in its flagship battery venture. Japan-based AESC Group, owned by China’s Envision, bought a 12% stake in Agratas Energy Storage Solutions for ₹66 crore in March; Tata Sons holds the rest. AESC’s general counsel, Gordon Louis Chin, joins the board with Tata chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Motors CFO P.B. Balaji. Agratas is building 60GWh of gigafactory capacity in the UK and India to supply Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. AESC, one of the world’s top 10 EV battery makers, could give Agratas access to proven tech and global supply chains — critical as Chinese export curbs hit rare earth magnets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Red Fort Security Breach Days Before I-Day A “dummy terrorist” from Delhi Police’s Special Cell walked into the high-security Red Fort with mock explosives during a drill — reaching the children’s enclosure, taking selfies, and leaving unnoticed. This marks the third lapse in recent drills ahead of Independence Day. The man scaled a wall near Nishad Raj Road, loitered in the VIP seating zone, and exited before the breach was reported to police HQ and the PM’s Security Unit. No action has been taken yet. Last week, seven policemen were suspended over illegal Bangladeshi nationals and live cartridges found near the fort. Pakistan Army Chief’s Nuclear Threat in US During a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warned, “If we’re going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” Reviving tensions over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, he accused India of risking famine for 250 million Pakistanis and vowed to destroy any Indian dam with “10 missiles.” On his second US visit in two months, Munir met top US military leaders. India’s Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him a “Failed Marshal” and urged scrapping cricket ties with Pakistan. Trump’s 50% Tariff Hits India Hard India now faces the highest US tariff rate — 50% — more than China’s 30% and Vietnam/Bangladesh’s 20%. Exports in gems, jewellery, textiles, and some foods have stalled. Bloomberg Economics projects a 60% fall in US-bound exports and a 1% GDP hit. The Nifty 50 is down 7% from its peak, with potential for a 10% drop if tariffs persist. Analysts warn Trump’s unpredictability, high market valuations, and foreign investor exits could prolong the pain. The tariffs could also fuel US inflation, risk stagflation, and keep Fed rates high. Experts say the trade war could last until the 2026 US midterms. British F-35’s Second Emergency Landing A British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kagoshima, Japan, after a malfunction, briefly shutting the runway. Just two months earlier, another British F-35B made an emergency landing in Kerala due to a hydraulic fault. Two landings in two countries in eight weeks raise questions about the reliability of one of the world’s most advanced — and expensive — fighter jets. Tata’s Battery Arm Gets Chinese-Owned Partner For the first time, Tata Group acknowledged a Chinese-owned company in its flagship battery venture. Japan-based AESC Group, owned by China’s Envision, bought a 12% stake in Agratas Energy Storage Solutions for ₹66 crore in March; Tata Sons holds the rest. AESC’s general counsel, Gordon Louis Chin, joins the board with Tata chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Motors CFO P.B. Balaji. Agratas is building 60GWh of gigafactory capacity in the UK and India to supply Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. AESC, one of the world’s top 10 EV battery makers, could give Agratas access to proven tech and global supply chains — critical as Chinese export curbs hit rare earth magnets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Red Fort Security Breach Days Before I-Day

A “dummy terrorist” from Delhi Police’s Special Cell walked into the high-security Red Fort with mock explosives during a drill — reaching the children’s enclosure, taking selfies, and leaving unnoticed. This marks the third lapse in recent drills ahead of Independence Day. The man scaled a wall near Nishad Raj Road, loitered in the VIP seating zone, and exited before the breach was reported to police HQ and the PM’s Security Unit. No action has been taken yet. Last week, seven policemen were suspended over illegal Bangladeshi nationals and live cartridges found near the fort.

Pakistan Army Chief’s Nuclear Threat in US

During a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warned, “If we’re going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” Reviving tensions over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, he accused India of risking famine for 250 million Pakistanis and vowed to destroy any Indian dam with “10 missiles.” On his second US visit in two months, Munir met top US military leaders. India’s Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him a “Failed Marshal” and urged scrapping cricket ties with Pakistan.

Trump’s 50% Tariff Hits India Hard

India now faces the highest US tariff rate — 50% — more than China’s 30% and Vietnam/Bangladesh’s 20%. Exports in gems, jewellery, textiles, and some foods have stalled. Bloomberg Economics projects a 60% fall in US-bound exports and a 1% GDP hit. The Nifty 50 is down 7% from its peak, with potential for a 10% drop if tariffs persist. Analysts warn Trump’s unpredictability, high market valuations, and foreign investor exits could prolong the pain. The tariffs could also fuel US inflation, risk stagflation, and keep Fed rates high. Experts say the trade war could last until the 2026 US midterms.

British F-35’s Second Emergency Landing

A British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kagoshima, Japan, after a malfunction, briefly shutting the runway. Just two months earlier, another British F-35B made an emergency landing in Kerala due to a hydraulic fault. Two landings in two countries in eight weeks raise questions about the reliability of one of the world’s most advanced — and expensive — fighter jets.

Tata’s Battery Arm Gets Chinese-Owned Partner

For the first time, Tata Group acknowledged a Chinese-owned company in its flagship battery venture. Japan-based AESC Group, owned by China’s Envision, bought a 12% stake in Agratas Energy Storage Solutions for ₹66 crore in March; Tata Sons holds the rest. AESC’s general counsel, Gordon Louis Chin, joins the board with Tata chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Motors CFO P.B. Balaji. Agratas is building 60GWh of gigafactory capacity in the UK and India to supply Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. AESC, one of the world’s top 10 EV battery makers, could give Agratas access to proven tech and global supply chains — critical as Chinese export curbs hit rare earth magnets


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]]> 545 no Putin & Trump Meeting Set | US: Trade Talks With India On Hold | Lula’s Hour-Long call with Modi | China Taunts Trump US–India trade talks have hit a wall. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, tying the hike to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. His message was blunt — “No, not until we get it resolved” — making clear that negotiations won’t resume until the tariff dispute ends. For India, a key US export market is now at risk, but New Delhi insists its oil imports are about economic stability, not geopolitics. Amid the tension, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Talks with Russian Security Council chief Sergey Shoigu focused on defence and energy cooperation, and may pave the way for Putin’s India visit. While Doval was in Moscow, Trump’s tariff hike landed. The Kremlin blasted Washington’s move as “illegitimate,” vowing to keep trading with partners like India. China also joined the pushback. Its envoy to India, Xu Feihong, called the US a “bully,” warning that tariffs violate global trade rules. Trump hinted Beijing could be next for penalties, despite China buying nearly half of Russia’s crude exports. In another twist, Russia’s deputy UN envoy confirmed a possible Putin–Trump summit next week — the first US–Russia leaders’ meeting since 2021 — as part of a push to end the Ukraine war. Trump campaigned on ending the conflict in 24 hours, but the promise remains unmet seven months into his second term. Meanwhile, Brazil’s President Lula phoned PM Modi to discuss the 50% tariffs on both nations. They agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and technology, expand the India–MERCOSUR pact, and link digital payment systems PIX and UPI. Lula will visit India early next year, with his vice-president leading a trade delegation in October. Both leaders condemned Washington’s move, signalling a united Global South stance without announcing retaliatory tariffs — yet. From Delhi to Brasília, Moscow to Beijing, the week saw a flurry of moves: alliances tightening, rhetoric hardening, and the US turning tariffs into a high-stakes geopolitical weapon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Aug 2025 02:42:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast US–India trade talks have hit a wall. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, tying the hike to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. His message was blunt — “No, not until we get it resolved” — making clear that negotiations won’t resume until the tariff dispute ends. For India, a key US export market is now at risk, but New Delhi insists its oil imports are about economic stability, not geopolitics. Amid the tension, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Talks with Russian Security Council chief Sergey Shoigu focused on defence and energy cooperation, and may pave the way for Putin’s India visit. While Doval was in Moscow, Trump’s tariff hike landed. The Kremlin blasted Washington’s move as “illegitimate,” vowing to keep trading with partners like India. China also joined the pushback. Its envoy to India, Xu Feihong, called the US a “bully,” warning that tariffs violate global trade rules. Trump hinted Beijing could be next for penalties, despite China buying nearly half of Russia’s crude exports. In another twist, Russia’s deputy UN envoy confirmed a possible Putin–Trump summit next week — the first US–Russia leaders’ meeting since 2021 — as part of a push to end the Ukraine war. Trump campaigned on ending the conflict in 24 hours, but the promise remains unmet seven months into his second term. Meanwhile, Brazil’s President Lula phoned PM Modi to discuss the 50% tariffs on both nations. They agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and technology, expand the India–MERCOSUR pact, and link digital payment systems PIX and UPI. Lula will visit India early next year, with his vice-president leading a trade delegation in October. Both leaders condemned Washington’s move, signalling a united Global South stance without announcing retaliatory tariffs — yet. From Delhi to Brasília, Moscow to Beijing, the week saw a flurry of moves: alliances tightening, rhetoric hardening, and the US turning tariffs into a high-stakes geopolitical weapon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices US–India trade talks have hit a wall. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, tying the hike to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. His message was blunt — “No, not until we get it resolved” — making clear that negotiations won’t resume until the tariff dispute ends. For India, a key US export market is now at risk, but New Delhi insists its oil imports are about economic stability, not geopolitics.

Amid the tension, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Talks with Russian Security Council chief Sergey Shoigu focused on defence and energy cooperation, and may pave the way for Putin’s India visit. While Doval was in Moscow, Trump’s tariff hike landed. The Kremlin blasted Washington’s move as “illegitimate,” vowing to keep trading with partners like India.

China also joined the pushback. Its envoy to India, Xu Feihong, called the US a “bully,” warning that tariffs violate global trade rules. Trump hinted Beijing could be next for penalties, despite China buying nearly half of Russia’s crude exports.

In another twist, Russia’s deputy UN envoy confirmed a possible Putin–Trump summit next week — the first US–Russia leaders’ meeting since 2021 — as part of a push to end the Ukraine war. Trump campaigned on ending the conflict in 24 hours, but the promise remains unmet seven months into his second term.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s President Lula phoned PM Modi to discuss the 50% tariffs on both nations. They agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and technology, expand the India–MERCOSUR pact, and link digital payment systems PIX and UPI. Lula will visit India early next year, with his vice-president leading a trade delegation in October. Both leaders condemned Washington’s move, signalling a united Global South stance without announcing retaliatory tariffs — yet.

From Delhi to Brasília, Moscow to Beijing, the week saw a flurry of moves: alliances tightening, rhetoric hardening, and the US turning tariffs into a high-stakes geopolitical weapon.


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]]> 443 no Nationwide Airport Alert | Trump Targets Pharma | Russia Ditches INF Treaty | Lunar Land Grab? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Geopolitical Flashpoint: Russia Ditches INF Treaty In a move that could redraw the global nuclear map, Russia has officially abandoned the last remaining limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin confirmed it no longer feels bound by its self-imposed restrictions—opening the door to the redeployment of nuclear-capable missiles across Europe and Asia. The trigger? A sharp escalation with the U.S., including Trump’s warning to Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8, or face severe consequences. Add to that America’s positioning of nuclear submarines in undisclosed zones, and Russia claims it’s simply responding in kind. Who’s at risk? NATO countries and U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific. What’s next? A likely return to Cold War-style brinkmanship—with no treaty left to keep things in check. Indian Skies on Red Alert: BCAS Issues Maximum Security Warning From September 22 to October 2, all Indian airports and aviation hubs will be on maximum security alert. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued an urgent directive following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats. Airports, helipads, flying schools, and cargo facilities must ramp up surveillance, conduct thorough ID checks, and maintain constant coordination with CISF, IB, and local police. Passenger queues may lengthen—but so will vigilance. Every parcel, every vehicle, every perimeter—under the scanner. Trade War Escalates: Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil Just a day after slapping a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Donald Trump has threatened to raise it “substantially”—within 24 hours. His reason? India’s growing imports of Russian oil and defense products. Calling India a “bad trading partner,” Trump claims America buys more than it sells—and blames India for “fueling Russia’s war machine.” India’s response was swift: the MEA slammed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable”, calling out Western hypocrisy for continuing to trade with Russia while targeting others. With Russia, India, and China drawing closer—and BRICS gaining momentum—the battle lines in global trade are shifting fast. Tariffs on Pills and Chips: Trump Targets Pharma Next In a separate trade blow, Trump announced plans to impose a “small” tariff on pharmaceutical imports—but warned it could rise to 250% within 18 months. His goal? Bring drug manufacturing back to U.S. soil. He also teased upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and chips, likely aimed at reducing America’s reliance on Asian suppliers. If implemented, the move could reshape global supply chains, raise prices, and escalate trade tensions in tech and healthcare—two sectors critical to global stability. Moon Reactor by 2030: NASA Joins the Space Race NASA is going nuclear—literally. In his first big policy push, interim NASA chief Sean Duffy is launching plans to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The 100-kilowatt reactor would power future lunar bases, rovers, and science missions. But behind the tech lies strategy: the directive warns that whoever gets there first could claim a ‘keep-out zone’, shutting rivals out. With China and Russia planning a joint lunar base, the space race is now a territorial race. Meanwhile, NASA also plans to replace the aging International Space Station with commercial successors—before China’s Tiangong becomes the sole station in orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Aug 2025 01:31:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Geopolitical Flashpoint: Russia Ditches INF Treaty In a move that could redraw the global nuclear map, Russia has officially abandoned the last remaining limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin confirmed it no longer feels bound by its self-imposed restrictions—opening the door to the redeployment of nuclear-capable missiles across Europe and Asia. The trigger? A sharp escalation with the U.S., including Trump’s warning to Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8, or face severe consequences. Add to that America’s positioning of nuclear submarines in undisclosed zones, and Russia claims it’s simply responding in kind. Who’s at risk? NATO countries and U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific. What’s next? A likely return to Cold War-style brinkmanship—with no treaty left to keep things in check. Indian Skies on Red Alert: BCAS Issues Maximum Security Warning From September 22 to October 2, all Indian airports and aviation hubs will be on maximum security alert. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued an urgent directive following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats. Airports, helipads, flying schools, and cargo facilities must ramp up surveillance, conduct thorough ID checks, and maintain constant coordination with CISF, IB, and local police. Passenger queues may lengthen—but so will vigilance. Every parcel, every vehicle, every perimeter—under the scanner. Trade War Escalates: Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil Just a day after slapping a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Donald Trump has threatened to raise it “substantially”—within 24 hours. His reason? India’s growing imports of Russian oil and defense products. Calling India a “bad trading partner,” Trump claims America buys more than it sells—and blames India for “fueling Russia’s war machine.” India’s response was swift: the MEA slammed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable”, calling out Western hypocrisy for continuing to trade with Russia while targeting others. With Russia, India, and China drawing closer—and BRICS gaining momentum—the battle lines in global trade are shifting fast. Tariffs on Pills and Chips: Trump Targets Pharma Next In a separate trade blow, Trump announced plans to impose a “small” tariff on pharmaceutical imports—but warned it could rise to 250% within 18 months. His goal? Bring drug manufacturing back to U.S. soil. He also teased upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and chips, likely aimed at reducing America’s reliance on Asian suppliers. If implemented, the move could reshape global supply chains, raise prices, and escalate trade tensions in tech and healthcare—two sectors critical to global stability. Moon Reactor by 2030: NASA Joins the Space Race NASA is going nuclear—literally. In his first big policy push, interim NASA chief Sean Duffy is launching plans to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The 100-kilowatt reactor would power future lunar bases, rovers, and science missions. But behind the tech lies strategy: the directive warns that whoever gets there first could claim a ‘keep-out zone’, shutting rivals out. With China and Russia planning a joint lunar base, the space race is now a territorial race. Meanwhile, NASA also plans to replace the aging International Space Station with commercial successors—before China’s Tiangong becomes the sole station in orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Geopolitical Flashpoint: Russia Ditches INF Treaty

In a move that could redraw the global nuclear map, Russia has officially abandoned the last remaining limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin confirmed it no longer feels bound by its self-imposed restrictions—opening the door to the redeployment of nuclear-capable missiles across Europe and Asia.

The trigger? A sharp escalation with the U.S., including Trump’s warning to Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8, or face severe consequences. Add to that America’s positioning of nuclear submarines in undisclosed zones, and Russia claims it’s simply responding in kind.

Who’s at risk? NATO countries and U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific.

What’s next? A likely return to Cold War-style brinkmanship—with no treaty left to keep things in check.


Indian Skies on Red Alert: BCAS Issues Maximum Security Warning

From September 22 to October 2, all Indian airports and aviation hubs will be on maximum security alert. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued an urgent directive following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats.

Airports, helipads, flying schools, and cargo facilities must ramp up surveillance, conduct thorough ID checks, and maintain constant coordination with CISF, IB, and local police. Passenger queues may lengthen—but so will vigilance. Every parcel, every vehicle, every perimeter—under the scanner.


Trade War Escalates: Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil

Just a day after slapping a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Donald Trump has threatened to raise it “substantially”—within 24 hours. His reason? India’s growing imports of Russian oil and defense products.

Calling India a “bad trading partner,” Trump claims America buys more than it sells—and blames India for “fueling Russia’s war machine.” India’s response was swift: the MEA slammed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable”, calling out Western hypocrisy for continuing to trade with Russia while targeting others.

With Russia, India, and China drawing closer—and BRICS gaining momentum—the battle lines in global trade are shifting fast.


Tariffs on Pills and Chips: Trump Targets Pharma Next

In a separate trade blow, Trump announced plans to impose a “small” tariff on pharmaceutical imports—but warned it could rise to 250% within 18 months. His goal? Bring drug manufacturing back to U.S. soil.

He also teased upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and chips, likely aimed at reducing America’s reliance on Asian suppliers.

If implemented, the move could reshape global supply chains, raise prices, and escalate trade tensions in tech and healthcare—two sectors critical to global stability.


Moon Reactor by 2030: NASA Joins the Space Race

NASA is going nuclear—literally.

In his first big policy push, interim NASA chief Sean Duffy is launching plans to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The 100-kilowatt reactor would power future lunar bases, rovers, and science missions.

But behind the tech lies strategy: the directive warns that whoever gets there first could claim a ‘keep-out zone’, shutting rivals out. With China and Russia planning a joint lunar base, the space race is now a territorial race.

Meanwhile, NASA also plans to replace the aging International Space Station with commercial successors—before China’s Tiangong becomes the sole station in orbit.

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]]> 550 no Indian Tech in Russian Drones? | US Visa Bond Shock | Trump Slams India on Oil | Alibaba Exits Paytm | Airtel’s Cloud Play Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Indian Tech in Russian Drones? Ukraine has formally raised concerns with India and the EU after finding Indian-assembled components inside Shahed-136 drones—Iranian UCAVs now used extensively by Russian forces. Investigations revealed a bridge rectifier by Vishay and a signal chip by Aura Semiconductor, both allegedly made or assembled in India. Ukraine flagged the issue in diplomatic cables and even during EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi. India’s foreign ministry insists all dual-use exports comply with global norms, and no domestic laws were broken. Aura said it was “deeply disturbed” and suspects unauthorised third-party diversion via West Asia. The challenge? These are plug-and-play parts—nearly impossible to trace once exported. With drones reshaping warfare, India’s electronics exports face new global scrutiny—raising a key question: how do you ensure compliance without stifling trade? Visa to America? Now Comes with a Price Tag In a move that’s sparked global concern, the U.S. State Department will soon demand up to $15,000 as a refundable bond from business and tourist visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or weak documentation systems. A leaked cable suggests most adults will be charged $10,000, while children may need to pay $5,000. The Treasury will hold the funds and refund them if travelers exit on time and via specified ports. The policy is part of the Trump administration’s tougher immigration strategy, alongside new in-person interviews and tighter Diversity Visa Lottery norms. While Visa Waiver countries are exempt, millions elsewhere may now find U.S. travel financially out of reach. Trump Targets India Again—This Time Over Oil In a fiery Truth Social post, Donald Trump accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. He threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, just days after a fresh 25% duty was imposed. India responded swiftly, calling the claims “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials clarified that India imports and refines oil—it doesn’t resell crude. They also pointed to continued Western trade with Russia, including LNG, fertilizers, and nuclear fuel. Interestingly, Indian refiners are not backing off. In fact, they’ve recently booked Russian spot deals with $3-per-barrel discounts. At the same time, Indian companies are in talks with U.S. LPG suppliers—proving that while rhetoric may rise, trade ties are still complex. Alibaba’s Final Goodbye to Paytm After a decade of investing, Alibaba has fully exited Paytm. Its affiliate, Antfin Netherlands, sold its remaining 5.84% stake in One97 Communications via a ₹3,803 crore block deal at a slight discount to market price. At its peak, Chinese investors held nearly 35% of Paytm’s pre-IPO equity—a figure that sparked regulatory scrutiny. This final exit follows gradual offloading, including a 4% stake sold in May and a 10.3% transfer to Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2023. The exit comes as Paytm posts its first-ever quarterly profit—₹123 crore in Q1 FY26. With Chinese ownership concerns now behind it, regulatory hurdles may ease, especially around its pending payment aggregator license. Airtel Launches India’s Own Sovereign Cloud Bharti Airtel has entered the sovereign cloud race, launching a telco-grade, India-hosted platform under its digital arm, Xtelify. The platform stores and processes sensitive data entirely within India—key for regulated sectors like banking and government. By bundling its network with the cloud, Airtel claims it can cut enterprise cloud costs by up to 40%. The offering is powered by its data center unit, Nxtra, and aims to rival global players like AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Aug 2025 01:30:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Indian Tech in Russian Drones? Ukraine has formally raised concerns with India and the EU after finding Indian-assembled components inside Shahed-136 drones—Iranian UCAVs now used extensively by Russian forces. Investigations revealed a bridge rectifier by Vishay and a signal chip by Aura Semiconductor, both allegedly made or assembled in India. Ukraine flagged the issue in diplomatic cables and even during EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi. India’s foreign ministry insists all dual-use exports comply with global norms, and no domestic laws were broken. Aura said it was “deeply disturbed” and suspects unauthorised third-party diversion via West Asia. The challenge? These are plug-and-play parts—nearly impossible to trace once exported. With drones reshaping warfare, India’s electronics exports face new global scrutiny—raising a key question: how do you ensure compliance without stifling trade? Visa to America? Now Comes with a Price Tag In a move that’s sparked global concern, the U.S. State Department will soon demand up to $15,000 as a refundable bond from business and tourist visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or weak documentation systems. A leaked cable suggests most adults will be charged $10,000, while children may need to pay $5,000. The Treasury will hold the funds and refund them if travelers exit on time and via specified ports. The policy is part of the Trump administration’s tougher immigration strategy, alongside new in-person interviews and tighter Diversity Visa Lottery norms. While Visa Waiver countries are exempt, millions elsewhere may now find U.S. travel financially out of reach. Trump Targets India Again—This Time Over Oil In a fiery Truth Social post, Donald Trump accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. He threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, just days after a fresh 25% duty was imposed. India responded swiftly, calling the claims “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials clarified that India imports and refines oil—it doesn’t resell crude. They also pointed to continued Western trade with Russia, including LNG, fertilizers, and nuclear fuel. Interestingly, Indian refiners are not backing off. In fact, they’ve recently booked Russian spot deals with $3-per-barrel discounts. At the same time, Indian companies are in talks with U.S. LPG suppliers—proving that while rhetoric may rise, trade ties are still complex. Alibaba’s Final Goodbye to Paytm After a decade of investing, Alibaba has fully exited Paytm. Its affiliate, Antfin Netherlands, sold its remaining 5.84% stake in One97 Communications via a ₹3,803 crore block deal at a slight discount to market price. At its peak, Chinese investors held nearly 35% of Paytm’s pre-IPO equity—a figure that sparked regulatory scrutiny. This final exit follows gradual offloading, including a 4% stake sold in May and a 10.3% transfer to Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2023. The exit comes as Paytm posts its first-ever quarterly profit—₹123 crore in Q1 FY26. With Chinese ownership concerns now behind it, regulatory hurdles may ease, especially around its pending payment aggregator license. Airtel Launches India’s Own Sovereign Cloud Bharti Airtel has entered the sovereign cloud race, launching a telco-grade, India-hosted platform under its digital arm, Xtelify. The platform stores and processes sensitive data entirely within India—key for regulated sectors like banking and government. By bundling its network with the cloud, Airtel claims it can cut enterprise cloud costs by up to 40%. The offering is powered by its data center unit, Nxtra, and aims to rival global players like AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Indian Tech in Russian Drones?

Ukraine has formally raised concerns with India and the EU after finding Indian-assembled components inside Shahed-136 drones—Iranian UCAVs now used extensively by Russian forces.

Investigations revealed a bridge rectifier by Vishay and a signal chip by Aura Semiconductor, both allegedly made or assembled in India. Ukraine flagged the issue in diplomatic cables and even during EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi.

India’s foreign ministry insists all dual-use exports comply with global norms, and no domestic laws were broken. Aura said it was “deeply disturbed” and suspects unauthorised third-party diversion via West Asia. The challenge? These are plug-and-play parts—nearly impossible to trace once exported.

With drones reshaping warfare, India’s electronics exports face new global scrutiny—raising a key question: how do you ensure compliance without stifling trade?




Visa to America? Now Comes with a Price Tag

In a move that’s sparked global concern, the U.S. State Department will soon demand up to $15,000 as a refundable bond from business and tourist visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or weak documentation systems.

A leaked cable suggests most adults will be charged $10,000, while children may need to pay $5,000. The Treasury will hold the funds and refund them if travelers exit on time and via specified ports.

The policy is part of the Trump administration’s tougher immigration strategy, alongside new in-person interviews and tighter Diversity Visa Lottery norms.

While Visa Waiver countries are exempt, millions elsewhere may now find U.S. travel financially out of reach.




Trump Targets India Again—This Time Over Oil

In a fiery Truth Social post, Donald Trump accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. He threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, just days after a fresh 25% duty was imposed.

India responded swiftly, calling the claims “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials clarified that India imports and refines oil—it doesn’t resell crude. They also pointed to continued Western trade with Russia, including LNG, fertilizers, and nuclear fuel.

Interestingly, Indian refiners are not backing off. In fact, they’ve recently booked Russian spot deals with $3-per-barrel discounts. At the same time, Indian companies are in talks with U.S. LPG suppliers—proving that while rhetoric may rise, trade ties are still complex.


Alibaba’s Final Goodbye to Paytm

After a decade of investing, Alibaba has fully exited Paytm. Its affiliate, Antfin Netherlands, sold its remaining 5.84% stake in One97 Communications via a ₹3,803 crore block deal at a slight discount to market price.

At its peak, Chinese investors held nearly 35% of Paytm’s pre-IPO equity—a figure that sparked regulatory scrutiny. This final exit follows gradual offloading, including a 4% stake sold in May and a 10.3% transfer to Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2023.

The exit comes as Paytm posts its first-ever quarterly profit—₹123 crore in Q1 FY26. With Chinese ownership concerns now behind it, regulatory hurdles may ease, especially around its pending payment aggregator license.




Airtel Launches India’s Own Sovereign Cloud

Bharti Airtel has entered the sovereign cloud race, launching a telco-grade, India-hosted platform under its digital arm, Xtelify. The platform stores and processes sensitive data entirely within India—key for regulated sectors like banking and government.

By bundling its network with the cloud, Airtel claims it can cut enterprise cloud costs by up to 40%. The offering is powered by its data center unit, Nxtra, and aims to rival global players like AWS, Microsoft, and Google.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 454 no India, US Dig Deep in Africa | Dalal Street Holds Its Breath | Japanese VC India Shift | Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 📉  Markets Hold Their Breath “Brace for more uncertainty.” That’s the sentiment driving investor caution as US-India trade tensions flare once again. According to Mint’s quarterly market survey, 77% of investment professionals expect volatility to continue, especially if the pending trade deal throws up new tariffs or penalties. With earnings under pressure and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling out nearly ₹18,000 crore in July alone, India’s equity rally looks fragile. Sectors like oil & gas, NBFCs, public sector banks, and pharma are expected to anchor Q1 earnings. IPOs may inject temporary optimism, but experts agree: it’ll take more than listings to restore lasting investor confidence. 🌍  India & US Bet on Africa’s Minerals As global demand for critical minerals heats up, India and the US are looking to Africa. The goal? Break China’s 70% dominance in refining key elements like lithium, gallium, and graphite—used in everything from EVs to solar panels. Both nations are discussing joint investments in African projects, leveraging India’s business ties in East Africa. Meanwhile, India is stepping up at home with a ₹16,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission and 368 new exploration projects. Despite these moves, the IEA warns diversification will be slow, with China likely to remain dominant even by 2035. 💰  Japanese VC Eyes Turn to India India is emerging as a new hotspot for Japanese venture capital. With returns slowing in Japan and Southeast Asia, firms like Incubate Fund Asia, BeyondNext Ventures, and Enrission India Capital are doubling down on Indian startups. In H1 2025, Indian IPOs raised over $6.1 billion—four times the Southeast Asia tally. Incubate Fund is closing in on a $100M India-focused fund. BeyondNext is raising $50M, while Enrission has already allocated its entire $120M corpus to Indian bets in biotech, robotics, and deeptech. Even corporate giants like Suzuki and SMBC are stepping in, backing clean energy, fintech, and semiconductor plays. The result? Japanese VC dollars are flowing in—with patience, and long-term conviction. 🧠  The Man Who Rejected $1.5 Billion Andrew Tulloch, an Australian machine learning whiz and ex-Meta and OpenAI veteran, has become Silicon Valley’s latest legend—for saying no to what could’ve been a $1.5 billion job offer from Meta. Tulloch, now at Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab—a $12 billion AI startup still in stealth—reportedly turned down Mark Zuckerberg’s offer to lead Meta’s new superintelligence unit. Meta has disputed the number, but Tulloch’s viral LinkedIn profile tells the story of a man who’s betting on building the next wave of AI. So far, no one from Thinking Machines has defected. Tulloch’s move signals a shift in Silicon Valley: not just chasing the next paycheck, but redefining what’s worth building. 🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸  India-US Trade Deal Hits Turbulence Despite strong ties, a comprehensive India-US trade deal remains elusive—and Trump’s return to tariff tactics has made the road even bumpier. Experts warn India may lose up to $33 billion in exports. New Delhi, in turn, is considering reimposing digital taxes on Big Tech firms like Meta and Amazon. But the real hurdle? Philosophy. While the US demands access to India’s agri and dairy markets, India resists, citing food security and employment. Throw in geopolitical friction—over Russia, crude imports, and data sovereignty—and the mistrust only deepens. Utsav Verma of Choice Broking says, “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about different worldviews.” For now, hopes rest on sectors like climate tech, defence and resilient supply chains to keep the engagement alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:58:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 📉  Markets Hold Their Breath “Brace for more uncertainty.” That’s the sentiment driving investor caution as US-India trade tensions flare once again. According to Mint’s quarterly market survey, 77% of investment professionals expect volatility to continue, especially if the pending trade deal throws up new tariffs or penalties. With earnings under pressure and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling out nearly ₹18,000 crore in July alone, India’s equity rally looks fragile. Sectors like oil & gas, NBFCs, public sector banks, and pharma are expected to anchor Q1 earnings. IPOs may inject temporary optimism, but experts agree: it’ll take more than listings to restore lasting investor confidence. 🌍  India & US Bet on Africa’s Minerals As global demand for critical minerals heats up, India and the US are looking to Africa. The goal? Break China’s 70% dominance in refining key elements like lithium, gallium, and graphite—used in everything from EVs to solar panels. Both nations are discussing joint investments in African projects, leveraging India’s business ties in East Africa. Meanwhile, India is stepping up at home with a ₹16,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission and 368 new exploration projects. Despite these moves, the IEA warns diversification will be slow, with China likely to remain dominant even by 2035. 💰  Japanese VC Eyes Turn to India India is emerging as a new hotspot for Japanese venture capital. With returns slowing in Japan and Southeast Asia, firms like Incubate Fund Asia, BeyondNext Ventures, and Enrission India Capital are doubling down on Indian startups. In H1 2025, Indian IPOs raised over $6.1 billion—four times the Southeast Asia tally. Incubate Fund is closing in on a $100M India-focused fund. BeyondNext is raising $50M, while Enrission has already allocated its entire $120M corpus to Indian bets in biotech, robotics, and deeptech. Even corporate giants like Suzuki and SMBC are stepping in, backing clean energy, fintech, and semiconductor plays. The result? Japanese VC dollars are flowing in—with patience, and long-term conviction. 🧠  The Man Who Rejected $1.5 Billion Andrew Tulloch, an Australian machine learning whiz and ex-Meta and OpenAI veteran, has become Silicon Valley’s latest legend—for saying no to what could’ve been a $1.5 billion job offer from Meta. Tulloch, now at Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab—a $12 billion AI startup still in stealth—reportedly turned down Mark Zuckerberg’s offer to lead Meta’s new superintelligence unit. Meta has disputed the number, but Tulloch’s viral LinkedIn profile tells the story of a man who’s betting on building the next wave of AI. So far, no one from Thinking Machines has defected. Tulloch’s move signals a shift in Silicon Valley: not just chasing the next paycheck, but redefining what’s worth building. 🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸  India-US Trade Deal Hits Turbulence Despite strong ties, a comprehensive India-US trade deal remains elusive—and Trump’s return to tariff tactics has made the road even bumpier. Experts warn India may lose up to $33 billion in exports. New Delhi, in turn, is considering reimposing digital taxes on Big Tech firms like Meta and Amazon. But the real hurdle? Philosophy. While the US demands access to India’s agri and dairy markets, India resists, citing food security and employment. Throw in geopolitical friction—over Russia, crude imports, and data sovereignty—and the mistrust only deepens. Utsav Verma of Choice Broking says, “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about different worldviews.” For now, hopes rest on sectors like climate tech, defence and resilient supply chains to keep the engagement alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

📉 

Markets Hold Their Breath

“Brace for more uncertainty.” That’s the sentiment driving investor caution as US-India trade tensions flare once again. According to Mint’s quarterly market survey, 77% of investment professionals expect volatility to continue, especially if the pending trade deal throws up new tariffs or penalties.

With earnings under pressure and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling out nearly ₹18,000 crore in July alone, India’s equity rally looks fragile. Sectors like oil & gas, NBFCs, public sector banks, and pharma are expected to anchor Q1 earnings. IPOs may inject temporary optimism, but experts agree: it’ll take more than listings to restore lasting investor confidence.




🌍 

India & US Bet on Africa’s Minerals

As global demand for critical minerals heats up, India and the US are looking to Africa. The goal? Break China’s 70% dominance in refining key elements like lithium, gallium, and graphite—used in everything from EVs to solar panels.

Both nations are discussing joint investments in African projects, leveraging India’s business ties in East Africa. Meanwhile, India is stepping up at home with a ₹16,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission and 368 new exploration projects. Despite these moves, the IEA warns diversification will be slow, with China likely to remain dominant even by 2035.




💰 

Japanese VC Eyes Turn to India

India is emerging as a new hotspot for Japanese venture capital. With returns slowing in Japan and Southeast Asia, firms like Incubate Fund Asia, BeyondNext Ventures, and Enrission India Capital are doubling down on Indian startups.

In H1 2025, Indian IPOs raised over $6.1 billion—four times the Southeast Asia tally. Incubate Fund is closing in on a $100M India-focused fund. BeyondNext is raising $50M, while Enrission has already allocated its entire $120M corpus to Indian bets in biotech, robotics, and deeptech. Even corporate giants like Suzuki and SMBC are stepping in, backing clean energy, fintech, and semiconductor plays.

The result? Japanese VC dollars are flowing in—with patience, and long-term conviction.




🧠 

The Man Who Rejected $1.5 Billion

Andrew Tulloch, an Australian machine learning whiz and ex-Meta and OpenAI veteran, has become Silicon Valley’s latest legend—for saying no to what could’ve been a $1.5 billion job offer from Meta.

Tulloch, now at Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab—a $12 billion AI startup still in stealth—reportedly turned down Mark Zuckerberg’s offer to lead Meta’s new superintelligence unit. Meta has disputed the number, but Tulloch’s viral LinkedIn profile tells the story of a man who’s betting on building the next wave of AI.

So far, no one from Thinking Machines has defected. Tulloch’s move signals a shift in Silicon Valley: not just chasing the next paycheck, but redefining what’s worth building.




🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸 

India-US Trade Deal Hits Turbulence

Despite strong ties, a comprehensive India-US trade deal remains elusive—and Trump’s return to tariff tactics has made the road even bumpier.

Experts warn India may lose up to $33 billion in exports. New Delhi, in turn, is considering reimposing digital taxes on Big Tech firms like Meta and Amazon. But the real hurdle? Philosophy. While the US demands access to India’s agri and dairy markets, India resists, citing food security and employment. Throw in geopolitical friction—over Russia, crude imports, and data sovereignty—and the mistrust only deepens.

Utsav Verma of Choice Broking says, “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about different worldviews.” For now, hopes rest on sectors like climate tech, defence and resilient supply chains to keep the engagement alive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 550 no Will India’s $87B Export Engine Stall? | India Cuts Russian Oil | India Hits Back at “Dead Economy” Jab Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. And Finally: UPI Gets a Power Boost Let’s wrap up with a domestic update that affects nearly every Indian with a smartphone. Starting today, August 1, your favourite UPI apps—Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm—are operating under new NPCI rules aimed at boosting performance and curbing fraud. Here’s a quick rundown: Balance checks? Now limited to 50 per day, and you’ll see your balance automatically after each transaction. Auto-payments? Will only go through during non-peak hours—before 10 am, between 1–5 pm, and after 9:30 pm. Bank details? Visible only 25 times daily, after selecting the issuing bank. Pending transactions? You can check the status only three times, spaced by 90 seconds. Recipient names? Will be shown before every transfer—reducing fraud risk. And yes, non-compliance by payment service providers could mean API restrictions or onboarding bans. Bottom line? India’s digital payments system—already among the most advanced—is getting tighter, faster, and more secure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Aug 2025 02:41:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. And Finally: UPI Gets a Power Boost Let’s wrap up with a domestic update that affects nearly every Indian with a smartphone. Starting today, August 1, your favourite UPI apps—Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm—are operating under new NPCI rules aimed at boosting performance and curbing fraud. Here’s a quick rundown: Balance checks? Now limited to 50 per day, and you’ll see your balance automatically after each transaction. Auto-payments? Will only go through during non-peak hours—before 10 am, between 1–5 pm, and after 9:30 pm. Bank details? Visible only 25 times daily, after selecting the issuing bank. Pending transactions? You can check the status only three times, spaced by 90 seconds. Recipient names? Will be shown before every transfer—reducing fraud risk. And yes, non-compliance by payment service providers could mean API restrictions or onboarding bans. Bottom line? India’s digital payments system—already among the most advanced—is getting tighter, faster, and more secure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India

“Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.”

That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way.

But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar.

Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.”




Markets React, Investors Watch Closely

India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit.

Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow.

While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.



 NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog


“A scientific handshake with the world.”

That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO.

Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands.

And Finally: UPI Gets a Power Boost

Let’s wrap up with a domestic update that affects nearly every Indian with a smartphone.

Starting today, August 1, your favourite UPI apps—Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm—are operating under new NPCI rules aimed at boosting performance and curbing fraud.

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Balance checks? Now limited to 50 per day, and you’ll see your balance automatically after each transaction.

  • Auto-payments? Will only go through during non-peak hours—before 10 am, between 1–5 pm, and after 9:30 pm.

  • Bank details? Visible only 25 times daily, after selecting the issuing bank.

  • Pending transactions? You can check the status only three times, spaced by 90 seconds.

  • Recipient names? Will be shown before every transfer—reducing fraud risk.

And yes, non-compliance by payment service providers could mean API restrictions or onboarding bans.

Bottom line? India’s digital payments system—already among the most advanced—is getting tighter, faster, and more secure


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 521 no India Hit, Pakistan Wooed | Tariff Shock Rattles Markets | NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Marvel | Infosys Hires Big Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. Its powerful dual-radar system (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO) allows it to peer through clouds, fog, and even ice layers, aiding everything from climate science to disaster response and aviation safety. Operations begin by October-end, with data distributed via Alaska’s ASF and India’s Bhoonidhi platform.  U.S. Sanctions Six Indian Firms Over Iran Oil Trade Adding more pressure to bilateral ties, the U.S. has sanctioned 33 global entities—including six Indian companies—for dealing in Iranian-origin petrochemicals. Those hit include: Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd – $84M in imports Jupiter Dye Chem – $49M worth of toluene Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd – $51M in methanol Ramniklal S. Gosalia & Co – $22M in mixed chemicals Persistent Petrochem – $14M in petrochemical shipments Kanchan Polymers – smaller but notable deals All were designated under Executive Order 13846 for “knowingly” engaging in prohibited trade. The sanctions, which also include 10 blocked vessels, extend to firms in China, UAE, Turkiye, and Indonesia. Though not market-moving yet, they further strain India’s trade talks with the U.S. While TCS Cuts 12,000 Jobs, Infosys Hires 20,000 As India’s IT sector reels from TCS’s record 12,000 layoffs, Infosys is making a contrarian move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:56:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. Its powerful dual-radar system (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO) allows it to peer through clouds, fog, and even ice layers, aiding everything from climate science to disaster response and aviation safety. Operations begin by October-end, with data distributed via Alaska’s ASF and India’s Bhoonidhi platform.  U.S. Sanctions Six Indian Firms Over Iran Oil Trade Adding more pressure to bilateral ties, the U.S. has sanctioned 33 global entities—including six Indian companies—for dealing in Iranian-origin petrochemicals. Those hit include: Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd – $84M in imports Jupiter Dye Chem – $49M worth of toluene Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd – $51M in methanol Ramniklal S. Gosalia & Co – $22M in mixed chemicals Persistent Petrochem – $14M in petrochemical shipments Kanchan Polymers – smaller but notable deals All were designated under Executive Order 13846 for “knowingly” engaging in prohibited trade. The sanctions, which also include 10 blocked vessels, extend to firms in China, UAE, Turkiye, and Indonesia. Though not market-moving yet, they further strain India’s trade talks with the U.S. While TCS Cuts 12,000 Jobs, Infosys Hires 20,000 As India’s IT sector reels from TCS’s record 12,000 layoffs, Infosys is making a contrarian move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Trump’s Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India

“Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India someday.”

That was Donald Trump’s surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way.

But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India’s place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar.

Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.”




Markets React, Investors Watch Closely

India’s stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit.

Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow.

While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda’s Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA’s Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India’s GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.



 NASA–ISRO’s NISAR Takes Off: Earth’s New Watchdog


“A scientific handshake with the world.”

That’s how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world’s most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO.

Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth’s surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands.

Its powerful dual-radar system (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO) allows it to peer through clouds, fog, and even ice layers, aiding everything from climate science to disaster response and aviation safety.

Operations begin by October-end, with data distributed via Alaska’s ASF and India’s Bhoonidhi platform.



 U.S. Sanctions Six Indian Firms Over Iran Oil Trade


Adding more pressure to bilateral ties, the U.S. has sanctioned 33 global entities—including six Indian companies—for dealing in Iranian-origin petrochemicals.

Those hit include:

  • Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd – $84M in imports
  • Jupiter Dye Chem – $49M worth of toluene
  • Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd – $51M in methanol
  • Ramniklal S. Gosalia & Co – $22M in mixed chemicals
  • Persistent Petrochem – $14M in petrochemical shipments
  • Kanchan Polymers – smaller but notable deals

All were designated under Executive Order 13846 for “knowingly” engaging in prohibited trade.

The sanctions, which also include 10 blocked vessels, extend to firms in China, UAE, Turkiye, and Indonesia.

Though not market-moving yet, they further strain India’s trade talks with the U.S.




While TCS Cuts 12,000 Jobs, Infosys Hires 20,000

As India’s IT sector reels from TCS’s record 12,000 layoffs, Infosys is making a contrarian move.




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 591 no US: 25% Tariffs on India? | Mayday at 5,000 Feet | Rupee Hits 4-Month Low | Air India Audit Flags 100 Safety Breaches Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Operation Sindoor: Modi’s No-Holds-Barred Warning to Pakistan In a fiery 97-minute address in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi revealed India’s retaliatory strikes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. “In 22 minutes, we responded to April 22,” he said, confirming that India bombed nine terror camps in PoK and Pakistan, followed by air raids on 13 military bases. Modi claimed Pakistan’s nuclear threats were ignored and over 1,000 missiles and drones fired on May 9 were neutralized by Indian air defence. “No one in the world asked us to stop,” he stressed, countering opposition allegations of U.S. pressure. “Operation Sindoor is still on,” he warned, promising continued force against terrorism and accusing the Congress of echoing Pakistan’s narrative. Trump’s Trade Threat: 25% Tariffs on India? President Trump has warned that India could face tariffs up to 25% on its exports to the U.S. “India’s been a good friend, but they charge more tariffs than almost any other country,” he said aboard Air Force One. The threat comes as a temporary tariff truce is set to expire on August 1, with no deal yet in place between the two nations. While countries like the UK, EU, and Japan have sealed trade pacts with the U.S., India has held back on fresh concessions. Instead, it will resume comprehensive trade talks mid-August. U.S. officials say India must open its markets further or risk losing access. Mayday at 5,000 Feet: United Airlines 787 Scare On July 25, United Airlines flight UA108 to Munich suffered a left engine failure shortly after take-off from Washington Dulles Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a Mayday alert at 5,000 feet and circled for 2 hours and 38 minutes to safely dump fuel before returning to Dulles. All passengers were safe. The incident came just a month after the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Days earlier, an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 also faced an emergency in Denver due to cabin smoke and a tyre-related landing gear issue. Multiple incidents now put Boeing’s aircraft safety back in the spotlight. Air India Audit Uncovers 100 Safety Violations Just weeks after the fatal Flight 171 crash, the DGCA flagged 100 safety-related lapses at Air India following a detailed July audit. Among them: pilot fatigue breaches, simulator shortcomings, and inadequate route checks for high-risk airports. One major violation involved a Milan–Delhi 787 flight exceeding duty hours by over 2 hours. Auditors also found flights operating with insufficient crew and no chief pilots for the A320 and A350 fleets—signaling poor oversight. Air India has until July 30 to explain its corrective actions. With multiple show-cause notices issued, the airline’s post-Tata revival now faces a credibility test amid mounting passenger concerns. Rupee Nears 87 as Dollar Demand, Trade Uncertainty Weigh The Indian rupee slid to 86.9150 per dollar, its lowest since March, before closing at 86.8150. It’s now one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies this year—down over 1%, alongside the Indonesian rupiah. Traders blame rising dollar demand from importers, weak foreign portfolio flows, and uncertainty around U.S.-India trade talks. Exporters who stepped in at 86.50 may only return near 87.10 levels. RBI is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming policy meet, monitoring transmission of past measures. Globally, the dollar index neared 99 after a pro-U.S. EU trade deal. Investors now await the Fed’s decision and Powell’s tone for rate-cut cues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Operation Sindoor: Modi’s No-Holds-Barred Warning to Pakistan In a fiery 97-minute address in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi revealed India’s retaliatory strikes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. “In 22 minutes, we responded to April 22,” he said, confirming that India bombed nine terror camps in PoK and Pakistan, followed by air raids on 13 military bases. Modi claimed Pakistan’s nuclear threats were ignored and over 1,000 missiles and drones fired on May 9 were neutralized by Indian air defence. “No one in the world asked us to stop,” he stressed, countering opposition allegations of U.S. pressure. “Operation Sindoor is still on,” he warned, promising continued force against terrorism and accusing the Congress of echoing Pakistan’s narrative. Trump’s Trade Threat: 25% Tariffs on India? President Trump has warned that India could face tariffs up to 25% on its exports to the U.S. “India’s been a good friend, but they charge more tariffs than almost any other country,” he said aboard Air Force One. The threat comes as a temporary tariff truce is set to expire on August 1, with no deal yet in place between the two nations. While countries like the UK, EU, and Japan have sealed trade pacts with the U.S., India has held back on fresh concessions. Instead, it will resume comprehensive trade talks mid-August. U.S. officials say India must open its markets further or risk losing access. Mayday at 5,000 Feet: United Airlines 787 Scare On July 25, United Airlines flight UA108 to Munich suffered a left engine failure shortly after take-off from Washington Dulles Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a Mayday alert at 5,000 feet and circled for 2 hours and 38 minutes to safely dump fuel before returning to Dulles. All passengers were safe. The incident came just a month after the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Days earlier, an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 also faced an emergency in Denver due to cabin smoke and a tyre-related landing gear issue. Multiple incidents now put Boeing’s aircraft safety back in the spotlight. Air India Audit Uncovers 100 Safety Violations Just weeks after the fatal Flight 171 crash, the DGCA flagged 100 safety-related lapses at Air India following a detailed July audit. Among them: pilot fatigue breaches, simulator shortcomings, and inadequate route checks for high-risk airports. One major violation involved a Milan–Delhi 787 flight exceeding duty hours by over 2 hours. Auditors also found flights operating with insufficient crew and no chief pilots for the A320 and A350 fleets—signaling poor oversight. Air India has until July 30 to explain its corrective actions. With multiple show-cause notices issued, the airline’s post-Tata revival now faces a credibility test amid mounting passenger concerns. Rupee Nears 87 as Dollar Demand, Trade Uncertainty Weigh The Indian rupee slid to 86.9150 per dollar, its lowest since March, before closing at 86.8150. It’s now one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies this year—down over 1%, alongside the Indonesian rupiah. Traders blame rising dollar demand from importers, weak foreign portfolio flows, and uncertainty around U.S.-India trade talks. Exporters who stepped in at 86.50 may only return near 87.10 levels. RBI is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming policy meet, monitoring transmission of past measures. Globally, the dollar index neared 99 after a pro-U.S. EU trade deal. Investors now await the Fed’s decision and Powell’s tone for rate-cut cues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Operation Sindoor: Modi’s No-Holds-Barred Warning to Pakistan

In a fiery 97-minute address in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi revealed India’s retaliatory strikes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. “In 22 minutes, we responded to April 22,” he said, confirming that India bombed nine terror camps in PoK and Pakistan, followed by air raids on 13 military bases. Modi claimed Pakistan’s nuclear threats were ignored and over 1,000 missiles and drones fired on May 9 were neutralized by Indian air defence. “No one in the world asked us to stop,” he stressed, countering opposition allegations of U.S. pressure. “Operation Sindoor is still on,” he warned, promising continued force against terrorism and accusing the Congress of echoing Pakistan’s narrative.


Trump’s Trade Threat: 25% Tariffs on India?

President Trump has warned that India could face tariffs up to 25% on its exports to the U.S. “India’s been a good friend, but they charge more tariffs than almost any other country,” he said aboard Air Force One. The threat comes as a temporary tariff truce is set to expire on August 1, with no deal yet in place between the two nations. While countries like the UK, EU, and Japan have sealed trade pacts with the U.S., India has held back on fresh concessions. Instead, it will resume comprehensive trade talks mid-August. U.S. officials say India must open its markets further or risk losing access.


Mayday at 5,000 Feet: United Airlines 787 Scare

On July 25, United Airlines flight UA108 to Munich suffered a left engine failure shortly after take-off from Washington Dulles Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a Mayday alert at 5,000 feet and circled for 2 hours and 38 minutes to safely dump fuel before returning to Dulles. All passengers were safe. The incident came just a month after the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Days earlier, an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 also faced an emergency in Denver due to cabin smoke and a tyre-related landing gear issue. Multiple incidents now put Boeing’s aircraft safety back in the spotlight.


Air India Audit Uncovers 100 Safety Violations

Just weeks after the fatal Flight 171 crash, the DGCA flagged 100 safety-related lapses at Air India following a detailed July audit. Among them: pilot fatigue breaches, simulator shortcomings, and inadequate route checks for high-risk airports. One major violation involved a Milan–Delhi 787 flight exceeding duty hours by over 2 hours. Auditors also found flights operating with insufficient crew and no chief pilots for the A320 and A350 fleets—signaling poor oversight. Air India has until July 30 to explain its corrective actions. With multiple show-cause notices issued, the airline’s post-Tata revival now faces a credibility test amid mounting passenger concerns.


Rupee Nears 87 as Dollar Demand, Trade Uncertainty Weigh

The Indian rupee slid to 86.9150 per dollar, its lowest since March, before closing at 86.8150. It’s now one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies this year—down over 1%, alongside the Indonesian rupiah. Traders blame rising dollar demand from importers, weak foreign portfolio flows, and uncertainty around U.S.-India trade talks. Exporters who stepped in at 86.50 may only return near 87.10 levels. RBI is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming policy meet, monitoring transmission of past measures. Globally, the dollar index neared 99 after a pro-U.S. EU trade deal. Investors now await the Fed’s decision and Powell’s tone for rate-cut cues.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 563 no India’s Fintech Boom | Dollar Rebounds | Tesla-Samsung Deal | Gaza Aid Plan Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. “No Fences, Just Food” – Trump’s Gaza Pledge With emotion in his voice, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the setup of “food centres” across Gaza—open, unfenced zones where civilians can access aid freely. Speaking from Scotland after meeting UK PM Keir Starmer, Trump said, “You can’t fake starvation… They have to get food and safety right now.”Starmer echoed the urgency, calling the situation “an absolute catastrophe.” Despite daily Israeli pauses for aid delivery, relief efforts remain insufficient. Only 60 trucks entered Gaza recently, well below the World Food Programme’s target of 100 per day. Trump also issued a direct message to Israeli PM Netanyahu: “You have to end it.” Global pressure is rising—from London to Paris—as the focus shifts from geopolitics to humanitarian survival. 2. “₹12,000 Trillion & Counting” – India’s Digital Payments Boom India’s digital payment ecosystem has logged over 65,000 crore transactions worth ₹12,000 trillion between FY19 and FY25. From remote villages to roadside kirana stores, adoption is widespread.Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund has enabled 4.77 crore touchpoints, boosting financial inclusion across Northeast India and J&K.The RBI Digital Payments Index has risen to 465.33 (Sept 2024), up from the base of 100 in 2018, signaling how deeply embedded digital payments are today.With UPI, BHIM incentives, TReDS for MSMEs, and alternative credit data, India is not just going cashless—it’s unlocking formal credit access for millions. 3. “Dollar Dents Euro as Trade Tensions Cool” After months of anxiety, the dollar is back in form. A fresh U.S.-EU trade agreement—brokered by President Trump and EU’s Ursula von der Leyen—halved proposed tariffs on EU goods to 15%, easing global fears of a trade war.The dollar rose 1.25% against the euro, 0.59% against the yen, and 1% against the Swiss franc. The pound too dipped 0.67% to $1.335.Investor sentiment improved further with U.S.–Japan and U.S.–China dialogues also in progress. U.S. stocks held steady, and eyes now turn to upcoming Fed and BOJ meetings, with both expected to hold rates steady.Meanwhile, Bitcoin dipped to $118,205, and Ethereum fell just below $3,801. 4. “Tremors Trigger Readiness Drills” – Quake Near Andamans A 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 12:11 am on July 29. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km; no damage or casualties were reported.This follows a 3.2 magnitude quake in Faridabad on July 22, felt across Delhi-NCR.In response, Delhi, Haryana, and UP have kicked off large-scale disaster drills—running from July 29 to August 1—focusing on earthquakes and industrial hazards.Coordinated by the NDMA and Indian Army, the drills aim to tighten disaster preparedness across the capital region. 5. “Musk’s $16.5B Chip Bet” – Samsung’s Foundry Lifeline Tesla CEO Elon Musk has signed a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung Electronics, reviving hopes for the company’s struggling fab in Taylor, Texas.Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chips will be produced there, and Musk says he’ll “personally walk the line” to speed up progress. The deal runs through 2033 and could vastly exceed the initial commitment.Samsung, which already supplies Tesla’s A14 chips, had struggled to find customers for the Texas fab. This order sent Samsung shares soaring nearly 7%, their highest since Sept 2023.While AI6 chip production is expected around 2027–28, this tie-up offers Samsung a much-needed lifeline—especially as it trails TSMC in the foundry race and posted a $3.6B loss in the past six months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:50:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. “No Fences, Just Food” – Trump’s Gaza Pledge With emotion in his voice, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the setup of “food centres” across Gaza—open, unfenced zones where civilians can access aid freely. Speaking from Scotland after meeting UK PM Keir Starmer, Trump said, “You can’t fake starvation… They have to get food and safety right now.”Starmer echoed the urgency, calling the situation “an absolute catastrophe.” Despite daily Israeli pauses for aid delivery, relief efforts remain insufficient. Only 60 trucks entered Gaza recently, well below the World Food Programme’s target of 100 per day. Trump also issued a direct message to Israeli PM Netanyahu: “You have to end it.” Global pressure is rising—from London to Paris—as the focus shifts from geopolitics to humanitarian survival. 2. “₹12,000 Trillion & Counting” – India’s Digital Payments Boom India’s digital payment ecosystem has logged over 65,000 crore transactions worth ₹12,000 trillion between FY19 and FY25. From remote villages to roadside kirana stores, adoption is widespread.Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund has enabled 4.77 crore touchpoints, boosting financial inclusion across Northeast India and J&K.The RBI Digital Payments Index has risen to 465.33 (Sept 2024), up from the base of 100 in 2018, signaling how deeply embedded digital payments are today.With UPI, BHIM incentives, TReDS for MSMEs, and alternative credit data, India is not just going cashless—it’s unlocking formal credit access for millions. 3. “Dollar Dents Euro as Trade Tensions Cool” After months of anxiety, the dollar is back in form. A fresh U.S.-EU trade agreement—brokered by President Trump and EU’s Ursula von der Leyen—halved proposed tariffs on EU goods to 15%, easing global fears of a trade war.The dollar rose 1.25% against the euro, 0.59% against the yen, and 1% against the Swiss franc. The pound too dipped 0.67% to $1.335.Investor sentiment improved further with U.S.–Japan and U.S.–China dialogues also in progress. U.S. stocks held steady, and eyes now turn to upcoming Fed and BOJ meetings, with both expected to hold rates steady.Meanwhile, Bitcoin dipped to $118,205, and Ethereum fell just below $3,801. 4. “Tremors Trigger Readiness Drills” – Quake Near Andamans A 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 12:11 am on July 29. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km; no damage or casualties were reported.This follows a 3.2 magnitude quake in Faridabad on July 22, felt across Delhi-NCR.In response, Delhi, Haryana, and UP have kicked off large-scale disaster drills—running from July 29 to August 1—focusing on earthquakes and industrial hazards.Coordinated by the NDMA and Indian Army, the drills aim to tighten disaster preparedness across the capital region. 5. “Musk’s $16.5B Chip Bet” – Samsung’s Foundry Lifeline Tesla CEO Elon Musk has signed a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung Electronics, reviving hopes for the company’s struggling fab in Taylor, Texas.Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chips will be produced there, and Musk says he’ll “personally walk the line” to speed up progress. The deal runs through 2033 and could vastly exceed the initial commitment.Samsung, which already supplies Tesla’s A14 chips, had struggled to find customers for the Texas fab. This order sent Samsung shares soaring nearly 7%, their highest since Sept 2023.While AI6 chip production is expected around 2027–28, this tie-up offers Samsung a much-needed lifeline—especially as it trails TSMC in the foundry race and posted a $3.6B loss in the past six months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


1. “No Fences, Just Food” – Trump’s Gaza Pledge

With emotion in his voice, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the setup of “food centres” across Gaza—open, unfenced zones where civilians can access aid freely. Speaking from Scotland after meeting UK PM Keir Starmer, Trump said, “You can’t fake starvation… They have to get food and safety right now.”Starmer echoed the urgency, calling the situation “an absolute catastrophe.” Despite daily Israeli pauses for aid delivery, relief efforts remain insufficient. Only 60 trucks entered Gaza recently, well below the World Food Programme’s target of 100 per day. Trump also issued a direct message to Israeli PM Netanyahu: “You have to end it.” Global pressure is rising—from London to Paris—as the focus shifts from geopolitics to humanitarian survival.


2. “₹12,000 Trillion & Counting” – India’s Digital Payments Boom

India’s digital payment ecosystem has logged over 65,000 crore transactions worth ₹12,000 trillion between FY19 and FY25. From remote villages to roadside kirana stores, adoption is widespread.Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund has enabled 4.77 crore touchpoints, boosting financial inclusion across Northeast India and J&K.The RBI Digital Payments Index has risen to 465.33 (Sept 2024), up from the base of 100 in 2018, signaling how deeply embedded digital payments are today.With UPI, BHIM incentives, TReDS for MSMEs, and alternative credit data, India is not just going cashless—it’s unlocking formal credit access for millions.


3. “Dollar Dents Euro as Trade Tensions Cool”

After months of anxiety, the dollar is back in form. A fresh U.S.-EU trade agreement—brokered by President Trump and EU’s Ursula von der Leyen—halved proposed tariffs on EU goods to 15%, easing global fears of a trade war.The dollar rose 1.25% against the euro, 0.59% against the yen, and 1% against the Swiss franc. The pound too dipped 0.67% to $1.335.Investor sentiment improved further with U.S.–Japan and U.S.–China dialogues also in progress. U.S. stocks held steady, and eyes now turn to upcoming Fed and BOJ meetings, with both expected to hold rates steady.Meanwhile, Bitcoin dipped to $118,205, and Ethereum fell just below $3,801.


4. “Tremors Trigger Readiness Drills” – Quake Near Andamans

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 12:11 am on July 29. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km; no damage or casualties were reported.This follows a 3.2 magnitude quake in Faridabad on July 22, felt across Delhi-NCR.In response, Delhi, Haryana, and UP have kicked off large-scale disaster drills—running from July 29 to August 1—focusing on earthquakes and industrial hazards.Coordinated by the NDMA and Indian Army, the drills aim to tighten disaster preparedness across the capital region.


5. “Musk’s $16.5B Chip Bet” – Samsung’s Foundry Lifeline

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has signed a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung Electronics, reviving hopes for the company’s struggling fab in Taylor, Texas.Tesla’s next-gen AI6 chips will be produced there, and Musk says he’ll “personally walk the line” to speed up progress. The deal runs through 2033 and could vastly exceed the initial commitment.Samsung, which already supplies Tesla’s A14 chips, had struggled to find customers for the Texas fab. This order sent Samsung shares soaring nearly 7%, their highest since Sept 2023.While AI6 chip production is expected around 2027–28, this tie-up offers Samsung a much-needed lifeline—especially as it trails TSMC in the foundry race and posted a $3.6B loss in the past six months.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 563 no Will the UK Recognise Palestine? | Indian Army’s Power Shift | Trump’s EU Deadline Looms | TCS Layoff Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. TCS Cuts Jobs to “Realign the Future” India’s largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is laying off 12,261 employees—roughly 2% of its global workforce—in FY26. The move, largely targeting mid-to-senior management, is part of TCS’s shift toward becoming a “Future-Ready”, AI-driven organisation. Despite a fresh 5,000 hires in Q1, the company’s attrition ticked up to 13.8%, prompting tighter policies on bench strength and billing mandates. CFO Samir Seksaria’s earlier assurance of wage hikes is now shadowed by cost cuts. CEO K. Krithivasan remains cautious, citing macro headwinds and a low likelihood of double-digit growth. TCS joins Microsoft and other tech majors who are navigating the AI disruption with painful workforce realignments. 2. Trump’s EU Tariff Countdown Just days before an August 1 tariff deadline, Donald Trump is pushing hard for a new US-EU trade deal, demanding “fairness” on cars and agriculture. Meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, Trump said there’s a “good chance” of a breakthrough, while von der Leyen pegged the odds at 50-50. If talks collapse, EU exports could face up to 30% tariffs on top of existing duties. With $1.9 trillion in annual trade on the line, this is a critical test for transatlantic ties—and a volatile moment for global markets. 3. Rudra & Bhairav: India’s New Strike Force In a bold military reorganisation, the Indian Army has launched ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades and ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions to enhance border readiness against China and Pakistan. Unveiled on Kargil Vijay Diwas, these new formations blend infantry, tanks, artillery, UAVs, and special forces into agile, tech-powered units. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said this realignment—without adding new troops—will “multiply operational capabilities manifold.” Over 250 brigades will be converted into all-arms formations, marking a major pivot toward future-ready warfare. 4. Coforge Rises to #7 in Indian IT Coforge, formerly NIIT Technologies, has overtaken Mphasis to become India’s seventh-largest IT services provider. Clocking $442 million in revenue for the June quarter, Coforge is riding high on a $1.56 billion deal with Sabre and its acquisition of Cigniti Technologies. With operating margins flat at 13.1% and negative free cash flow, challenges remain—but analysts expect Coforge to hit a $2 billion run-rate by June 2026, potentially cracking the top 6 alongside Tech Mahindra and LTIMindtree. CEO Sudhir Singh is confident: “H2 should also be robust.” The mid-cap IT race is heating up, even as the top four remain unchanged. 5. UK Faces Vote on Palestinian Statehood Following France’s bold UN pledge to recognise Palestine, Britain is now under pressure to act. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has vowed to introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament resumes in September. Leader Stephen Flynn says if PM Keir Starmer stalls, the SNP will force a full parliamentary vote. Over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, back recognition, citing the escalating crisis in Gaza. While Starmer, Italy, and Germany prefer a peace-first approach, critics warn that waiting might mean never acting at all. With 142 nations already recognising Palestine, the UK’s next move will be closely watched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:37:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. TCS Cuts Jobs to “Realign the Future” India’s largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is laying off 12,261 employees—roughly 2% of its global workforce—in FY26. The move, largely targeting mid-to-senior management, is part of TCS’s shift toward becoming a “Future-Ready”, AI-driven organisation. Despite a fresh 5,000 hires in Q1, the company’s attrition ticked up to 13.8%, prompting tighter policies on bench strength and billing mandates. CFO Samir Seksaria’s earlier assurance of wage hikes is now shadowed by cost cuts. CEO K. Krithivasan remains cautious, citing macro headwinds and a low likelihood of double-digit growth. TCS joins Microsoft and other tech majors who are navigating the AI disruption with painful workforce realignments. 2. Trump’s EU Tariff Countdown Just days before an August 1 tariff deadline, Donald Trump is pushing hard for a new US-EU trade deal, demanding “fairness” on cars and agriculture. Meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, Trump said there’s a “good chance” of a breakthrough, while von der Leyen pegged the odds at 50-50. If talks collapse, EU exports could face up to 30% tariffs on top of existing duties. With $1.9 trillion in annual trade on the line, this is a critical test for transatlantic ties—and a volatile moment for global markets. 3. Rudra & Bhairav: India’s New Strike Force In a bold military reorganisation, the Indian Army has launched ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades and ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions to enhance border readiness against China and Pakistan. Unveiled on Kargil Vijay Diwas, these new formations blend infantry, tanks, artillery, UAVs, and special forces into agile, tech-powered units. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said this realignment—without adding new troops—will “multiply operational capabilities manifold.” Over 250 brigades will be converted into all-arms formations, marking a major pivot toward future-ready warfare. 4. Coforge Rises to #7 in Indian IT Coforge, formerly NIIT Technologies, has overtaken Mphasis to become India’s seventh-largest IT services provider. Clocking $442 million in revenue for the June quarter, Coforge is riding high on a $1.56 billion deal with Sabre and its acquisition of Cigniti Technologies. With operating margins flat at 13.1% and negative free cash flow, challenges remain—but analysts expect Coforge to hit a $2 billion run-rate by June 2026, potentially cracking the top 6 alongside Tech Mahindra and LTIMindtree. CEO Sudhir Singh is confident: “H2 should also be robust.” The mid-cap IT race is heating up, even as the top four remain unchanged. 5. UK Faces Vote on Palestinian Statehood Following France’s bold UN pledge to recognise Palestine, Britain is now under pressure to act. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has vowed to introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament resumes in September. Leader Stephen Flynn says if PM Keir Starmer stalls, the SNP will force a full parliamentary vote. Over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, back recognition, citing the escalating crisis in Gaza. While Starmer, Italy, and Germany prefer a peace-first approach, critics warn that waiting might mean never acting at all. With 142 nations already recognising Palestine, the UK’s next move will be closely watched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. TCS Cuts Jobs to “Realign the Future”

India’s largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is laying off 12,261 employees—roughly 2% of its global workforce—in FY26. The move, largely targeting mid-to-senior management, is part of TCS’s shift toward becoming a “Future-Ready”, AI-driven organisation. Despite a fresh 5,000 hires in Q1, the company’s attrition ticked up to 13.8%, prompting tighter policies on bench strength and billing mandates. CFO Samir Seksaria’s earlier assurance of wage hikes is now shadowed by cost cuts. CEO K. Krithivasan remains cautious, citing macro headwinds and a low likelihood of double-digit growth. TCS joins Microsoft and other tech majors who are navigating the AI disruption with painful workforce realignments.

2. Trump’s EU Tariff Countdown

Just days before an August 1 tariff deadline, Donald Trump is pushing hard for a new US-EU trade deal, demanding “fairness” on cars and agriculture. Meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, Trump said there’s a “good chance” of a breakthrough, while von der Leyen pegged the odds at 50-50. If talks collapse, EU exports could face up to 30% tariffs on top of existing duties. With $1.9 trillion in annual trade on the line, this is a critical test for transatlantic ties—and a volatile moment for global markets.

3. Rudra & Bhairav: India’s New Strike Force

In a bold military reorganisation, the Indian Army has launched ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades and ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions to enhance border readiness against China and Pakistan. Unveiled on Kargil Vijay Diwas, these new formations blend infantry, tanks, artillery, UAVs, and special forces into agile, tech-powered units. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said this realignment—without adding new troops—will “multiply operational capabilities manifold.” Over 250 brigades will be converted into all-arms formations, marking a major pivot toward future-ready warfare.

4. Coforge Rises to #7 in Indian IT

Coforge, formerly NIIT Technologies, has overtaken Mphasis to become India’s seventh-largest IT services provider. Clocking $442 million in revenue for the June quarter, Coforge is riding high on a $1.56 billion deal with Sabre and its acquisition of Cigniti Technologies. With operating margins flat at 13.1% and negative free cash flow, challenges remain—but analysts expect Coforge to hit a $2 billion run-rate by June 2026, potentially cracking the top 6 alongside Tech Mahindra and LTIMindtree. CEO Sudhir Singh is confident: “H2 should also be robust.” The mid-cap IT race is heating up, even as the top four remain unchanged.

5. UK Faces Vote on Palestinian Statehood

Following France’s bold UN pledge to recognise Palestine, Britain is now under pressure to act. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has vowed to introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament resumes in September. Leader Stephen Flynn says if PM Keir Starmer stalls, the SNP will force a full parliamentary vote. Over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, back recognition, citing the escalating crisis in Gaza. While Starmer, Italy, and Germany prefer a peace-first approach, critics warn that waiting might mean never acting at all. With 142 nations already recognising Palestine, the UK’s next move will be closely watched.


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]]> 631 no France To Recognise Palestine | India Resets Maldives Ties | Thailand–Cambodia Border Clash | India, UK Slash Tariffs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Whisky, Work Visas & Win-Win Trade After three years of negotiation, India and the UK have inked a landmark Free Trade Agreement, boosting bilateral trade by an estimated $34 billion annually. Signed during PM Modi’s London visit, the deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, benefiting key sectors like textiles, pharma, and jewellery. Indian consumers gain too—expect cheaper British cars, scotch, chocolates, soft drinks, and medical devices. Beyond goods, the deal opens 35 UK service sectors to Indian professionals for up to 24 months, eliminates social security payments for 3 years, and skips the UK’s Economic Needs Test in 36 categories. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed it as a $23 billion opportunity for India’s labour-intensive sectors, and a step toward inclusive growth. From ‘India Out’ to ‘India’s In’ PM Modi landed in Malé for the second leg of his two-nation tour, becoming the chief guest at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. This marks a diplomatic reset with President Mohamed Muizzu, whose early tenure saw a tilt towards China and ‘India Out’ rhetoric. Key agenda items: maritime security, trade, and inaugurating India-funded infrastructure projects. Several MoUs will be signed, reinforcing the India-Maldives Joint Vision. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “significant reset”—a move aimed at rebalancing regional influence. Rubio to Macron: You’re Helping Hamas US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at France for its decision to recognize Palestine at the UN. Calling it “reckless” and “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio claimed the move boosts Hamas propaganda and damages peace efforts. France joins a growing bloc of EU nations supporting Palestinian statehood, while the US maintains that only direct Israel-Palestine talks can lead to a viable two-state solution. The diplomatic divide in the West over Gaza is getting sharper—and more public. Missiles, Fighter Jets & A UN Cry for Help A dangerous escalation between Thailand and Cambodia has left nine civilians dead after Cambodia reportedly launched rocket attacks into Thai territory. In response, Thailand deployed six F-16s, with at least one conducting airstrikes inside Cambodia. Both sides are now trading barbs and expelling diplomats. Cambodia is calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has urged restraint. Thailand has sealed borders, begun civilian evacuations, and accused Cambodia of using human shields and targeting hospitals. The baht slipped 0.3% amid rising market anxiety. This conflict could spiral fast. MSME Stress Clouds ₹4,765 Cr Profit Bajaj Finance posted a solid 22% jump in Q1 profit to ₹4,765 crore, but beneath the numbers is a growing concern: stress in unsecured MSME loans. Vice Chairman Rajeev Jain flagged over-leverage as a “single univariate pain point.” Loan loss provisions rose 26%, and restructured loans surged to ₹219 crore—five times the usual. 13 out of 17 MSME sectors are slowing or contracting, with even doctors under strain. Gross NPAs rose to 1.03% (from 0.86% last year), and credit costs may hover near 2% for FY26. While AUM may grow 15%, disbursements will likely remain flat or decline. Recovery, Jain warned, may take “another quarter or more.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Jul 2025 03:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Whisky, Work Visas & Win-Win Trade After three years of negotiation, India and the UK have inked a landmark Free Trade Agreement, boosting bilateral trade by an estimated $34 billion annually. Signed during PM Modi’s London visit, the deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, benefiting key sectors like textiles, pharma, and jewellery. Indian consumers gain too—expect cheaper British cars, scotch, chocolates, soft drinks, and medical devices. Beyond goods, the deal opens 35 UK service sectors to Indian professionals for up to 24 months, eliminates social security payments for 3 years, and skips the UK’s Economic Needs Test in 36 categories. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed it as a $23 billion opportunity for India’s labour-intensive sectors, and a step toward inclusive growth. From ‘India Out’ to ‘India’s In’ PM Modi landed in Malé for the second leg of his two-nation tour, becoming the chief guest at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. This marks a diplomatic reset with President Mohamed Muizzu, whose early tenure saw a tilt towards China and ‘India Out’ rhetoric. Key agenda items: maritime security, trade, and inaugurating India-funded infrastructure projects. Several MoUs will be signed, reinforcing the India-Maldives Joint Vision. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “significant reset”—a move aimed at rebalancing regional influence. Rubio to Macron: You’re Helping Hamas US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at France for its decision to recognize Palestine at the UN. Calling it “reckless” and “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio claimed the move boosts Hamas propaganda and damages peace efforts. France joins a growing bloc of EU nations supporting Palestinian statehood, while the US maintains that only direct Israel-Palestine talks can lead to a viable two-state solution. The diplomatic divide in the West over Gaza is getting sharper—and more public. Missiles, Fighter Jets & A UN Cry for Help A dangerous escalation between Thailand and Cambodia has left nine civilians dead after Cambodia reportedly launched rocket attacks into Thai territory. In response, Thailand deployed six F-16s, with at least one conducting airstrikes inside Cambodia. Both sides are now trading barbs and expelling diplomats. Cambodia is calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has urged restraint. Thailand has sealed borders, begun civilian evacuations, and accused Cambodia of using human shields and targeting hospitals. The baht slipped 0.3% amid rising market anxiety. This conflict could spiral fast. MSME Stress Clouds ₹4,765 Cr Profit Bajaj Finance posted a solid 22% jump in Q1 profit to ₹4,765 crore, but beneath the numbers is a growing concern: stress in unsecured MSME loans. Vice Chairman Rajeev Jain flagged over-leverage as a “single univariate pain point.” Loan loss provisions rose 26%, and restructured loans surged to ₹219 crore—five times the usual. 13 out of 17 MSME sectors are slowing or contracting, with even doctors under strain. Gross NPAs rose to 1.03% (from 0.86% last year), and credit costs may hover near 2% for FY26. While AUM may grow 15%, disbursements will likely remain flat or decline. Recovery, Jain warned, may take “another quarter or more.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.



Whisky, Work Visas & Win-Win Trade


After three years of negotiation, India and the UK have inked a landmark Free Trade Agreement, boosting bilateral trade by an estimated $34 billion annually.

Signed during PM Modi’s London visit, the deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, benefiting key sectors like textiles, pharma, and jewellery. Indian consumers gain too—expect cheaper British cars, scotch, chocolates, soft drinks, and medical devices.


Beyond goods, the deal opens 35 UK service sectors to Indian professionals for up to 24 months, eliminates social security payments for 3 years, and skips the UK’s Economic Needs Test in 36 categories.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed it as a $23 billion opportunity for India’s labour-intensive sectors, and a step toward inclusive growth.



From ‘India Out’ to ‘India’s In’


PM Modi landed in Malé for the second leg of his two-nation tour, becoming the chief guest at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations.

This marks a diplomatic reset with President Mohamed Muizzu, whose early tenure saw a tilt towards China and ‘India Out’ rhetoric.


Key agenda items: maritime security, trade, and inaugurating India-funded infrastructure projects. Several MoUs will be signed, reinforcing the India-Maldives Joint Vision. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “significant reset”—a move aimed at rebalancing regional influence.


Rubio to Macron: You’re Helping Hamas


US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at France for its decision to recognize Palestine at the UN.

Calling it “reckless” and “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio claimed the move boosts Hamas propaganda and damages peace efforts.


France joins a growing bloc of EU nations supporting Palestinian statehood, while the US maintains that only direct Israel-Palestine talks can lead to a viable two-state solution.

The diplomatic divide in the West over Gaza is getting sharper—and more public.



Missiles, Fighter Jets & A UN Cry for Help


A dangerous escalation between Thailand and Cambodia has left nine civilians dead after Cambodia reportedly launched rocket attacks into Thai territory.

In response, Thailand deployed six F-16s, with at least one conducting airstrikes inside Cambodia. Both sides are now trading barbs and expelling diplomats.


Cambodia is calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has urged restraint.

Thailand has sealed borders, begun civilian evacuations, and accused Cambodia of using human shields and targeting hospitals.

The baht slipped 0.3% amid rising market anxiety. This conflict could spiral fast.


MSME Stress Clouds ₹4,765 Cr Profit


Bajaj Finance posted a solid 22% jump in Q1 profit to ₹4,765 crore, but beneath the numbers is a growing concern: stress in unsecured MSME loans.

Vice Chairman Rajeev Jain flagged over-leverage as a “single univariate pain point.” Loan loss provisions rose 26%, and restructured loans surged to ₹219 crore—five times the usual.


13 out of 17 MSME sectors are slowing or contracting, with even doctors under strain.

Gross NPAs rose to 1.03% (from 0.86% last year), and credit costs may hover near 2% for FY26.

While AUM may grow 15%, disbursements will likely remain flat or decline. Recovery, Jain warned, may take “another quarter or more.”




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 531 no Modi in UK | India Resumes Chinese Visas | Fresh Firepower for Ukraine | IndiGo Engine Fire Incident Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Modi’s London Mission: Trade Meets Royalty It was a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora—and a pivotal handshake in British countryside diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi landed in London for a two-day visit focused on formalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a deal three years in the making. Hosted by newly elected UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, the two leaders are expected to finalize an FTA that could eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, while opening India to more British whisky, cars, and luxury goods. Commerce ministers Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds are likely to sign the deal in their presence. With $55 billion in bilateral trade and nearly 1,000 Indian companies in the UK, the partnership runs deep. India is also a major investor, with $20 billion in British ventures. Later, Modi is set to meet King Charles III, blending hard talks with soft diplomacy. Next stop: the Maldives, in a potential diplomatic reset after recent strain. Mayday in Ahmedabad: IndiGo’s Engine Scare It was a nerve-wracking moment on the tarmac. IndiGo flight 6E 7966, heading from Ahmedabad to Diu, aborted takeoff after one engine caught fire during its takeoff roll on July 23. The ATR-76 aircraft carried 60 passengers. Pilots issued a “Mayday” and returned to the bay safely. All passengers were evacuated without injury. IndiGo cited a technical snag and promised thorough checks. This scare comes just a day after another IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore also reported a technical fault before landing. No casualties were reported, but the back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over aircraft maintenance during India’s busy monsoon season. Visa Thaw: India Reopens Doors to Chinese Tourists After four tense years post-Galwan, India has officially resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals, in what’s being seen as a significant diplomatic thaw. The announcement was made quietly via WeChat by the Indian Embassy in Beijing. Chinese travelers can now begin applying online starting July 24. This follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and months of border de-escalation, including the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and a flurry of bilateral talks. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met his counterpart Wang Yi, urging the end of restrictive trade measures like China’s rare earth export curbs—key for India’s EV and agri sectors. From 200,000 visas in 2019 to just 2,000 last year, this move aims to reboot people-to-people ties. Trump Sends More Weapons to Ukraine—$322M Worth Amid escalating Russian attacks, the U.S. has cleared a $322 million arms package for Ukraine. The deal includes $150 million for U.S. armored vehicle support and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems. The announcement comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused other aid to assess U.S. stockpiles—surprising the White House. President Donald Trump, under rising pressure from isolationists, has since pivoted, declaring: “They have to be able to defend themselves.” Trump’s new workaround? Let European allies buy U.S. arms and transfer them to Kyiv. Since 2022, the U.S. has sent over $67 billion in military support. Still, NATO countries in Eastern Europe are reluctant to part with their own advanced defense systems, despite mounting urgency. Chanda Kochhar Found Guilty in ₹64 Cr Bribery Case A stunning fall for one of India’s most celebrated bankers. Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar has been found guilty of accepting a ₹64 crore bribe in return for sanctioning a ₹300 crore loan to Videocon Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Jul 2025 03:38:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Modi’s London Mission: Trade Meets Royalty It was a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora—and a pivotal handshake in British countryside diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi landed in London for a two-day visit focused on formalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a deal three years in the making. Hosted by newly elected UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, the two leaders are expected to finalize an FTA that could eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, while opening India to more British whisky, cars, and luxury goods. Commerce ministers Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds are likely to sign the deal in their presence. With $55 billion in bilateral trade and nearly 1,000 Indian companies in the UK, the partnership runs deep. India is also a major investor, with $20 billion in British ventures. Later, Modi is set to meet King Charles III, blending hard talks with soft diplomacy. Next stop: the Maldives, in a potential diplomatic reset after recent strain. Mayday in Ahmedabad: IndiGo’s Engine Scare It was a nerve-wracking moment on the tarmac. IndiGo flight 6E 7966, heading from Ahmedabad to Diu, aborted takeoff after one engine caught fire during its takeoff roll on July 23. The ATR-76 aircraft carried 60 passengers. Pilots issued a “Mayday” and returned to the bay safely. All passengers were evacuated without injury. IndiGo cited a technical snag and promised thorough checks. This scare comes just a day after another IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore also reported a technical fault before landing. No casualties were reported, but the back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over aircraft maintenance during India’s busy monsoon season. Visa Thaw: India Reopens Doors to Chinese Tourists After four tense years post-Galwan, India has officially resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals, in what’s being seen as a significant diplomatic thaw. The announcement was made quietly via WeChat by the Indian Embassy in Beijing. Chinese travelers can now begin applying online starting July 24. This follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and months of border de-escalation, including the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and a flurry of bilateral talks. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met his counterpart Wang Yi, urging the end of restrictive trade measures like China’s rare earth export curbs—key for India’s EV and agri sectors. From 200,000 visas in 2019 to just 2,000 last year, this move aims to reboot people-to-people ties. Trump Sends More Weapons to Ukraine—$322M Worth Amid escalating Russian attacks, the U.S. has cleared a $322 million arms package for Ukraine. The deal includes $150 million for U.S. armored vehicle support and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems. The announcement comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused other aid to assess U.S. stockpiles—surprising the White House. President Donald Trump, under rising pressure from isolationists, has since pivoted, declaring: “They have to be able to defend themselves.” Trump’s new workaround? Let European allies buy U.S. arms and transfer them to Kyiv. Since 2022, the U.S. has sent over $67 billion in military support. Still, NATO countries in Eastern Europe are reluctant to part with their own advanced defense systems, despite mounting urgency. Chanda Kochhar Found Guilty in ₹64 Cr Bribery Case A stunning fall for one of India’s most celebrated bankers. Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar has been found guilty of accepting a ₹64 crore bribe in return for sanctioning a ₹300 crore loan to Videocon Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Modi’s London Mission: Trade Meets Royalty

It was a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora—and a pivotal handshake in British countryside diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi landed in London for a two-day visit focused on formalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a deal three years in the making.

Hosted by newly elected UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, the two leaders are expected to finalize an FTA that could eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, while opening India to more British whisky, cars, and luxury goods. Commerce ministers Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds are likely to sign the deal in their presence.

With $55 billion in bilateral trade and nearly 1,000 Indian companies in the UK, the partnership runs deep. India is also a major investor, with $20 billion in British ventures. Later, Modi is set to meet King Charles III, blending hard talks with soft diplomacy. Next stop: the Maldives, in a potential diplomatic reset after recent strain.




Mayday in Ahmedabad: IndiGo’s Engine Scare

It was a nerve-wracking moment on the tarmac. IndiGo flight 6E 7966, heading from Ahmedabad to Diu, aborted takeoff after one engine caught fire during its takeoff roll on July 23. The ATR-76 aircraft carried 60 passengers.

Pilots issued a “Mayday” and returned to the bay safely. All passengers were evacuated without injury. IndiGo cited a technical snag and promised thorough checks. This scare comes just a day after another IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore also reported a technical fault before landing.

No casualties were reported, but the back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over aircraft maintenance during India’s busy monsoon season.




Visa Thaw: India Reopens Doors to Chinese Tourists

After four tense years post-Galwan, India has officially resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals, in what’s being seen as a significant diplomatic thaw. The announcement was made quietly via WeChat by the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

Chinese travelers can now begin applying online starting July 24. This follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and months of border de-escalation, including the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and a flurry of bilateral talks.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met his counterpart Wang Yi, urging the end of restrictive trade measures like China’s rare earth export curbs—key for India’s EV and agri sectors. From 200,000 visas in 2019 to just 2,000 last year, this move aims to reboot people-to-people ties.




Trump Sends More Weapons to Ukraine—$322M Worth

Amid escalating Russian attacks, the U.S. has cleared a $322 million arms package for Ukraine. The deal includes $150 million for U.S. armored vehicle support and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems.

The announcement comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused other aid to assess U.S. stockpiles—surprising the White House. President Donald Trump, under rising pressure from isolationists, has since pivoted, declaring: “They have to be able to defend themselves.”

Trump’s new workaround? Let European allies buy U.S. arms and transfer them to Kyiv. Since 2022, the U.S. has sent over $67 billion in military support. Still, NATO countries in Eastern Europe are reluctant to part with their own advanced defense systems, despite mounting urgency.




Chanda Kochhar Found Guilty in ₹64 Cr Bribery Case

A stunning fall for one of India’s most celebrated bankers. Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar has been found guilty of accepting a ₹64 crore bribe in return for sanctioning a ₹300 crore loan to Videocon Group.




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 555 no H1-B Visa Shakeup | Fire On AI315 | Trump Exits UNESCO | India-UK Free Trade Pact Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Flight Frights: Safety Under the Scanner It’s been a tense 48 hours in Indian aviation, with three back-to-back incidents raising concerns over safety and monsoon preparedness. On Tuesday, Air India Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong landed safely in Delhi, only for a fire to break out in the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) just after parking. Luckily, passengers had started disembarking and no injuries were reported. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. This followed two other incidents on Monday: one Kolkata-bound flight aborted takeoff in Delhi due to a technical snag, and another Air India aircraft skidded off the runway in rain-hit Mumbai while arriving from Kochi. In both cases, passengers were unharmed. Adding to the list, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore made an emergency landing after a mid-air landing gear warning. All 140 passengers are safe, but the spate of issues has raised tough questions about maintenance protocols and weather-readiness. H1-B Overhaul: Skill May Trump Luck Donald Trump is moving to restructure the U.S. H1-B visa lottery. On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security filed a proposal to introduce a “weighted and wage-linked selection system.” If approved, higher-paid and more skilled applicants will be prioritized over the current random lottery system. This could mark a seismic shift for Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of all approved H1-B visas annually. In FY24, 77% of the 320,000 slots went to Indian nationals. Elon Musk supported the move with a one-word post on X: “Great.” Musk has previously called the system “broken,” and this change could reflect a “merit-first” model, especially appealing to the tech sector. Still, it’s a divisive move within Trump’s own MAGA base, which often pushes for stricter immigration. The proposal is under regulatory review, with final details yet to be confirmed. Akasa on Ascent: Fastest-Growing Indian Airline Akasa Air is flying high. In just two years, the airline has built a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets and placed orders for 226 aircraft to be delivered by 2032. The numbers are impressive: revenue grew 49% year-on-year, Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 48%, and EBITDA margins improved by 50% over FY24. Akasa’s RASK (revenue per seat) now stands at 13%, while CASK (cost per seat) remains below 10%. The airline plans to expand international operations from 16% to 25%, targeting Middle East and Southeast Asia routes. CFO Ankur Goel says Akasa is on track to grow its fleet by 25–30% annually, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Noida airports could offer strong domestic growth levers. From startup to serious contender, Akasa is becoming India’s most ambitious young airline. Modi–Starmer FTA: A Landmark Trade Handshake As PM Narendra Modi heads to the UK for his first visit since Keir Starmer took office, the two leaders are set to sign a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Cleared by India’s Cabinet, the FTA promises to cut tariffs on 90% of British goods, making 85% of them duty-free over 10 years. In return, the UK will remove tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, boosting industries like textiles, gems, auto parts, marine goods, and chemicals. This is a big win for Indian exporters, especially in apparel and home textiles, which currently face 8–12% UK duties. The deal also aims to unlock India-UK trade, which currently makes up just 2% of India’s global trade—a surprisingly low figure given their historic ties. Once signed, the FTA will go to the British Parliament for ratification. If passed, this could become Britain’s biggest trade deal post-Brexit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:28:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Flight Frights: Safety Under the Scanner It’s been a tense 48 hours in Indian aviation, with three back-to-back incidents raising concerns over safety and monsoon preparedness. On Tuesday, Air India Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong landed safely in Delhi, only for a fire to break out in the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) just after parking. Luckily, passengers had started disembarking and no injuries were reported. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. This followed two other incidents on Monday: one Kolkata-bound flight aborted takeoff in Delhi due to a technical snag, and another Air India aircraft skidded off the runway in rain-hit Mumbai while arriving from Kochi. In both cases, passengers were unharmed. Adding to the list, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore made an emergency landing after a mid-air landing gear warning. All 140 passengers are safe, but the spate of issues has raised tough questions about maintenance protocols and weather-readiness. H1-B Overhaul: Skill May Trump Luck Donald Trump is moving to restructure the U.S. H1-B visa lottery. On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security filed a proposal to introduce a “weighted and wage-linked selection system.” If approved, higher-paid and more skilled applicants will be prioritized over the current random lottery system. This could mark a seismic shift for Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of all approved H1-B visas annually. In FY24, 77% of the 320,000 slots went to Indian nationals. Elon Musk supported the move with a one-word post on X: “Great.” Musk has previously called the system “broken,” and this change could reflect a “merit-first” model, especially appealing to the tech sector. Still, it’s a divisive move within Trump’s own MAGA base, which often pushes for stricter immigration. The proposal is under regulatory review, with final details yet to be confirmed. Akasa on Ascent: Fastest-Growing Indian Airline Akasa Air is flying high. In just two years, the airline has built a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets and placed orders for 226 aircraft to be delivered by 2032. The numbers are impressive: revenue grew 49% year-on-year, Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 48%, and EBITDA margins improved by 50% over FY24. Akasa’s RASK (revenue per seat) now stands at 13%, while CASK (cost per seat) remains below 10%. The airline plans to expand international operations from 16% to 25%, targeting Middle East and Southeast Asia routes. CFO Ankur Goel says Akasa is on track to grow its fleet by 25–30% annually, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Noida airports could offer strong domestic growth levers. From startup to serious contender, Akasa is becoming India’s most ambitious young airline. Modi–Starmer FTA: A Landmark Trade Handshake As PM Narendra Modi heads to the UK for his first visit since Keir Starmer took office, the two leaders are set to sign a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Cleared by India’s Cabinet, the FTA promises to cut tariffs on 90% of British goods, making 85% of them duty-free over 10 years. In return, the UK will remove tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, boosting industries like textiles, gems, auto parts, marine goods, and chemicals. This is a big win for Indian exporters, especially in apparel and home textiles, which currently face 8–12% UK duties. The deal also aims to unlock India-UK trade, which currently makes up just 2% of India’s global trade—a surprisingly low figure given their historic ties. Once signed, the FTA will go to the British Parliament for ratification. If passed, this could become Britain’s biggest trade deal post-Brexit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Flight Frights: Safety Under the Scanner

It’s been a tense 48 hours in Indian aviation, with three back-to-back incidents raising concerns over safety and monsoon preparedness. On Tuesday, Air India Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong landed safely in Delhi, only for a fire to break out in the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) just after parking. Luckily, passengers had started disembarking and no injuries were reported. The aircraft has been grounded for checks.

This followed two other incidents on Monday: one Kolkata-bound flight aborted takeoff in Delhi due to a technical snag, and another Air India aircraft skidded off the runway in rain-hit Mumbai while arriving from Kochi. In both cases, passengers were unharmed.

Adding to the list, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore made an emergency landing after a mid-air landing gear warning. All 140 passengers are safe, but the spate of issues has raised tough questions about maintenance protocols and weather-readiness.

H1-B Overhaul: Skill May Trump Luck

Donald Trump is moving to restructure the U.S. H1-B visa lottery. On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security filed a proposal to introduce a “weighted and wage-linked selection system.” If approved, higher-paid and more skilled applicants will be prioritized over the current random lottery system.

This could mark a seismic shift for Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of all approved H1-B visas annually. In FY24, 77% of the 320,000 slots went to Indian nationals.

Elon Musk supported the move with a one-word post on X: “Great.” Musk has previously called the system “broken,” and this change could reflect a “merit-first” model, especially appealing to the tech sector.

Still, it’s a divisive move within Trump’s own MAGA base, which often pushes for stricter immigration. The proposal is under regulatory review, with final details yet to be confirmed.


Akasa on Ascent: Fastest-Growing Indian Airline

Akasa Air is flying high. In just two years, the airline has built a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets and placed orders for 226 aircraft to be delivered by 2032. The numbers are impressive: revenue grew 49% year-on-year, Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 48%, and EBITDA margins improved by 50% over FY24.

Akasa’s RASK (revenue per seat) now stands at 13%, while CASK (cost per seat) remains below 10%. The airline plans to expand international operations from 16% to 25%, targeting Middle East and Southeast Asia routes.

CFO Ankur Goel says Akasa is on track to grow its fleet by 25–30% annually, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Noida airports could offer strong domestic growth levers. From startup to serious contender, Akasa is becoming India’s most ambitious young airline.


Modi–Starmer FTA: A Landmark Trade Handshake

As PM Narendra Modi heads to the UK for his first visit since Keir Starmer took office, the two leaders are set to sign a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Cleared by India’s Cabinet, the FTA promises to cut tariffs on 90% of British goods, making 85% of them duty-free over 10 years. In return, the UK will remove tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, boosting industries like textiles, gems, auto parts, marine goods, and chemicals.

This is a big win for Indian exporters, especially in apparel and home textiles, which currently face 8–12% UK duties. The deal also aims to unlock India-UK trade, which currently makes up just 2% of India’s global trade—a surprisingly low figure given their historic ties.

Once signed, the FTA will go to the British Parliament for ratification. If passed, this could become Britain’s biggest trade deal post-Brexit.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 577 no Vice President Resigns | Jane Street Back in Action | Afcons Bags Croatian Deal | China’s Mega Dam Sparks Tension Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. VP Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health In a surprising political turn, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday, citing medical reasons and the need to prioritize health. The resignation—submitted under Article 67(a)—was effective immediately. In an emotional letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed gratitude for her support and recalled their “wonderful working relationship.” He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of Parliament, and the Council of Ministers, calling his tenure “a privilege” during a transformative phase of India’s rise. Known for his sharp legal acumen and parliamentary presence, Dhankhar’s exit comes at a politically sensitive time, raising immediate questions over his successor. Turbulent Monday for Indian Aviation Monday saw a series of aviation scares across India. IndiGo flight 6E 813 from Goa to Indore reported a technical snag just before landing, but landed safely with all 140 passengers. At Mumbai airport, an Air India flight from Kochi veered off the runway in heavy rain, bursting three tyres and possibly damaging an engine. In Delhi, another Air India flight aborted take-off due to a technical glitch, leaving 160 passengers grounded. All incidents ended safely, but they’ve reignited concerns around monsoon preparedness, runway resilience, and aircraft reliability amid growing air traffic. China’s Giant Dam Raises Red Flags China has begun building the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet—just upstream from India and Bangladesh. The $167 billion Motuo Dam is projected to generate 3x the output of the Three Gorges Dam. But India’s not celebrating. Arunachal CM Pema Khandu called it an “existential threat,” warning the dam could act as a “water bomb” if water is suddenly released. India’s foreign ministry has urged Beijing to respect downstream interests. China, not party to any water-sharing treaty, has promised “no negative impact.” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offered a cautious view, saying the river’s flow comes from multiple sources and more study is needed. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with its own buffer dam project on the Siang river. Jane Street Cleared to Trade Again After being barred from Indian markets for alleged ₹43,000 crore index manipulation, US-based hedge fund Jane Street is now back on the NSE and BSE—under tight SEBI conditions. The firm deposited ₹4,843.5 crore into an escrow account, a key requirement from SEBI’s 3 July interim order. Jane Street denies any wrongdoing, claiming its trades were simple arbitrage. The return doesn’t mean the probe is over. SEBI will continue monitoring Jane Street’s trades under heightened surveillance, with a final verdict expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, BSE shares jumped nearly 3%, and unlisted NSE stock saw a surge in demand. Afcons Rides Global Rail Boom Infrastructure major Afcons just clinched a ₹6,800 crore railway project in Croatia, its second big win in a week. The project involves reconstructing a railway line between Dugo Selo and Novska, including electrification and signaling. This follows two Croatian road project wins worth ₹4,535 crore, a ₹700 crore Reliance contract in Gujarat, and a ₹463 crore rural water project in Rajasthan. Despite strong order momentum, Afcons’ stock has underperformed since listing in November at ₹426. It now trades around ₹418, down over 10% from IPO and nearly 27% off its high of ₹570. Still, analysts remain bullish, citing the company’s execution record and robust pipeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Jul 2025 01:54:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. VP Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health In a surprising political turn, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday, citing medical reasons and the need to prioritize health. The resignation—submitted under Article 67(a)—was effective immediately. In an emotional letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed gratitude for her support and recalled their “wonderful working relationship.” He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of Parliament, and the Council of Ministers, calling his tenure “a privilege” during a transformative phase of India’s rise. Known for his sharp legal acumen and parliamentary presence, Dhankhar’s exit comes at a politically sensitive time, raising immediate questions over his successor. Turbulent Monday for Indian Aviation Monday saw a series of aviation scares across India. IndiGo flight 6E 813 from Goa to Indore reported a technical snag just before landing, but landed safely with all 140 passengers. At Mumbai airport, an Air India flight from Kochi veered off the runway in heavy rain, bursting three tyres and possibly damaging an engine. In Delhi, another Air India flight aborted take-off due to a technical glitch, leaving 160 passengers grounded. All incidents ended safely, but they’ve reignited concerns around monsoon preparedness, runway resilience, and aircraft reliability amid growing air traffic. China’s Giant Dam Raises Red Flags China has begun building the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet—just upstream from India and Bangladesh. The $167 billion Motuo Dam is projected to generate 3x the output of the Three Gorges Dam. But India’s not celebrating. Arunachal CM Pema Khandu called it an “existential threat,” warning the dam could act as a “water bomb” if water is suddenly released. India’s foreign ministry has urged Beijing to respect downstream interests. China, not party to any water-sharing treaty, has promised “no negative impact.” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offered a cautious view, saying the river’s flow comes from multiple sources and more study is needed. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with its own buffer dam project on the Siang river. Jane Street Cleared to Trade Again After being barred from Indian markets for alleged ₹43,000 crore index manipulation, US-based hedge fund Jane Street is now back on the NSE and BSE—under tight SEBI conditions. The firm deposited ₹4,843.5 crore into an escrow account, a key requirement from SEBI’s 3 July interim order. Jane Street denies any wrongdoing, claiming its trades were simple arbitrage. The return doesn’t mean the probe is over. SEBI will continue monitoring Jane Street’s trades under heightened surveillance, with a final verdict expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, BSE shares jumped nearly 3%, and unlisted NSE stock saw a surge in demand. Afcons Rides Global Rail Boom Infrastructure major Afcons just clinched a ₹6,800 crore railway project in Croatia, its second big win in a week. The project involves reconstructing a railway line between Dugo Selo and Novska, including electrification and signaling. This follows two Croatian road project wins worth ₹4,535 crore, a ₹700 crore Reliance contract in Gujarat, and a ₹463 crore rural water project in Rajasthan. Despite strong order momentum, Afcons’ stock has underperformed since listing in November at ₹426. It now trades around ₹418, down over 10% from IPO and nearly 27% off its high of ₹570. Still, analysts remain bullish, citing the company’s execution record and robust pipeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


VP Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health

In a surprising political turn, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday, citing medical reasons and the need to prioritize health. The resignation—submitted under Article 67(a)—was effective immediately.

In an emotional letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed gratitude for her support and recalled their “wonderful working relationship.” He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of Parliament, and the Council of Ministers, calling his tenure “a privilege” during a transformative phase of India’s rise.

Known for his sharp legal acumen and parliamentary presence, Dhankhar’s exit comes at a politically sensitive time, raising immediate questions over his successor.




Turbulent Monday for Indian Aviation

Monday saw a series of aviation scares across India.

  • IndiGo flight 6E 813 from Goa to Indore reported a technical snag just before landing, but landed safely with all 140 passengers.
  • At Mumbai airport, an Air India flight from Kochi veered off the runway in heavy rain, bursting three tyres and possibly damaging an engine.
  • In Delhi, another Air India flight aborted take-off due to a technical glitch, leaving 160 passengers grounded.

All incidents ended safely, but they’ve reignited concerns around monsoon preparedness, runway resilience, and aircraft reliability amid growing air traffic.




China’s Giant Dam Raises Red Flags

China has begun building the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet—just upstream from India and Bangladesh. The $167 billion Motuo Dam is projected to generate 3x the output of the Three Gorges Dam.

But India’s not celebrating.

Arunachal CM Pema Khandu called it an “existential threat,” warning the dam could act as a “water bomb” if water is suddenly released. India’s foreign ministry has urged Beijing to respect downstream interests. China, not party to any water-sharing treaty, has promised “no negative impact.”

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offered a cautious view, saying the river’s flow comes from multiple sources and more study is needed. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with its own buffer dam project on the Siang river.




Jane Street Cleared to Trade Again

After being barred from Indian markets for alleged ₹43,000 crore index manipulation, US-based hedge fund Jane Street is now back on the NSE and BSE—under tight SEBI conditions.

The firm deposited ₹4,843.5 crore into an escrow account, a key requirement from SEBI’s 3 July interim order. Jane Street denies any wrongdoing, claiming its trades were simple arbitrage.

The return doesn’t mean the probe is over. SEBI will continue monitoring Jane Street’s trades under heightened surveillance, with a final verdict expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, BSE shares jumped nearly 3%, and unlisted NSE stock saw a surge in demand.




Afcons Rides Global Rail Boom

Infrastructure major Afcons just clinched a ₹6,800 crore railway project in Croatia, its second big win in a week. The project involves reconstructing a railway line between Dugo Selo and Novska, including electrification and signaling.

This follows two Croatian road project wins worth ₹4,535 crore, a ₹700 crore Reliance contract in Gujarat, and a ₹463 crore rural water project in Rajasthan.

Despite strong order momentum, Afcons’ stock has underperformed since listing in November at ₹426. It now trades around ₹418, down over 10% from IPO and nearly 27% off its high of ₹570. Still, analysts remain bullish, citing the company’s execution record and robust pipeline.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 618 no Big Earnings Week | Iran, EU Back to the Table | Honda Flags ABS Deadline Risks | $44M Hack Hits CoinDCX Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Earnings Tsunami Incoming The Q1 FY26 earnings season has officially begun, with Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank leading the charge. Over 95 major companies are set to report their numbers this week, covering sectors like tech, pharma, infra, and finance. “Markets will first react to Reliance, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Religare Broking. Key dates to watch: July 22: Colgate-Palmolive, Dixon, IRFC, JSW Infra, Paytm July 23: Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s, Tata Consumer, Coforge July 24: Bajaj Finance, Canara Bank, Nestle, Mphasis, SBI Life July 25: Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Bank of Baroda July 26: Kotak Bank, IDFC First, Balkrishna Industries Markets are closely tracking profitability trends, rural demand, and input cost pressures. With large and midcaps on center stage, investor sentiment could shift fast. $44M Crypto Hack Hits CoinDCX India’s leading crypto exchange CoinDCX has confirmed a $44 million security breach, after hackers compromised an internal liquidity account over the weekend. Co-founder Sumit Gupta said customer wallets remain safe and losses will be fully covered by treasury reserves. Trading was briefly paused but services are now live. The company is also launching a bug bounty program and working with cybersecurity partners to trace the stolen assets. This breach follows last year’s WazirX hack worth $230M, adding urgency ahead of India’s first crypto policy paper, expected this month. EU Sanctions Nayara Refinery, Rosneft Hits Back The European Union has sanctioned Nayara Energy’s refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat, drawing sharp condemnation from Rosneft, which owns a 49% stake. Rosneft called the move “unjustified and illegal,” warning it could undermine India’s energy security and hurt the economy. It emphasized that Nayara is a locally governed and taxed Indian entity, with profits reinvested in the country. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly: “We do not recognize unilateral sanctions. There should be no double standards, especially in energy trade,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The EU also slashed the Russian oil price cap to $47.6/barrel and clamped down on “shadow fleet” ships—efforts to reduce Moscow’s wartime revenue. Iran-EU Nuclear Talks Back On In a diplomatic shift, Iran has agreed to restart nuclear talks with the UK, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3. Deputy foreign ministers will meet Friday, separate from any talks with the US. These nations were part of the original 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the US exited in 2018. Talks have remained frozen since an Israeli airstrike in June disrupted a round of Oman-mediated negotiations. Iran is demanding security guarantees after joint US-Israel strikes targeted its nuclear infrastructure. While expectations are low, any movement is seen as a sign of thaw in an otherwise tense region. Honda Hits the Brakes on ABS Deadline With a January 2026 deadline approaching for mandatory ABS (anti-lock braking systems) on all two-wheelers, Honda Motorcycles has joined Hero MotoCorp in raising red flags. “Cost is one issue. But the real concern is supply chain readiness,” said Yogesh Mathur of Honda. Currently, only bikes above 125cc require ABS. The new norms would impact 84% of the two-wheeler market, adding ₹3,000–₹5,000 per unit in cost. 70% of key ABS parts—like ECUs and sensors—are still imported, mostly from China and ASEAN nations. Industry body SIAM has asked the government to push the deadline, but the Ministry remains firm, citing India’s high road fatality rate. Analysts say the domestic ABS market could grow 5X to ₹80,000 crore, though full localization may take up to 18 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Earnings Tsunami Incoming The Q1 FY26 earnings season has officially begun, with Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank leading the charge. Over 95 major companies are set to report their numbers this week, covering sectors like tech, pharma, infra, and finance. “Markets will first react to Reliance, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Religare Broking. Key dates to watch: July 22: Colgate-Palmolive, Dixon, IRFC, JSW Infra, Paytm July 23: Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s, Tata Consumer, Coforge July 24: Bajaj Finance, Canara Bank, Nestle, Mphasis, SBI Life July 25: Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Bank of Baroda July 26: Kotak Bank, IDFC First, Balkrishna Industries Markets are closely tracking profitability trends, rural demand, and input cost pressures. With large and midcaps on center stage, investor sentiment could shift fast. $44M Crypto Hack Hits CoinDCX India’s leading crypto exchange CoinDCX has confirmed a $44 million security breach, after hackers compromised an internal liquidity account over the weekend. Co-founder Sumit Gupta said customer wallets remain safe and losses will be fully covered by treasury reserves. Trading was briefly paused but services are now live. The company is also launching a bug bounty program and working with cybersecurity partners to trace the stolen assets. This breach follows last year’s WazirX hack worth $230M, adding urgency ahead of India’s first crypto policy paper, expected this month. EU Sanctions Nayara Refinery, Rosneft Hits Back The European Union has sanctioned Nayara Energy’s refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat, drawing sharp condemnation from Rosneft, which owns a 49% stake. Rosneft called the move “unjustified and illegal,” warning it could undermine India’s energy security and hurt the economy. It emphasized that Nayara is a locally governed and taxed Indian entity, with profits reinvested in the country. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly: “We do not recognize unilateral sanctions. There should be no double standards, especially in energy trade,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The EU also slashed the Russian oil price cap to $47.6/barrel and clamped down on “shadow fleet” ships—efforts to reduce Moscow’s wartime revenue. Iran-EU Nuclear Talks Back On In a diplomatic shift, Iran has agreed to restart nuclear talks with the UK, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3. Deputy foreign ministers will meet Friday, separate from any talks with the US. These nations were part of the original 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the US exited in 2018. Talks have remained frozen since an Israeli airstrike in June disrupted a round of Oman-mediated negotiations. Iran is demanding security guarantees after joint US-Israel strikes targeted its nuclear infrastructure. While expectations are low, any movement is seen as a sign of thaw in an otherwise tense region. Honda Hits the Brakes on ABS Deadline With a January 2026 deadline approaching for mandatory ABS (anti-lock braking systems) on all two-wheelers, Honda Motorcycles has joined Hero MotoCorp in raising red flags. “Cost is one issue. But the real concern is supply chain readiness,” said Yogesh Mathur of Honda. Currently, only bikes above 125cc require ABS. The new norms would impact 84% of the two-wheeler market, adding ₹3,000–₹5,000 per unit in cost. 70% of key ABS parts—like ECUs and sensors—are still imported, mostly from China and ASEAN nations. Industry body SIAM has asked the government to push the deadline, but the Ministry remains firm, citing India’s high road fatality rate. Analysts say the domestic ABS market could grow 5X to ₹80,000 crore, though full localization may take up to 18 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Earnings Tsunami Incoming

The Q1 FY26 earnings season has officially begun, with Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank leading the charge. Over 95 major companies are set to report their numbers this week, covering sectors like tech, pharma, infra, and finance.

“Markets will first react to Reliance, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Religare Broking.

Key dates to watch:

  • July 22: Colgate-Palmolive, Dixon, IRFC, JSW Infra, Paytm

  • July 23: Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s, Tata Consumer, Coforge

  • July 24: Bajaj Finance, Canara Bank, Nestle, Mphasis, SBI Life

  • July 25: Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Bank of Baroda

  • July 26: Kotak Bank, IDFC First, Balkrishna Industries

Markets are closely tracking profitability trends, rural demand, and input cost pressures. With large and midcaps on center stage, investor sentiment could shift fast.



$44M Crypto Hack Hits CoinDCX

India’s leading crypto exchange CoinDCX has confirmed a $44 million security breach, after hackers compromised an internal liquidity account over the weekend.

Co-founder Sumit Gupta said customer wallets remain safe and losses will be fully covered by treasury reserves. Trading was briefly paused but services are now live.

The company is also launching a bug bounty program and working with cybersecurity partners to trace the stolen assets.

This breach follows last year’s WazirX hack worth $230M, adding urgency ahead of India’s first crypto policy paper, expected this month.



EU Sanctions Nayara Refinery, Rosneft Hits Back

The European Union has sanctioned Nayara Energy’s refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat, drawing sharp condemnation from Rosneft, which owns a 49% stake.

Rosneft called the move “unjustified and illegal,” warning it could undermine India’s energy security and hurt the economy. It emphasized that Nayara is a locally governed and taxed Indian entity, with profits reinvested in the country.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly:

“We do not recognize unilateral sanctions. There should be no double standards, especially in energy trade,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The EU also slashed the Russian oil price cap to $47.6/barrel and clamped down on “shadow fleet” ships—efforts to reduce Moscow’s wartime revenue.



Iran-EU Nuclear Talks Back On

In a diplomatic shift, Iran has agreed to restart nuclear talks with the UK, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3. Deputy foreign ministers will meet Friday, separate from any talks with the US.

These nations were part of the original 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the US exited in 2018. Talks have remained frozen since an Israeli airstrike in June disrupted a round of Oman-mediated negotiations.

Iran is demanding security guarantees after joint US-Israel strikes targeted its nuclear infrastructure. While expectations are low, any movement is seen as a sign of thaw in an otherwise tense region.



Honda Hits the Brakes on ABS Deadline

With a January 2026 deadline approaching for mandatory ABS (anti-lock braking systems) on all two-wheelers, Honda Motorcycles has joined Hero MotoCorp in raising red flags.

“Cost is one issue. But the real concern is supply chain readiness,” said Yogesh Mathur of Honda.

Currently, only bikes above 125cc require ABS. The new norms would impact 84% of the two-wheeler market, adding ₹3,000–₹5,000 per unit in cost.

70% of key ABS parts—like ECUs and sensors—are still imported, mostly from China and ASEAN nations. Industry body SIAM has asked the government to push the deadline, but the Ministry remains firm, citing India’s high road fatality rate.

Analysts say the domestic ABS market could grow 5X to ₹80,000 crore, though full localization may take up to 18 months.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 564 no Amazon Cuts Jobs | Trump’s Bruises & Swollen Legs | India’s Missile Flex Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  Trade Tensions Explode: Lula vs Trump It’s no longer just a tariff—it’s personal. After Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% duty on all Brazilian imports, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fired back, declaring: “No gringo is going to give orders to this president.” The tariff, effective April 1, was justified by Trump as retaliation for Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro—calling his trial a “witch hunt”. Trump’s letter also accused Brazil of censorship and undermining free speech. Lula stood firm, defending Brazil’s right to regulate U.S. tech giants, whom he blames for spreading misinformation. While Lula is open to talks, no meeting has been scheduled yet. In the meantime, Brazil is consulting industries and weighing retaliatory tariffs. It’s not just a trade spat anymore—it’s about sovereignty, censorship, and global pride. 🩺 Trump’s Bruises & Swollen Legs Spark Rumors—Again A familiar bruise. A flaky patch of makeup. And the internet was off to the races with speculation about Donald Trump’s health. Close-ups before his Pittsburgh trip showed the same discolored mark on his right hand seen in February, April, and June. But the White House insists: it’s just handshakes and aspirin. Meanwhile, concerns about Trump’s swollen legs were addressed with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a common, age-related condition where blood pools in the legs due to weakened vein valves. Tests ruled out serious issues like blood clots or heart disease. The official line? “The President remains in excellent health.” 💻 Amazon Cuts Cloud Jobs to Fuel AI Future Amazon is trimming its cloud—literally. The tech giant has begun layoffs at Amazon Web Services (AWS) as it pivots hard toward artificial intelligence. The job cuts come after an internal review of priorities, with spokesperson Brad Glasser noting that the company will continue investing in innovation. CEO Andy Jassy had hinted at this direction in June, predicting AI automation would shrink future headcounts. AWS, a profit engine for Amazon, is now being streamlined to adapt to rising AI costs. As of March, Amazon had 1.56 million employees, including over 350,000 corporate roles. Microsoft, too, recently laid off 9,000 workers citing similar AI-related recalibrations. The message across Big Tech is loud and clear: AI is changing not just what we do—but who does it. 🏭 Adani Exits FMCG Game as Wilmar Takes Over Gautam Adani is stepping back. In a ₹7,150 crore deal, Adani Group is selling a 20% stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd to Singapore’s Wilmar International at ₹275 per share. Once cleared, Wilmar’s stake will rise to 64%, making it the majority owner—officially overtaking Adani. This move is part of Adani’s broader strategy to exit the FMCG space and double down on core infrastructure businesses. It follows a phased exit plan first announced in December 2024. With this sale, Adani’s ownership drops below 11%, completing a strategic shift away from the consumer goods arena. It’s a clear sign of Adani realigning priorities amid India’s rapidly evolving business landscape. 🚀 India Flexes Missile Power with Back-to-Back Tests India just reminded the world why it’s a force to reckon with. In a powerful show of strength, the Strategic Forces Command test-fired two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from Odisha, validating all technical and operational parameters. Both missiles are central to India’s nuclear deterrence doctrine. And just a day earlier, India successfully launched Akash Prime—an upgraded air defence system—in high-altitude Ladakh. The missile hit two aerial targets above 4,500 meters near the Line of Actual Control. Featuring an indigenous radio frequency seeker, Akash Prime is part of India’s growing focus on homegrown, high-precision defence tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:55:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  Trade Tensions Explode: Lula vs Trump It’s no longer just a tariff—it’s personal. After Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% duty on all Brazilian imports, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fired back, declaring: “No gringo is going to give orders to this president.” The tariff, effective April 1, was justified by Trump as retaliation for Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro—calling his trial a “witch hunt”. Trump’s letter also accused Brazil of censorship and undermining free speech. Lula stood firm, defending Brazil’s right to regulate U.S. tech giants, whom he blames for spreading misinformation. While Lula is open to talks, no meeting has been scheduled yet. In the meantime, Brazil is consulting industries and weighing retaliatory tariffs. It’s not just a trade spat anymore—it’s about sovereignty, censorship, and global pride. 🩺 Trump’s Bruises & Swollen Legs Spark Rumors—Again A familiar bruise. A flaky patch of makeup. And the internet was off to the races with speculation about Donald Trump’s health. Close-ups before his Pittsburgh trip showed the same discolored mark on his right hand seen in February, April, and June. But the White House insists: it’s just handshakes and aspirin. Meanwhile, concerns about Trump’s swollen legs were addressed with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a common, age-related condition where blood pools in the legs due to weakened vein valves. Tests ruled out serious issues like blood clots or heart disease. The official line? “The President remains in excellent health.” 💻 Amazon Cuts Cloud Jobs to Fuel AI Future Amazon is trimming its cloud—literally. The tech giant has begun layoffs at Amazon Web Services (AWS) as it pivots hard toward artificial intelligence. The job cuts come after an internal review of priorities, with spokesperson Brad Glasser noting that the company will continue investing in innovation. CEO Andy Jassy had hinted at this direction in June, predicting AI automation would shrink future headcounts. AWS, a profit engine for Amazon, is now being streamlined to adapt to rising AI costs. As of March, Amazon had 1.56 million employees, including over 350,000 corporate roles. Microsoft, too, recently laid off 9,000 workers citing similar AI-related recalibrations. The message across Big Tech is loud and clear: AI is changing not just what we do—but who does it. 🏭 Adani Exits FMCG Game as Wilmar Takes Over Gautam Adani is stepping back. In a ₹7,150 crore deal, Adani Group is selling a 20% stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd to Singapore’s Wilmar International at ₹275 per share. Once cleared, Wilmar’s stake will rise to 64%, making it the majority owner—officially overtaking Adani. This move is part of Adani’s broader strategy to exit the FMCG space and double down on core infrastructure businesses. It follows a phased exit plan first announced in December 2024. With this sale, Adani’s ownership drops below 11%, completing a strategic shift away from the consumer goods arena. It’s a clear sign of Adani realigning priorities amid India’s rapidly evolving business landscape. 🚀 India Flexes Missile Power with Back-to-Back Tests India just reminded the world why it’s a force to reckon with. In a powerful show of strength, the Strategic Forces Command test-fired two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from Odisha, validating all technical and operational parameters. Both missiles are central to India’s nuclear deterrence doctrine. And just a day earlier, India successfully launched Akash Prime—an upgraded air defence system—in high-altitude Ladakh. The missile hit two aerial targets above 4,500 meters near the Line of Actual Control. Featuring an indigenous radio frequency seeker, Akash Prime is part of India’s growing focus on homegrown, high-precision defence tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

 Trade Tensions Explode: Lula vs Trump

It’s no longer just a tariff—it’s personal. After Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% duty on all Brazilian imports, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fired back, declaring: “No gringo is going to give orders to this president.” The tariff, effective April 1, was justified by Trump as retaliation for Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro—calling his trial a “witch hunt”. Trump’s letter also accused Brazil of censorship and undermining free speech.

Lula stood firm, defending Brazil’s right to regulate U.S. tech giants, whom he blames for spreading misinformation. While Lula is open to talks, no meeting has been scheduled yet. In the meantime, Brazil is consulting industries and weighing retaliatory tariffs. It’s not just a trade spat anymore—it’s about sovereignty, censorship, and global pride.



🩺 Trump’s Bruises & Swollen Legs Spark Rumors—Again

A familiar bruise. A flaky patch of makeup. And the internet was off to the races with speculation about Donald Trump’s health. Close-ups before his Pittsburgh trip showed the same discolored mark on his right hand seen in February, April, and June. But the White House insists: it’s just handshakes and aspirin.

Meanwhile, concerns about Trump’s swollen legs were addressed with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a common, age-related condition where blood pools in the legs due to weakened vein valves. Tests ruled out serious issues like blood clots or heart disease. The official line? “The President remains in excellent health.”



💻 Amazon Cuts Cloud Jobs to Fuel AI Future

Amazon is trimming its cloud—literally. The tech giant has begun layoffs at Amazon Web Services (AWS) as it pivots hard toward artificial intelligence. The job cuts come after an internal review of priorities, with spokesperson Brad Glasser noting that the company will continue investing in innovation.

CEO Andy Jassy had hinted at this direction in June, predicting AI automation would shrink future headcounts. AWS, a profit engine for Amazon, is now being streamlined to adapt to rising AI costs. As of March, Amazon had 1.56 million employees, including over 350,000 corporate roles. Microsoft, too, recently laid off 9,000 workers citing similar AI-related recalibrations. The message across Big Tech is loud and clear: AI is changing not just what we do—but who does it.



🏭 Adani Exits FMCG Game as Wilmar Takes Over

Gautam Adani is stepping back. In a ₹7,150 crore deal, Adani Group is selling a 20% stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd to Singapore’s Wilmar International at ₹275 per share. Once cleared, Wilmar’s stake will rise to 64%, making it the majority owner—officially overtaking Adani.

This move is part of Adani’s broader strategy to exit the FMCG space and double down on core infrastructure businesses. It follows a phased exit plan first announced in December 2024. With this sale, Adani’s ownership drops below 11%, completing a strategic shift away from the consumer goods arena. It’s a clear sign of Adani realigning priorities amid India’s rapidly evolving business landscape.



🚀 India Flexes Missile Power with Back-to-Back Tests

India just reminded the world why it’s a force to reckon with. In a powerful show of strength, the Strategic Forces Command test-fired two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from Odisha, validating all technical and operational parameters. Both missiles are central to India’s nuclear deterrence doctrine.

And just a day earlier, India successfully launched Akash Prime—an upgraded air defence system—in high-altitude Ladakh. The missile hit two aerial targets above 4,500 meters near the Line of Actual Control. Featuring an indigenous radio frequency seeker, Akash Prime is part of India’s growing focus on homegrown, high-precision defence tech.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 533 no Alaska Quake Sparks Tsunami Alert | Ola’s Profit Pivot | IndiGo Mid-Air Scare | SBI’s ₹45,000 Cr Fund Rush Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.PAN-PAN in the Sky: IndiGo’s Emergency Landing It started with a “PAN PAN PAN”—the aviation distress call for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. That’s what the captain of IndiGo flight 6E 6271 declared mid-air on Wednesday, after detecting an engine snag. The Airbus A320neo, carrying 191 people from Delhi to Goa, made an emergency diversion to Mumbai, landing safely at 9:53 pm with emergency teams on standby. All passengers were safe. This incident adds to a growing list of technical issues for IndiGo: a bird strike on a Patna-Delhi flight and a technical snag on an Indore-Raipur route earlier this week. With monsoon weather disrupting flights across Delhi, India’s busiest airport is under pressure—and so is IndiGo’s reputation. “This is not a drill.” That was the warning after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska near Sand Point, triggering a tsunami alert for parts of the Alaska Peninsula. The quake hit at 12:37 pm local time, just 20 km below the ocean floor—shallow enough to generate tsunami waves. The National Weather Service issued alerts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, covering towns like Cold Bay and Kodiak. Alaska lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones. Though no major damage has been reported, the tremors are a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability, echoing the devastating 1964 quake that killed over 250 people. After months of turbulence, Ola Electric’s stock surged 20% this week—but it wasn’t driven by earnings. The company’s revenues halved, and losses widened in the latest quarter. What changed? Ola’s auto business turned Ebitda-positive in June for the first time, thanks to stronger sales of its premium Gen-3 scooters and tighter cost controls. But serious headwinds remain: market share has dipped below 20%, regulatory hurdles continue, and customer complaints persist. While Ola has scaled back its ambitious battery manufacturing targets, it’s betting big on a leaner, profitability-first strategy. The road ahead? Still bumpy—but at least the wheels are turning in a new direction. India’s biggest lender is raising big money. State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to raise ₹45,000 crore in FY26 via bonds and equity. Its board just cleared ₹20,000 crore worth of Basel III bonds, and it launched its first QIP since 2018, setting a floor price of ₹811.05 per share. Though its capital adequacy stands strong at 14.25%, SBI wants dry powder to support future growth and match peers like HDFC Bank (19.6%). Experts say overall bond activity may slow this year amid weak credit growth and investor wariness around AT1 bonds post-Yes Bank. Public sector banks, including SBI, are increasingly leaning into QIPs—not just to raise capital, but also to meet government disinvestment goals. India has just beaten a major climate target—five years ahead of time. Over 50% of the country’s power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, fulfilling a key Paris Agreement commitment well before the 2030 deadline. Renewable energy now makes up 48.3% of total capacity, with nuclear taking the figure over the 50% mark. To further this momentum, the Cabinet has greenlit massive investments: NTPC can invest up to ₹20,000 crore via its green arm, while NLC India can invest ₹7,000 crore through its renewables unit. Experts caution that while capacity is growing fast, actual generation from renewables—especially solar and wind—still lags at just 13%. The next frontier? Turning that potential into real, round-the-clock clean energy output. Tsunami Alert After 7.3 Quake Shakes AlaskaOla’s Stock Jumps—but Is the Turnaround Real?SBI’s ₹45,000 Cr Capital PlayIndia Crosses Climate Milestone—5 Years Early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:22:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.PAN-PAN in the Sky: IndiGo’s Emergency Landing It started with a “PAN PAN PAN”—the aviation distress call for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. That’s what the captain of IndiGo flight 6E 6271 declared mid-air on Wednesday, after detecting an engine snag. The Airbus A320neo, carrying 191 people from Delhi to Goa, made an emergency diversion to Mumbai, landing safely at 9:53 pm with emergency teams on standby. All passengers were safe. This incident adds to a growing list of technical issues for IndiGo: a bird strike on a Patna-Delhi flight and a technical snag on an Indore-Raipur route earlier this week. With monsoon weather disrupting flights across Delhi, India’s busiest airport is under pressure—and so is IndiGo’s reputation. “This is not a drill.” That was the warning after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska near Sand Point, triggering a tsunami alert for parts of the Alaska Peninsula. The quake hit at 12:37 pm local time, just 20 km below the ocean floor—shallow enough to generate tsunami waves. The National Weather Service issued alerts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, covering towns like Cold Bay and Kodiak. Alaska lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones. Though no major damage has been reported, the tremors are a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability, echoing the devastating 1964 quake that killed over 250 people. After months of turbulence, Ola Electric’s stock surged 20% this week—but it wasn’t driven by earnings. The company’s revenues halved, and losses widened in the latest quarter. What changed? Ola’s auto business turned Ebitda-positive in June for the first time, thanks to stronger sales of its premium Gen-3 scooters and tighter cost controls. But serious headwinds remain: market share has dipped below 20%, regulatory hurdles continue, and customer complaints persist. While Ola has scaled back its ambitious battery manufacturing targets, it’s betting big on a leaner, profitability-first strategy. The road ahead? Still bumpy—but at least the wheels are turning in a new direction. India’s biggest lender is raising big money. State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to raise ₹45,000 crore in FY26 via bonds and equity. Its board just cleared ₹20,000 crore worth of Basel III bonds, and it launched its first QIP since 2018, setting a floor price of ₹811.05 per share. Though its capital adequacy stands strong at 14.25%, SBI wants dry powder to support future growth and match peers like HDFC Bank (19.6%). Experts say overall bond activity may slow this year amid weak credit growth and investor wariness around AT1 bonds post-Yes Bank. Public sector banks, including SBI, are increasingly leaning into QIPs—not just to raise capital, but also to meet government disinvestment goals. India has just beaten a major climate target—five years ahead of time. Over 50% of the country’s power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, fulfilling a key Paris Agreement commitment well before the 2030 deadline. Renewable energy now makes up 48.3% of total capacity, with nuclear taking the figure over the 50% mark. To further this momentum, the Cabinet has greenlit massive investments: NTPC can invest up to ₹20,000 crore via its green arm, while NLC India can invest ₹7,000 crore through its renewables unit. Experts caution that while capacity is growing fast, actual generation from renewables—especially solar and wind—still lags at just 13%. The next frontier? Turning that potential into real, round-the-clock clean energy output. Tsunami Alert After 7.3 Quake Shakes AlaskaOla’s Stock Jumps—but Is the Turnaround Real?SBI’s ₹45,000 Cr Capital PlayIndia Crosses Climate Milestone—5 Years Early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.PAN-PAN in the Sky: IndiGo’s Emergency Landing

It started with a “PAN PAN PAN”—the aviation distress call for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. That’s what the captain of IndiGo flight 6E 6271 declared mid-air on Wednesday, after detecting an engine snag. The Airbus A320neo, carrying 191 people from Delhi to Goa, made an emergency diversion to Mumbai, landing safely at 9:53 pm with emergency teams on standby. All passengers were safe. This incident adds to a growing list of technical issues for IndiGo: a bird strike on a Patna-Delhi flight and a technical snag on an Indore-Raipur route earlier this week. With monsoon weather disrupting flights across Delhi, India’s busiest airport is under pressure—and so is IndiGo’s reputation.



“This is not a drill.” That was the warning after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska near Sand Point, triggering a tsunami alert for parts of the Alaska Peninsula. The quake hit at 12:37 pm local time, just 20 km below the ocean floor—shallow enough to generate tsunami waves. The National Weather Service issued alerts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, covering towns like Cold Bay and Kodiak. Alaska lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones. Though no major damage has been reported, the tremors are a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability, echoing the devastating 1964 quake that killed over 250 people.



After months of turbulence, Ola Electric’s stock surged 20% this week—but it wasn’t driven by earnings. The company’s revenues halved, and losses widened in the latest quarter. What changed? Ola’s auto business turned Ebitda-positive in June for the first time, thanks to stronger sales of its premium Gen-3 scooters and tighter cost controls. But serious headwinds remain: market share has dipped below 20%, regulatory hurdles continue, and customer complaints persist. While Ola has scaled back its ambitious battery manufacturing targets, it’s betting big on a leaner, profitability-first strategy. The road ahead? Still bumpy—but at least the wheels are turning in a new direction.



India’s biggest lender is raising big money. State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to raise ₹45,000 crore in FY26 via bonds and equity. Its board just cleared ₹20,000 crore worth of Basel III bonds, and it launched its first QIP since 2018, setting a floor price of ₹811.05 per share. Though its capital adequacy stands strong at 14.25%, SBI wants dry powder to support future growth and match peers like HDFC Bank (19.6%). Experts say overall bond activity may slow this year amid weak credit growth and investor wariness around AT1 bonds post-Yes Bank. Public sector banks, including SBI, are increasingly leaning into QIPs—not just to raise capital, but also to meet government disinvestment goals.



India has just beaten a major climate target—five years ahead of time. Over 50% of the country’s power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, fulfilling a key Paris Agreement commitment well before the 2030 deadline. Renewable energy now makes up 48.3% of total capacity, with nuclear taking the figure over the 50% mark. To further this momentum, the Cabinet has greenlit massive investments: NTPC can invest up to ₹20,000 crore via its green arm, while NLC India can invest ₹7,000 crore through its renewables unit. Experts caution that while capacity is growing fast, actual generation from renewables—especially solar and wind—still lags at just 13%. The next frontier? Turning that potential into real, round-the-clock clean energy output.

Tsunami Alert After 7.3 Quake Shakes AlaskaOla’s Stock Jumps—but Is the Turnaround Real?SBI’s ₹45,000 Cr Capital PlayIndia Crosses Climate Milestone—5 Years Early

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 604 no NATO 100% Warning to India & China | Nvidia’s China Move | Tesla Finally Rolls Into India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. NATO’s 100% Sanctions Warning to India, China & Brazil NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, issued a stark ultimatum: any country still trading oil and gas with Russia will face “100% secondary sanctions.” Targeting China, India, and Brazil directly, Rutte urged their leaders to pressure Putin into serious peace talks within 50 days—echoing Trump’s threat of “biting” trade penalties if no progress is made. For India, which has ramped up imports of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine war began, the message signals growing Western impatience and raises the economic cost of neutrality. 2. Vedanta Faces Fire from Short Seller Viceroy Viceroy Research has reignited scrutiny on Vedanta Ltd, accusing its promoters of secretly holding a 1.91% stake via a trust-controlled entity, PTC Cables Pvt Ltd. The report claims this vehicle was used to funnel ₹1,500 crore in dividends to promoter-linked entities. Vedanta dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” stating full regulatory compliance. Yet public records show links to the Agarwal family and longtime associates. While JP Morgan backed Vedanta with an Overweight rating, the shadow of opaque trust structures and governance concerns continues to hover. 3. Tesla Finally Enters India—With a Luxury SUV, Not Scale Tesla has launched its long-awaited India operations with a flagship showroom in Mumbai’s BKC and the Model Y SUV priced between ₹61–68 lakh. While not aimed at mass adoption, Tesla’s appeal lies in its battery range, tech branding, and cargo space. However, its full self-driving features remain off-limits due to legal and regulatory barriers. India recently eased EV import duties for companies promising local manufacturing within three years, but Elon Musk skipped a planned visit and hasn’t committed to building in India yet. For now, Tesla rides on novelty rather than numbers. 4. Nvidia’s China Chip Move Raises Eyebrows in Washington Nvidia is seeking U.S. approval to resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China—part of a broader deal involving rare earth shipments to U.S. firms. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the chip sale is linked to this “magnet” trade agreement. While the H20 chips are legally exportable, they remain powerful due to Nvidia’s software ecosystem. Lawmakers, however, are alarmed. Bipartisan critics argue the move undermines national security and could accelerate China’s AI ambitions, especially for companies like DeepSeek. With China generating $17B in revenue for Nvidia last year, CEO Jensen Huang’s balancing act could carry geopolitical consequences. 5. Trump Says US-India Trade Deal “Within Reach”—But Dairy Is a Dealbreaker Former President Donald Trump signaled progress on a long-pending trade pact with India, declaring, “We’re going to have access into India.” He cited a finalized deal with Indonesia as precedent, where U.S. exports face zero tariffs. But talks with India remain stuck—particularly over dairy imports. India has drawn a firm line, refusing U.S. dairy unless it’s certified free of animal byproducts, protecting its cultural norms and small farmers. With bilateral trade hovering around $200 billion and a $500 billion target by 2030, both nations are engaged in a complex tariff tug-of-war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:58:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. NATO’s 100% Sanctions Warning to India, China & Brazil NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, issued a stark ultimatum: any country still trading oil and gas with Russia will face “100% secondary sanctions.” Targeting China, India, and Brazil directly, Rutte urged their leaders to pressure Putin into serious peace talks within 50 days—echoing Trump’s threat of “biting” trade penalties if no progress is made. For India, which has ramped up imports of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine war began, the message signals growing Western impatience and raises the economic cost of neutrality. 2. Vedanta Faces Fire from Short Seller Viceroy Viceroy Research has reignited scrutiny on Vedanta Ltd, accusing its promoters of secretly holding a 1.91% stake via a trust-controlled entity, PTC Cables Pvt Ltd. The report claims this vehicle was used to funnel ₹1,500 crore in dividends to promoter-linked entities. Vedanta dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” stating full regulatory compliance. Yet public records show links to the Agarwal family and longtime associates. While JP Morgan backed Vedanta with an Overweight rating, the shadow of opaque trust structures and governance concerns continues to hover. 3. Tesla Finally Enters India—With a Luxury SUV, Not Scale Tesla has launched its long-awaited India operations with a flagship showroom in Mumbai’s BKC and the Model Y SUV priced between ₹61–68 lakh. While not aimed at mass adoption, Tesla’s appeal lies in its battery range, tech branding, and cargo space. However, its full self-driving features remain off-limits due to legal and regulatory barriers. India recently eased EV import duties for companies promising local manufacturing within three years, but Elon Musk skipped a planned visit and hasn’t committed to building in India yet. For now, Tesla rides on novelty rather than numbers. 4. Nvidia’s China Chip Move Raises Eyebrows in Washington Nvidia is seeking U.S. approval to resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China—part of a broader deal involving rare earth shipments to U.S. firms. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the chip sale is linked to this “magnet” trade agreement. While the H20 chips are legally exportable, they remain powerful due to Nvidia’s software ecosystem. Lawmakers, however, are alarmed. Bipartisan critics argue the move undermines national security and could accelerate China’s AI ambitions, especially for companies like DeepSeek. With China generating $17B in revenue for Nvidia last year, CEO Jensen Huang’s balancing act could carry geopolitical consequences. 5. Trump Says US-India Trade Deal “Within Reach”—But Dairy Is a Dealbreaker Former President Donald Trump signaled progress on a long-pending trade pact with India, declaring, “We’re going to have access into India.” He cited a finalized deal with Indonesia as precedent, where U.S. exports face zero tariffs. But talks with India remain stuck—particularly over dairy imports. India has drawn a firm line, refusing U.S. dairy unless it’s certified free of animal byproducts, protecting its cultural norms and small farmers. With bilateral trade hovering around $200 billion and a $500 billion target by 2030, both nations are engaged in a complex tariff tug-of-war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. NATO’s 100% Sanctions Warning to India, China & Brazil

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, issued a stark ultimatum: any country still trading oil and gas with Russia will face “100% secondary sanctions.” Targeting China, India, and Brazil directly, Rutte urged their leaders to pressure Putin into serious peace talks within 50 days—echoing Trump’s threat of “biting” trade penalties if no progress is made. For India, which has ramped up imports of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine war began, the message signals growing Western impatience and raises the economic cost of neutrality.

2. Vedanta Faces Fire from Short Seller Viceroy

Viceroy Research has reignited scrutiny on Vedanta Ltd, accusing its promoters of secretly holding a 1.91% stake via a trust-controlled entity, PTC Cables Pvt Ltd. The report claims this vehicle was used to funnel ₹1,500 crore in dividends to promoter-linked entities. Vedanta dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” stating full regulatory compliance. Yet public records show links to the Agarwal family and longtime associates. While JP Morgan backed Vedanta with an Overweight rating, the shadow of opaque trust structures and governance concerns continues to hover.

3. Tesla Finally Enters India—With a Luxury SUV, Not Scale

Tesla has launched its long-awaited India operations with a flagship showroom in Mumbai’s BKC and the Model Y SUV priced between ₹61–68 lakh. While not aimed at mass adoption, Tesla’s appeal lies in its battery range, tech branding, and cargo space. However, its full self-driving features remain off-limits due to legal and regulatory barriers. India recently eased EV import duties for companies promising local manufacturing within three years, but Elon Musk skipped a planned visit and hasn’t committed to building in India yet. For now, Tesla rides on novelty rather than numbers.

4. Nvidia’s China Chip Move Raises Eyebrows in Washington

Nvidia is seeking U.S. approval to resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China—part of a broader deal involving rare earth shipments to U.S. firms. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the chip sale is linked to this “magnet” trade agreement. While the H20 chips are legally exportable, they remain powerful due to Nvidia’s software ecosystem. Lawmakers, however, are alarmed. Bipartisan critics argue the move undermines national security and could accelerate China’s AI ambitions, especially for companies like DeepSeek. With China generating $17B in revenue for Nvidia last year, CEO Jensen Huang’s balancing act could carry geopolitical consequences.

5. Trump Says US-India Trade Deal “Within Reach”—But Dairy Is a Dealbreaker

Former President Donald Trump signaled progress on a long-pending trade pact with India, declaring, “We’re going to have access into India.” He cited a finalized deal with Indonesia as precedent, where U.S. exports face zero tariffs. But talks with India remain stuck—particularly over dairy imports. India has drawn a firm line, refusing U.S. dairy unless it’s certified free of animal byproducts, protecting its cultural norms and small farmers. With bilateral trade hovering around $200 billion and a $500 billion target by 2030, both nations are engaged in a complex tariff tug-of-war.


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]]> 502 no Flight 171: The Fatal Switch | China’s 600 kmph Train | Trump’s Ultimatum To Putin | Jaishankar in Beijing 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Jul 2025 03:38:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.


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]]> 483 no Plane Crash At UK Airport | Dividend Week Ahead | VIP Promoters Sell 32% Stake | ₹500 Note Ban Rumour Squashed 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:33:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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

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]]> 448 no Nipah Scare Returns | Inside Vedanta’s $8B Red Flag | India’s $700M Cancer Bet | F-35 Set to Fly Home 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 11 Jul 2025 02:09:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 472 no Vedanta Exposed? | Brazil’s 50% Tariff Blow | $250 US Visa Fee | 200% Pharma Tariff? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariff In a fiery escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move follows a diplomatic spat with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, who called Trump an “unwanted emperor.” Trump fired back with a sharply worded letter defending ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, calling his trial “a witch hunt” and accusing Brazil of censorship and unfair trade. “Brazil has treated Bolsonaro disgracefully,” Trump wrote, adding that the tariffs are just the beginning. A Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices is also underway. Trump hinted at possible revisions if Brazil reforms, but warned of further hikes otherwise. #USBrazilTensions #TrumpTariffs #Geopolitics #JairBolsonaro #TradeWar Trump Threatens 200% Pharma Tariff, India Alarmed Trump is now eyeing a 200% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, a move that could hit India’s $30 billion pharma exports hard. The threat follows a Section 232 probe launched in April into whether pharma imports pose a national security risk. The U.S. accounts for 31% of Indian pharma exports and sources nearly 40% of its generics from India. Indian manufacturers warn this could worsen drug shortages in the U.S. and disrupt patient care. “Adding tariffs will hurt patients and delay our investments in the U.S.,” said Kathleen Jaeger of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The final decision is expected soon, and Indian pharma companies are already weighing exit strategies. #PharmaTariffs #IndianPharma #GenericDrugs #TrumpTrade #DrugShortage New US Visa Fee Raises Travel Costs Planning a U.S. trip? Brace for a higher bill. Under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee is in effect for most non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange). The fee, described as a refundable “good behavior bond”, is meant to enforce compliance with visa terms—no overstaying or unauthorized work. Starting in 2026, the fee will rise annually with inflation. For Indian travelers, it means the cost of a U.S. tourist visa jumps from $185 to $472 (~₹40,500). Refunds are rare and only apply to those who strictly follow the rules. #USVisaFee #ImmigrationPolicy #H1B #TravelCosts #VisaNews Vedanta Under Fire: “Ponzi Scheme” Allegation Viceroy Research, the short-seller that exposed Wirecard, is now targeting Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Resources. In a damning report, Viceroy labeled the Indian conglomerate a “Ponzi scheme,” citing mismanagement and unsustainable debt. Vedanta has denied the charges, calling them “malicious and baseless.” But co-founder Fraser Perring warned more reports are coming. Viceroy, known for its multi-report takedowns, has a track record of triggering steep stock declines—80% of its targets have suffered. Perring also disclosed that he and his team shorted Vedanta bonds in April. With more revelations likely, investor anxiety is growing. #Vedanta #ViceroyResearch #ShortSelling #FraserPerring #MarketWatch India Scrambles After China Cuts Fertiliser Exports Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has warned of the risks of overdependence on China for fertiliser supplies, following Beijing’s export curbs on Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)—India’s second-most used fertiliser. India imported over 2.5 million tonnes of DAP in FY25, much of it from China. The restrictions have spiked global prices and sparked fears of shortages during the kharif sowing season. Goyal called for diversified sourcing, domestic production boosts, and long-term mineral partnerships. He also projected India’s agri-exports could grow from ₹4.5 trillion to ₹20 trillion with better processing and branding. But the short-term focus remains: ensuring farmers have what they need to plant. #FertiliserCrisis #ChinaCurbs #PiyushGoyal #AgriExports #DAPShortage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:12:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariff In a fiery escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move follows a diplomatic spat with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, who called Trump an “unwanted emperor.” Trump fired back with a sharply worded letter defending ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, calling his trial “a witch hunt” and accusing Brazil of censorship and unfair trade. “Brazil has treated Bolsonaro disgracefully,” Trump wrote, adding that the tariffs are just the beginning. A Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices is also underway. Trump hinted at possible revisions if Brazil reforms, but warned of further hikes otherwise. #USBrazilTensions #TrumpTariffs #Geopolitics #JairBolsonaro #TradeWar Trump Threatens 200% Pharma Tariff, India Alarmed Trump is now eyeing a 200% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, a move that could hit India’s $30 billion pharma exports hard. The threat follows a Section 232 probe launched in April into whether pharma imports pose a national security risk. The U.S. accounts for 31% of Indian pharma exports and sources nearly 40% of its generics from India. Indian manufacturers warn this could worsen drug shortages in the U.S. and disrupt patient care. “Adding tariffs will hurt patients and delay our investments in the U.S.,” said Kathleen Jaeger of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The final decision is expected soon, and Indian pharma companies are already weighing exit strategies. #PharmaTariffs #IndianPharma #GenericDrugs #TrumpTrade #DrugShortage New US Visa Fee Raises Travel Costs Planning a U.S. trip? Brace for a higher bill. Under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee is in effect for most non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange). The fee, described as a refundable “good behavior bond”, is meant to enforce compliance with visa terms—no overstaying or unauthorized work. Starting in 2026, the fee will rise annually with inflation. For Indian travelers, it means the cost of a U.S. tourist visa jumps from $185 to $472 (~₹40,500). Refunds are rare and only apply to those who strictly follow the rules. #USVisaFee #ImmigrationPolicy #H1B #TravelCosts #VisaNews Vedanta Under Fire: “Ponzi Scheme” Allegation Viceroy Research, the short-seller that exposed Wirecard, is now targeting Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Resources. In a damning report, Viceroy labeled the Indian conglomerate a “Ponzi scheme,” citing mismanagement and unsustainable debt. Vedanta has denied the charges, calling them “malicious and baseless.” But co-founder Fraser Perring warned more reports are coming. Viceroy, known for its multi-report takedowns, has a track record of triggering steep stock declines—80% of its targets have suffered. Perring also disclosed that he and his team shorted Vedanta bonds in April. With more revelations likely, investor anxiety is growing. #Vedanta #ViceroyResearch #ShortSelling #FraserPerring #MarketWatch India Scrambles After China Cuts Fertiliser Exports Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has warned of the risks of overdependence on China for fertiliser supplies, following Beijing’s export curbs on Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)—India’s second-most used fertiliser. India imported over 2.5 million tonnes of DAP in FY25, much of it from China. The restrictions have spiked global prices and sparked fears of shortages during the kharif sowing season. Goyal called for diversified sourcing, domestic production boosts, and long-term mineral partnerships. He also projected India’s agri-exports could grow from ₹4.5 trillion to ₹20 trillion with better processing and branding. But the short-term focus remains: ensuring farmers have what they need to plant. #FertiliserCrisis #ChinaCurbs #PiyushGoyal #AgriExports #DAPShortage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariff

In a fiery escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move follows a diplomatic spat with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, who called Trump an “unwanted emperor.” Trump fired back with a sharply worded letter defending ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, calling his trial “a witch hunt” and accusing Brazil of censorship and unfair trade.

“Brazil has treated Bolsonaro disgracefully,” Trump wrote, adding that the tariffs are just the beginning. A Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices is also underway. Trump hinted at possible revisions if Brazil reforms, but warned of further hikes otherwise.

#USBrazilTensions #TrumpTariffs #Geopolitics #JairBolsonaro #TradeWar



Trump Threatens 200% Pharma Tariff, India Alarmed

Trump is now eyeing a 200% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, a move that could hit India’s $30 billion pharma exports hard. The threat follows a Section 232 probe launched in April into whether pharma imports pose a national security risk.

The U.S. accounts for 31% of Indian pharma exports and sources nearly 40% of its generics from India. Indian manufacturers warn this could worsen drug shortages in the U.S. and disrupt patient care.

“Adding tariffs will hurt patients and delay our investments in the U.S.,” said Kathleen Jaeger of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The final decision is expected soon, and Indian pharma companies are already weighing exit strategies.

#PharmaTariffs #IndianPharma #GenericDrugs #TrumpTrade #DrugShortage



New US Visa Fee Raises Travel Costs

Planning a U.S. trip? Brace for a higher bill. Under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee is in effect for most non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange).

The fee, described as a refundable “good behavior bond”, is meant to enforce compliance with visa terms—no overstaying or unauthorized work. Starting in 2026, the fee will rise annually with inflation.

For Indian travelers, it means the cost of a U.S. tourist visa jumps from $185 to $472 (~₹40,500). Refunds are rare and only apply to those who strictly follow the rules.

#USVisaFee #ImmigrationPolicy #H1B #TravelCosts #VisaNews



Vedanta Under Fire: “Ponzi Scheme” Allegation

Viceroy Research, the short-seller that exposed Wirecard, is now targeting Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Resources. In a damning report, Viceroy labeled the Indian conglomerate a “Ponzi scheme,” citing mismanagement and unsustainable debt.

Vedanta has denied the charges, calling them “malicious and baseless.” But co-founder Fraser Perring warned more reports are coming. Viceroy, known for its multi-report takedowns, has a track record of triggering steep stock declines—80% of its targets have suffered.

Perring also disclosed that he and his team shorted Vedanta bonds in April. With more revelations likely, investor anxiety is growing.

#Vedanta #ViceroyResearch #ShortSelling #FraserPerring #MarketWatch



India Scrambles After China Cuts Fertiliser Exports

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has warned of the risks of overdependence on China for fertiliser supplies, following Beijing’s export curbs on Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)—India’s second-most used fertiliser.

India imported over 2.5 million tonnes of DAP in FY25, much of it from China. The restrictions have spiked global prices and sparked fears of shortages during the kharif sowing season.

Goyal called for diversified sourcing, domestic production boosts, and long-term mineral partnerships. He also projected India’s agri-exports could grow from ₹4.5 trillion to ₹20 trillion with better processing and branding. But the short-term focus remains: ensuring farmers have what they need to plant.

#FertiliserCrisis #ChinaCurbs #PiyushGoyal #AgriExports #DAPShortage


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 496 no Trump Targets BRICS | Another Medal for Modi | India’s Warship Power Play | Apple’s New COO: Sabih Khan Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. “We Want a Deal, Not a Steal” — India Holds Firm on Trade India and the US have pushed their trade deal deadline from July 9 to mid-July, even as President Trump enforces steep retaliatory tariffs on 14 other nations. India, however, isn’t on that list yet. The deal is awaiting Trump’s final sign-off, but Indian negotiators are in no rush. “Vietnam signed too quickly—we’re drawing red lines,” said a senior official, referring to contentious issues like agriculture, dairy, GM seeds, and digital trade. India currently faces a 26% tariff, and with Trump’s August 1 tariff trigger looming, the stakes are high. Trade experts warn these deals reflect pressure, not parity. Apple’s New Ops Boss is India-Born Sabih Khan After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, Apple veteran Sabih Khan has been named Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. Born in Moradabad, Khan moved from Singapore to the US, earning degrees in economics and mechanical engineering. Joining Apple in 1995, he’s been instrumental in shaping its global supply chain, driving sustainability, and expanding US manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s values-driven leadership, calling him “a brilliant strategist” and “central architect of Apple’s supply chain.” Khan officially steps into the role later this month. India’s Warship Surge to Counter China India is arming up at sea. Over the next year, the Navy will induct six homegrown stealth frigates—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—under Project 17A. These 6,670-tonne vessels, with 75% indigenous content, are armed with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge tech. The ₹45,000-crore project marks a significant upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class ships. INS Udaygiri has already been delivered, and the rest will follow by August 2026. PM Modi, at a rare tri-commissioning earlier this year, called it a step toward a self-reliant Navy. By 2047, the Navy aims to be fully ‘atmanirbhar’ with 60 warships under construction. Modi Bags Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour In Brazil, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross—the country’s highest civilian honour—for deepening India-Brazil ties and advancing global cooperation. “This is a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, calling President Lula the “architect” of the strategic partnership. This is Modi’s 26th international award since 2014. Just days earlier, he received Trinidad and Tobago’s top honour—the Order of the Republic—making him the first foreign leader to earn it. Trump Targets BRICS with 10% Tariff Threat Donald Trump has launched a fresh broadside against BRICS. Calling the bloc an attempt to “destroy the dollar,” Trump warned that all BRICS nations—including India—will face a 10% tariff if he returns to office. “If they want to play games, I can play too,” he said. Trump claimed BRICS is not a “serious threat,” but accused it of trying to dethrone the dollar as the world’s standard. He slammed President Biden’s handling of the dollar’s global status, saying losing it would be like “losing a world war.” Trump added, “The dollar is king. We’re going to keep it that way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Jul 2025 02:48:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. “We Want a Deal, Not a Steal” — India Holds Firm on Trade India and the US have pushed their trade deal deadline from July 9 to mid-July, even as President Trump enforces steep retaliatory tariffs on 14 other nations. India, however, isn’t on that list yet. The deal is awaiting Trump’s final sign-off, but Indian negotiators are in no rush. “Vietnam signed too quickly—we’re drawing red lines,” said a senior official, referring to contentious issues like agriculture, dairy, GM seeds, and digital trade. India currently faces a 26% tariff, and with Trump’s August 1 tariff trigger looming, the stakes are high. Trade experts warn these deals reflect pressure, not parity. Apple’s New Ops Boss is India-Born Sabih Khan After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, Apple veteran Sabih Khan has been named Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. Born in Moradabad, Khan moved from Singapore to the US, earning degrees in economics and mechanical engineering. Joining Apple in 1995, he’s been instrumental in shaping its global supply chain, driving sustainability, and expanding US manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s values-driven leadership, calling him “a brilliant strategist” and “central architect of Apple’s supply chain.” Khan officially steps into the role later this month. India’s Warship Surge to Counter China India is arming up at sea. Over the next year, the Navy will induct six homegrown stealth frigates—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—under Project 17A. These 6,670-tonne vessels, with 75% indigenous content, are armed with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge tech. The ₹45,000-crore project marks a significant upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class ships. INS Udaygiri has already been delivered, and the rest will follow by August 2026. PM Modi, at a rare tri-commissioning earlier this year, called it a step toward a self-reliant Navy. By 2047, the Navy aims to be fully ‘atmanirbhar’ with 60 warships under construction. Modi Bags Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour In Brazil, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross—the country’s highest civilian honour—for deepening India-Brazil ties and advancing global cooperation. “This is a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, calling President Lula the “architect” of the strategic partnership. This is Modi’s 26th international award since 2014. Just days earlier, he received Trinidad and Tobago’s top honour—the Order of the Republic—making him the first foreign leader to earn it. Trump Targets BRICS with 10% Tariff Threat Donald Trump has launched a fresh broadside against BRICS. Calling the bloc an attempt to “destroy the dollar,” Trump warned that all BRICS nations—including India—will face a 10% tariff if he returns to office. “If they want to play games, I can play too,” he said. Trump claimed BRICS is not a “serious threat,” but accused it of trying to dethrone the dollar as the world’s standard. He slammed President Biden’s handling of the dollar’s global status, saying losing it would be like “losing a world war.” Trump added, “The dollar is king. We’re going to keep it that way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

“We Want a Deal, Not a Steal” — India Holds Firm on Trade

India and the US have pushed their trade deal deadline from July 9 to mid-July, even as President Trump enforces steep retaliatory tariffs on 14 other nations. India, however, isn’t on that list yet. The deal is awaiting Trump’s final sign-off, but Indian negotiators are in no rush.

“Vietnam signed too quickly—we’re drawing red lines,” said a senior official, referring to contentious issues like agriculture, dairy, GM seeds, and digital trade. India currently faces a 26% tariff, and with Trump’s August 1 tariff trigger looming, the stakes are high. Trade experts warn these deals reflect pressure, not parity.



Apple’s New Ops Boss is India-Born Sabih Khan

After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, Apple veteran Sabih Khan has been named Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. Born in Moradabad, Khan moved from Singapore to the US, earning degrees in economics and mechanical engineering.

Joining Apple in 1995, he’s been instrumental in shaping its global supply chain, driving sustainability, and expanding US manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s values-driven leadership, calling him “a brilliant strategist” and “central architect of Apple’s supply chain.”

Khan officially steps into the role later this month.



India’s Warship Surge to Counter China

India is arming up at sea. Over the next year, the Navy will induct six homegrown stealth frigates—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—under Project 17A. These 6,670-tonne vessels, with 75% indigenous content, are armed with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge tech.

The ₹45,000-crore project marks a significant upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class ships. INS Udaygiri has already been delivered, and the rest will follow by August 2026.

PM Modi, at a rare tri-commissioning earlier this year, called it a step toward a self-reliant Navy. By 2047, the Navy aims to be fully ‘atmanirbhar’ with 60 warships under construction.



Modi Bags Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour

In Brazil, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross—the country’s highest civilian honour—for deepening India-Brazil ties and advancing global cooperation.

“This is a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, calling President Lula the “architect” of the strategic partnership.

This is Modi’s 26th international award since 2014. Just days earlier, he received Trinidad and Tobago’s top honour—the Order of the Republic—making him the first foreign leader to earn it.



Trump Targets BRICS with 10% Tariff Threat

Donald Trump has launched a fresh broadside against BRICS. Calling the bloc an attempt to “destroy the dollar,” Trump warned that all BRICS nations—including India—will face a 10% tariff if he returns to office.

“If they want to play games, I can play too,” he said. Trump claimed BRICS is not a “serious threat,” but accused it of trying to dethrone the dollar as the world’s standard.

He slammed President Biden’s handling of the dollar’s global status, saying losing it would be like “losing a world war.” Trump added, “The dollar is king. We’re going to keep it that way.”


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 483 no SEBI: 91% Traders Lost Big | Modi’s Wish Sparks China Rage | Wednesday Showdown: Bharat Bandh Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 25 Crore Workers Strike: Bharat Bandh Takes Centre Stage India is witnessing one of its biggest labour uprisings. On Wednesday, over 25 crore workers across banking, insurance, coal, postal, and transport sectors are expected to join a nationwide strike—Bharat Bandh—led by 10 central trade unions. The unions are protesting what they call the Modi government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, pro-corporate” policies. The flashpoint? The four new labour codes, which unions say erode workers’ rights, extend working hours, weaken collective bargaining, and decriminalize violations by employers. Farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are also backing the strike. “This isn’t just about wages,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha. “It’s a fight for the soul of India’s workforce.” China Fumes Over Modi’s Dalai Lama Wish A SEBI study has revealed a brutal truth—91% of retail traders in equity derivatives lost money in FY2025, with net losses ballooning to ₹1.05 lakh crore, up 41% from the previous year. Retail participation in F&O also dropped 20% year-on-year, reflecting rising disillusionment. Despite some pullback in volumes, India still sees intense activity in index options. The data comes as SEBI tightens its oversight of the derivatives market, with new risk-monitoring and transparency norms introduced this year. “The house still wins,” the study suggests, “and most traders are paying—not playing—the market.” Trump Tariff Tsunami Hits Asia—India Spared, For Now China has issued a formal protest to India after PM Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Union ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. Beijing labelled the Tibetan leader a “separatist” and accused India of violating past commitments on Tibet, which it refers to as “Xizang.” Chinese officials also reignited the reincarnation debate, asserting that the centuries-old process is under Chinese jurisdiction—not the Dalai Lama’s. India maintained that it doesn’t comment on religious matters and supports freedom of belief. The Dalai Lama, meanwhile, declared his reincarnation will be decided outside China, reinforcing the deep spiritual-political divide between the neighbours. Trump Nominated for Nobel After Iran Strikes President Donald Trump has announced steep new tariffs—up to 40%—on imports from 15 countries, including key Asian economies like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and South Korea. But India is notably exempt, amid pending talks on a bilateral trade agreement. Trump says the move is part of his Reciprocal Tariff Policy to counter “unfair trade barriers.” Laos and Myanmar face the steepest duties (40%), while Japan and South Korea are hit with 25%. India’s absence from the list gives it a temporary export edge in sectors like textiles, toys, and electronics. “Indian products may gain a pricing edge,” said FIEO’s Ajay Sahai. But with a July 9 deadline for the tariff pause and the trade deal still unsigned, India’s free pass may not last long. In a high-stakes moment of international optics, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—just two weeks after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Netanyahu called it a “historic victory” and praised Trump’s Middle East strategy. Trump, meanwhile, revealed Iran has approached the U.S. for talks and compared the bombings to the atomic strikes on Japan in World War II. Trump also claimed Hamas is now seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and floated the idea of Palestinian relocation. He sidestepped a two-state solution question, deferring to Netanyahu, who said peace is possible only with Palestinian neighbours who “don’t want to destroy Israel.” With Assad gone in Syria, Netanyahu believes new alliances can be forged in the region. Peace talk, power plays, and posturing—it’s diplomacy, Trump-style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:48:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 25 Crore Workers Strike: Bharat Bandh Takes Centre Stage India is witnessing one of its biggest labour uprisings. On Wednesday, over 25 crore workers across banking, insurance, coal, postal, and transport sectors are expected to join a nationwide strike—Bharat Bandh—led by 10 central trade unions. The unions are protesting what they call the Modi government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, pro-corporate” policies. The flashpoint? The four new labour codes, which unions say erode workers’ rights, extend working hours, weaken collective bargaining, and decriminalize violations by employers. Farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are also backing the strike. “This isn’t just about wages,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha. “It’s a fight for the soul of India’s workforce.” China Fumes Over Modi’s Dalai Lama Wish A SEBI study has revealed a brutal truth—91% of retail traders in equity derivatives lost money in FY2025, with net losses ballooning to ₹1.05 lakh crore, up 41% from the previous year. Retail participation in F&O also dropped 20% year-on-year, reflecting rising disillusionment. Despite some pullback in volumes, India still sees intense activity in index options. The data comes as SEBI tightens its oversight of the derivatives market, with new risk-monitoring and transparency norms introduced this year. “The house still wins,” the study suggests, “and most traders are paying—not playing—the market.” Trump Tariff Tsunami Hits Asia—India Spared, For Now China has issued a formal protest to India after PM Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Union ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. Beijing labelled the Tibetan leader a “separatist” and accused India of violating past commitments on Tibet, which it refers to as “Xizang.” Chinese officials also reignited the reincarnation debate, asserting that the centuries-old process is under Chinese jurisdiction—not the Dalai Lama’s. India maintained that it doesn’t comment on religious matters and supports freedom of belief. The Dalai Lama, meanwhile, declared his reincarnation will be decided outside China, reinforcing the deep spiritual-political divide between the neighbours. Trump Nominated for Nobel After Iran Strikes President Donald Trump has announced steep new tariffs—up to 40%—on imports from 15 countries, including key Asian economies like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and South Korea. But India is notably exempt, amid pending talks on a bilateral trade agreement. Trump says the move is part of his Reciprocal Tariff Policy to counter “unfair trade barriers.” Laos and Myanmar face the steepest duties (40%), while Japan and South Korea are hit with 25%. India’s absence from the list gives it a temporary export edge in sectors like textiles, toys, and electronics. “Indian products may gain a pricing edge,” said FIEO’s Ajay Sahai. But with a July 9 deadline for the tariff pause and the trade deal still unsigned, India’s free pass may not last long. In a high-stakes moment of international optics, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—just two weeks after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Netanyahu called it a “historic victory” and praised Trump’s Middle East strategy. Trump, meanwhile, revealed Iran has approached the U.S. for talks and compared the bombings to the atomic strikes on Japan in World War II. Trump also claimed Hamas is now seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and floated the idea of Palestinian relocation. He sidestepped a two-state solution question, deferring to Netanyahu, who said peace is possible only with Palestinian neighbours who “don’t want to destroy Israel.” With Assad gone in Syria, Netanyahu believes new alliances can be forged in the region. Peace talk, power plays, and posturing—it’s diplomacy, Trump-style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


25 Crore Workers Strike: Bharat Bandh Takes Centre Stage

India is witnessing one of its biggest labour uprisings. On Wednesday, over 25 crore workers across banking, insurance, coal, postal, and transport sectors are expected to join a nationwide strike—Bharat Bandh—led by 10 central trade unions.

The unions are protesting what they call the Modi government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, pro-corporate” policies. The flashpoint? The four new labour codes, which unions say erode workers’ rights, extend working hours, weaken collective bargaining, and decriminalize violations by employers.

Farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are also backing the strike. “This isn’t just about wages,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha. “It’s a fight for the soul of India’s workforce.”


China Fumes Over Modi’s Dalai Lama Wish

A SEBI study has revealed a brutal truth—91% of retail traders in equity derivatives lost money in FY2025, with net losses ballooning to ₹1.05 lakh crore, up 41% from the previous year.

Retail participation in F&O also dropped 20% year-on-year, reflecting rising disillusionment. Despite some pullback in volumes, India still sees intense activity in index options.

The data comes as SEBI tightens its oversight of the derivatives market, with new risk-monitoring and transparency norms introduced this year. “The house still wins,” the study suggests, “and most traders are paying—not playing—the market.”


Trump Tariff Tsunami Hits Asia—India Spared, For Now

China has issued a formal protest to India after PM Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Union ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. Beijing labelled the Tibetan leader a “separatist” and accused India of violating past commitments on Tibet, which it refers to as “Xizang.”

Chinese officials also reignited the reincarnation debate, asserting that the centuries-old process is under Chinese jurisdiction—not the Dalai Lama’s. India maintained that it doesn’t comment on religious matters and supports freedom of belief.

The Dalai Lama, meanwhile, declared his reincarnation will be decided outside China, reinforcing the deep spiritual-political divide between the neighbours.


Trump Nominated for Nobel After Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump has announced steep new tariffs—up to 40%—on imports from 15 countries, including key Asian economies like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and South Korea. But India is notably exempt, amid pending talks on a bilateral trade agreement.

Trump says the move is part of his Reciprocal Tariff Policy to counter “unfair trade barriers.” Laos and Myanmar face the steepest duties (40%), while Japan and South Korea are hit with 25%.

India’s absence from the list gives it a temporary export edge in sectors like textiles, toys, and electronics. “Indian products may gain a pricing edge,” said FIEO’s Ajay Sahai.

But with a July 9 deadline for the tariff pause and the trade deal still unsigned, India’s free pass may not last long.



In a high-stakes moment of international optics, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—just two weeks after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites.

Netanyahu called it a “historic victory” and praised Trump’s Middle East strategy. Trump, meanwhile, revealed Iran has approached the U.S. for talks and compared the bombings to the atomic strikes on Japan in World War II.

Trump also claimed Hamas is now seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and floated the idea of Palestinian relocation. He sidestepped a two-state solution question, deferring to Netanyahu, who said peace is possible only with Palestinian neighbours who “don’t want to destroy Israel.”

With Assad gone in Syria, Netanyahu believes new alliances can be forged in the region. Peace talk, power plays, and posturing—it’s diplomacy, Trump-style.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 524 no Lifetime UAE Visa for ₹23L | Modi in Rio | Startup Burnout Debate Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets on Edge: Five Triggers to Watch India’s stock markets cooled off last week, snapping a two-week rally. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 fell 0.7%, amid global trade tension and FPI outflows (₹5,773 crore in July so far). Mid and small caps stayed resilient. What’s Next? Five key signals will shape this week: India-US Trade Deal: With the July 9 deadline looming and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal standing firm, uncertainty lingers. Q1 Earnings Kick Off: TCS and Tata Elxsi report July 10. Monsoon Progress: Above-normal rains = boost for kharif sowing. FPI Flows: Still in withdrawal mode, eyes on earnings and trade talks. US Fed Minutes: Could hint at when rate cuts might come. Modi in Rio: Trade, Terror & Teamwork At the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to push ties in Ayurveda, biotech, pharma, and digital payments. The leaders agreed on strengthening cooperation on global issues like pandemics and climate change. Modi also took a hard line on terror, calling for sanctions after the Pahalgam attack. “Backing terrorists for political gain should never be acceptable,” he said. UAE’s Golden Gateway for Indians A lifetime UAE Golden Visa is now within reach for Indians—without needing to buy property. What’s new? Nomination-based entry. One-time fee: AED 1,00,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). No Dubai visit needed for pre-approval. Includes family, business, and job rights. Launched under UAE’s CEPA strategy, this pilot includes India and Bangladesh first, with China and others to follow. Applicants will undergo intense vetting—criminal checks, social media scrutiny, and potential economic value to the UAE. Yes Bank CEO Search Paused Amid Japan Deal Yes Bank has paused its CEO search as it awaits RBI’s green light on a ₹13,482 crore investment from Japan’s SMBC Group, which plans to acquire a 20% stake—the largest cross-border banking deal in India. The board felt it prudent to wait for SMBC’s input before appointing a new chief. Current CEO Prashant Kumar has been given a six-month extension, and the search firm has been told to stand down. Fitch calls the SMBC deal a potential game-changer for foreign investment in Indian banks—if RBI opens the door. Bengaluru Startup’s 12-Hour Days Spark Debate Work from 10 to 10. Six days a week. Sometimes Sundays too. That’s the reality at mobile gaming startup Matiks, where founder Mohan Kumar says it’s not a job, it’s a mission. His post on X set off a firestorm—some admired the grind, others slammed it as burnout in disguise. Critics questioned equity sharing, mental health, and the ethics of glorifying extreme hours. Kumar insists no one is forced. “We’re not here for paychecks—we’re chasing a dream,” he said, calling his all-under-25 team co-builders, not employees. Beds in the office, dinners at desks—is this startup grit or toxic hustle? What do you think? Driven dreamers or burnout in disguise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets on Edge: Five Triggers to Watch India’s stock markets cooled off last week, snapping a two-week rally. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 fell 0.7%, amid global trade tension and FPI outflows (₹5,773 crore in July so far). Mid and small caps stayed resilient. What’s Next? Five key signals will shape this week: India-US Trade Deal: With the July 9 deadline looming and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal standing firm, uncertainty lingers. Q1 Earnings Kick Off: TCS and Tata Elxsi report July 10. Monsoon Progress: Above-normal rains = boost for kharif sowing. FPI Flows: Still in withdrawal mode, eyes on earnings and trade talks. US Fed Minutes: Could hint at when rate cuts might come. Modi in Rio: Trade, Terror & Teamwork At the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to push ties in Ayurveda, biotech, pharma, and digital payments. The leaders agreed on strengthening cooperation on global issues like pandemics and climate change. Modi also took a hard line on terror, calling for sanctions after the Pahalgam attack. “Backing terrorists for political gain should never be acceptable,” he said. UAE’s Golden Gateway for Indians A lifetime UAE Golden Visa is now within reach for Indians—without needing to buy property. What’s new? Nomination-based entry. One-time fee: AED 1,00,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). No Dubai visit needed for pre-approval. Includes family, business, and job rights. Launched under UAE’s CEPA strategy, this pilot includes India and Bangladesh first, with China and others to follow. Applicants will undergo intense vetting—criminal checks, social media scrutiny, and potential economic value to the UAE. Yes Bank CEO Search Paused Amid Japan Deal Yes Bank has paused its CEO search as it awaits RBI’s green light on a ₹13,482 crore investment from Japan’s SMBC Group, which plans to acquire a 20% stake—the largest cross-border banking deal in India. The board felt it prudent to wait for SMBC’s input before appointing a new chief. Current CEO Prashant Kumar has been given a six-month extension, and the search firm has been told to stand down. Fitch calls the SMBC deal a potential game-changer for foreign investment in Indian banks—if RBI opens the door. Bengaluru Startup’s 12-Hour Days Spark Debate Work from 10 to 10. Six days a week. Sometimes Sundays too. That’s the reality at mobile gaming startup Matiks, where founder Mohan Kumar says it’s not a job, it’s a mission. His post on X set off a firestorm—some admired the grind, others slammed it as burnout in disguise. Critics questioned equity sharing, mental health, and the ethics of glorifying extreme hours. Kumar insists no one is forced. “We’re not here for paychecks—we’re chasing a dream,” he said, calling his all-under-25 team co-builders, not employees. Beds in the office, dinners at desks—is this startup grit or toxic hustle? What do you think? Driven dreamers or burnout in disguise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Markets on Edge: Five Triggers to Watch

India’s stock markets cooled off last week, snapping a two-week rally. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 fell 0.7%, amid global trade tension and FPI outflows (₹5,773 crore in July so far). Mid and small caps stayed resilient.

What’s Next?

Five key signals will shape this week:

  1. India-US Trade Deal: With the July 9 deadline looming and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal standing firm, uncertainty lingers.

  2. Q1 Earnings Kick Off: TCS and Tata Elxsi report July 10.

  3. Monsoon Progress: Above-normal rains = boost for kharif sowing.

  4. FPI Flows: Still in withdrawal mode, eyes on earnings and trade talks.

  5. US Fed Minutes: Could hint at when rate cuts might come.



Modi in Rio: Trade, Terror & Teamwork

At the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to push ties in Ayurveda, biotech, pharma, and digital payments. The leaders agreed on strengthening cooperation on global issues like pandemics and climate change.

Modi also took a hard line on terror, calling for sanctions after the Pahalgam attack. “Backing terrorists for political gain should never be acceptable,” he said.



UAE’s Golden Gateway for Indians

A lifetime UAE Golden Visa is now within reach for Indians—without needing to buy property.

What’s new?

  • Nomination-based entry.

  • One-time fee: AED 1,00,000 (~₹23.3 lakh).

  • No Dubai visit needed for pre-approval.

  • Includes family, business, and job rights.

Launched under UAE’s CEPA strategy, this pilot includes India and Bangladesh first, with China and others to follow. Applicants will undergo intense vetting—criminal checks, social media scrutiny, and potential economic value to the UAE.



Yes Bank CEO Search Paused Amid Japan Deal

Yes Bank has paused its CEO search as it awaits RBI’s green light on a ₹13,482 crore investment from Japan’s SMBC Group, which plans to acquire a 20% stake—the largest cross-border banking deal in India.

The board felt it prudent to wait for SMBC’s input before appointing a new chief.

Current CEO Prashant Kumar has been given a six-month extension, and the search firm has been told to stand down.

Fitch calls the SMBC deal a potential game-changer for foreign investment in Indian banks—if RBI opens the door.



Bengaluru Startup’s 12-Hour Days Spark Debate

Work from 10 to 10. Six days a week. Sometimes Sundays too.

That’s the reality at mobile gaming startup Matiks, where founder Mohan Kumar says it’s not a job, it’s a mission.

His post on X set off a firestorm—some admired the grind, others slammed it as burnout in disguise. Critics questioned equity sharing, mental health, and the ethics of glorifying extreme hours.

Kumar insists no one is forced. “We’re not here for paychecks—we’re chasing a dream,” he said, calling his all-under-25 team co-builders, not employees.

Beds in the office, dinners at desks—is this startup grit or toxic hustle?

What do you think? Driven dreamers or burnout in disguise?


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 499 no Russia Recognizes the Taliban | Markets Calm, VIX on the Edge | SBI’s 787-District Ambition Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  “30 Seconds to Doomsday”: Pakistan’s Nuclear Scare In a startling disclosure, Rana Sanaullah, aide to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had just 30–45 seconds to assess whether an incoming Indian BrahMos missile was nuclear-armed. The missile had struck Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India’s swift tri-service retaliation targeted JeM and LeT camps in Pakistan and PoK. The near-crisis, which ended with Pakistan requesting a ceasefire, underscores how close the region came to nuclear conflict. Sanaullah also questioned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in the standoff, hinting at vague international mediation. The episode highlights the razor-thin margins on which Indo-Pak ties rest. 2. Markets Calm, But Tariff Tempest Ahead? With the Nifty 50 up 4% this month and India’s VIX sliding to 12.44, investor nerves seem soothed—for now. But volatility could return swiftly as Trump’s 90-day tariff pause ends on July 9. Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities warns the VIX could spike to 19–20 if tariffs return. Globally, too, fear gauges have cooled—the Cboe VIX has dropped from 51 to under 17. While over 50 IPOs, including HDB Financial’s ₹12,500 crore listing, are riding this wave of calm, events like TCS’s July 10 earnings and the FOMC meet on July 29-30 could shake things up again. Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, ending nearly four years of diplomatic isolation for the group. In Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over formal recognition papers to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who called it a “courageous step.” 3. Russia Recognizes Taliban Government Russia’s move follows its decision in April to remove the Taliban from its terror list, and it now views the group as an ally against ISIS-K. Economic motives also drive this pivot—Russia sees Afghanistan as a transit hub for energy routes into Southeast Asia. Western nations remain cautious. The U.S. condemned the move as dangerous legitimization, and others like Germany, France, and Britain continue to demand progress on women’s rights before engaging further. The Taliban, now backed by Russia, is eyeing a UN seat—but that path remains fraught. 4. Tata’s Grocery Ambitions Get Serious Noel Tata believes Star—Trent Ltd’s grocery venture—could soon outshine fashion brands Zudio and Westside. Why? “The food market is just so much bigger than clothing,” he said at Trent’s AGM. Led by Neville Tata, Star posted a record revenue of ₹8,854 crore in FY25, growing 25% YoY, now contributing over 15% of Trent’s revenue. Despite past losses of ₹1,000 crore, the group is investing ₹2,000 crore this year alone—nearly 3x the total invested in the past two decades. The secret sauce? Private labels—72% of Q4 sales came from in-house brands. But challenges remain, including competition from Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. For now, the Tatas are betting big on your grocery basket. 5. SBI’s Mission: Lead Every District As it celebrates 70 years, State Bank of India has a bold new target—become the market leader in all 787 Indian districts. Currently, it holds 22.5% in deposits and 19.3% in advances. Chairman C.S. Setty outlined a three-pronged strategy: defend dominance in strong markets, expand aggressively in metros, and close “white spaces” where SBI has no presence. Specialized branches will be rolled out in areas with deposit strength but low loan penetration. SBI is also pursuing strategic tie-ups with fintech, agrotech, and digital platforms while rolling out a massive 104-zone outreach to align its workforce. The message is clear: from a 1955 legacy to a digital-first future, SBI wants to own the next decade of Indian banking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:58:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  “30 Seconds to Doomsday”: Pakistan’s Nuclear Scare In a startling disclosure, Rana Sanaullah, aide to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had just 30–45 seconds to assess whether an incoming Indian BrahMos missile was nuclear-armed. The missile had struck Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India’s swift tri-service retaliation targeted JeM and LeT camps in Pakistan and PoK. The near-crisis, which ended with Pakistan requesting a ceasefire, underscores how close the region came to nuclear conflict. Sanaullah also questioned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in the standoff, hinting at vague international mediation. The episode highlights the razor-thin margins on which Indo-Pak ties rest. 2. Markets Calm, But Tariff Tempest Ahead? With the Nifty 50 up 4% this month and India’s VIX sliding to 12.44, investor nerves seem soothed—for now. But volatility could return swiftly as Trump’s 90-day tariff pause ends on July 9. Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities warns the VIX could spike to 19–20 if tariffs return. Globally, too, fear gauges have cooled—the Cboe VIX has dropped from 51 to under 17. While over 50 IPOs, including HDB Financial’s ₹12,500 crore listing, are riding this wave of calm, events like TCS’s July 10 earnings and the FOMC meet on July 29-30 could shake things up again. Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, ending nearly four years of diplomatic isolation for the group. In Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over formal recognition papers to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who called it a “courageous step.” 3. Russia Recognizes Taliban Government Russia’s move follows its decision in April to remove the Taliban from its terror list, and it now views the group as an ally against ISIS-K. Economic motives also drive this pivot—Russia sees Afghanistan as a transit hub for energy routes into Southeast Asia. Western nations remain cautious. The U.S. condemned the move as dangerous legitimization, and others like Germany, France, and Britain continue to demand progress on women’s rights before engaging further. The Taliban, now backed by Russia, is eyeing a UN seat—but that path remains fraught. 4. Tata’s Grocery Ambitions Get Serious Noel Tata believes Star—Trent Ltd’s grocery venture—could soon outshine fashion brands Zudio and Westside. Why? “The food market is just so much bigger than clothing,” he said at Trent’s AGM. Led by Neville Tata, Star posted a record revenue of ₹8,854 crore in FY25, growing 25% YoY, now contributing over 15% of Trent’s revenue. Despite past losses of ₹1,000 crore, the group is investing ₹2,000 crore this year alone—nearly 3x the total invested in the past two decades. The secret sauce? Private labels—72% of Q4 sales came from in-house brands. But challenges remain, including competition from Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. For now, the Tatas are betting big on your grocery basket. 5. SBI’s Mission: Lead Every District As it celebrates 70 years, State Bank of India has a bold new target—become the market leader in all 787 Indian districts. Currently, it holds 22.5% in deposits and 19.3% in advances. Chairman C.S. Setty outlined a three-pronged strategy: defend dominance in strong markets, expand aggressively in metros, and close “white spaces” where SBI has no presence. Specialized branches will be rolled out in areas with deposit strength but low loan penetration. SBI is also pursuing strategic tie-ups with fintech, agrotech, and digital platforms while rolling out a massive 104-zone outreach to align its workforce. The message is clear: from a 1955 legacy to a digital-first future, SBI wants to own the next decade of Indian banking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

 “30 Seconds to Doomsday”: Pakistan’s Nuclear Scare

In a startling disclosure, Rana Sanaullah, aide to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had just 30–45 seconds to assess whether an incoming Indian BrahMos missile was nuclear-armed. The missile had struck Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India’s swift tri-service retaliation targeted JeM and LeT camps in Pakistan and PoK.

The near-crisis, which ended with Pakistan requesting a ceasefire, underscores how close the region came to nuclear conflict. Sanaullah also questioned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in the standoff, hinting at vague international mediation. The episode highlights the razor-thin margins on which Indo-Pak ties rest.




2. Markets Calm, But Tariff Tempest Ahead?

With the Nifty 50 up 4% this month and India’s VIX sliding to 12.44, investor nerves seem soothed—for now. But volatility could return swiftly as Trump’s 90-day tariff pause ends on July 9.

Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities warns the VIX could spike to 19–20 if tariffs return. Globally, too, fear gauges have cooled—the Cboe VIX has dropped from 51 to under 17. While over 50 IPOs, including HDB Financial’s ₹12,500 crore listing, are riding this wave of calm, events like TCS’s July 10 earnings and the FOMC meet on July 29-30 could shake things up again.



Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, ending nearly four years of diplomatic isolation for the group. In Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over formal recognition papers to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who called it a “courageous step.”


3. Russia Recognizes Taliban Government

Russia’s move follows its decision in April to remove the Taliban from its terror list, and it now views the group as an ally against ISIS-K. Economic motives also drive this pivot—Russia sees Afghanistan as a transit hub for energy routes into Southeast Asia.

Western nations remain cautious. The U.S. condemned the move as dangerous legitimization, and others like Germany, France, and Britain continue to demand progress on women’s rights before engaging further. The Taliban, now backed by Russia, is eyeing a UN seat—but that path remains fraught.


4. Tata’s Grocery Ambitions Get Serious

Noel Tata believes Star—Trent Ltd’s grocery venture—could soon outshine fashion brands Zudio and Westside. Why? “The food market is just so much bigger than clothing,” he said at Trent’s AGM.

Led by Neville Tata, Star posted a record revenue of ₹8,854 crore in FY25, growing 25% YoY, now contributing over 15% of Trent’s revenue. Despite past losses of ₹1,000 crore, the group is investing ₹2,000 crore this year alone—nearly 3x the total invested in the past two decades.

The secret sauce? Private labels—72% of Q4 sales came from in-house brands. But challenges remain, including competition from Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. For now, the Tatas are betting big on your grocery basket.


5. SBI’s Mission: Lead Every District

As it celebrates 70 years, State Bank of India has a bold new target—become the market leader in all 787 Indian districts. Currently, it holds 22.5% in deposits and 19.3% in advances.

Chairman C.S. Setty outlined a three-pronged strategy: defend dominance in strong markets, expand aggressively in metros, and close “white spaces” where SBI has no presence. Specialized branches will be rolled out in areas with deposit strength but low loan penetration.

SBI is also pursuing strategic tie-ups with fintech, agrotech, and digital platforms while rolling out a massive 104-zone outreach to align its workforce. The message is clear: from a 1955 legacy to a digital-first future, SBI wants to own the next decade of Indian banking.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 522 no Mid-Air Scare on SpiceJet | Nykaa Backers Cash Out | China’s Fertiliser Curbs Hit India | Microsoft Job Cuts Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. SpiceJet Scare Mid-Air A SpiceJet Goa-to-Pune flight sparked safety concerns after an interior window frame came loose mid-air. A passenger posted a video of the dislodged panel on social media, questioning the aircraft’s airworthiness. SpiceJet clarified it was a cosmetic issue, not impacting cabin pressure or safety. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, continued its journey to Jaipur after landing in Pune. However, the incident has reignited scrutiny over SpiceJet’s maintenance standards, especially with visuals now circulating online. The DGCA has yet to comment. China’s Fertiliser Curbs Hit India China’s clampdown on fertiliser exports is squeezing global supplies—and India’s feeling it hard. Imports of DAP, a key crop nutrient, have slowed significantly just as farmers begin sowing summer crops. Prices have shot up from $630 to over $800 per tonne, with importers now leaning on countries like Jordan. While government reports claim “adequate” stocks, June levels were 42% lower than last year. Farmers are shifting to alternative mixes, but the pressure on food security is real—and growing.  Microsoft’s Biggest Layoff Since 2023 Microsoft is cutting over 9,100 jobs, about 4% of its workforce, in its biggest layoff round in two years. This follows 6,000 job cuts in May and comes as the company pushes deeper into AI and automation. The layoffs coincide with CCO Judson Althoff’s two-month sabbatical, stirring speculation of deeper restructuring. Reports also hint at upcoming cuts in the Xbox division. Microsoft’s stock slipped slightly on the news, reflecting market nerves over the tech giant’s ongoing reset. Quad Counters China’s Mineral Might In a direct challenge to China’s dominance in critical minerals, Quad members—the US, India, Japan, and Australia—have launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. The goal: build secure, diversified supply chains for essential materials used in EVs, defense, and tech. “Reliance on any one country exposes us to coercion,” the group said, clearly referencing Beijing. India is stepping up with mineral talks during PM Modi’s five-nation tour and its National Critical Mineral Mission. Experts say this is a bold geopolitical signal—but execution is key. Nykaa’s Early Backers Exit Again Harindarpal and Indra Banga are selling a ₹1,200 crore stake in Nykaa via a block deal, offloading 2.1% at a 5.5% discount to the market price. The couple, among Nykaa’s earliest investors, have been steadily reducing their holdings since last year. Despite the exit, Nykaa’s stock is up nearly 29% this year. The company has delivered strong growth, tripling profits and expanding aggressively through physical stores and influencer partnerships. With plans to double its store count and boost delivery infrastructure, Nykaa’s next phase looks ambitious—even as early investors quietly bow out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:43:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. SpiceJet Scare Mid-Air A SpiceJet Goa-to-Pune flight sparked safety concerns after an interior window frame came loose mid-air. A passenger posted a video of the dislodged panel on social media, questioning the aircraft’s airworthiness. SpiceJet clarified it was a cosmetic issue, not impacting cabin pressure or safety. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, continued its journey to Jaipur after landing in Pune. However, the incident has reignited scrutiny over SpiceJet’s maintenance standards, especially with visuals now circulating online. The DGCA has yet to comment. China’s Fertiliser Curbs Hit India China’s clampdown on fertiliser exports is squeezing global supplies—and India’s feeling it hard. Imports of DAP, a key crop nutrient, have slowed significantly just as farmers begin sowing summer crops. Prices have shot up from $630 to over $800 per tonne, with importers now leaning on countries like Jordan. While government reports claim “adequate” stocks, June levels were 42% lower than last year. Farmers are shifting to alternative mixes, but the pressure on food security is real—and growing.  Microsoft’s Biggest Layoff Since 2023 Microsoft is cutting over 9,100 jobs, about 4% of its workforce, in its biggest layoff round in two years. This follows 6,000 job cuts in May and comes as the company pushes deeper into AI and automation. The layoffs coincide with CCO Judson Althoff’s two-month sabbatical, stirring speculation of deeper restructuring. Reports also hint at upcoming cuts in the Xbox division. Microsoft’s stock slipped slightly on the news, reflecting market nerves over the tech giant’s ongoing reset. Quad Counters China’s Mineral Might In a direct challenge to China’s dominance in critical minerals, Quad members—the US, India, Japan, and Australia—have launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. The goal: build secure, diversified supply chains for essential materials used in EVs, defense, and tech. “Reliance on any one country exposes us to coercion,” the group said, clearly referencing Beijing. India is stepping up with mineral talks during PM Modi’s five-nation tour and its National Critical Mineral Mission. Experts say this is a bold geopolitical signal—but execution is key. Nykaa’s Early Backers Exit Again Harindarpal and Indra Banga are selling a ₹1,200 crore stake in Nykaa via a block deal, offloading 2.1% at a 5.5% discount to the market price. The couple, among Nykaa’s earliest investors, have been steadily reducing their holdings since last year. Despite the exit, Nykaa’s stock is up nearly 29% this year. The company has delivered strong growth, tripling profits and expanding aggressively through physical stores and influencer partnerships. With plans to double its store count and boost delivery infrastructure, Nykaa’s next phase looks ambitious—even as early investors quietly bow out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

SpiceJet Scare Mid-Air

A SpiceJet Goa-to-Pune flight sparked safety concerns after an interior window frame came loose mid-air. A passenger posted a video of the dislodged panel on social media, questioning the aircraft’s airworthiness. SpiceJet clarified it was a cosmetic issue, not impacting cabin pressure or safety. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, continued its journey to Jaipur after landing in Pune. However, the incident has reignited scrutiny over SpiceJet’s maintenance standards, especially with visuals now circulating online. The DGCA has yet to comment.



China’s Fertiliser Curbs Hit India

China’s clampdown on fertiliser exports is squeezing global supplies—and India’s feeling it hard. Imports of DAP, a key crop nutrient, have slowed significantly just as farmers begin sowing summer crops. Prices have shot up from $630 to over $800 per tonne, with importers now leaning on countries like Jordan. While government reports claim “adequate” stocks, June levels were 42% lower than last year. Farmers are shifting to alternative mixes, but the pressure on food security is real—and growing.



 Microsoft’s Biggest Layoff Since 2023

Microsoft is cutting over 9,100 jobs, about 4% of its workforce, in its biggest layoff round in two years. This follows 6,000 job cuts in May and comes as the company pushes deeper into AI and automation. The layoffs coincide with CCO Judson Althoff’s two-month sabbatical, stirring speculation of deeper restructuring. Reports also hint at upcoming cuts in the Xbox division. Microsoft’s stock slipped slightly on the news, reflecting market nerves over the tech giant’s ongoing reset.



Quad Counters China’s Mineral Might

In a direct challenge to China’s dominance in critical minerals, Quad members—the US, India, Japan, and Australia—have launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. The goal: build secure, diversified supply chains for essential materials used in EVs, defense, and tech. “Reliance on any one country exposes us to coercion,” the group said, clearly referencing Beijing. India is stepping up with mineral talks during PM Modi’s five-nation tour and its National Critical Mineral Mission. Experts say this is a bold geopolitical signal—but execution is key.



Nykaa’s Early Backers Exit Again

Harindarpal and Indra Banga are selling a ₹1,200 crore stake in Nykaa via a block deal, offloading 2.1% at a 5.5% discount to the market price. The couple, among Nykaa’s earliest investors, have been steadily reducing their holdings since last year. Despite the exit, Nykaa’s stock is up nearly 29% this year. The company has delivered strong growth, tripling profits and expanding aggressively through physical stores and influencer partnerships. With plans to double its store count and boost delivery infrastructure, Nykaa’s next phase looks ambitious—even as early investors quietly bow out.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 527 no Trump Brokers Gaza Truce | Bike Taxis Get the Green Light—Sort Of | Paint Giants Collide | One Big Beautiful Bill Passes Senate Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  Paint Wars: Asian Paints Under CCI Lens India’s Competition Commission has launched a formal probe into Asian Paints over alleged abuse of market dominance. The complaint, filed by Grasim Industries—makers of Birla Opus—claims Asian Paints pressured dealers with exclusivity deals, including perks like foreign trips, to block out new players. CCI’s initial findings suggest anti-competitive behavior, prompting a 90-day investigation. With the decorative paint market heating up and Grasim eyeing ₹10,000 crore in 3 years, this could be a defining moment for how competition plays out in India’s ₹14.4 billion paint sector. Bike Taxis Cleared, But It’s a State-By-State Ride The Centre has issued fresh guidelines allowing private two-wheelers to be used for passenger services via aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. It’s a long-awaited move toward legitimizing bike taxis, which have largely operated in a legal grey zone. States can now regulate, charge fees, and enforce safety compliance—but adoption is optional. While Maharashtra is on board (for EVs only), Karnataka’s recent ban shows the battle is far from over. For Rapido, where bike rides account for half its revenue, it’s a potential game-changer—if states come onboard. Trump Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Deal Donald Trump has claimed a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, announcing that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire—pending Hamas’ approval. The deal, brokered with support from Qatar and Egypt, aims to stop the 20-month war that has claimed over 56,000 lives in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel. Trump, who recently mediated a separate Israel-Iran truce, urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that “it will not get better.” The announcement comes just days before Israeli PM Netanyahu’s visit to the US, adding diplomatic weight to the offer. Trump’s Big Bill Squeaks Through Senate In a midnight drama, the US Senate passed Trump’s massive tax and spending bill—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—thanks to a tie-breaking vote from VP JD Vance. The bill locks in permanent tax cuts from Trump’s first term, adds new breaks for seniors and tipped workers, and allocates $350 billion for border enforcement. But it slashes $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and food aid, and could balloon the deficit by $3.3 trillion. With only a narrow GOP majority in the House, the final vote—expected this week—could be Trump’s biggest domestic policy test yet. India’s ₹2 Trillion Policy Push: Jobs, Innovation & Sports The Union Cabinet has cleared three landmark initiatives: ₹1 Trillion ELI Scheme to generate 35 million jobs, targeting first-time employees and incentivizing employers up to ₹3,000 per hire. ₹1 Trillion RDI Scheme to supercharge private-sector research in strategic sectors with long-term, low-cost funding. National Sports Policy 2025, with a bold goal: get India into the Top 5 sporting nations, promote leagues, and attract global events. Bonus: Tamil Nadu also gets a ₹1,853 crore greenlight for a major highway project to boost southern connectivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.  Paint Wars: Asian Paints Under CCI Lens India’s Competition Commission has launched a formal probe into Asian Paints over alleged abuse of market dominance. The complaint, filed by Grasim Industries—makers of Birla Opus—claims Asian Paints pressured dealers with exclusivity deals, including perks like foreign trips, to block out new players. CCI’s initial findings suggest anti-competitive behavior, prompting a 90-day investigation. With the decorative paint market heating up and Grasim eyeing ₹10,000 crore in 3 years, this could be a defining moment for how competition plays out in India’s ₹14.4 billion paint sector. Bike Taxis Cleared, But It’s a State-By-State Ride The Centre has issued fresh guidelines allowing private two-wheelers to be used for passenger services via aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. It’s a long-awaited move toward legitimizing bike taxis, which have largely operated in a legal grey zone. States can now regulate, charge fees, and enforce safety compliance—but adoption is optional. While Maharashtra is on board (for EVs only), Karnataka’s recent ban shows the battle is far from over. For Rapido, where bike rides account for half its revenue, it’s a potential game-changer—if states come onboard. Trump Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Deal Donald Trump has claimed a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, announcing that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire—pending Hamas’ approval. The deal, brokered with support from Qatar and Egypt, aims to stop the 20-month war that has claimed over 56,000 lives in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel. Trump, who recently mediated a separate Israel-Iran truce, urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that “it will not get better.” The announcement comes just days before Israeli PM Netanyahu’s visit to the US, adding diplomatic weight to the offer. Trump’s Big Bill Squeaks Through Senate In a midnight drama, the US Senate passed Trump’s massive tax and spending bill—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—thanks to a tie-breaking vote from VP JD Vance. The bill locks in permanent tax cuts from Trump’s first term, adds new breaks for seniors and tipped workers, and allocates $350 billion for border enforcement. But it slashes $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and food aid, and could balloon the deficit by $3.3 trillion. With only a narrow GOP majority in the House, the final vote—expected this week—could be Trump’s biggest domestic policy test yet. India’s ₹2 Trillion Policy Push: Jobs, Innovation & Sports The Union Cabinet has cleared three landmark initiatives: ₹1 Trillion ELI Scheme to generate 35 million jobs, targeting first-time employees and incentivizing employers up to ₹3,000 per hire. ₹1 Trillion RDI Scheme to supercharge private-sector research in strategic sectors with long-term, low-cost funding. National Sports Policy 2025, with a bold goal: get India into the Top 5 sporting nations, promote leagues, and attract global events. Bonus: Tamil Nadu also gets a ₹1,853 crore greenlight for a major highway project to boost southern connectivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

 Paint Wars: Asian Paints Under CCI Lens

India’s Competition Commission has launched a formal probe into Asian Paints over alleged abuse of market dominance. The complaint, filed by Grasim Industries—makers of Birla Opus—claims Asian Paints pressured dealers with exclusivity deals, including perks like foreign trips, to block out new players. CCI’s initial findings suggest anti-competitive behavior, prompting a 90-day investigation. With the decorative paint market heating up and Grasim eyeing ₹10,000 crore in 3 years, this could be a defining moment for how competition plays out in India’s ₹14.4 billion paint sector.



Bike Taxis Cleared, But It’s a State-By-State Ride

The Centre has issued fresh guidelines allowing private two-wheelers to be used for passenger services via aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. It’s a long-awaited move toward legitimizing bike taxis, which have largely operated in a legal grey zone. States can now regulate, charge fees, and enforce safety compliance—but adoption is optional. While Maharashtra is on board (for EVs only), Karnataka’s recent ban shows the battle is far from over. For Rapido, where bike rides account for half its revenue, it’s a potential game-changer—if states come onboard.



Trump Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Donald Trump has claimed a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, announcing that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire—pending Hamas’ approval. The deal, brokered with support from Qatar and Egypt, aims to stop the 20-month war that has claimed over 56,000 lives in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel. Trump, who recently mediated a separate Israel-Iran truce, urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that “it will not get better.” The announcement comes just days before Israeli PM Netanyahu’s visit to the US, adding diplomatic weight to the offer.



Trump’s Big Bill Squeaks Through Senate

In a midnight drama, the US Senate passed Trump’s massive tax and spending bill—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—thanks to a tie-breaking vote from VP JD Vance. The bill locks in permanent tax cuts from Trump’s first term, adds new breaks for seniors and tipped workers, and allocates $350 billion for border enforcement. But it slashes $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and food aid, and could balloon the deficit by $3.3 trillion. With only a narrow GOP majority in the House, the final vote—expected this week—could be Trump’s biggest domestic policy test yet.



India’s ₹2 Trillion Policy Push: Jobs, Innovation & Sports

The Union Cabinet has cleared three landmark initiatives:

  • ₹1 Trillion ELI Scheme to generate 35 million jobs, targeting first-time employees and incentivizing employers up to ₹3,000 per hire.

  • ₹1 Trillion RDI Scheme to supercharge private-sector research in strategic sectors with long-term, low-cost funding.

  • National Sports Policy 2025, with a bold goal: get India into the Top 5 sporting nations, promote leagues, and attract global events.

Bonus: Tamil Nadu also gets a ₹1,853 crore greenlight for a major highway project to boost southern connectivity.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 512 no RBI Rings the Alarm | Fab Wars Begin: Tata vs Tower | India-US Pact on the Horizon Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Tata vs Tower: The Chip Fab Face-Off India’s semiconductor revival just got serious. Tata Semiconductor and Israel’s Tower Semiconductor have been shortlisted to modernize the government-run Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, under a ₹4,000 crore project. While it won’t chase bleeding-edge tech, the revamp will upgrade SCL’s 180nm line—crucial for defence, space, and medical tech. Production is set to triple from 500 to 1,500 wafers per month, and this upgrade could lay the groundwork for more advanced nodes like 65nm and 28nm. Tower, notably, is already a tech partner at SCL, giving it an inside track. According to IESA President Ashok Chandak, this isn’t just about chips—it’s about strategic autonomy, deep-tech R&D, and skilling India’s semiconductor workforce for the future. With India’s chip demand projected to touch $103 billion by 2030, this throwback node may be the start of a futuristic leap. 2. Reliance Defence’s Big MRO Bet Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence is gunning for India’s ₹20,000 crore defence MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) market—and it’s bringing in American reinforcements. In a joint venture with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc., the company will set up a facility in Mihan, Maharashtra to upgrade over 200 military assets, including Jaguars, MiG-29s, Apaches, and L-70 guns. The plan is to shift from buying new to extending the lifecycle of existing gear—more efficient, more economical. Analysts say this tie-up opens doors to US defence contracts and puts Reliance on the path to becoming one of India’s top three defence exporters. With exports already hitting ₹24,000 crore and the geopolitical heat rising post Operation Sindoor, MRO might just become India’s next defence growth engine. 3. RBI Flags Debt Storm Ahead The Reserve Bank of India is waving a red flag. In its June Financial Stability Report, it warns of three key risks: soaring public debt, overvalued assets, and rising geopolitical tensions. India’s public debt is set to exceed ₹196 lakh crore by March 2026. Meanwhile, NBFCs are being scrutinized for risky lending behavior. While India’s economy remains resilient—with growth and cooling inflation offering a cushion—external shocks and diverging global monetary policies could spill into emerging markets. The RBI says it’s stepping up reforms to tackle digital lending risks, curb fraud, and protect retail investors—aiming to future-proof the financial system before the next big tremor hits. 4. Trump-Modi Pact Nears the Finish Line India and the US are on the brink of sealing a major trade deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that final touches are underway, calling India a “strategic ally” and highlighting President Trump’s “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Modi. The announcement comes as EAM Jaishankar visits Washington for the QUAD meet, and just weeks before the US enforces new tariffs on Indian goods. Negotiators are aiming for an “early harvest” pact to defuse tensions and pave the way for a full-scale Free Trade Agreement by year-end. With Trump accepting Modi’s invite to the next QUAD Summit in Delhi, the Indo-US alliance may soon move from handshake to hard numbers—$500 billion in trade, to be exact. 5. Agni Goes Underground: India’s Bunker Buster Era India’s missile arsenal is getting a powerful upgrade—literally underground. DRDO is developing new Agni-5 variants designed to penetrate fortified bunkers, much like the US did in its June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Unlike the American model, which relies on massive bombers, India’s missile-based approach offers flexibility and speed. Two versions are in development: an airburst warhead for surface targets and a bunker-buster variant with an 8-tonne payload capable of piercing up to 100 meters underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:34:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Tata vs Tower: The Chip Fab Face-Off India’s semiconductor revival just got serious. Tata Semiconductor and Israel’s Tower Semiconductor have been shortlisted to modernize the government-run Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, under a ₹4,000 crore project. While it won’t chase bleeding-edge tech, the revamp will upgrade SCL’s 180nm line—crucial for defence, space, and medical tech. Production is set to triple from 500 to 1,500 wafers per month, and this upgrade could lay the groundwork for more advanced nodes like 65nm and 28nm. Tower, notably, is already a tech partner at SCL, giving it an inside track. According to IESA President Ashok Chandak, this isn’t just about chips—it’s about strategic autonomy, deep-tech R&D, and skilling India’s semiconductor workforce for the future. With India’s chip demand projected to touch $103 billion by 2030, this throwback node may be the start of a futuristic leap. 2. Reliance Defence’s Big MRO Bet Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence is gunning for India’s ₹20,000 crore defence MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) market—and it’s bringing in American reinforcements. In a joint venture with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc., the company will set up a facility in Mihan, Maharashtra to upgrade over 200 military assets, including Jaguars, MiG-29s, Apaches, and L-70 guns. The plan is to shift from buying new to extending the lifecycle of existing gear—more efficient, more economical. Analysts say this tie-up opens doors to US defence contracts and puts Reliance on the path to becoming one of India’s top three defence exporters. With exports already hitting ₹24,000 crore and the geopolitical heat rising post Operation Sindoor, MRO might just become India’s next defence growth engine. 3. RBI Flags Debt Storm Ahead The Reserve Bank of India is waving a red flag. In its June Financial Stability Report, it warns of three key risks: soaring public debt, overvalued assets, and rising geopolitical tensions. India’s public debt is set to exceed ₹196 lakh crore by March 2026. Meanwhile, NBFCs are being scrutinized for risky lending behavior. While India’s economy remains resilient—with growth and cooling inflation offering a cushion—external shocks and diverging global monetary policies could spill into emerging markets. The RBI says it’s stepping up reforms to tackle digital lending risks, curb fraud, and protect retail investors—aiming to future-proof the financial system before the next big tremor hits. 4. Trump-Modi Pact Nears the Finish Line India and the US are on the brink of sealing a major trade deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that final touches are underway, calling India a “strategic ally” and highlighting President Trump’s “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Modi. The announcement comes as EAM Jaishankar visits Washington for the QUAD meet, and just weeks before the US enforces new tariffs on Indian goods. Negotiators are aiming for an “early harvest” pact to defuse tensions and pave the way for a full-scale Free Trade Agreement by year-end. With Trump accepting Modi’s invite to the next QUAD Summit in Delhi, the Indo-US alliance may soon move from handshake to hard numbers—$500 billion in trade, to be exact. 5. Agni Goes Underground: India’s Bunker Buster Era India’s missile arsenal is getting a powerful upgrade—literally underground. DRDO is developing new Agni-5 variants designed to penetrate fortified bunkers, much like the US did in its June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Unlike the American model, which relies on massive bombers, India’s missile-based approach offers flexibility and speed. Two versions are in development: an airburst warhead for surface targets and a bunker-buster variant with an 8-tonne payload capable of piercing up to 100 meters underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. Tata vs Tower: The Chip Fab Face-Off

India’s semiconductor revival just got serious. Tata Semiconductor and Israel’s Tower Semiconductor have been shortlisted to modernize the government-run Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, under a ₹4,000 crore project. While it won’t chase bleeding-edge tech, the revamp will upgrade SCL’s 180nm line—crucial for defence, space, and medical tech. Production is set to triple from 500 to 1,500 wafers per month, and this upgrade could lay the groundwork for more advanced nodes like 65nm and 28nm. Tower, notably, is already a tech partner at SCL, giving it an inside track. According to IESA President Ashok Chandak, this isn’t just about chips—it’s about strategic autonomy, deep-tech R&D, and skilling India’s semiconductor workforce for the future. With India’s chip demand projected to touch $103 billion by 2030, this throwback node may be the start of a futuristic leap.



2. Reliance Defence’s Big MRO Bet

Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence is gunning for India’s ₹20,000 crore defence MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) market—and it’s bringing in American reinforcements. In a joint venture with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc., the company will set up a facility in Mihan, Maharashtra to upgrade over 200 military assets, including Jaguars, MiG-29s, Apaches, and L-70 guns. The plan is to shift from buying new to extending the lifecycle of existing gear—more efficient, more economical. Analysts say this tie-up opens doors to US defence contracts and puts Reliance on the path to becoming one of India’s top three defence exporters. With exports already hitting ₹24,000 crore and the geopolitical heat rising post Operation Sindoor, MRO might just become India’s next defence growth engine.



3. RBI Flags Debt Storm Ahead

The Reserve Bank of India is waving a red flag. In its June Financial Stability Report, it warns of three key risks: soaring public debt, overvalued assets, and rising geopolitical tensions. India’s public debt is set to exceed ₹196 lakh crore by March 2026. Meanwhile, NBFCs are being scrutinized for risky lending behavior. While India’s economy remains resilient—with growth and cooling inflation offering a cushion—external shocks and diverging global monetary policies could spill into emerging markets. The RBI says it’s stepping up reforms to tackle digital lending risks, curb fraud, and protect retail investors—aiming to future-proof the financial system before the next big tremor hits.



4. Trump-Modi Pact Nears the Finish Line

India and the US are on the brink of sealing a major trade deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that final touches are underway, calling India a “strategic ally” and highlighting President Trump’s “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Modi. The announcement comes as EAM Jaishankar visits Washington for the QUAD meet, and just weeks before the US enforces new tariffs on Indian goods. Negotiators are aiming for an “early harvest” pact to defuse tensions and pave the way for a full-scale Free Trade Agreement by year-end. With Trump accepting Modi’s invite to the next QUAD Summit in Delhi, the Indo-US alliance may soon move from handshake to hard numbers—$500 billion in trade, to be exact.



5. Agni Goes Underground: India’s Bunker Buster Era

India’s missile arsenal is getting a powerful upgrade—literally underground. DRDO is developing new Agni-5 variants designed to penetrate fortified bunkers, much like the US did in its June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Unlike the American model, which relies on massive bombers, India’s missile-based approach offers flexibility and speed. Two versions are in development: an airburst warhead for surface targets and a bunker-buster variant with an 8-tonne payload capable of piercing up to 100 meters underground.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 526 no Tata Steel’s ₹1,000 Cr Tax Shock | Russia Unleashes Air Fury | Sabotage Eyed in AI Crash Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Torrent’s ₹11,917 Cr Pharma Power Play India’s pharma space just witnessed a bold move. Torrent Pharmaceuticals is acquiring a 46.39% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR for ₹11,917 crore, valuing the company at ₹25,689 crore. The deal includes an open offer and a future merger. The strategy? Gain control of JB’s chronic care brands like Cilacar and Nicardia and break into the CDMO (contract development and manufacturing) market. JB’s presence in 40+ countries, and expertise in medicated lozenges, brings global heft. Torrent’s chairman Samir Mehta calls it a “long-term growth runway.” Meanwhile, KKR exits with a 5X return and a 36% IRR—making it one of India’s top private equity wins.  Russia’s Most Brutal Barrage Yet In its deadliest aerial assault since the Ukraine war began, Russia launched 537 drones and missiles overnight. Ukraine shot down nearly half, but many penetrated defenses—killing at least 10 civilians and igniting major infrastructure damage, including a blaze in Lviv. A Ukrainian F-16 crashed during defense ops, killing its pilot. The strikes reached near Poland’s border, triggering NATO alerts. All this, ironically, followed Putin’s latest peace-talk proposal, which Ukraine dismissed. On the ground, Russia claimed a minor gain in Donetsk, while Ukraine controversially withdrew from the landmine ban. Analysts warn this could be the start of a summer offensive before Western F-16s arrive. Anant Ambani Joins Reliance Board with ₹20 Cr Role It’s official—Anant Ambani has stepped into executive leadership at Reliance Industries. The 29-year-old has been appointed Full-Time Director for five years, with an annual compensation package ranging from ₹10–20 crore. Perks include housing, utilities, medical, and even reimbursed travel for his wife and attendant. He’ll also receive performance-linked profit shares. This solidifies Anant’s growing role in Reliance’s energy and petrochemicals business and marks a major step in Mukesh Ambani’s well-scripted succession plan. Sabotage Angle in Air India Crash Being Probed Authorities are now investigating sabotage in the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad. Flight AI 171 plunged seconds after takeoff, killing 241 people, including nine students and their families on the ground. Only one person survived. A “Mayday” call was issued by the pilot moments before impact. Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the black boxes are being decoded in Delhi and denied reports of sending them abroad. All 33 Air India Dreamliners have since cleared safety checks. With CCTV footage under review and multiple agencies involved, the investigation is taking no chances. Tata Steel Faces ₹1,007 Cr Tax Notice Tata Steel is under the tax scanner for alleged irregularities in input tax credit (ITC) between FY2018-19 and 2022-23. The GST department has raised a ₹1,007 crore demand. Tata Steel counters that it has already paid ₹514 crore in GST and disputes the remaining ₹493 crore under review. The company called the notice baseless and is preparing to respond within the 30-day window. Financially, the company insists there’s no operational impact. Investors agree—shares closed higher at ₹161.40 and are up nearly 18% YTD. Over five years, Tata Steel has delivered a massive 388% return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:56:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Torrent’s ₹11,917 Cr Pharma Power Play India’s pharma space just witnessed a bold move. Torrent Pharmaceuticals is acquiring a 46.39% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR for ₹11,917 crore, valuing the company at ₹25,689 crore. The deal includes an open offer and a future merger. The strategy? Gain control of JB’s chronic care brands like Cilacar and Nicardia and break into the CDMO (contract development and manufacturing) market. JB’s presence in 40+ countries, and expertise in medicated lozenges, brings global heft. Torrent’s chairman Samir Mehta calls it a “long-term growth runway.” Meanwhile, KKR exits with a 5X return and a 36% IRR—making it one of India’s top private equity wins.  Russia’s Most Brutal Barrage Yet In its deadliest aerial assault since the Ukraine war began, Russia launched 537 drones and missiles overnight. Ukraine shot down nearly half, but many penetrated defenses—killing at least 10 civilians and igniting major infrastructure damage, including a blaze in Lviv. A Ukrainian F-16 crashed during defense ops, killing its pilot. The strikes reached near Poland’s border, triggering NATO alerts. All this, ironically, followed Putin’s latest peace-talk proposal, which Ukraine dismissed. On the ground, Russia claimed a minor gain in Donetsk, while Ukraine controversially withdrew from the landmine ban. Analysts warn this could be the start of a summer offensive before Western F-16s arrive. Anant Ambani Joins Reliance Board with ₹20 Cr Role It’s official—Anant Ambani has stepped into executive leadership at Reliance Industries. The 29-year-old has been appointed Full-Time Director for five years, with an annual compensation package ranging from ₹10–20 crore. Perks include housing, utilities, medical, and even reimbursed travel for his wife and attendant. He’ll also receive performance-linked profit shares. This solidifies Anant’s growing role in Reliance’s energy and petrochemicals business and marks a major step in Mukesh Ambani’s well-scripted succession plan. Sabotage Angle in Air India Crash Being Probed Authorities are now investigating sabotage in the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad. Flight AI 171 plunged seconds after takeoff, killing 241 people, including nine students and their families on the ground. Only one person survived. A “Mayday” call was issued by the pilot moments before impact. Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the black boxes are being decoded in Delhi and denied reports of sending them abroad. All 33 Air India Dreamliners have since cleared safety checks. With CCTV footage under review and multiple agencies involved, the investigation is taking no chances. Tata Steel Faces ₹1,007 Cr Tax Notice Tata Steel is under the tax scanner for alleged irregularities in input tax credit (ITC) between FY2018-19 and 2022-23. The GST department has raised a ₹1,007 crore demand. Tata Steel counters that it has already paid ₹514 crore in GST and disputes the remaining ₹493 crore under review. The company called the notice baseless and is preparing to respond within the 30-day window. Financially, the company insists there’s no operational impact. Investors agree—shares closed higher at ₹161.40 and are up nearly 18% YTD. Over five years, Tata Steel has delivered a massive 388% return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Torrent’s ₹11,917 Cr Pharma Power Play

India’s pharma space just witnessed a bold move. Torrent Pharmaceuticals is acquiring a 46.39% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR for ₹11,917 crore, valuing the company at ₹25,689 crore. The deal includes an open offer and a future merger. The strategy? Gain control of JB’s chronic care brands like Cilacar and Nicardia and break into the CDMO (contract development and manufacturing) market. JB’s presence in 40+ countries, and expertise in medicated lozenges, brings global heft. Torrent’s chairman Samir Mehta calls it a “long-term growth runway.” Meanwhile, KKR exits with a 5X return and a 36% IRR—making it one of India’s top private equity wins.


 Russia’s Most Brutal Barrage Yet

In its deadliest aerial assault since the Ukraine war began, Russia launched 537 drones and missiles overnight. Ukraine shot down nearly half, but many penetrated defenses—killing at least 10 civilians and igniting major infrastructure damage, including a blaze in Lviv. A Ukrainian F-16 crashed during defense ops, killing its pilot. The strikes reached near Poland’s border, triggering NATO alerts. All this, ironically, followed Putin’s latest peace-talk proposal, which Ukraine dismissed. On the ground, Russia claimed a minor gain in Donetsk, while Ukraine controversially withdrew from the landmine ban. Analysts warn this could be the start of a summer offensive before Western F-16s arrive.



Anant Ambani Joins Reliance Board with ₹20 Cr Role

It’s official—Anant Ambani has stepped into executive leadership at Reliance Industries. The 29-year-old has been appointed Full-Time Director for five years, with an annual compensation package ranging from ₹10–20 crore. Perks include housing, utilities, medical, and even reimbursed travel for his wife and attendant. He’ll also receive performance-linked profit shares. This solidifies Anant’s growing role in Reliance’s energy and petrochemicals business and marks a major step in Mukesh Ambani’s well-scripted succession plan.



Sabotage Angle in Air India Crash Being Probed

Authorities are now investigating sabotage in the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad. Flight AI 171 plunged seconds after takeoff, killing 241 people, including nine students and their families on the ground. Only one person survived. A “Mayday” call was issued by the pilot moments before impact. Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the black boxes are being decoded in Delhi and denied reports of sending them abroad. All 33 Air India Dreamliners have since cleared safety checks. With CCTV footage under review and multiple agencies involved, the investigation is taking no chances.



Tata Steel Faces ₹1,007 Cr Tax Notice

Tata Steel is under the tax scanner for alleged irregularities in input tax credit (ITC) between FY2018-19 and 2022-23. The GST department has raised a ₹1,007 crore demand. Tata Steel counters that it has already paid ₹514 crore in GST and disputes the remaining ₹493 crore under review. The company called the notice baseless and is preparing to respond within the 30-day window. Financially, the company insists there’s no operational impact. Investors agree—shares closed higher at ₹161.40 and are up nearly 18% YTD. Over five years, Tata Steel has delivered a massive 388% return.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 471 no DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses | Ceasefire Sparks Market Surge | Trump Eyes Nobel for Peace Deal Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook. Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump’s “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran’s nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump’s presidency—and could influence the global political narrative. DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses India’s skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn’t match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn’t been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever. Wegovy Enters India’s Obesity Fight Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it’s focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India’s obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time. Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group’s metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem’s products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco’s third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco’s specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem’s chemistry will help us lead,” he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:20:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook. Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump’s “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran’s nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump’s presidency—and could influence the global political narrative. DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses India’s skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn’t match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn’t been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever. Wegovy Enters India’s Obesity Fight Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it’s focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India’s obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time. Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group’s metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem’s products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco’s third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco’s specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem’s chemistry will help us lead,” he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally

Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook.


Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump’s “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran’s nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump’s presidency—and could influence the global political narrative.


DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses

India’s skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn’t match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn’t been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever.


Wegovy Enters India’s Obesity Fight

Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it’s focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India’s obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time.


Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina

Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group’s metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem’s products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco’s third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco’s specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem’s chemistry will help us lead,” he said.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 518 no US-India Trade: “Big Deal” Brewing? | India Snubs SCO Statement | From Bombs to Beach Resorts | Apollo’s ₹30K Cr Ambition Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Kim Goes Coastal From missiles to mini-golf, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un just flipped the script. The Wonsan Kalma resort, seven years in the making, is finally open—with 54 hotels, waterparks, arcades, pubs, and even a ski extension. Ditching his usual military garb for a sharp suit, Kim attended the launch with his wife and daughter, showcasing a softer image. While domestic tourism kicks off July 1, a select group of Russians are set to test the beach vibes on July 7. This isn’t just a tourism play—it’s a carefully curated global image reset. Trump Teases ‘Very Big’ India Deal Just after shaking hands with China on a trade pact, US President Donald Trump is turning east again—this time towards India. Hinting at a “very big” trade deal, Trump said, “We’re going to open up India.” While no details were given, momentum is building. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently confirmed that both sides are closing in on a mutually beneficial agreement. If signed, it could redefine trade ties between the world’s two biggest democracies. Rajnath Singh Says No Deal India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines by refusing to sign the SCO joint statement. Why? The document failed to address cross-border terrorism. At the summit in Qingdao, Singh didn’t mince words: “There can be no double standards.” He cited the April Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on Pakistan-backed groups, and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. The message: India is done tiptoeing around terror. Acme Solar’s Big Battery Win Acme Solar is powering up for the future. On June 26, it won NHPC’s battery storage tender in Andhra Pradesh to build a 275 MW / 550 MWh system across Kuppam and Ghani. The project includes significant viability gap funding and adds a clean spark to India’s renewable push. Acme’s stock, while only slightly up, could see brighter days ahead. With a ₹14,954 crore market cap and clean energy tailwinds, Acme is becoming a major storage player. Apollo HealthCo Eyes DMart Dreams “I want a valuation like DMart. Why not?” said Shobana Kamineni, chairperson of Apollo HealthCo. With eyes on a ₹30,000 crore business in the next 5–6 years, Apollo is blending its retail pharmacy strength with digital power via Apollo 24|7. After raising ₹2,475 crore last year and merging with Keimed, the company hit ₹9,093 crore in revenue in FY25, with three straight profitable quarters. A digital GMV of ₹3,000 crore and disciplined growth put it on track for Q4 FY26 profitability. Apollo isn’t just growing—it’s redefining healthcare retail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:19:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Kim Goes Coastal From missiles to mini-golf, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un just flipped the script. The Wonsan Kalma resort, seven years in the making, is finally open—with 54 hotels, waterparks, arcades, pubs, and even a ski extension. Ditching his usual military garb for a sharp suit, Kim attended the launch with his wife and daughter, showcasing a softer image. While domestic tourism kicks off July 1, a select group of Russians are set to test the beach vibes on July 7. This isn’t just a tourism play—it’s a carefully curated global image reset. Trump Teases ‘Very Big’ India Deal Just after shaking hands with China on a trade pact, US President Donald Trump is turning east again—this time towards India. Hinting at a “very big” trade deal, Trump said, “We’re going to open up India.” While no details were given, momentum is building. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently confirmed that both sides are closing in on a mutually beneficial agreement. If signed, it could redefine trade ties between the world’s two biggest democracies. Rajnath Singh Says No Deal India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines by refusing to sign the SCO joint statement. Why? The document failed to address cross-border terrorism. At the summit in Qingdao, Singh didn’t mince words: “There can be no double standards.” He cited the April Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on Pakistan-backed groups, and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. The message: India is done tiptoeing around terror. Acme Solar’s Big Battery Win Acme Solar is powering up for the future. On June 26, it won NHPC’s battery storage tender in Andhra Pradesh to build a 275 MW / 550 MWh system across Kuppam and Ghani. The project includes significant viability gap funding and adds a clean spark to India’s renewable push. Acme’s stock, while only slightly up, could see brighter days ahead. With a ₹14,954 crore market cap and clean energy tailwinds, Acme is becoming a major storage player. Apollo HealthCo Eyes DMart Dreams “I want a valuation like DMart. Why not?” said Shobana Kamineni, chairperson of Apollo HealthCo. With eyes on a ₹30,000 crore business in the next 5–6 years, Apollo is blending its retail pharmacy strength with digital power via Apollo 24|7. After raising ₹2,475 crore last year and merging with Keimed, the company hit ₹9,093 crore in revenue in FY25, with three straight profitable quarters. A digital GMV of ₹3,000 crore and disciplined growth put it on track for Q4 FY26 profitability. Apollo isn’t just growing—it’s redefining healthcare retail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Kim Goes Coastal

From missiles to mini-golf, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un just flipped the script. The Wonsan Kalma resort, seven years in the making, is finally open—with 54 hotels, waterparks, arcades, pubs, and even a ski extension. Ditching his usual military garb for a sharp suit, Kim attended the launch with his wife and daughter, showcasing a softer image. While domestic tourism kicks off July 1, a select group of Russians are set to test the beach vibes on July 7. This isn’t just a tourism play—it’s a carefully curated global image reset.




Trump Teases ‘Very Big’ India Deal

Just after shaking hands with China on a trade pact, US President Donald Trump is turning east again—this time towards India. Hinting at a “very big” trade deal, Trump said, “We’re going to open up India.” While no details were given, momentum is building. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently confirmed that both sides are closing in on a mutually beneficial agreement. If signed, it could redefine trade ties between the world’s two biggest democracies.




Rajnath Singh Says No Deal

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines by refusing to sign the SCO joint statement. Why? The document failed to address cross-border terrorism. At the summit in Qingdao, Singh didn’t mince words: “There can be no double standards.” He cited the April Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on Pakistan-backed groups, and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. The message: India is done tiptoeing around terror.




Acme Solar’s Big Battery Win

Acme Solar is powering up for the future. On June 26, it won NHPC’s battery storage tender in Andhra Pradesh to build a 275 MW / 550 MWh system across Kuppam and Ghani. The project includes significant viability gap funding and adds a clean spark to India’s renewable push. Acme’s stock, while only slightly up, could see brighter days ahead. With a ₹14,954 crore market cap and clean energy tailwinds, Acme is becoming a major storage player.




Apollo HealthCo Eyes DMart Dreams

“I want a valuation like DMart. Why not?” said Shobana Kamineni, chairperson of Apollo HealthCo. With eyes on a ₹30,000 crore business in the next 5–6 years, Apollo is blending its retail pharmacy strength with digital power via Apollo 24|7. After raising ₹2,475 crore last year and merging with Keimed, the company hit ₹9,093 crore in revenue in FY25, with three straight profitable quarters. A digital GMV of ₹3,000 crore and disciplined growth put it on track for Q4 FY26 profitability. Apollo isn’t just growing—it’s redefining healthcare retail.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 484 no Nvidia Tops the World | Gaza Truce Near? | India Expands Oil Reserves | India’s Return to Space Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India’s Return to Space: Shukla Makes History At 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, India reached a milestone in its space journey. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space—and the first to reach the International Space Station. Launching aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Shukla’s flight symbolizes a new era of commercial space collaboration for India. His mission, Axiom-4, includes 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, reflecting India’s expanding space ambitions. As his voice crackled over radio—“Kya kamaal ki ride thi”—cheers erupted back home. “This is not just my journey, it’s the start of India’s human space program,” Shukla said. With Gaganyaan and a homegrown space station on the horizon, India isn’t just returning to space—it’s preparing to lead. Gaza Truce ‘Very Close,’ Says Trump Fresh off brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump says progress is being made on a Gaza ceasefire as well. “Gaza is very close,” he told reporters, crediting his envoy Steve Witkoff. Qatar and Egypt have intensified mediation efforts, while Hamas confirmed the talks but said no concrete proposal is on the table yet. Meanwhile, Israel remains firm on its goals: dismantle Hamas, recover hostages, and control Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has led to over 56,000 Palestinian deaths. With famine worsening and diplomacy heating up, all eyes are on Trump’s next move in the Middle East. India Expands Oil Reserves Amid Global Volatility India is adding six new Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) to bolster energy security. With 85% of its crude oil imported, and threats like the Strait of Hormuz blockade looming, the government aims to raise reserve capacity to match IEA’s 90-day import standard. Current strategic reserves only cover 9.5 days. Proposed sites include Mangalore SEZ and Bikaner’s salt caverns, with Engineers India Ltd conducting feasibility studies. The goal? Build resilience against price shocks and supply disruptions, especially as demand for petrol and diesel is expected to rise for at least 15 more years. The investment is high—₹2,500 crore per million tonnes—but so is the payoff: national energy safety.  FASTag ₹3,000 Pass: Relief for Commuters, Risk for Toll Operators From August 15, private vehicle owners can buy an annual ₹3,000 FASTag pass covering 200 highway trips—a game-changer for frequent drivers. Crisil Ratings estimates the pass could cut per-trip costs by 80%. But there’s a catch: a 4–8% dip in toll revenues is expected, and toll operators will need timely compensation under their agreements. Crisil says 40 rated projects can absorb short-term cash flow impacts thanks to strong liquidity and NHAI’s payment track record. Still, the move tests how India balances commuter convenience with private investor confidence in infrastructure. Nvidia Tops the World—Again Chipmaker Nvidia has officially reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company. Its shares surged 4.33% to $154.31, pushing its market cap to $3.77 trillion—ahead of Microsoft ($3.66T) and Apple ($3.01T). CEO Jensen Huang’s AI-focused keynote at the shareholder meeting fueled the rally, calling this “just the beginning” of the AI infrastructure boom. Loop Capital hiked Nvidia’s price target to $250, citing its leading role in what it calls the “Golden Wave” of AI. The stock is up 17% in 2025, following a 170% rise in 2024 and 240% in 2023. Despite the meteoric rise, its forward P/E remains relatively modest at 30—proof that the AI boom is feeding real earnings, not just hype. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:19:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India’s Return to Space: Shukla Makes History At 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, India reached a milestone in its space journey. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space—and the first to reach the International Space Station. Launching aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Shukla’s flight symbolizes a new era of commercial space collaboration for India. His mission, Axiom-4, includes 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, reflecting India’s expanding space ambitions. As his voice crackled over radio—“Kya kamaal ki ride thi”—cheers erupted back home. “This is not just my journey, it’s the start of India’s human space program,” Shukla said. With Gaganyaan and a homegrown space station on the horizon, India isn’t just returning to space—it’s preparing to lead. Gaza Truce ‘Very Close,’ Says Trump Fresh off brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump says progress is being made on a Gaza ceasefire as well. “Gaza is very close,” he told reporters, crediting his envoy Steve Witkoff. Qatar and Egypt have intensified mediation efforts, while Hamas confirmed the talks but said no concrete proposal is on the table yet. Meanwhile, Israel remains firm on its goals: dismantle Hamas, recover hostages, and control Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has led to over 56,000 Palestinian deaths. With famine worsening and diplomacy heating up, all eyes are on Trump’s next move in the Middle East. India Expands Oil Reserves Amid Global Volatility India is adding six new Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) to bolster energy security. With 85% of its crude oil imported, and threats like the Strait of Hormuz blockade looming, the government aims to raise reserve capacity to match IEA’s 90-day import standard. Current strategic reserves only cover 9.5 days. Proposed sites include Mangalore SEZ and Bikaner’s salt caverns, with Engineers India Ltd conducting feasibility studies. The goal? Build resilience against price shocks and supply disruptions, especially as demand for petrol and diesel is expected to rise for at least 15 more years. The investment is high—₹2,500 crore per million tonnes—but so is the payoff: national energy safety.  FASTag ₹3,000 Pass: Relief for Commuters, Risk for Toll Operators From August 15, private vehicle owners can buy an annual ₹3,000 FASTag pass covering 200 highway trips—a game-changer for frequent drivers. Crisil Ratings estimates the pass could cut per-trip costs by 80%. But there’s a catch: a 4–8% dip in toll revenues is expected, and toll operators will need timely compensation under their agreements. Crisil says 40 rated projects can absorb short-term cash flow impacts thanks to strong liquidity and NHAI’s payment track record. Still, the move tests how India balances commuter convenience with private investor confidence in infrastructure. Nvidia Tops the World—Again Chipmaker Nvidia has officially reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company. Its shares surged 4.33% to $154.31, pushing its market cap to $3.77 trillion—ahead of Microsoft ($3.66T) and Apple ($3.01T). CEO Jensen Huang’s AI-focused keynote at the shareholder meeting fueled the rally, calling this “just the beginning” of the AI infrastructure boom. Loop Capital hiked Nvidia’s price target to $250, citing its leading role in what it calls the “Golden Wave” of AI. The stock is up 17% in 2025, following a 170% rise in 2024 and 240% in 2023. Despite the meteoric rise, its forward P/E remains relatively modest at 30—proof that the AI boom is feeding real earnings, not just hype. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

India’s Return to Space: Shukla Makes History

At 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, India reached a milestone in its space journey. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space—and the first to reach the International Space Station. Launching aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Shukla’s flight symbolizes a new era of commercial space collaboration for India. His mission, Axiom-4, includes 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, reflecting India’s expanding space ambitions. As his voice crackled over radio—“Kya kamaal ki ride thi”—cheers erupted back home. “This is not just my journey, it’s the start of India’s human space program,” Shukla said. With Gaganyaan and a homegrown space station on the horizon, India isn’t just returning to space—it’s preparing to lead.



Gaza Truce ‘Very Close,’ Says Trump

Fresh off brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump says progress is being made on a Gaza ceasefire as well. “Gaza is very close,” he told reporters, crediting his envoy Steve Witkoff. Qatar and Egypt have intensified mediation efforts, while Hamas confirmed the talks but said no concrete proposal is on the table yet. Meanwhile, Israel remains firm on its goals: dismantle Hamas, recover hostages, and control Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has led to over 56,000 Palestinian deaths. With famine worsening and diplomacy heating up, all eyes are on Trump’s next move in the Middle East.



India Expands Oil Reserves Amid Global Volatility

India is adding six new Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) to bolster energy security. With 85% of its crude oil imported, and threats like the Strait of Hormuz blockade looming, the government aims to raise reserve capacity to match IEA’s 90-day import standard. Current strategic reserves only cover 9.5 days. Proposed sites include Mangalore SEZ and Bikaner’s salt caverns, with Engineers India Ltd conducting feasibility studies. The goal? Build resilience against price shocks and supply disruptions, especially as demand for petrol and diesel is expected to rise for at least 15 more years. The investment is high—₹2,500 crore per million tonnes—but so is the payoff: national energy safety.



 FASTag ₹3,000 Pass: Relief for Commuters, Risk for Toll Operators

From August 15, private vehicle owners can buy an annual ₹3,000 FASTag pass covering 200 highway trips—a game-changer for frequent drivers. Crisil Ratings estimates the pass could cut per-trip costs by 80%. But there’s a catch: a 4–8% dip in toll revenues is expected, and toll operators will need timely compensation under their agreements. Crisil says 40 rated projects can absorb short-term cash flow impacts thanks to strong liquidity and NHAI’s payment track record. Still, the move tests how India balances commuter convenience with private investor confidence in infrastructure.



Nvidia Tops the World—Again

Chipmaker Nvidia has officially reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company. Its shares surged 4.33% to $154.31, pushing its market cap to $3.77 trillion—ahead of Microsoft ($3.66T) and Apple ($3.01T). CEO Jensen Huang’s AI-focused keynote at the shareholder meeting fueled the rally, calling this “just the beginning” of the AI infrastructure boom. Loop Capital hiked Nvidia’s price target to $250, citing its leading role in what it calls the “Golden Wave” of AI. The stock is up 17% in 2025, following a 170% rise in 2024 and 240% in 2023. Despite the meteoric rise, its forward P/E remains relatively modest at 30—proof that the AI boom is feeding real earnings, not just hype.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 489 no War Ends. Trump Signs Off | A ₹694 Electric Flight | Air India CEO Pay Hike | India’s Economic Surge 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:14:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 502 no Trump Strikes, But Iran Outsmarts? Uranium Vanishes | Markets Hold… But for How Long? | IndiGo Mayday Scare | Strait of Hormuz on the Brink Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets Resilient, But Oil’s the Wildcard Despite the chaos, Indian markets are holding their ground. Since the Israel-Iran conflict flared up, Nifty and Sensex have climbed 1.59%, even as Brent crude rose 2.19% to $76.57/barrel. But the calm may not last. Alok Agarwal of Alchemy Capital warns of a crude spike beyond $100/barrel — a red flag for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. Aniruddha Sarkar of Quest adds that sectors like paints, aviation, and OMCs could feel the squeeze if oil keeps climbing. However, a non-escalatory response from Iran could trigger a market rally, says IIFL’s Nirmal Jain. Strait of Hormuz: The Oil Chokepoint Iran’s top security council may close the Strait of Hormuz — a move that would threaten 20% of the world’s oil flow. Revolutionary Guards commander Esmail Kosari has confirmed it’s “on the agenda.” Since June 13, when Israel struck Iran, Brent has already surged over 10%. Maersk says its ships still sail, but they’re monitoring risk closely. Flashbacks to the 1980s “Tanker Wars” and fears of a new US naval buildup are surfacing. If Hormuz shuts down, prices could jump to $120–130 — or even $400 in a worst-case scenario. India’s Oil Strategy Shift Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India has significantly reduced its dependence on Hormuz. In June 2025, India’s Russian oil imports are expected to hit a two-year high of 2–2.2 million barrels/day — more than from Saudi or Iraq. US oil imports are also up nearly 57%. With reserves in place and alternative shipping routes via the Suez, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific, India is positioning itself to weather supply shocks. Still, if Iran closes Hormuz, freight costs and volatility could rise fast. Trump’s Big Strike — and the Fallout Trump called Iran’s nuclear program “completely obliterated” after US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But Pentagon officials are backpedaling, confirming only “severe damage.” Satellite images show Fordow took direct hits, but not total destruction. Worse, Israeli intel reveals Iran removed 400 kg of uranium days before the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the fuel is now unaccounted for — a worrying development. The world waits for Iran’s next move. Mayday Over Bengaluru Just days after a deadly Air India crash, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai issued a Mayday call over low fuel. The pilot aborted landing in Chennai and diverted to Bengaluru, where the plane landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the scare — coupled with the earlier Air India tragedy — has sparked renewed scrutiny over aviation safety. IndiGo has grounded both pilots. Markets Hold Steady as Oil Threat Looms Amid US-Iran Escalation Nifty’s immediate support lies at 24,850; resistance around 25,250, says SBI’s Sudeep Shah. The India VIX is down 9% since June 13, suggesting subdued volatility — for now. Experts advise staggered investments as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines. Experts say India is better placed than ever to absorb shocks. “We’re in a stronger position than previous crises,” said Kenneth Andrade of Old Bridge Capital. Asian markets closed strong on Friday, signaling hope — but all eyes remain on Iran’s response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Jun 2025 01:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets Resilient, But Oil’s the Wildcard Despite the chaos, Indian markets are holding their ground. Since the Israel-Iran conflict flared up, Nifty and Sensex have climbed 1.59%, even as Brent crude rose 2.19% to $76.57/barrel. But the calm may not last. Alok Agarwal of Alchemy Capital warns of a crude spike beyond $100/barrel — a red flag for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. Aniruddha Sarkar of Quest adds that sectors like paints, aviation, and OMCs could feel the squeeze if oil keeps climbing. However, a non-escalatory response from Iran could trigger a market rally, says IIFL’s Nirmal Jain. Strait of Hormuz: The Oil Chokepoint Iran’s top security council may close the Strait of Hormuz — a move that would threaten 20% of the world’s oil flow. Revolutionary Guards commander Esmail Kosari has confirmed it’s “on the agenda.” Since June 13, when Israel struck Iran, Brent has already surged over 10%. Maersk says its ships still sail, but they’re monitoring risk closely. Flashbacks to the 1980s “Tanker Wars” and fears of a new US naval buildup are surfacing. If Hormuz shuts down, prices could jump to $120–130 — or even $400 in a worst-case scenario. India’s Oil Strategy Shift Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India has significantly reduced its dependence on Hormuz. In June 2025, India’s Russian oil imports are expected to hit a two-year high of 2–2.2 million barrels/day — more than from Saudi or Iraq. US oil imports are also up nearly 57%. With reserves in place and alternative shipping routes via the Suez, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific, India is positioning itself to weather supply shocks. Still, if Iran closes Hormuz, freight costs and volatility could rise fast. Trump’s Big Strike — and the Fallout Trump called Iran’s nuclear program “completely obliterated” after US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But Pentagon officials are backpedaling, confirming only “severe damage.” Satellite images show Fordow took direct hits, but not total destruction. Worse, Israeli intel reveals Iran removed 400 kg of uranium days before the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the fuel is now unaccounted for — a worrying development. The world waits for Iran’s next move. Mayday Over Bengaluru Just days after a deadly Air India crash, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai issued a Mayday call over low fuel. The pilot aborted landing in Chennai and diverted to Bengaluru, where the plane landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the scare — coupled with the earlier Air India tragedy — has sparked renewed scrutiny over aviation safety. IndiGo has grounded both pilots. Markets Hold Steady as Oil Threat Looms Amid US-Iran Escalation Nifty’s immediate support lies at 24,850; resistance around 25,250, says SBI’s Sudeep Shah. The India VIX is down 9% since June 13, suggesting subdued volatility — for now. Experts advise staggered investments as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines. Experts say India is better placed than ever to absorb shocks. “We’re in a stronger position than previous crises,” said Kenneth Andrade of Old Bridge Capital. Asian markets closed strong on Friday, signaling hope — but all eyes remain on Iran’s response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Markets Resilient, But Oil’s the Wildcard

Despite the chaos, Indian markets are holding their ground. Since the Israel-Iran conflict flared up, Nifty and Sensex have climbed 1.59%, even as Brent crude rose 2.19% to $76.57/barrel. But the calm may not last.

Alok Agarwal of Alchemy Capital warns of a crude spike beyond $100/barrel — a red flag for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. Aniruddha Sarkar of Quest adds that sectors like paints, aviation, and OMCs could feel the squeeze if oil keeps climbing. However, a non-escalatory response from Iran could trigger a market rally, says IIFL’s Nirmal Jain.



Strait of Hormuz: The Oil Chokepoint

Iran’s top security council may close the Strait of Hormuz — a move that would threaten 20% of the world’s oil flow. Revolutionary Guards commander Esmail Kosari has confirmed it’s “on the agenda.” Since June 13, when Israel struck Iran, Brent has already surged over 10%. Maersk says its ships still sail, but they’re monitoring risk closely.

Flashbacks to the 1980s “Tanker Wars” and fears of a new US naval buildup are surfacing. If Hormuz shuts down, prices could jump to $120–130 — or even $400 in a worst-case scenario.



India’s Oil Strategy Shift

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India has significantly reduced its dependence on Hormuz. In June 2025, India’s Russian oil imports are expected to hit a two-year high of 2–2.2 million barrels/day — more than from Saudi or Iraq. US oil imports are also up nearly 57%.

With reserves in place and alternative shipping routes via the Suez, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific, India is positioning itself to weather supply shocks. Still, if Iran closes Hormuz, freight costs and volatility could rise fast.



Trump’s Big Strike — and the Fallout

Trump called Iran’s nuclear program “completely obliterated” after US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But Pentagon officials are backpedaling, confirming only “severe damage.” Satellite images show Fordow took direct hits, but not total destruction.

Worse, Israeli intel reveals Iran removed 400 kg of uranium days before the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the fuel is now unaccounted for — a worrying development. The world waits for Iran’s next move.



Mayday Over Bengaluru

Just days after a deadly Air India crash, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai issued a Mayday call over low fuel. The pilot aborted landing in Chennai and diverted to Bengaluru, where the plane landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the scare — coupled with the earlier Air India tragedy — has sparked renewed scrutiny over aviation safety. IndiGo has grounded both pilots.



Markets Hold Steady as Oil Threat Looms Amid US-Iran Escalation

Nifty’s immediate support lies at 24,850; resistance around 25,250, says SBI’s Sudeep Shah. The India VIX is down 9% since June 13, suggesting subdued volatility — for now. Experts advise staggered investments as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines.

Experts say India is better placed than ever to absorb shocks. “We’re in a stronger position than previous crises,” said Kenneth Andrade of Old Bridge Capital. Asian markets closed strong on Friday, signaling hope — but all eyes remain on Iran’s response.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 506 no Fed Hits Pause—Again | FASTag Freedom | SEBI’s Market Makeover | Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Fed Hits Pause—Again For the fourth time this year, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, citing “diminished but elevated” economic uncertainty. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to the lingering effects of Trump-era tariffs, noting that while uncertainty peaked in April, it hasn’t fully cleared. FASTag Freedom: ₹3K Toll Pass from Aug 15 India’s road warriors, rejoice! Starting August 15, a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual toll pass will be available for private vehicles. It covers 200 trips or a full year—whichever comes first. The aim? Reduce travel costs, cut long waits at toll booths, and simplify payments. Announced by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass is part of a bigger push toward seamless highway travel. The pass will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and NHAI’s website. It comes amid rising toll charges—up over 3% in FY25 and expected to rise further. To complement the effort, a GNSS-based tolling system is also on the way, allowing for distance-based tolling without physical toll plazas. The government will absorb any revenue shortfall to keep concessionaires whole. Trump Thanks Pakistan’s Army Chief for Restraint In an unusual diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, thanking him for “not going into the war” with India. The lunch meeting was notable for its absence of senior civilian officials. Trump called it “a win” that two nuclear powers—India and Pakistan—chose peace. He also revealed they discussed Iran, adding, “They know Iran very well… and he agreed with me.” Back home, Pakistan’s leadership is walking a tightrope. PM Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran is open to talks—if Israeli strikes stop. Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media The US has resumed student visa processing—but there’s a catch. All applicants must now make their social media profiles public for review. Posts that appear hostile to the US, its institutions, or culture could be grounds for rejection. The State Department warns that refusing to comply may be seen as “an attempt to hide behavior.” Critics say the move chills free speech and brings back Cold War-era ideological vetting. “This turns consular officers into censors,” said Columbia’s Jameel Jaffer. With academic sessions around the corner, international students are scrambling to comply, while legal experts raise red flags over digital privacy and First Amendment concerns. SEBI’s Market Makeover: Esops, PSUs & AIFs Get a Lift SEBI is on reform overdrive. In just his second meeting as chair, Tuhin Kanta Pandey cleared a raft of changes aimed at boosting market efficiency, startup incentives, and investor participation. Founders of listed startups can now retain Esops—a game changer that aligns long-term incentives. For public sector undertakings, a new framework for voluntary delisting could fast-track strategic disinvestments. Alternative Investment Funds got more room to maneuver, with greenlights for co-investment vehicles and broader advisory services. Foreign investors in Indian sovereign debt will also benefit from simplified compliance norms. Meanwhile, the long-pending NSEL broker case may be resolved through a new settlement scheme. In short, SEBI is opening the doors wider, and smarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:24:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Fed Hits Pause—Again For the fourth time this year, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, citing “diminished but elevated” economic uncertainty. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to the lingering effects of Trump-era tariffs, noting that while uncertainty peaked in April, it hasn’t fully cleared. FASTag Freedom: ₹3K Toll Pass from Aug 15 India’s road warriors, rejoice! Starting August 15, a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual toll pass will be available for private vehicles. It covers 200 trips or a full year—whichever comes first. The aim? Reduce travel costs, cut long waits at toll booths, and simplify payments. Announced by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass is part of a bigger push toward seamless highway travel. The pass will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and NHAI’s website. It comes amid rising toll charges—up over 3% in FY25 and expected to rise further. To complement the effort, a GNSS-based tolling system is also on the way, allowing for distance-based tolling without physical toll plazas. The government will absorb any revenue shortfall to keep concessionaires whole. Trump Thanks Pakistan’s Army Chief for Restraint In an unusual diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, thanking him for “not going into the war” with India. The lunch meeting was notable for its absence of senior civilian officials. Trump called it “a win” that two nuclear powers—India and Pakistan—chose peace. He also revealed they discussed Iran, adding, “They know Iran very well… and he agreed with me.” Back home, Pakistan’s leadership is walking a tightrope. PM Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran is open to talks—if Israeli strikes stop. Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media The US has resumed student visa processing—but there’s a catch. All applicants must now make their social media profiles public for review. Posts that appear hostile to the US, its institutions, or culture could be grounds for rejection. The State Department warns that refusing to comply may be seen as “an attempt to hide behavior.” Critics say the move chills free speech and brings back Cold War-era ideological vetting. “This turns consular officers into censors,” said Columbia’s Jameel Jaffer. With academic sessions around the corner, international students are scrambling to comply, while legal experts raise red flags over digital privacy and First Amendment concerns. SEBI’s Market Makeover: Esops, PSUs & AIFs Get a Lift SEBI is on reform overdrive. In just his second meeting as chair, Tuhin Kanta Pandey cleared a raft of changes aimed at boosting market efficiency, startup incentives, and investor participation. Founders of listed startups can now retain Esops—a game changer that aligns long-term incentives. For public sector undertakings, a new framework for voluntary delisting could fast-track strategic disinvestments. Alternative Investment Funds got more room to maneuver, with greenlights for co-investment vehicles and broader advisory services. Foreign investors in Indian sovereign debt will also benefit from simplified compliance norms. Meanwhile, the long-pending NSEL broker case may be resolved through a new settlement scheme. In short, SEBI is opening the doors wider, and smarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Fed Hits Pause—Again

For the fourth time this year, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, citing “diminished but elevated” economic uncertainty. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to the lingering effects of Trump-era tariffs, noting that while uncertainty peaked in April, it hasn’t fully cleared.



FASTag Freedom: ₹3K Toll Pass from Aug 15

India’s road warriors, rejoice! Starting August 15, a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual toll pass will be available for private vehicles. It covers 200 trips or a full year—whichever comes first. The aim? Reduce travel costs, cut long waits at toll booths, and simplify payments.


Announced by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass is part of a bigger push toward seamless highway travel. The pass will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and NHAI’s website. It comes amid rising toll charges—up over 3% in FY25 and expected to rise further.


To complement the effort, a GNSS-based tolling system is also on the way, allowing for distance-based tolling without physical toll plazas. The government will absorb any revenue shortfall to keep concessionaires whole.




Trump Thanks Pakistan’s Army Chief for Restraint

In an unusual diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, thanking him for “not going into the war” with India. The lunch meeting was notable for its absence of senior civilian officials.


Trump called it “a win” that two nuclear powers—India and Pakistan—chose peace. He also revealed they discussed Iran, adding, “They know Iran very well… and he agreed with me.”


Back home, Pakistan’s leadership is walking a tightrope. PM Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran is open to talks—if Israeli strikes stop.



Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media

The US has resumed student visa processing—but there’s a catch. All applicants must now make their social media profiles public for review. Posts that appear hostile to the US, its institutions, or culture could be grounds for rejection.


The State Department warns that refusing to comply may be seen as “an attempt to hide behavior.” Critics say the move chills free speech and brings back Cold War-era ideological vetting. “This turns consular officers into censors,” said Columbia’s Jameel Jaffer.


With academic sessions around the corner, international students are scrambling to comply, while legal experts raise red flags over digital privacy and First Amendment concerns.



SEBI’s Market Makeover: Esops, PSUs & AIFs Get a Lift

SEBI is on reform overdrive. In just his second meeting as chair, Tuhin Kanta Pandey cleared a raft of changes aimed at boosting market efficiency, startup incentives, and investor participation.


Founders of listed startups can now retain Esops—a game changer that aligns long-term incentives. For public sector undertakings, a new framework for voluntary delisting could fast-track strategic disinvestments.


Alternative Investment Funds got more room to maneuver, with greenlights for co-investment vehicles and broader advisory services. Foreign investors in Indian sovereign debt will also benefit from simplified compliance norms.


Meanwhile, the long-pending NSEL broker case may be resolved through a new settlement scheme. In short, SEBI is opening the doors wider, and smarter.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 484 no Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East | MakeMyTrip Cuts Cuts Chinese Stake | HZL’s ₹12K Cr Metal Play Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.1. Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East The Iran-Israel conflict has entered a dangerous sixth day, and the U.S. is rapidly reinforcing its military posture. President Donald Trump warned Iran that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” claiming full control of the skies over Iran—signaling potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site. B-2 stealth bombers carrying GBU-57 bunker-busters remain on standby, while destroyers and carrier groups are repositioned across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Sea. Fighter jets and refueling tankers are active across the Middle East and Europe. U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel, while Israel pounded oil depots near Tehran. Death tolls are rising—224 civilians in Iran and 24 in Israel. Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” but stopped short of targeting the Iranian leader “for now.” After years of tension, PM Modi and newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney hit the reset button in Kananaskis, Canada, during the G7 Summit. This was their first meeting since Carney took office and follows the diplomatic fallout over the 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and cooperation on AI, energy, and counterterrorism. They also agreed to restore full diplomatic representation, signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. Modi called Canada an important partner and highlighted growing investments on both sides. MakeMyTrip is raising up to $3 billion to buy back shares from Chinese backer Trip.com, aiming to slash its voting power from 45.34% to below 20%. The Indian travel platform will raise funds via equity and convertible senior notes—14 million shares are on offer, possibly rising to 16.1 million. In a world increasingly wary of Chinese stakes in Indian tech, MMT’s move is both strategic and symbolic—asserting independence while positioning itself as an investor-diversified digital travel leader. Israeli data analytics startup Coralogix is doubling down on India, deploying most of its $115M Series E funding to scale R&D, cybersecurity, and AI operations in the country. India now ranks among Coralogix’s top three global markets. The company is expanding its Gurgaon HQ, planning a new Bengaluru office, and staffing aggressively in BFSI, edtech, and fintech sectors. Its cybersecurity unit, SnowBit, already has its global HQ in India. With a projected $3.3B cybersecurity market in 2025, Coralogix is betting on India as both a tech talent hub and a revenue engine. Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is investing ₹12,000 crore to add 250 ktpa of zinc production in the first phase of its plan to double output to 2 million tonnes. The expansion includes a new smelter in Debari, mine upgrades, and a sharp focus on cutting production costs to below $950/tonne in three years. Beyond zinc, HZL is eyeing India’s rare earth opportunity, seeking permission to tap monazite reserves. With global supply chains shifting, HZL is positioning itself at the heart of India’s critical mineral strategy. 2. India, Canada Reset Ties at G73. MakeMyTrip Cuts Chinese Stake4. Coralogix Goes All-In on India5. Hindustan Zinc’s Mega Expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:44:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.1. Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East The Iran-Israel conflict has entered a dangerous sixth day, and the U.S. is rapidly reinforcing its military posture. President Donald Trump warned Iran that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” claiming full control of the skies over Iran—signaling potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site. B-2 stealth bombers carrying GBU-57 bunker-busters remain on standby, while destroyers and carrier groups are repositioned across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Sea. Fighter jets and refueling tankers are active across the Middle East and Europe. U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel, while Israel pounded oil depots near Tehran. Death tolls are rising—224 civilians in Iran and 24 in Israel. Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” but stopped short of targeting the Iranian leader “for now.” After years of tension, PM Modi and newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney hit the reset button in Kananaskis, Canada, during the G7 Summit. This was their first meeting since Carney took office and follows the diplomatic fallout over the 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and cooperation on AI, energy, and counterterrorism. They also agreed to restore full diplomatic representation, signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. Modi called Canada an important partner and highlighted growing investments on both sides. MakeMyTrip is raising up to $3 billion to buy back shares from Chinese backer Trip.com, aiming to slash its voting power from 45.34% to below 20%. The Indian travel platform will raise funds via equity and convertible senior notes—14 million shares are on offer, possibly rising to 16.1 million. In a world increasingly wary of Chinese stakes in Indian tech, MMT’s move is both strategic and symbolic—asserting independence while positioning itself as an investor-diversified digital travel leader. Israeli data analytics startup Coralogix is doubling down on India, deploying most of its $115M Series E funding to scale R&D, cybersecurity, and AI operations in the country. India now ranks among Coralogix’s top three global markets. The company is expanding its Gurgaon HQ, planning a new Bengaluru office, and staffing aggressively in BFSI, edtech, and fintech sectors. Its cybersecurity unit, SnowBit, already has its global HQ in India. With a projected $3.3B cybersecurity market in 2025, Coralogix is betting on India as both a tech talent hub and a revenue engine. Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is investing ₹12,000 crore to add 250 ktpa of zinc production in the first phase of its plan to double output to 2 million tonnes. The expansion includes a new smelter in Debari, mine upgrades, and a sharp focus on cutting production costs to below $950/tonne in three years. Beyond zinc, HZL is eyeing India’s rare earth opportunity, seeking permission to tap monazite reserves. With global supply chains shifting, HZL is positioning itself at the heart of India’s critical mineral strategy. 2. India, Canada Reset Ties at G73. MakeMyTrip Cuts Chinese Stake4. Coralogix Goes All-In on India5. Hindustan Zinc’s Mega Expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.
1. Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East

The Iran-Israel conflict has entered a dangerous sixth day, and the U.S. is rapidly reinforcing its military posture. President Donald Trump warned Iran that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” claiming full control of the skies over Iran—signaling potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site.

B-2 stealth bombers carrying GBU-57 bunker-busters remain on standby, while destroyers and carrier groups are repositioned across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Sea. Fighter jets and refueling tankers are active across the Middle East and Europe.

U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel, while Israel pounded oil depots near Tehran. Death tolls are rising—224 civilians in Iran and 24 in Israel. Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” but stopped short of targeting the Iranian leader “for now.”



After years of tension, PM Modi and newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney hit the reset button in Kananaskis, Canada, during the G7 Summit.

This was their first meeting since Carney took office and follows the diplomatic fallout over the 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and cooperation on AI, energy, and counterterrorism.

They also agreed to restore full diplomatic representation, signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. Modi called Canada an important partner and highlighted growing investments on both sides.



MakeMyTrip is raising up to $3 billion to buy back shares from Chinese backer Trip.com, aiming to slash its voting power from 45.34% to below 20%.

The Indian travel platform will raise funds via equity and convertible senior notes—14 million shares are on offer, possibly rising to 16.1 million.

In a world increasingly wary of Chinese stakes in Indian tech, MMT’s move is both strategic and symbolic—asserting independence while positioning itself as an investor-diversified digital travel leader.



Israeli data analytics startup Coralogix is doubling down on India, deploying most of its $115M Series E funding to scale R&D, cybersecurity, and AI operations in the country.

India now ranks among Coralogix’s top three global markets. The company is expanding its Gurgaon HQ, planning a new Bengaluru office, and staffing aggressively in BFSI, edtech, and fintech sectors.

Its cybersecurity unit, SnowBit, already has its global HQ in India. With a projected $3.3B cybersecurity market in 2025, Coralogix is betting on India as both a tech talent hub and a revenue engine.



Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is investing ₹12,000 crore to add 250 ktpa of zinc production in the first phase of its plan to double output to 2 million tonnes.

The expansion includes a new smelter in Debari, mine upgrades, and a sharp focus on cutting production costs to below $950/tonne in three years.

Beyond zinc, HZL is eyeing India’s rare earth opportunity, seeking permission to tap monazite reserves. With global supply chains shifting, HZL is positioning itself at the heart of India’s critical mineral strategy.

2. India, Canada Reset Ties at G7
3. MakeMyTrip Cuts Chinese Stake
4. Coralogix Goes All-In on India
5. Hindustan Zinc’s Mega Expansion

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 543 no G7 Divided on Iran | ₹39,400 Cr Insurance Shock | Boeing in Crisis Mode | Netanyahu Drops Bombshell G7 Fractures Over Israel-Iran Conflict As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, G7 leaders are pushing for calm—but unity is cracking. A draft joint statement calls for deescalation and backs Israel’s right to defend itself, while vowing to safeguard energy market stability. But former U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to sign off. “They should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, urging dialogue. UK PM Keir Starmer warned of global consequences if tensions spiral. Germany is drafting a communique demanding Iran be barred from acquiring nuclear weapons-capable materials. Trump, meanwhile, reignited debate over Russia’s expulsion from the G7, blaming it for today’s wars and even floated adding China to the bloc. “Putin speaks to me,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to talk to anybody else.” Netanyahu: Kill Khamenei to End War Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made his boldest claim yet: assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the war—not escalate it. “The regime is very weak,” he said, calling Iran the architect of a “forever war.” Meanwhile, the battlefield widened. Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s state-run TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, disrupting coverage. Israel says it has destroyed nearly a third of Iran’s missile launchers and gained “full aerial superiority” over Tehran. Iran responded with another barrage of 100 missiles. The death tolls are climbing—224 in Iran, 24 in Israel—and hundreds more injured. With diplomacy frozen, fears of a wider regional war are intensifying. Boeing Faces the Heat After Air India Tragedy Four days after the deadliest air crash in India in over a decade, Boeing’s leadership flew into crisis mode. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, met with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in Gurugram. Executives from GE Aerospace, maker of the aircraft’s engines, also joined. The London-bound Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 people onboard. “This is the most heartbreaking crisis of my career,” Chandrasekaran told Air India staff, vowing to build a safer airline.With 33 Dreamliners already in its fleet and over 200 Boeing aircraft on order, Air India is at the epicenter of a global aviation reckoning. Insurance Shock: ₹39,400 Cr Claim Rocks Industry India’s biggest aviation disaster is also one of its costliest insurance events. A $475 million (₹39,400 crore) claim is expected—$125 million for aircraft damage and $350 million in liability. “This could be one of the biggest aviation claims India has ever seen,” said Ramaswamy Narayanan of GIC Re, which insured Air India. Most of the financial burden, however, will fall on global reinsurers—since Indian firms offload 95% of aviation risk. Analysts warn the reinsurance market will harden, pushing premiums up across the industry. IFC Backs India’s Mid-Market Rise India’s mid-cap dreams just got a $60 million boost. The World Bank’s investment arm, IFC, is investing in Motilal Oswal Alternates’ fifth fund—its largest bet yet on the PE firm—with an equal amount set aside for co-investments. The India Business Excellence Fund V G aims to raise $750 million and focus on growth-stage companies in financial services, consumer, manufacturing, and life sciences—including in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. “This is a strong signal to institutional investors,” said MO Alternates CEO Vishal Tulsyan. MO Alternates has delivered a 26.8% IRR on its first fund and backed notable names like Kreditbee, SK Finance, and Niva Bupa. IFC’s backing could supercharge both credibility and capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:59:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast G7 Fractures Over Israel-Iran Conflict As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, G7 leaders are pushing for calm—but unity is cracking. A draft joint statement calls for deescalation and backs Israel’s right to defend itself, while vowing to safeguard energy market stability. But former U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to sign off. “They should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, urging dialogue. UK PM Keir Starmer warned of global consequences if tensions spiral. Germany is drafting a communique demanding Iran be barred from acquiring nuclear weapons-capable materials. Trump, meanwhile, reignited debate over Russia’s expulsion from the G7, blaming it for today’s wars and even floated adding China to the bloc. “Putin speaks to me,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to talk to anybody else.” Netanyahu: Kill Khamenei to End War Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made his boldest claim yet: assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the war—not escalate it. “The regime is very weak,” he said, calling Iran the architect of a “forever war.” Meanwhile, the battlefield widened. Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s state-run TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, disrupting coverage. Israel says it has destroyed nearly a third of Iran’s missile launchers and gained “full aerial superiority” over Tehran. Iran responded with another barrage of 100 missiles. The death tolls are climbing—224 in Iran, 24 in Israel—and hundreds more injured. With diplomacy frozen, fears of a wider regional war are intensifying. Boeing Faces the Heat After Air India Tragedy Four days after the deadliest air crash in India in over a decade, Boeing’s leadership flew into crisis mode. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, met with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in Gurugram. Executives from GE Aerospace, maker of the aircraft’s engines, also joined. The London-bound Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 people onboard. “This is the most heartbreaking crisis of my career,” Chandrasekaran told Air India staff, vowing to build a safer airline.With 33 Dreamliners already in its fleet and over 200 Boeing aircraft on order, Air India is at the epicenter of a global aviation reckoning. Insurance Shock: ₹39,400 Cr Claim Rocks Industry India’s biggest aviation disaster is also one of its costliest insurance events. A $475 million (₹39,400 crore) claim is expected—$125 million for aircraft damage and $350 million in liability. “This could be one of the biggest aviation claims India has ever seen,” said Ramaswamy Narayanan of GIC Re, which insured Air India. Most of the financial burden, however, will fall on global reinsurers—since Indian firms offload 95% of aviation risk. Analysts warn the reinsurance market will harden, pushing premiums up across the industry. IFC Backs India’s Mid-Market Rise India’s mid-cap dreams just got a $60 million boost. The World Bank’s investment arm, IFC, is investing in Motilal Oswal Alternates’ fifth fund—its largest bet yet on the PE firm—with an equal amount set aside for co-investments. The India Business Excellence Fund V G aims to raise $750 million and focus on growth-stage companies in financial services, consumer, manufacturing, and life sciences—including in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. “This is a strong signal to institutional investors,” said MO Alternates CEO Vishal Tulsyan. MO Alternates has delivered a 26.8% IRR on its first fund and backed notable names like Kreditbee, SK Finance, and Niva Bupa. IFC’s backing could supercharge both credibility and capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices G7 Fractures Over Israel-Iran Conflict As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, G7 leaders are pushing for calm—but unity is cracking. A draft joint statement calls for deescalation and backs Israel’s right to defend itself, while vowing to safeguard energy market stability. But former U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to sign off. “They should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, urging dialogue. UK PM Keir Starmer warned of global consequences if tensions spiral. Germany is drafting a communique demanding Iran be barred from acquiring nuclear weapons-capable materials. Trump, meanwhile, reignited debate over Russia’s expulsion from the G7, blaming it for today’s wars and even floated adding China to the bloc. “Putin speaks to me,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to talk to anybody else.”


Netanyahu: Kill Khamenei to End War Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made his boldest claim yet: assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the war—not escalate it. “The regime is very weak,” he said, calling Iran the architect of a “forever war.” Meanwhile, the battlefield widened. Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s state-run TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, disrupting coverage. Israel says it has destroyed nearly a third of Iran’s missile launchers and gained “full aerial superiority” over Tehran. Iran responded with another barrage of 100 missiles. The death tolls are climbing—224 in Iran, 24 in Israel—and hundreds more injured. With diplomacy frozen, fears of a wider regional war are intensifying.


Boeing Faces the Heat After Air India Tragedy Four days after the deadliest air crash in India in over a decade, Boeing’s leadership flew into crisis mode. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, met with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in Gurugram. Executives from GE Aerospace, maker of the aircraft’s engines, also joined. The London-bound Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 people onboard. “This is the most heartbreaking crisis of my career,” Chandrasekaran told Air India staff, vowing to build a safer airline.With 33 Dreamliners already in its fleet and over 200 Boeing aircraft on order, Air India is at the epicenter of a global aviation reckoning. Insurance Shock: ₹39,400 Cr Claim Rocks Industry India’s biggest aviation disaster is also one of its costliest insurance events. A $475 million (₹39,400 crore) claim is expected—$125 million for aircraft damage and $350 million in liability. “This could be one of the biggest aviation claims India has ever seen,” said Ramaswamy Narayanan of GIC Re, which insured Air India. Most of the financial burden, however, will fall on global reinsurers—since Indian firms offload 95% of aviation risk. Analysts warn the reinsurance market will harden, pushing premiums up across the industry.


IFC Backs India’s Mid-Market Rise India’s mid-cap dreams just got a $60 million boost. The World Bank’s investment arm, IFC, is investing in Motilal Oswal Alternates’ fifth fund—its largest bet yet on the PE firm—with an equal amount set aside for co-investments. The India Business Excellence Fund V G aims to raise $750 million and focus on growth-stage companies in financial services, consumer, manufacturing, and life sciences—including in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. “This is a strong signal to institutional investors,” said MO Alternates CEO Vishal Tulsyan. MO Alternates has delivered a 26.8% IRR on its first fund and backed notable names like Kreditbee, SK Finance, and Niva Bupa. IFC’s backing could supercharge both credibility and capital.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 503 no India’s UPI Goes Global | Gold’s Glimmer Grows | India’s Household Savings Dip as Capex Surges Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets, Modi, Gold & Grief: A Week That Shook India Markets on Edge It was a volatile week for Indian equities. With Israel-Iran tensions escalating and Brent crude spiking over 12%, investors dumped risky assets. The Nifty 50 closed down 1.14% at 24,718, while the Sensex slipped 1.30%. Market heavyweights like HDFC Bank, Reliance, and SBI led the decline. Vinod Nair of Geojit said early optimism from US–China trade talks faded quickly. “Global risk-off sentiment took over. Safe havens like gold and US bonds rallied.”  5 Big Market Triggers This Week: Israel-Iran conflict – with US and UK now militarily involved. US Fed Meet (June 17–18) – No rate cut expected, but Powell’s tone will matter. Crude Oil Surge – Could reignite inflation, hurt margins. FPI Outflows – ₹4,812 crore pulled out in June so far. Macro Data Watch – WPI, trade numbers, Eurozone CPI, and US jobless claims on radar. Throw in the G7 summit in Canada and it’s a headline-heavy week ahead. Air India Crash: A Nation Mourns A high-level probe begins into the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash that killed 270 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787 crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. Only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived. A committee led by the Union Home Secretary has three months to recommend new aviation safety protocols. The second black box has been recovered, and DNA identification of victims is underway. Authorities praised the swift rescue response, but the nation now waits for answers. Gold’s Glimmer Grows Gold is closing in on the ₹1 lakh mark. On June 13, 24K gold hit ₹99,058 per 10g, buoyed by geopolitical fears, a soft dollar, and a weakening rupee. Experts say don’t sit this out. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi recommends gold ETFs via SIPs as a smart hedge. Devang Shah from Axis MF says more upside is possible. Meanwhile, central banks are hoarding gold amid what some call “global de-dollarization”. Gold ETF assets are up 88% year-on-year, now near ₹59,000 crore. Modi’s Global Pitch: India Means Business At the India–Cyprus CEO Forum, PM Modi showcased India’s digital and economic might. “Fifty percent of the world’s digital transactions happen through India’s UPI,” he said, adding Cyprus may soon join India’s UPI network. Fresh off a rare third-term win, Modi underlined India’s path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, with over $100 billion in annual infrastructure investment. The new Manufacturing Mission aims to turn India into a hub for electronics, semiconductors, biotech, and green tech. Maritime development, civil aviation, and startups are also key pillars. “Our 100,000+ startups sell solutions, not dreams,” Modi declared. Savings Shrink, But Capex Soars India’s gross domestic savings dropped to 30.7% of GDP in FY24, down from 32.2% in FY15. More worryingly, household savings fell to 18.1% of GDP, while household debt surged to 6.2%—almost double in a decade. But there’s a silver lining: public capital expenditure is booming. FY25 capex hit ₹10.5 trillion, and FY26 is set to hit ₹15.5 trillion, a 17% jump. April alone saw 14.3% of the Centre’s budgeted capex already deployed. Non-petroleum exports hit $374 billion in FY25, up 6%, led by electronics and pharma. Though FY26 may see a slight dip, rural demand looks solid—thanks to good agri prospects and rising wages. Urban sentiment, however, still lags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Jun 2025 03:07:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets, Modi, Gold & Grief: A Week That Shook India Markets on Edge It was a volatile week for Indian equities. With Israel-Iran tensions escalating and Brent crude spiking over 12%, investors dumped risky assets. The Nifty 50 closed down 1.14% at 24,718, while the Sensex slipped 1.30%. Market heavyweights like HDFC Bank, Reliance, and SBI led the decline. Vinod Nair of Geojit said early optimism from US–China trade talks faded quickly. “Global risk-off sentiment took over. Safe havens like gold and US bonds rallied.”  5 Big Market Triggers This Week: Israel-Iran conflict – with US and UK now militarily involved. US Fed Meet (June 17–18) – No rate cut expected, but Powell’s tone will matter. Crude Oil Surge – Could reignite inflation, hurt margins. FPI Outflows – ₹4,812 crore pulled out in June so far. Macro Data Watch – WPI, trade numbers, Eurozone CPI, and US jobless claims on radar. Throw in the G7 summit in Canada and it’s a headline-heavy week ahead. Air India Crash: A Nation Mourns A high-level probe begins into the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash that killed 270 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787 crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. Only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived. A committee led by the Union Home Secretary has three months to recommend new aviation safety protocols. The second black box has been recovered, and DNA identification of victims is underway. Authorities praised the swift rescue response, but the nation now waits for answers. Gold’s Glimmer Grows Gold is closing in on the ₹1 lakh mark. On June 13, 24K gold hit ₹99,058 per 10g, buoyed by geopolitical fears, a soft dollar, and a weakening rupee. Experts say don’t sit this out. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi recommends gold ETFs via SIPs as a smart hedge. Devang Shah from Axis MF says more upside is possible. Meanwhile, central banks are hoarding gold amid what some call “global de-dollarization”. Gold ETF assets are up 88% year-on-year, now near ₹59,000 crore. Modi’s Global Pitch: India Means Business At the India–Cyprus CEO Forum, PM Modi showcased India’s digital and economic might. “Fifty percent of the world’s digital transactions happen through India’s UPI,” he said, adding Cyprus may soon join India’s UPI network. Fresh off a rare third-term win, Modi underlined India’s path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, with over $100 billion in annual infrastructure investment. The new Manufacturing Mission aims to turn India into a hub for electronics, semiconductors, biotech, and green tech. Maritime development, civil aviation, and startups are also key pillars. “Our 100,000+ startups sell solutions, not dreams,” Modi declared. Savings Shrink, But Capex Soars India’s gross domestic savings dropped to 30.7% of GDP in FY24, down from 32.2% in FY15. More worryingly, household savings fell to 18.1% of GDP, while household debt surged to 6.2%—almost double in a decade. But there’s a silver lining: public capital expenditure is booming. FY25 capex hit ₹10.5 trillion, and FY26 is set to hit ₹15.5 trillion, a 17% jump. April alone saw 14.3% of the Centre’s budgeted capex already deployed. Non-petroleum exports hit $374 billion in FY25, up 6%, led by electronics and pharma. Though FY26 may see a slight dip, rural demand looks solid—thanks to good agri prospects and rising wages. Urban sentiment, however, still lags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Markets, Modi, Gold & Grief: A Week That Shook India



Markets on Edge

It was a volatile week for Indian equities. With Israel-Iran tensions escalating and Brent crude spiking over 12%, investors dumped risky assets. The Nifty 50 closed down 1.14% at 24,718, while the Sensex slipped 1.30%. Market heavyweights like HDFC Bank, Reliance, and SBI led the decline.

Vinod Nair of Geojit said early optimism from US–China trade talks faded quickly. “Global risk-off sentiment took over. Safe havens like gold and US bonds rallied.”

 5 Big Market Triggers This Week:

  1. Israel-Iran conflict – with US and UK now militarily involved.

  2. US Fed Meet (June 17–18) – No rate cut expected, but Powell’s tone will matter.

  3. Crude Oil Surge – Could reignite inflation, hurt margins.

  4. FPI Outflows – ₹4,812 crore pulled out in June so far.

  5. Macro Data Watch – WPI, trade numbers, Eurozone CPI, and US jobless claims on radar.

Throw in the G7 summit in Canada and it’s a headline-heavy week ahead.



Air India Crash: A Nation Mourns

A high-level probe begins into the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash that killed 270 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787 crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. Only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived.

A committee led by the Union Home Secretary has three months to recommend new aviation safety protocols. The second black box has been recovered, and DNA identification of victims is underway. Authorities praised the swift rescue response, but the nation now waits for answers.



Gold’s Glimmer Grows

Gold is closing in on the ₹1 lakh mark. On June 13, 24K gold hit ₹99,058 per 10g, buoyed by geopolitical fears, a soft dollar, and a weakening rupee.

Experts say don’t sit this out. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi recommends gold ETFs via SIPs as a smart hedge. Devang Shah from Axis MF says more upside is possible. Meanwhile, central banks are hoarding gold amid what some call “global de-dollarization”. Gold ETF assets are up 88% year-on-year, now near ₹59,000 crore.



Modi’s Global Pitch: India Means Business

At the India–Cyprus CEO Forum, PM Modi showcased India’s digital and economic might. “Fifty percent of the world’s digital transactions happen through India’s UPI,” he said, adding Cyprus may soon join India’s UPI network.

Fresh off a rare third-term win, Modi underlined India’s path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, with over $100 billion in annual infrastructure investment.

The new Manufacturing Mission aims to turn India into a hub for electronics, semiconductors, biotech, and green tech. Maritime development, civil aviation, and startups are also key pillars. “Our 100,000+ startups sell solutions, not dreams,” Modi declared.



Savings Shrink, But Capex Soars

India’s gross domestic savings dropped to 30.7% of GDP in FY24, down from 32.2% in FY15. More worryingly, household savings fell to 18.1% of GDP, while household debt surged to 6.2%—almost double in a decade.

But there’s a silver lining: public capital expenditure is booming. FY25 capex hit ₹10.5 trillion, and FY26 is set to hit ₹15.5 trillion, a 17% jump. April alone saw 14.3% of the Centre’s budgeted capex already deployed.

Non-petroleum exports hit $374 billion in FY25, up 6%, led by electronics and pharma. Though FY26 may see a slight dip, rural demand looks solid—thanks to good agri prospects and rising wages. Urban sentiment, however, still lags.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 520 no Israel Bombs Iran | Dalal Street Bleeds: ₹6 Lakh Cr Gone | EU Snubs Indian Steel | India’s Space Shield Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 🇮🇱 Israel Hits Iran, Global Tensions Soar Tehran woke up to airstrikes as Israel launched a surprise assault targeting suspected nuclear and military sites. While exact targets weren’t confirmed, smoke was seen in western Tehran. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide emergency and closed schools. This strike follows the UN nuclear watchdog censuring Iran for the first time in 20 years. Iran retaliated with plans to expand uranium enrichment. President Trump, seen mingling on the White House lawn during the strike, later admitted advising Israel to wait, citing ongoing negotiations. Brent crude prices jumped over 2%, reflecting market fears of a wider conflict. Markets Bleed: ₹6 Lakh Cr Wiped Out Thursday was brutal for Indian markets. Sensex tanked 823 points, Nifty lost 253, and midcaps & smallcaps dropped over 1.3%. The total hit to investor wealth? A whopping ₹6 lakh crore. What triggered it? Middle East tensions Confusion over the US-China trade deal Global growth fears (World Bank slashed forecasts) Rate cut doubts due to tariff turmoil Overstretched market valuations Analysts warn of more volatility ahead. EU Puts India in Steel Trouble India just got downgraded in the EU’s steel export game. From July 1, Indian steelmakers will compete in a “pooled quota” with countries like China and Vietnam for key product categories. Exceed the 12,500-tonne limit—and a 25% tariff kicks in. Meanwhile, countries like the UK, South Korea, and Türkiye get exclusive duty-free quotas. With India’s $1.83B worth of steel exports to the EU at stake—and FTA talks nearing the finish line—this move could become a crucial pressure point. India’s New Eye in the Sky India is setting up its first satellite constellation to monitor space-based threats. The ₹150 crore-a-year project will track foreign satellites potentially spying on India. It will build on ISRO’s “Netra” program but go further with real-time surveillance. The mission is being led by Bengaluru-based startup Digantara—marking India’s biggest private space defence contract yet. The system will be operational by 2026, signalling India’s growing focus on space-based national security. US Cancels Parole, Orders Mass Deportation In a major immigration policy reversal, the US has begun terminating the legal status of thousands under the CHNV parole program (for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). Work permits are revoked immediately. This comes after a Supreme Court decision greenlit the rollback. DHS claims the program lacked vetting and hurt American workers, echoing Trump’s “America First” line. But critics say it punishes law-abiding migrants who followed all protocols. Industries like construction and healthcare—already stretched—could face staffing crises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:12:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 🇮🇱 Israel Hits Iran, Global Tensions Soar Tehran woke up to airstrikes as Israel launched a surprise assault targeting suspected nuclear and military sites. While exact targets weren’t confirmed, smoke was seen in western Tehran. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide emergency and closed schools. This strike follows the UN nuclear watchdog censuring Iran for the first time in 20 years. Iran retaliated with plans to expand uranium enrichment. President Trump, seen mingling on the White House lawn during the strike, later admitted advising Israel to wait, citing ongoing negotiations. Brent crude prices jumped over 2%, reflecting market fears of a wider conflict. Markets Bleed: ₹6 Lakh Cr Wiped Out Thursday was brutal for Indian markets. Sensex tanked 823 points, Nifty lost 253, and midcaps & smallcaps dropped over 1.3%. The total hit to investor wealth? A whopping ₹6 lakh crore. What triggered it? Middle East tensions Confusion over the US-China trade deal Global growth fears (World Bank slashed forecasts) Rate cut doubts due to tariff turmoil Overstretched market valuations Analysts warn of more volatility ahead. EU Puts India in Steel Trouble India just got downgraded in the EU’s steel export game. From July 1, Indian steelmakers will compete in a “pooled quota” with countries like China and Vietnam for key product categories. Exceed the 12,500-tonne limit—and a 25% tariff kicks in. Meanwhile, countries like the UK, South Korea, and Türkiye get exclusive duty-free quotas. With India’s $1.83B worth of steel exports to the EU at stake—and FTA talks nearing the finish line—this move could become a crucial pressure point. India’s New Eye in the Sky India is setting up its first satellite constellation to monitor space-based threats. The ₹150 crore-a-year project will track foreign satellites potentially spying on India. It will build on ISRO’s “Netra” program but go further with real-time surveillance. The mission is being led by Bengaluru-based startup Digantara—marking India’s biggest private space defence contract yet. The system will be operational by 2026, signalling India’s growing focus on space-based national security. US Cancels Parole, Orders Mass Deportation In a major immigration policy reversal, the US has begun terminating the legal status of thousands under the CHNV parole program (for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). Work permits are revoked immediately. This comes after a Supreme Court decision greenlit the rollback. DHS claims the program lacked vetting and hurt American workers, echoing Trump’s “America First” line. But critics say it punishes law-abiding migrants who followed all protocols. Industries like construction and healthcare—already stretched—could face staffing crises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

🇮🇱 Israel Hits Iran, Global Tensions Soar

Tehran woke up to airstrikes as Israel launched a surprise assault targeting suspected nuclear and military sites. While exact targets weren’t confirmed, smoke was seen in western Tehran. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide emergency and closed schools.

This strike follows the UN nuclear watchdog censuring Iran for the first time in 20 years. Iran retaliated with plans to expand uranium enrichment. President Trump, seen mingling on the White House lawn during the strike, later admitted advising Israel to wait, citing ongoing negotiations. Brent crude prices jumped over 2%, reflecting market fears of a wider conflict.




Markets Bleed: ₹6 Lakh Cr Wiped Out

Thursday was brutal for Indian markets. Sensex tanked 823 points, Nifty lost 253, and midcaps & smallcaps dropped over 1.3%. The total hit to investor wealth? A whopping ₹6 lakh crore.

What triggered it?

  1. Middle East tensions

  2. Confusion over the US-China trade deal

  3. Global growth fears (World Bank slashed forecasts)

  4. Rate cut doubts due to tariff turmoil

  5. Overstretched market valuations

Analysts warn of more volatility ahead.



EU Puts India in Steel Trouble

India just got downgraded in the EU’s steel export game. From July 1, Indian steelmakers will compete in a “pooled quota” with countries like China and Vietnam for key product categories. Exceed the 12,500-tonne limit—and a 25% tariff kicks in.

Meanwhile, countries like the UK, South Korea, and Türkiye get exclusive duty-free quotas. With India’s $1.83B worth of steel exports to the EU at stake—and FTA talks nearing the finish line—this move could become a crucial pressure point.



India’s New Eye in the Sky

India is setting up its first satellite constellation to monitor space-based threats. The ₹150 crore-a-year project will track foreign satellites potentially spying on India. It will build on ISRO’s “Netra” program but go further with real-time surveillance.

The mission is being led by Bengaluru-based startup Digantara—marking India’s biggest private space defence contract yet. The system will be operational by 2026, signalling India’s growing focus on space-based national security.



US Cancels Parole, Orders Mass Deportation

In a major immigration policy reversal, the US has begun terminating the legal status of thousands under the CHNV parole program (for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). Work permits are revoked immediately.

This comes after a Supreme Court decision greenlit the rollback. DHS claims the program lacked vetting and hurt American workers, echoing Trump’s “America First” line. But critics say it punishes law-abiding migrants who followed all protocols.

Industries like construction and healthcare—already stretched—could face staffing crises.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 518 no Heatwave Crisis Delhi Hits 45°C | Duty Cut to Cool Kitchens | Indian Wheat Ban Stays Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Red Alert: North India in a Heatwave Grip North India is reeling under a severe heatwave, with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan placed under a red alert. Temperatures are soaring 5°C above normal, with Delhi’s heat index touching 45.5°C and Rajasthan’s Ganganagar hitting a blistering 48°C, the highest in the country. The India Meteorological Department blames the heat on a lack of thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic system parked over the region. Relief is expected only after June 14, with light rain and gusty winds likely to bring a 2–4°C dip. Meanwhile, the south is facing the opposite extreme—Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra are under red alert for heavy rains, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are bracing for extremely heavy downpours from June 14 to 17.  India’s Big Nuclear Bet: Small Reactors, Big Goals India’s nuclear journey just took a strategic leap—with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) leading the charge. Heavyweights like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, Indian Railways, and JSW are onboard, powering a plan to build compact 220-MWe reactors for captive industrial use. The government’s pitch: private players fund it, NPCIL runs it, and post-commissioning, the plant is handed to NPCIL for ₹1—while the user keeps the power. At least five BSRs are targeted by 2033, as India aims to scale nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Why now? Rising power needs from AI, crypto, and industrial growth demand low-carbon, stable energy. Nuclear fits the bill—and India is betting big on going small. Wheat Stays Home: India Stands by Export Ban Even with a record wheat harvest of 115.4 million tonnes expected this season, India is keeping its wheat export ban in place. In a WTO submission, the government cited food security concerns for itself and neighbouring nations. Imposed in May 2022, the ban has sharply reduced exports—from 4.7 million tonnes in FY23 to just 2,749 tonnes this fiscal. Only diplomatic and humanitarian shipments have been allowed. The government says global volatility, inflation risks, and upcoming festivals and state polls demand price stability. Critics argue it disrupts supply chains, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war hurt global grain flows. But for now, India’s wheat isn’t going anywhere.  Adani’s ₹2.5 Trillion Playbook “We only do two things—energy and logistics,” says Sagar Adani, and that’s exactly where the Adani Group is putting its money. The conglomerate plans to raise ₹2.5 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to fund a $100-billion capex spree. Even as the group navigates US investigations and controversies, it’s doubling down with ₹1.3–1.7 trillion in annual investments, largely in infrastructure and clean energy. Adani Green, copper and aluminium expansions, a planned demerger of the airports business by FY28, and a mega cement merger are all part of the game plan. With low-cost power and transport as their advantage, and 20% of India’s private capex under their belt, the Adanis are clearly not slowing down—they’re powering through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:27:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Red Alert: North India in a Heatwave Grip North India is reeling under a severe heatwave, with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan placed under a red alert. Temperatures are soaring 5°C above normal, with Delhi’s heat index touching 45.5°C and Rajasthan’s Ganganagar hitting a blistering 48°C, the highest in the country. The India Meteorological Department blames the heat on a lack of thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic system parked over the region. Relief is expected only after June 14, with light rain and gusty winds likely to bring a 2–4°C dip. Meanwhile, the south is facing the opposite extreme—Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra are under red alert for heavy rains, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are bracing for extremely heavy downpours from June 14 to 17.  India’s Big Nuclear Bet: Small Reactors, Big Goals India’s nuclear journey just took a strategic leap—with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) leading the charge. Heavyweights like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, Indian Railways, and JSW are onboard, powering a plan to build compact 220-MWe reactors for captive industrial use. The government’s pitch: private players fund it, NPCIL runs it, and post-commissioning, the plant is handed to NPCIL for ₹1—while the user keeps the power. At least five BSRs are targeted by 2033, as India aims to scale nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Why now? Rising power needs from AI, crypto, and industrial growth demand low-carbon, stable energy. Nuclear fits the bill—and India is betting big on going small. Wheat Stays Home: India Stands by Export Ban Even with a record wheat harvest of 115.4 million tonnes expected this season, India is keeping its wheat export ban in place. In a WTO submission, the government cited food security concerns for itself and neighbouring nations. Imposed in May 2022, the ban has sharply reduced exports—from 4.7 million tonnes in FY23 to just 2,749 tonnes this fiscal. Only diplomatic and humanitarian shipments have been allowed. The government says global volatility, inflation risks, and upcoming festivals and state polls demand price stability. Critics argue it disrupts supply chains, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war hurt global grain flows. But for now, India’s wheat isn’t going anywhere.  Adani’s ₹2.5 Trillion Playbook “We only do two things—energy and logistics,” says Sagar Adani, and that’s exactly where the Adani Group is putting its money. The conglomerate plans to raise ₹2.5 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to fund a $100-billion capex spree. Even as the group navigates US investigations and controversies, it’s doubling down with ₹1.3–1.7 trillion in annual investments, largely in infrastructure and clean energy. Adani Green, copper and aluminium expansions, a planned demerger of the airports business by FY28, and a mega cement merger are all part of the game plan. With low-cost power and transport as their advantage, and 20% of India’s private capex under their belt, the Adanis are clearly not slowing down—they’re powering through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Red Alert: North India in a Heatwave Grip

North India is reeling under a severe heatwave, with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan placed under a red alert. Temperatures are soaring 5°C above normal, with Delhi’s heat index touching 45.5°C and Rajasthan’s Ganganagar hitting a blistering 48°C, the highest in the country.

The India Meteorological Department blames the heat on a lack of thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic system parked over the region. Relief is expected only after June 14, with light rain and gusty winds likely to bring a 2–4°C dip.

Meanwhile, the south is facing the opposite extreme—Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra are under red alert for heavy rains, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are bracing for extremely heavy downpours from June 14 to 17.



 India’s Big Nuclear Bet: Small Reactors, Big Goals

India’s nuclear journey just took a strategic leap—with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) leading the charge. Heavyweights like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, Indian Railways, and JSW are onboard, powering a plan to build compact 220-MWe reactors for captive industrial use.

The government’s pitch: private players fund it, NPCIL runs it, and post-commissioning, the plant is handed to NPCIL for ₹1—while the user keeps the power. At least five BSRs are targeted by 2033, as India aims to scale nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW by 2047.

Why now? Rising power needs from AI, crypto, and industrial growth demand low-carbon, stable energy. Nuclear fits the bill—and India is betting big on going small.



Wheat Stays Home: India Stands by Export Ban

Even with a record wheat harvest of 115.4 million tonnes expected this season, India is keeping its wheat export ban in place. In a WTO submission, the government cited food security concerns for itself and neighbouring nations.

Imposed in May 2022, the ban has sharply reduced exports—from 4.7 million tonnes in FY23 to just 2,749 tonnes this fiscal. Only diplomatic and humanitarian shipments have been allowed.

The government says global volatility, inflation risks, and upcoming festivals and state polls demand price stability. Critics argue it disrupts supply chains, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war hurt global grain flows. But for now, India’s wheat isn’t going anywhere.



 Adani’s ₹2.5 Trillion Playbook

“We only do two things—energy and logistics,” says Sagar Adani, and that’s exactly where the Adani Group is putting its money. The conglomerate plans to raise ₹2.5 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to fund a $100-billion capex spree.

Even as the group navigates US investigations and controversies, it’s doubling down with ₹1.3–1.7 trillion in annual investments, largely in infrastructure and clean energy.

Adani Green, copper and aluminium expansions, a planned demerger of the airports business by FY28, and a mega cement merger are all part of the game plan.

With low-cost power and transport as their advantage, and 20% of India’s private capex under their belt, the Adanis are clearly not slowing down—they’re powering through.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 397 no Gaganyatri Launch Delayed | ACs May Soon Stop at 20°C | India-US Trade Talks Strain Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Gaganyatri Launch Delayed Again India’s much-anticipated moment in space will take a bit longer. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission—meant to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS—has been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak found during Falcon 9’s booster test. SpaceX confirmed the issue via X, while ISRO announced that the launch will only proceed after thorough repairs and validation tests. This is the second delay, following an earlier weather-related rescheduling. No new launch date has been set. India-US Trade Talks Hit a Roadblock Trade talks between India and the US are entering a tense final phase. The US is demanding greater access to Indian markets in dairy, agriculture, shrimp, and digital services. But India is pushing back, citing food security and rural livelihoods. With a July 8 deadline looming, paused tariffs could soon return. Dairy remains a key sticking point, with India insisting on vegetarian feed standards for US imports. Despite the friction, Indian officials say a balanced deal is still within reach. ₹5,400 Cr Boost for Battery Storage India is ramping up its clean energy game with a fresh ₹5,400 crore push for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal, the scheme aims to build 30 GWh of capacity, attracting ₹33,000 crore in investments. It builds on an earlier ₹3,700 crore initiative supporting 13.2 GWh. With peak power demand expected to hit 270 GW this summer, BESS will help stabilize the grid and support the 2070 net zero target. Undersea transmission lines to the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also in the works, with ₹90,000 crore earmarked for the project. Your AC May Soon Stop at 20°C The government plans to cap air conditioner temperatures at a minimum of 20°C as part of a national energy-saving initiative. Power Minister Manohar Lal said the new rule would apply to homes, hotels, and even cars. Air conditioners account for about 20% of peak power load. Raising the minimum temperature could save up to 3 GW during peak hours. With 100 million AC units already in use and demand rising, the move could cut ₹7.5 trillion in energy costs by 2035. RCB Sale Rumors and Parade Tragedy Just after winning their first IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found themselves in the spotlight again—this time over rumors of a $2 billion sale. Diageo, the team’s owner, denied the speculation in a filing with the BSE. But a deeper crisis unfolded on June 4, when a stampede at RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru left 11 dead and 56 injured. The tragedy has sparked criticism of event planning and crowd control. Meanwhile, India’s health ministry is pushing to curb alcohol advertising in sports, putting further pressure on Diageo’s branding strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:31:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Gaganyatri Launch Delayed Again India’s much-anticipated moment in space will take a bit longer. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission—meant to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS—has been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak found during Falcon 9’s booster test. SpaceX confirmed the issue via X, while ISRO announced that the launch will only proceed after thorough repairs and validation tests. This is the second delay, following an earlier weather-related rescheduling. No new launch date has been set. India-US Trade Talks Hit a Roadblock Trade talks between India and the US are entering a tense final phase. The US is demanding greater access to Indian markets in dairy, agriculture, shrimp, and digital services. But India is pushing back, citing food security and rural livelihoods. With a July 8 deadline looming, paused tariffs could soon return. Dairy remains a key sticking point, with India insisting on vegetarian feed standards for US imports. Despite the friction, Indian officials say a balanced deal is still within reach. ₹5,400 Cr Boost for Battery Storage India is ramping up its clean energy game with a fresh ₹5,400 crore push for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal, the scheme aims to build 30 GWh of capacity, attracting ₹33,000 crore in investments. It builds on an earlier ₹3,700 crore initiative supporting 13.2 GWh. With peak power demand expected to hit 270 GW this summer, BESS will help stabilize the grid and support the 2070 net zero target. Undersea transmission lines to the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also in the works, with ₹90,000 crore earmarked for the project. Your AC May Soon Stop at 20°C The government plans to cap air conditioner temperatures at a minimum of 20°C as part of a national energy-saving initiative. Power Minister Manohar Lal said the new rule would apply to homes, hotels, and even cars. Air conditioners account for about 20% of peak power load. Raising the minimum temperature could save up to 3 GW during peak hours. With 100 million AC units already in use and demand rising, the move could cut ₹7.5 trillion in energy costs by 2035. RCB Sale Rumors and Parade Tragedy Just after winning their first IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found themselves in the spotlight again—this time over rumors of a $2 billion sale. Diageo, the team’s owner, denied the speculation in a filing with the BSE. But a deeper crisis unfolded on June 4, when a stampede at RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru left 11 dead and 56 injured. The tragedy has sparked criticism of event planning and crowd control. Meanwhile, India’s health ministry is pushing to curb alcohol advertising in sports, putting further pressure on Diageo’s branding strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Gaganyatri Launch Delayed Again

India’s much-anticipated moment in space will take a bit longer. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission—meant to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS—has been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak found during Falcon 9’s booster test. SpaceX confirmed the issue via X, while ISRO announced that the launch will only proceed after thorough repairs and validation tests. This is the second delay, following an earlier weather-related rescheduling. No new launch date has been set.



India-US Trade Talks Hit a Roadblock

Trade talks between India and the US are entering a tense final phase. The US is demanding greater access to Indian markets in dairy, agriculture, shrimp, and digital services. But India is pushing back, citing food security and rural livelihoods. With a July 8 deadline looming, paused tariffs could soon return. Dairy remains a key sticking point, with India insisting on vegetarian feed standards for US imports. Despite the friction, Indian officials say a balanced deal is still within reach.



₹5,400 Cr Boost for Battery Storage

India is ramping up its clean energy game with a fresh ₹5,400 crore push for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal, the scheme aims to build 30 GWh of capacity, attracting ₹33,000 crore in investments. It builds on an earlier ₹3,700 crore initiative supporting 13.2 GWh. With peak power demand expected to hit 270 GW this summer, BESS will help stabilize the grid and support the 2070 net zero target. Undersea transmission lines to the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also in the works, with ₹90,000 crore earmarked for the project.



Your AC May Soon Stop at 20°C

The government plans to cap air conditioner temperatures at a minimum of 20°C as part of a national energy-saving initiative. Power Minister Manohar Lal said the new rule would apply to homes, hotels, and even cars. Air conditioners account for about 20% of peak power load. Raising the minimum temperature could save up to 3 GW during peak hours. With 100 million AC units already in use and demand rising, the move could cut ₹7.5 trillion in energy costs by 2035.



RCB Sale Rumors and Parade Tragedy

Just after winning their first IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found themselves in the spotlight again—this time over rumors of a $2 billion sale. Diageo, the team’s owner, denied the speculation in a filing with the BSE. But a deeper crisis unfolded on June 4, when a stampede at RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru left 11 dead and 56 injured. The tragedy has sparked criticism of event planning and crowd control. Meanwhile, India’s health ministry is pushing to curb alcohol advertising in sports, putting further pressure on Diageo’s branding strategies.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 464 no Repo Rate Decision Day | OpenAI Academy Debuts in India | Cognizant Bags Billion-Dollar Deal Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. RBI in the Spotlight: Will Growth Trump Caution? All eyes are on RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra today as the central bank gears up to announce its second bi-monthly policy decision of FY26. A 25 basis point cut is widely expected—bringing the repo rate down to 5.75%—marking the third straight rate reduction this year. With inflation easing within the 2–4% comfort zone, the focus shifts to fuelling India’s growth engine. The bigger test lies in Malhotra’s tone on inflation outlook, GDP expectations, and global headwinds. This policy pivot could shape the economic narrative for the rest of 2025. 2. Tesla Tanks as Trump-Musk War Escalates Tesla shares nosedived over 14%, wiping out $150 billion in value, after Elon Musk and Donald Trump clashed publicly over federal subsidies and EV policies. The tipping point? Trump’s threat to cut all government contracts with Musk’s firms, including NASA-linked SpaceX, following Musk’s claim that Trump “owes him” for the 2016 win. Investors fear political blowback could derail Tesla’s robotaxi rollout. Analyst Dan Ives warned, “If Trump hits pause on autonomy, it could delay Tesla’s next big bet.” 3. Musk Calls for Trump’s Impeachment In a dramatic twist, Musk endorsed a social media post calling for Trump’s impeachment and backed JD Vance as a replacement. Then came another bombshell: Musk claimed Trump’s name is in the unreleased Epstein files, suggesting political motives for withholding them. Responding to Trump’s threat of terminating contracts, Musk declared SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft—NASA’s key ride to the ISS. As political theatrics spiral, the tech-White House feud is now playing out on the world’s biggest stage. 4. OpenAI Academy Launches in India OpenAI has chosen India for the global rollout of its first-ever OpenAI Academy in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission. Training content will be delivered in English, Hindi, and four regional languages, alongside the IndiaAI FutureSkills portal. With India now hosting data residency for enterprise tools and 34,000 affordable GPUs available, the stage is set for inclusive AI innovation. Eleven nonprofits in India will also receive $150,000 in API credits under OpenAI’s AI for Impact Accelerator, empowering AI for social good. 5. Cognizant’s Billion-Dollar Win Signals Momentum Amid a tough deal-making climate, Cognizant has quietly clinched a $1 billion contract—likely with UnitedHealth Group—spanning renewal, expansion, and new AI-led work. This marks its second mega-deal in two months, with CEO Ravi Kumar’s Infosys-era ties to UHG’s Sandeep Dadlani possibly playing a role. With healthcare forming nearly a third of its revenue, the deal offers fresh momentum and showcases Cognizant’s edge in closing deals without formal RFPs. While rivals struggle, Cognizant may be scripting a quiet comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Jun 2025 03:16:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. RBI in the Spotlight: Will Growth Trump Caution? All eyes are on RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra today as the central bank gears up to announce its second bi-monthly policy decision of FY26. A 25 basis point cut is widely expected—bringing the repo rate down to 5.75%—marking the third straight rate reduction this year. With inflation easing within the 2–4% comfort zone, the focus shifts to fuelling India’s growth engine. The bigger test lies in Malhotra’s tone on inflation outlook, GDP expectations, and global headwinds. This policy pivot could shape the economic narrative for the rest of 2025. 2. Tesla Tanks as Trump-Musk War Escalates Tesla shares nosedived over 14%, wiping out $150 billion in value, after Elon Musk and Donald Trump clashed publicly over federal subsidies and EV policies. The tipping point? Trump’s threat to cut all government contracts with Musk’s firms, including NASA-linked SpaceX, following Musk’s claim that Trump “owes him” for the 2016 win. Investors fear political blowback could derail Tesla’s robotaxi rollout. Analyst Dan Ives warned, “If Trump hits pause on autonomy, it could delay Tesla’s next big bet.” 3. Musk Calls for Trump’s Impeachment In a dramatic twist, Musk endorsed a social media post calling for Trump’s impeachment and backed JD Vance as a replacement. Then came another bombshell: Musk claimed Trump’s name is in the unreleased Epstein files, suggesting political motives for withholding them. Responding to Trump’s threat of terminating contracts, Musk declared SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft—NASA’s key ride to the ISS. As political theatrics spiral, the tech-White House feud is now playing out on the world’s biggest stage. 4. OpenAI Academy Launches in India OpenAI has chosen India for the global rollout of its first-ever OpenAI Academy in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission. Training content will be delivered in English, Hindi, and four regional languages, alongside the IndiaAI FutureSkills portal. With India now hosting data residency for enterprise tools and 34,000 affordable GPUs available, the stage is set for inclusive AI innovation. Eleven nonprofits in India will also receive $150,000 in API credits under OpenAI’s AI for Impact Accelerator, empowering AI for social good. 5. Cognizant’s Billion-Dollar Win Signals Momentum Amid a tough deal-making climate, Cognizant has quietly clinched a $1 billion contract—likely with UnitedHealth Group—spanning renewal, expansion, and new AI-led work. This marks its second mega-deal in two months, with CEO Ravi Kumar’s Infosys-era ties to UHG’s Sandeep Dadlani possibly playing a role. With healthcare forming nearly a third of its revenue, the deal offers fresh momentum and showcases Cognizant’s edge in closing deals without formal RFPs. While rivals struggle, Cognizant may be scripting a quiet comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. RBI in the Spotlight: Will Growth Trump Caution?

All eyes are on RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra today as the central bank gears up to announce its second bi-monthly policy decision of FY26. A 25 basis point cut is widely expected—bringing the repo rate down to 5.75%—marking the third straight rate reduction this year. With inflation easing within the 2–4% comfort zone, the focus shifts to fuelling India’s growth engine. The bigger test lies in Malhotra’s tone on inflation outlook, GDP expectations, and global headwinds. This policy pivot could shape the economic narrative for the rest of 2025.



2. Tesla Tanks as Trump-Musk War Escalates

Tesla shares nosedived over 14%, wiping out $150 billion in value, after Elon Musk and Donald Trump clashed publicly over federal subsidies and EV policies. The tipping point? Trump’s threat to cut all government contracts with Musk’s firms, including NASA-linked SpaceX, following Musk’s claim that Trump “owes him” for the 2016 win. Investors fear political blowback could derail Tesla’s robotaxi rollout. Analyst Dan Ives warned, “If Trump hits pause on autonomy, it could delay Tesla’s next big bet.”



3. Musk Calls for Trump’s Impeachment

In a dramatic twist, Musk endorsed a social media post calling for Trump’s impeachment and backed JD Vance as a replacement. Then came another bombshell: Musk claimed Trump’s name is in the unreleased Epstein files, suggesting political motives for withholding them. Responding to Trump’s threat of terminating contracts, Musk declared SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft—NASA’s key ride to the ISS. As political theatrics spiral, the tech-White House feud is now playing out on the world’s biggest stage.



4. OpenAI Academy Launches in India

OpenAI has chosen India for the global rollout of its first-ever OpenAI Academy in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission. Training content will be delivered in English, Hindi, and four regional languages, alongside the IndiaAI FutureSkills portal. With India now hosting data residency for enterprise tools and 34,000 affordable GPUs available, the stage is set for inclusive AI innovation. Eleven nonprofits in India will also receive $150,000 in API credits under OpenAI’s AI for Impact Accelerator, empowering AI for social good.



5. Cognizant’s Billion-Dollar Win Signals Momentum

Amid a tough deal-making climate, Cognizant has quietly clinched a $1 billion contract—likely with UnitedHealth Group—spanning renewal, expansion, and new AI-led work. This marks its second mega-deal in two months, with CEO Ravi Kumar’s Infosys-era ties to UHG’s Sandeep Dadlani possibly playing a role. With healthcare forming nearly a third of its revenue, the deal offers fresh momentum and showcases Cognizant’s edge in closing deals without formal RFPs. While rivals struggle, Cognizant may be scripting a quiet comeback.


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]]> 464 no GST Shake-Up May Scrap 12% Slab | Amul Expands to Europe | China Blocks Rare Earth Exports to India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. China’s Magnet Freeze Jolts Indian Auto Industry India’s auto sector is on edge as China stalls rare earth magnet exports to Indian firms—even while approving shipments to other countries. These magnets, essential for EV and auto component manufacturing, are now in short supply. Major players like Bosch and Mahle have seen export approvals for their German and U.S. arms, but not for their Indian subsidiaries. Industry bodies ACMA and SIAM raised the red flag in a May 29 meeting with the heavy industries ministry, warning production could halt by July. Bajaj Auto has already sounded the alarm. With no short-term fixes, automakers may be forced to import full motors from China, undermining the ‘Make in India’ initiative and risking incentives under the PLI scheme. Experts warn this is not just a trade glitch—it’s a geopolitical chess game that needs urgent diplomatic moves. 2. Trump Bans Harvard-Bound Foreign Students In a sweeping move, Donald Trump has barred foreign students from entering the U.S. if they’re enrolled at Harvard University, citing national security concerns. This comes just weeks after a federal court blocked an earlier attempt to restrict international students. At the core of the issue is a data-sharing dispute—Washington claims Harvard failed to fully comply with requests regarding misconduct by foreign students, which the university denies. Adding fuel, an internal State Department cable has instructed embassies to scrutinize all visa applicants bound for Harvard. The message is clear: the U.S. may no longer be the academic haven it once was. 3. GST Shake-Up May Scrap 12% Slab The GST Council is eyeing a major rate revamp—eliminating the 12% tax slab and shifting to a simplified 3-tier structure: 5%, 18%, and 28%. A near consensus is forming around the idea, with officials saying the 12% slab has lost relevance. Essential goods may drop to 5%, while the rest may rise to 18%—a move that could pinch pockets if not handled carefully. Experts caution the shift must be phased, revenue-neutral, and come with clear guidance to avoid chaos. With GST collections booming—₹22 lakh crore in FY25—the timing may be ripe for reform. 4. Amul Milk Makes European Debut India’s dairy pride, Amul, has officially launched fresh milk in Spain through a partnership with leading Spanish co-op COVAP. The rollout begins in Madrid and Barcelona, and will soon expand to cities across Spain and Portugal—eventually reaching Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. At the Madrid launch, Amul MD Jayen Mehta called it a landmark in PM Modi’s vision to globalize Indian brands. COVAP’s president hailed the deal as a win-win for farmers in both nations. As the UN marks 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, this launch is symbolic of how Indian agri-brands are going global. 5. Musk Withholds $100M, Trump Ties Fray Elon Musk is making headlines again—but this time for holding back $100 million from a promised $300 million pledge to Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, reports The Wall Street Journal. The fallout reportedly began when Musk found out Trump met privately with OpenAI’s Sam Altman—Musk’s tech rival. Trump’s team even delayed an event to avoid Musk’s ire. Inside sources also claim Trump grew tired of Musk’s erratic leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing someone to monitor his moves. Tensions worsened after Musk publicly slammed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for slashing green energy funding. With Musk’s White House visits dwindling and his political capital fading, the billionaire may be quietly exiting the Trump orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:21:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. China’s Magnet Freeze Jolts Indian Auto Industry India’s auto sector is on edge as China stalls rare earth magnet exports to Indian firms—even while approving shipments to other countries. These magnets, essential for EV and auto component manufacturing, are now in short supply. Major players like Bosch and Mahle have seen export approvals for their German and U.S. arms, but not for their Indian subsidiaries. Industry bodies ACMA and SIAM raised the red flag in a May 29 meeting with the heavy industries ministry, warning production could halt by July. Bajaj Auto has already sounded the alarm. With no short-term fixes, automakers may be forced to import full motors from China, undermining the ‘Make in India’ initiative and risking incentives under the PLI scheme. Experts warn this is not just a trade glitch—it’s a geopolitical chess game that needs urgent diplomatic moves. 2. Trump Bans Harvard-Bound Foreign Students In a sweeping move, Donald Trump has barred foreign students from entering the U.S. if they’re enrolled at Harvard University, citing national security concerns. This comes just weeks after a federal court blocked an earlier attempt to restrict international students. At the core of the issue is a data-sharing dispute—Washington claims Harvard failed to fully comply with requests regarding misconduct by foreign students, which the university denies. Adding fuel, an internal State Department cable has instructed embassies to scrutinize all visa applicants bound for Harvard. The message is clear: the U.S. may no longer be the academic haven it once was. 3. GST Shake-Up May Scrap 12% Slab The GST Council is eyeing a major rate revamp—eliminating the 12% tax slab and shifting to a simplified 3-tier structure: 5%, 18%, and 28%. A near consensus is forming around the idea, with officials saying the 12% slab has lost relevance. Essential goods may drop to 5%, while the rest may rise to 18%—a move that could pinch pockets if not handled carefully. Experts caution the shift must be phased, revenue-neutral, and come with clear guidance to avoid chaos. With GST collections booming—₹22 lakh crore in FY25—the timing may be ripe for reform. 4. Amul Milk Makes European Debut India’s dairy pride, Amul, has officially launched fresh milk in Spain through a partnership with leading Spanish co-op COVAP. The rollout begins in Madrid and Barcelona, and will soon expand to cities across Spain and Portugal—eventually reaching Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. At the Madrid launch, Amul MD Jayen Mehta called it a landmark in PM Modi’s vision to globalize Indian brands. COVAP’s president hailed the deal as a win-win for farmers in both nations. As the UN marks 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, this launch is symbolic of how Indian agri-brands are going global. 5. Musk Withholds $100M, Trump Ties Fray Elon Musk is making headlines again—but this time for holding back $100 million from a promised $300 million pledge to Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, reports The Wall Street Journal. The fallout reportedly began when Musk found out Trump met privately with OpenAI’s Sam Altman—Musk’s tech rival. Trump’s team even delayed an event to avoid Musk’s ire. Inside sources also claim Trump grew tired of Musk’s erratic leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing someone to monitor his moves. Tensions worsened after Musk publicly slammed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for slashing green energy funding. With Musk’s White House visits dwindling and his political capital fading, the billionaire may be quietly exiting the Trump orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


1. China’s Magnet Freeze Jolts Indian Auto Industry

India’s auto sector is on edge as China stalls rare earth magnet exports to Indian firms—even while approving shipments to other countries. These magnets, essential for EV and auto component manufacturing, are now in short supply. Major players like Bosch and Mahle have seen export approvals for their German and U.S. arms, but not for their Indian subsidiaries.

Industry bodies ACMA and SIAM raised the red flag in a May 29 meeting with the heavy industries ministry, warning production could halt by July. Bajaj Auto has already sounded the alarm.

With no short-term fixes, automakers may be forced to import full motors from China, undermining the ‘Make in India’ initiative and risking incentives under the PLI scheme. Experts warn this is not just a trade glitch—it’s a geopolitical chess game that needs urgent diplomatic moves.



2. Trump Bans Harvard-Bound Foreign Students

In a sweeping move, Donald Trump has barred foreign students from entering the U.S. if they’re enrolled at Harvard University, citing national security concerns. This comes just weeks after a federal court blocked an earlier attempt to restrict international students.

At the core of the issue is a data-sharing dispute—Washington claims Harvard failed to fully comply with requests regarding misconduct by foreign students, which the university denies.

Adding fuel, an internal State Department cable has instructed embassies to scrutinize all visa applicants bound for Harvard. The message is clear: the U.S. may no longer be the academic haven it once was.



3. GST Shake-Up May Scrap 12% Slab

The GST Council is eyeing a major rate revamp—eliminating the 12% tax slab and shifting to a simplified 3-tier structure: 5%, 18%, and 28%. A near consensus is forming around the idea, with officials saying the 12% slab has lost relevance.

Essential goods may drop to 5%, while the rest may rise to 18%—a move that could pinch pockets if not handled carefully.

Experts caution the shift must be phased, revenue-neutral, and come with clear guidance to avoid chaos. With GST collections booming—₹22 lakh crore in FY25—the timing may be ripe for reform.



4. Amul Milk Makes European Debut

India’s dairy pride, Amul, has officially launched fresh milk in Spain through a partnership with leading Spanish co-op COVAP. The rollout begins in Madrid and Barcelona, and will soon expand to cities across Spain and Portugal—eventually reaching Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

At the Madrid launch, Amul MD Jayen Mehta called it a landmark in PM Modi’s vision to globalize Indian brands. COVAP’s president hailed the deal as a win-win for farmers in both nations.

As the UN marks 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, this launch is symbolic of how Indian agri-brands are going global.



5. Musk Withholds $100M, Trump Ties Fray

Elon Musk is making headlines again—but this time for holding back $100 million from a promised $300 million pledge to Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The fallout reportedly began when Musk found out Trump met privately with OpenAI’s Sam Altman—Musk’s tech rival. Trump’s team even delayed an event to avoid Musk’s ire.

Inside sources also claim Trump grew tired of Musk’s erratic leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing someone to monitor his moves.

Tensions worsened after Musk publicly slammed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for slashing green energy funding. With Musk’s White House visits dwindling and his political capital fading, the billionaire may be quietly exiting the Trump orbit.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 482 no IndiGo signs landmark agreement | Ola in Trouble? Investors Big Exit | Carlyle sell stake in Yes Bank | India Builds Polar Power Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. IndiGo Goes Global with Mega Airline Pact India’s largest airline IndiGo has signed a landmark agreement with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM, building a deeper network to connect India with Europe and North America. This formalized MoU, which extends beyond passengers to cargo, loyalty, and engineering, comes as IndiGo prepares to induct its first Airbus A350s in 2027. Flights to Manchester, Amsterdam, London, and Copenhagen are in the pipeline, opening up connections to 30+ European cities and beyond. Amid criticism over its short-term Turkish Airlines lease, the move hints at a future European hub—reminiscent of Jet Airways’ Amsterdam play. 2. Hyundai, Kia Exit Ola Electric Amid EV Turmoil In a major shake-up, Hyundai and Kia sold their entire stakes in Ola Electric, cashing out ₹690 crore in total. Hyundai offloaded its 2.47% stake for ₹552 crore, while Kia exited with ₹137 crore. Citigroup Global Markets picked up a 1.95% stake for ₹435 crore. The timing is critical: Ola’s stock tumbled 8% this week, down 42% year-to-date. Financials aren’t pretty either—Q4 losses hit ₹870 crore, with annual losses crossing ₹2,276 crore. Once a darling of India’s EV sector, Ola now faces regulatory heat, slumping sales, and shaken investor confidence. 3. Carlyle Trims Yes Bank Stake as Japan’s SMBC Moves In Global PE firm Carlyle sold a 2.6% stake in Yes Bank worth ₹1,775 crore, reducing its holding to 4.22%. This follows SBI and seven other banks announcing the sale of 20% of their combined stake to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for ₹13,483 crore. Once complete, SMBC will become Yes Bank’s largest shareholder. Despite a stellar performance—Q4 profit up 63% and FY25 net profit doubling to ₹2,406 crore—Yes Bank’s shares fell over 10% after Carlyle’s exit. It’s a turning point for a bank that was in crisis mode just five years ago. 4. India’s Travel Boom Needs a Louder Global Pitch India’s tourism sector is back in full swing, contributing ₹21 trillion to GDP in 2024 and supporting 46.5 million jobs. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the sector will grow to ₹42 trillion and 64 million jobs by 2035. But WTTC CEO Julia Simpson warns: India must invest in marketing and infrastructure to keep up. International visitor spend hit a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, while domestic travel surged to ₹15.5 trillion. However, India’s global marketing spend remains worryingly low at just ₹3 crore. A new WTTC-India MoU could help raise India’s global visibility. 5. India to Build First Polar Research Vessel In a landmark move, India will build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV), thanks to a new partnership between GRSE and Norway’s Kongsberg. The vessel, to be built in Kolkata, will support deep polar and ocean research for India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. This comes alongside plans for two ₹1,000 crore deep-sea exploration vessels as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. Each vessel will be equipped for 6 km-deep explorations with cutting-edge scientific gear. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on a maritime diplomacy trip to Norway, pitched India as a global hub for green and resilient shipbuilding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. IndiGo Goes Global with Mega Airline Pact India’s largest airline IndiGo has signed a landmark agreement with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM, building a deeper network to connect India with Europe and North America. This formalized MoU, which extends beyond passengers to cargo, loyalty, and engineering, comes as IndiGo prepares to induct its first Airbus A350s in 2027. Flights to Manchester, Amsterdam, London, and Copenhagen are in the pipeline, opening up connections to 30+ European cities and beyond. Amid criticism over its short-term Turkish Airlines lease, the move hints at a future European hub—reminiscent of Jet Airways’ Amsterdam play. 2. Hyundai, Kia Exit Ola Electric Amid EV Turmoil In a major shake-up, Hyundai and Kia sold their entire stakes in Ola Electric, cashing out ₹690 crore in total. Hyundai offloaded its 2.47% stake for ₹552 crore, while Kia exited with ₹137 crore. Citigroup Global Markets picked up a 1.95% stake for ₹435 crore. The timing is critical: Ola’s stock tumbled 8% this week, down 42% year-to-date. Financials aren’t pretty either—Q4 losses hit ₹870 crore, with annual losses crossing ₹2,276 crore. Once a darling of India’s EV sector, Ola now faces regulatory heat, slumping sales, and shaken investor confidence. 3. Carlyle Trims Yes Bank Stake as Japan’s SMBC Moves In Global PE firm Carlyle sold a 2.6% stake in Yes Bank worth ₹1,775 crore, reducing its holding to 4.22%. This follows SBI and seven other banks announcing the sale of 20% of their combined stake to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for ₹13,483 crore. Once complete, SMBC will become Yes Bank’s largest shareholder. Despite a stellar performance—Q4 profit up 63% and FY25 net profit doubling to ₹2,406 crore—Yes Bank’s shares fell over 10% after Carlyle’s exit. It’s a turning point for a bank that was in crisis mode just five years ago. 4. India’s Travel Boom Needs a Louder Global Pitch India’s tourism sector is back in full swing, contributing ₹21 trillion to GDP in 2024 and supporting 46.5 million jobs. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the sector will grow to ₹42 trillion and 64 million jobs by 2035. But WTTC CEO Julia Simpson warns: India must invest in marketing and infrastructure to keep up. International visitor spend hit a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, while domestic travel surged to ₹15.5 trillion. However, India’s global marketing spend remains worryingly low at just ₹3 crore. A new WTTC-India MoU could help raise India’s global visibility. 5. India to Build First Polar Research Vessel In a landmark move, India will build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV), thanks to a new partnership between GRSE and Norway’s Kongsberg. The vessel, to be built in Kolkata, will support deep polar and ocean research for India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. This comes alongside plans for two ₹1,000 crore deep-sea exploration vessels as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. Each vessel will be equipped for 6 km-deep explorations with cutting-edge scientific gear. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on a maritime diplomacy trip to Norway, pitched India as a global hub for green and resilient shipbuilding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.



1. IndiGo Goes Global with Mega Airline Pact

India’s largest airline IndiGo has signed a landmark agreement with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM, building a deeper network to connect India with Europe and North America. This formalized MoU, which extends beyond passengers to cargo, loyalty, and engineering, comes as IndiGo prepares to induct its first Airbus A350s in 2027. Flights to Manchester, Amsterdam, London, and Copenhagen are in the pipeline, opening up connections to 30+ European cities and beyond. Amid criticism over its short-term Turkish Airlines lease, the move hints at a future European hub—reminiscent of Jet Airways’ Amsterdam play.

2. Hyundai, Kia Exit Ola Electric Amid EV Turmoil

In a major shake-up, Hyundai and Kia sold their entire stakes in Ola Electric, cashing out ₹690 crore in total. Hyundai offloaded its 2.47% stake for ₹552 crore, while Kia exited with ₹137 crore. Citigroup Global Markets picked up a 1.95% stake for ₹435 crore. The timing is critical: Ola’s stock tumbled 8% this week, down 42% year-to-date. Financials aren’t pretty either—Q4 losses hit ₹870 crore, with annual losses crossing ₹2,276 crore. Once a darling of India’s EV sector, Ola now faces regulatory heat, slumping sales, and shaken investor confidence.

3. Carlyle Trims Yes Bank Stake as Japan’s SMBC Moves In

Global PE firm Carlyle sold a 2.6% stake in Yes Bank worth ₹1,775 crore, reducing its holding to 4.22%. This follows SBI and seven other banks announcing the sale of 20% of their combined stake to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for ₹13,483 crore. Once complete, SMBC will become Yes Bank’s largest shareholder. Despite a stellar performance—Q4 profit up 63% and FY25 net profit doubling to ₹2,406 crore—Yes Bank’s shares fell over 10% after Carlyle’s exit. It’s a turning point for a bank that was in crisis mode just five years ago.

4. India’s Travel Boom Needs a Louder Global Pitch

India’s tourism sector is back in full swing, contributing ₹21 trillion to GDP in 2024 and supporting 46.5 million jobs. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the sector will grow to ₹42 trillion and 64 million jobs by 2035. But WTTC CEO Julia Simpson warns: India must invest in marketing and infrastructure to keep up. International visitor spend hit a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, while domestic travel surged to ₹15.5 trillion. However, India’s global marketing spend remains worryingly low at just ₹3 crore. A new WTTC-India MoU could help raise India’s global visibility.

5. India to Build First Polar Research Vessel

In a landmark move, India will build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV), thanks to a new partnership between GRSE and Norway’s Kongsberg. The vessel, to be built in Kolkata, will support deep polar and ocean research for India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. This comes alongside plans for two ₹1,000 crore deep-sea exploration vessels as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. Each vessel will be equipped for 6 km-deep explorations with cutting-edge scientific gear. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on a maritime diplomacy trip to Norway, pitched India as a global hub for green and resilient shipbuilding.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 544 no Adani Under Scrutiny | 2000+ Aircrafts ordered: PM Modi | Infosys CEO’s ₹80 Cr Payday Raises Eyebrows Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 🚨 Adani in the Hot Seat—Again Gautam Adani is once more facing legal heat—this time from the U.S. Justice Department. The Wall Street Journal reports that Adani Group is under investigation for potentially importing Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its Mundra port, possibly violating U.S. sanctions. Suspicious tanker movements from the Persian Gulf to Gujarat have drawn scrutiny. Adani Group denies any wrongdoing, stating there’s been no deliberate sanctions evasion nor awareness of a U.S. probe. Earlier this year, U.S. prosecutors also alleged that Gautam Adani and his nephew were involved in bribery and misleading investors—claims the group calls “baseless.” If these new allegations hold, secondary sanctions could escalate Adani’s troubles on the global stage. 💸 Infosys CEO’s ₹80 Cr Payday Raises Eyebrows Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys, took home ₹80.62 crore last year—a 22% jump. Of this, ₹49.5 crore came from cashed-in shares. That places him just behind HCLTech’s C. Vijayakumar in India’s IT pay leaderboard. However, while leadership is being richly rewarded, the average Infosys employee got a 9.63% raise—and TCS employees, just 7.5%. As Chairman Nandan Nilekani put it, “We are in an era of uncertainty.” With shrinking deals and slowing growth, companies are betting big on proven leaders. ✈️ India’s Aviation Sector Soars with 2,000+ Jet Orders India’s aviation market is flying high. Speaking at the IATA AGM in Dubai, PM Narendra Modi said Indian carriers have placed orders for more than 2,000 aircraft. Calling it “just the beginning of a transformative journey,” Modi highlighted India’s leap from 74 airports in 2014 to 162 today. Passenger numbers have surged to 240 million annually—and could hit 500 million by 2030. Key to this growth? The UDAN scheme, which has made flying accessible to over 15 million citizens. Modi positioned India as an investment-ready aviation hub backed by reforms and robust demand. 🌍 India Inc Goes Shopping Abroad India Inc is looking global. JP Morgan says Indian companies are ramping up overseas acquisitions, backed by strong balance sheets and high market valuations. “Listed securities are a valuable currency,” says JP Morgan’s Nitin Maheshwari. Big deals are already rolling in—Infosys bought two tech firms in Australia and the U.S., Intas Pharma snapped up U.S.-based Coherus Biosciences for $558 million, and Ceat acquired Camso for $200 million. The next hotspots? Manufacturing, auto components, and specialty chemicals. As global supply chains realign, Indian firms are poised to plug the gaps—with capital, tech, and ambition. 🏦 Hindujas Eye Bigger Stake in IndusInd Bank The Hinduja Group is plotting a deeper play in IndusInd Bank. Its holding firm, IIHL, is in talks with global funds to raise capital and boost its stake from 15% to 26%. The raise will also help repay debt from its ₹9,650 crore Reliance Capital acquisition earlier this year. This comes as IndusInd Bank deals with a ₹2,100 crore derivatives accounting mess, the exit of top leadership, and a 9% drop in share price. Chairman Ashok Hinduja calls it “an opportune time” to increase ownership. With RBI’s nod already secured, the group is readying for a bold move—putting its own skin in the game to stabilize sentiment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:02:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 🚨 Adani in the Hot Seat—Again Gautam Adani is once more facing legal heat—this time from the U.S. Justice Department. The Wall Street Journal reports that Adani Group is under investigation for potentially importing Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its Mundra port, possibly violating U.S. sanctions. Suspicious tanker movements from the Persian Gulf to Gujarat have drawn scrutiny. Adani Group denies any wrongdoing, stating there’s been no deliberate sanctions evasion nor awareness of a U.S. probe. Earlier this year, U.S. prosecutors also alleged that Gautam Adani and his nephew were involved in bribery and misleading investors—claims the group calls “baseless.” If these new allegations hold, secondary sanctions could escalate Adani’s troubles on the global stage. 💸 Infosys CEO’s ₹80 Cr Payday Raises Eyebrows Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys, took home ₹80.62 crore last year—a 22% jump. Of this, ₹49.5 crore came from cashed-in shares. That places him just behind HCLTech’s C. Vijayakumar in India’s IT pay leaderboard. However, while leadership is being richly rewarded, the average Infosys employee got a 9.63% raise—and TCS employees, just 7.5%. As Chairman Nandan Nilekani put it, “We are in an era of uncertainty.” With shrinking deals and slowing growth, companies are betting big on proven leaders. ✈️ India’s Aviation Sector Soars with 2,000+ Jet Orders India’s aviation market is flying high. Speaking at the IATA AGM in Dubai, PM Narendra Modi said Indian carriers have placed orders for more than 2,000 aircraft. Calling it “just the beginning of a transformative journey,” Modi highlighted India’s leap from 74 airports in 2014 to 162 today. Passenger numbers have surged to 240 million annually—and could hit 500 million by 2030. Key to this growth? The UDAN scheme, which has made flying accessible to over 15 million citizens. Modi positioned India as an investment-ready aviation hub backed by reforms and robust demand. 🌍 India Inc Goes Shopping Abroad India Inc is looking global. JP Morgan says Indian companies are ramping up overseas acquisitions, backed by strong balance sheets and high market valuations. “Listed securities are a valuable currency,” says JP Morgan’s Nitin Maheshwari. Big deals are already rolling in—Infosys bought two tech firms in Australia and the U.S., Intas Pharma snapped up U.S.-based Coherus Biosciences for $558 million, and Ceat acquired Camso for $200 million. The next hotspots? Manufacturing, auto components, and specialty chemicals. As global supply chains realign, Indian firms are poised to plug the gaps—with capital, tech, and ambition. 🏦 Hindujas Eye Bigger Stake in IndusInd Bank The Hinduja Group is plotting a deeper play in IndusInd Bank. Its holding firm, IIHL, is in talks with global funds to raise capital and boost its stake from 15% to 26%. The raise will also help repay debt from its ₹9,650 crore Reliance Capital acquisition earlier this year. This comes as IndusInd Bank deals with a ₹2,100 crore derivatives accounting mess, the exit of top leadership, and a 9% drop in share price. Chairman Ashok Hinduja calls it “an opportune time” to increase ownership. With RBI’s nod already secured, the group is readying for a bold move—putting its own skin in the game to stabilize sentiment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.



🚨 Adani in the Hot Seat—Again

Gautam Adani is once more facing legal heat—this time from the U.S. Justice Department. The Wall Street Journal reports that Adani Group is under investigation for potentially importing Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its Mundra port, possibly violating U.S. sanctions. Suspicious tanker movements from the Persian Gulf to Gujarat have drawn scrutiny.

Adani Group denies any wrongdoing, stating there’s been no deliberate sanctions evasion nor awareness of a U.S. probe. Earlier this year, U.S. prosecutors also alleged that Gautam Adani and his nephew were involved in bribery and misleading investors—claims the group calls “baseless.”

If these new allegations hold, secondary sanctions could escalate Adani’s troubles on the global stage.



💸 Infosys CEO’s ₹80 Cr Payday Raises Eyebrows

Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys, took home ₹80.62 crore last year—a 22% jump. Of this, ₹49.5 crore came from cashed-in shares. That places him just behind HCLTech’s C. Vijayakumar in India’s IT pay leaderboard.

However, while leadership is being richly rewarded, the average Infosys employee got a 9.63% raise—and TCS employees, just 7.5%. As Chairman Nandan Nilekani put it, “We are in an era of uncertainty.” With shrinking deals and slowing growth, companies are betting big on proven leaders.



✈️ India’s Aviation Sector Soars with 2,000+ Jet Orders

India’s aviation market is flying high. Speaking at the IATA AGM in Dubai, PM Narendra Modi said Indian carriers have placed orders for more than 2,000 aircraft. Calling it “just the beginning of a transformative journey,” Modi highlighted India’s leap from 74 airports in 2014 to 162 today.

Passenger numbers have surged to 240 million annually—and could hit 500 million by 2030. Key to this growth? The UDAN scheme, which has made flying accessible to over 15 million citizens. Modi positioned India as an investment-ready aviation hub backed by reforms and robust demand.



🌍 India Inc Goes Shopping Abroad

India Inc is looking global. JP Morgan says Indian companies are ramping up overseas acquisitions, backed by strong balance sheets and high market valuations. “Listed securities are a valuable currency,” says JP Morgan’s Nitin Maheshwari.

Big deals are already rolling in—Infosys bought two tech firms in Australia and the U.S., Intas Pharma snapped up U.S.-based Coherus Biosciences for $558 million, and Ceat acquired Camso for $200 million. The next hotspots? Manufacturing, auto components, and specialty chemicals.

As global supply chains realign, Indian firms are poised to plug the gaps—with capital, tech, and ambition.



🏦 Hindujas Eye Bigger Stake in IndusInd Bank

The Hinduja Group is plotting a deeper play in IndusInd Bank. Its holding firm, IIHL, is in talks with global funds to raise capital and boost its stake from 15% to 26%. The raise will also help repay debt from its ₹9,650 crore Reliance Capital acquisition earlier this year.

This comes as IndusInd Bank deals with a ₹2,100 crore derivatives accounting mess, the exit of top leadership, and a 9% drop in share price. Chairman Ashok Hinduja calls it “an opportune time” to increase ownership.

With RBI’s nod already secured, the group is readying for a bold move—putting its own skin in the game to stabilize sentiment.


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]]> 509 no Markets Open Flat, RBI in Focus | Rupee Rises on Growth | NMDC’s ₹70,000 Cr Global Mining Blitz Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Flat Start for Markets, All Eyes on RBI Indian markets are bracing for a cautious open this Monday. Global cues are mixed—Japan’s Nikkei and Topix dipped, while US indices closed steady after clocking their best monthly gains since Nov 2023. Gift Nifty hints at a flat open. The big domestic trigger? The RBI’s monetary policy decision on Friday, with markets pricing in a 25-bps rate cut. Investors will also track May auto sales, foreign fund flows, and the fallout from Trump’s move to double US steel tariffs to 50%. India’s GDP grew 7.4% in Q4, even as FY25 growth slowed to 6.5%. GST collections stayed strong at ₹2 lakh crore+, and crude oil prices are heating up again. “Stay diversified,” says PL Capital’s Vikram Kasat. “Macro resilience is intact, but global uncertainty looms.” 🛠️ US-India Metal Clash Intensifies It’s steel vs steel. On May 9, India notified the WTO of its intent to hit back at US tariffs on metals. Washington’s response? “These aren’t safeguard tariffs—they’re national security measures.” With no scope for talks, the US doubled its steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% starting June 4. India exported $4.56 billion worth of metal products to the US in FY25—now at risk. Retaliation could come via higher duties on US almonds, walnuts, and metals. A first-phase bilateral trade deal could still soften the blow—but for now, tensions are high. “If the US won’t play ball, tariffs are coming,” say trade insiders. 💹 Rupee May Rise on Growth Surprise, Rate Cut Buzz The Indian rupee could see a boost this week, helped by stronger-than-expected Q4 GDP and a widely anticipated RBI rate cut. Markets expect a 25-bps cut to 5.75%. MUFG says inflation remains in check, with CPI forecast to stay below 4%, giving the central bank room to ease. Bond markets are already moving—5-year yields continue to outperform, showing “extreme bullish positioning,” according to IndiaBonds’ Vishal Goenka. But globally, Trump’s tariff blitz and upcoming US jobs data could stir fresh volatility. The rupee is expected to hover between 84.80–86 in the near term. ⛏️ NMDC Bets ₹70,000 Cr on Mining Expansion State-owned mining giant NMDC is going global and going big—with a ₹70,000 crore capex push over the next three years. CMD Amitava Mukherjee says the firm will explore 10 minerals including lithium, cobalt, and gold across Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America. ₹43,000 crore worth of projects are already in the pipeline, with another ₹30,000 crore to be cleared this fiscal. Domestically, NMDC is building slurry pipelines and expanding operations in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The company is also setting up a new international subsidiary at GIFT City in Gujarat to anchor its global ventures. It aims to generate at least 10% of revenue from non-iron ore and overseas operations. “We’re agnostic about the model,” says Mukherjee. “JVs, equity, acquisitions—everything’s on the table.” ☁️ Sovereign Cloud: India’s New Digital Gold Rush India is going full steam ahead on digital self-reliance—and sovereign cloud services are at the heart of it. Tech giants like TCS and Google India are leading the race, with offerings that keep all data, processing, and infrastructure entirely within Indian borders. TCS has launched its fully indigenous SovereignSecure Cloud, while Google is hosting sensitive workloads on its Google Distributed Cloud, featuring Gemini AI—all within India. Early adopters like Ayushman Bharat, EPFO, Passport Seva, and UIDAI are setting the pace. Individual contracts may be modest at $2–5 million annually, but over the next five years, this could balloon into a multi-billion-dollar market. “This isn’t about replacing global giants,” says a govt official. “But for ultra-sensitive data, sovereign is the future.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:29:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Flat Start for Markets, All Eyes on RBI Indian markets are bracing for a cautious open this Monday. Global cues are mixed—Japan’s Nikkei and Topix dipped, while US indices closed steady after clocking their best monthly gains since Nov 2023. Gift Nifty hints at a flat open. The big domestic trigger? The RBI’s monetary policy decision on Friday, with markets pricing in a 25-bps rate cut. Investors will also track May auto sales, foreign fund flows, and the fallout from Trump’s move to double US steel tariffs to 50%. India’s GDP grew 7.4% in Q4, even as FY25 growth slowed to 6.5%. GST collections stayed strong at ₹2 lakh crore+, and crude oil prices are heating up again. “Stay diversified,” says PL Capital’s Vikram Kasat. “Macro resilience is intact, but global uncertainty looms.” 🛠️ US-India Metal Clash Intensifies It’s steel vs steel. On May 9, India notified the WTO of its intent to hit back at US tariffs on metals. Washington’s response? “These aren’t safeguard tariffs—they’re national security measures.” With no scope for talks, the US doubled its steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% starting June 4. India exported $4.56 billion worth of metal products to the US in FY25—now at risk. Retaliation could come via higher duties on US almonds, walnuts, and metals. A first-phase bilateral trade deal could still soften the blow—but for now, tensions are high. “If the US won’t play ball, tariffs are coming,” say trade insiders. 💹 Rupee May Rise on Growth Surprise, Rate Cut Buzz The Indian rupee could see a boost this week, helped by stronger-than-expected Q4 GDP and a widely anticipated RBI rate cut. Markets expect a 25-bps cut to 5.75%. MUFG says inflation remains in check, with CPI forecast to stay below 4%, giving the central bank room to ease. Bond markets are already moving—5-year yields continue to outperform, showing “extreme bullish positioning,” according to IndiaBonds’ Vishal Goenka. But globally, Trump’s tariff blitz and upcoming US jobs data could stir fresh volatility. The rupee is expected to hover between 84.80–86 in the near term. ⛏️ NMDC Bets ₹70,000 Cr on Mining Expansion State-owned mining giant NMDC is going global and going big—with a ₹70,000 crore capex push over the next three years. CMD Amitava Mukherjee says the firm will explore 10 minerals including lithium, cobalt, and gold across Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America. ₹43,000 crore worth of projects are already in the pipeline, with another ₹30,000 crore to be cleared this fiscal. Domestically, NMDC is building slurry pipelines and expanding operations in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The company is also setting up a new international subsidiary at GIFT City in Gujarat to anchor its global ventures. It aims to generate at least 10% of revenue from non-iron ore and overseas operations. “We’re agnostic about the model,” says Mukherjee. “JVs, equity, acquisitions—everything’s on the table.” ☁️ Sovereign Cloud: India’s New Digital Gold Rush India is going full steam ahead on digital self-reliance—and sovereign cloud services are at the heart of it. Tech giants like TCS and Google India are leading the race, with offerings that keep all data, processing, and infrastructure entirely within Indian borders. TCS has launched its fully indigenous SovereignSecure Cloud, while Google is hosting sensitive workloads on its Google Distributed Cloud, featuring Gemini AI—all within India. Early adopters like Ayushman Bharat, EPFO, Passport Seva, and UIDAI are setting the pace. Individual contracts may be modest at $2–5 million annually, but over the next five years, this could balloon into a multi-billion-dollar market. “This isn’t about replacing global giants,” says a govt official. “But for ultra-sensitive data, sovereign is the future.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Flat Start for Markets, All Eyes on RBI

Indian markets are bracing for a cautious open this Monday. Global cues are mixed—Japan’s Nikkei and Topix dipped, while US indices closed steady after clocking their best monthly gains since Nov 2023. Gift Nifty hints at a flat open.

The big domestic trigger? The RBI’s monetary policy decision on Friday, with markets pricing in a 25-bps rate cut. Investors will also track May auto sales, foreign fund flows, and the fallout from Trump’s move to double US steel tariffs to 50%.

India’s GDP grew 7.4% in Q4, even as FY25 growth slowed to 6.5%. GST collections stayed strong at ₹2 lakh crore+, and crude oil prices are heating up again.

“Stay diversified,” says PL Capital’s Vikram Kasat. “Macro resilience is intact, but global uncertainty looms.”



🛠️ US-India Metal Clash Intensifies

It’s steel vs steel. On May 9, India notified the WTO of its intent to hit back at US tariffs on metals. Washington’s response? “These aren’t safeguard tariffs—they’re national security measures.” With no scope for talks, the US doubled its steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% starting June 4.

India exported $4.56 billion worth of metal products to the US in FY25—now at risk. Retaliation could come via higher duties on US almonds, walnuts, and metals. A first-phase bilateral trade deal could still soften the blow—but for now, tensions are high.

“If the US won’t play ball, tariffs are coming,” say trade insiders.



💹 Rupee May Rise on Growth Surprise, Rate Cut Buzz

The Indian rupee could see a boost this week, helped by stronger-than-expected Q4 GDP and a widely anticipated RBI rate cut. Markets expect a 25-bps cut to 5.75%.

MUFG says inflation remains in check, with CPI forecast to stay below 4%, giving the central bank room to ease. Bond markets are already moving—5-year yields continue to outperform, showing “extreme bullish positioning,” according to IndiaBonds’ Vishal Goenka.

But globally, Trump’s tariff blitz and upcoming US jobs data could stir fresh volatility. The rupee is expected to hover between 84.80–86 in the near term.



⛏️ NMDC Bets ₹70,000 Cr on Mining Expansion

State-owned mining giant NMDC is going global and going big—with a ₹70,000 crore capex push over the next three years. CMD Amitava Mukherjee says the firm will explore 10 minerals including lithium, cobalt, and gold across Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America.

₹43,000 crore worth of projects are already in the pipeline, with another ₹30,000 crore to be cleared this fiscal. Domestically, NMDC is building slurry pipelines and expanding operations in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

The company is also setting up a new international subsidiary at GIFT City in Gujarat to anchor its global ventures. It aims to generate at least 10% of revenue from non-iron ore and overseas operations.

“We’re agnostic about the model,” says Mukherjee. “JVs, equity, acquisitions—everything’s on the table.”



☁️ Sovereign Cloud: India’s New Digital Gold Rush

India is going full steam ahead on digital self-reliance—and sovereign cloud services are at the heart of it. Tech giants like TCS and Google India are leading the race, with offerings that keep all data, processing, and infrastructure entirely within Indian borders.

TCS has launched its fully indigenous SovereignSecure Cloud, while Google is hosting sensitive workloads on its Google Distributed Cloud, featuring Gemini AI—all within India.

Early adopters like Ayushman Bharat, EPFO, Passport Seva, and UIDAI are setting the pace. Individual contracts may be modest at $2–5 million annually, but over the next five years, this could balloon into a multi-billion-dollar market.

“This isn’t about replacing global giants,” says a govt official. “But for ultra-sensitive data, sovereign is the future.”


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 513 no Mild Covid Surge Triggers Fresh Alerts | India-US Deal Nearing | Trump Tariffs Stay—for Now Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India’s Growth Engine Still Roaring, Says RBI The Reserve Bank of India’s annual report is cautiously optimistic. It warns of global headwinds—rising input costs, protectionist trade policies, and tariff risks—but says India remains the fastest-growing major economy. Domestic demand, strong exports, and a thriving farm sector powered momentum in FY25. Inflation eased to a six-year low of 3.16% in April, raising expectations of a 25 bps repo rate cut in June. Forex reserves are healthy, fiscal discipline is holding, and public capex continues to drive growth. On the radar: stress tests, cyber risk reviews, and climate risk evaluations for banks and NBFCs. A record ₹2.69 trillion surplus transfer to the Centre also boosted RBI’s balance sheet credibility. Bottom line? Global chaos may persist, but India’s economic engine looks well-fueled and storm-ready. Covid Creeps Back, But Experts Say: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed With new Covid variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 emerging, and over 1,000 active cases reported across cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, India is reactivating its Covid response. A high-level panel is reviewing vaccine stocks, testing readiness, and hospital capacity. Experts say the virus is currently mild. Hybrid immunity—vaccine plus natural infection—is widespread, and booster doses aren’t necessary for most. But vaccine makers are being urged to update formulations in case a new, more dangerous variant emerges. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and other health leaders advise vigilance over panic. WHO hasn’t flagged the variants as serious threats. For now, the focus is on monitoring—not mass vaccinations. India, US Sprint to Seal Trade Deal Before Tariff Clock Expires India and the US are racing to close a long-pending bilateral trade pact before a crucial 8 July deadline, when Trump-era reciprocal tariffs could make a comeback. American negotiators arrive in Delhi next week for what could be the final round. India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal said this deal is a strategic play—not just about tariff relief. It covers agriculture, autos, digital trade, and market access, with potential to reframe global supply chains. Even though a US court recently ruled Trump’s baseline tariffs illegal, India is pressing on, seeing the agreement as key to long-term trade stability and its $30 trillion economic ambition by 2047. Sebi Tightens the Screws on F&O Market Risk Come 1 July, Sebi is rolling out sweeping reforms in the equity derivatives market. The big change? A smarter, risk-sensitive metric called delta-adjusted open interest. This will offer a clearer view of traders’ exposure based on price movements of underlying assets. Limits are being introduced—₹1,500 crore net exposure and ₹10,000 crore gross—for index options. For single-stock derivatives, Sebi is tying position limits to cash market liquidity starting October. Retail traders lost ₹1.89 trillion in F&O bets between FY22 and FY24, prompting Sebi to act. With earlier steps like raising lot sizes and capping weekly expiries already in motion, the message is clear: the F&O free-for-all is ending. Trade smart—or step aside. Trump’s Tariffs Get Court Stay—For Now Donald Trump’s controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs live to see another day. A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the former US president to keep imposing broad-based tariffs under emergency powers, despite a lower court ruling that declared them illegal. The court cited national security concerns, giving the Trump team more time to fight the legal challenge. Critics argue the tariffs were arbitrary, hurting global trade and spooking markets. White House adviser Peter Navarro insists the administration will push on—via courts or alternative methods. “It’s not over,” he said. “We have other tools.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 May 2025 00:44:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India’s Growth Engine Still Roaring, Says RBI The Reserve Bank of India’s annual report is cautiously optimistic. It warns of global headwinds—rising input costs, protectionist trade policies, and tariff risks—but says India remains the fastest-growing major economy. Domestic demand, strong exports, and a thriving farm sector powered momentum in FY25. Inflation eased to a six-year low of 3.16% in April, raising expectations of a 25 bps repo rate cut in June. Forex reserves are healthy, fiscal discipline is holding, and public capex continues to drive growth. On the radar: stress tests, cyber risk reviews, and climate risk evaluations for banks and NBFCs. A record ₹2.69 trillion surplus transfer to the Centre also boosted RBI’s balance sheet credibility. Bottom line? Global chaos may persist, but India’s economic engine looks well-fueled and storm-ready. Covid Creeps Back, But Experts Say: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed With new Covid variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 emerging, and over 1,000 active cases reported across cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, India is reactivating its Covid response. A high-level panel is reviewing vaccine stocks, testing readiness, and hospital capacity. Experts say the virus is currently mild. Hybrid immunity—vaccine plus natural infection—is widespread, and booster doses aren’t necessary for most. But vaccine makers are being urged to update formulations in case a new, more dangerous variant emerges. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and other health leaders advise vigilance over panic. WHO hasn’t flagged the variants as serious threats. For now, the focus is on monitoring—not mass vaccinations. India, US Sprint to Seal Trade Deal Before Tariff Clock Expires India and the US are racing to close a long-pending bilateral trade pact before a crucial 8 July deadline, when Trump-era reciprocal tariffs could make a comeback. American negotiators arrive in Delhi next week for what could be the final round. India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal said this deal is a strategic play—not just about tariff relief. It covers agriculture, autos, digital trade, and market access, with potential to reframe global supply chains. Even though a US court recently ruled Trump’s baseline tariffs illegal, India is pressing on, seeing the agreement as key to long-term trade stability and its $30 trillion economic ambition by 2047. Sebi Tightens the Screws on F&O Market Risk Come 1 July, Sebi is rolling out sweeping reforms in the equity derivatives market. The big change? A smarter, risk-sensitive metric called delta-adjusted open interest. This will offer a clearer view of traders’ exposure based on price movements of underlying assets. Limits are being introduced—₹1,500 crore net exposure and ₹10,000 crore gross—for index options. For single-stock derivatives, Sebi is tying position limits to cash market liquidity starting October. Retail traders lost ₹1.89 trillion in F&O bets between FY22 and FY24, prompting Sebi to act. With earlier steps like raising lot sizes and capping weekly expiries already in motion, the message is clear: the F&O free-for-all is ending. Trade smart—or step aside. Trump’s Tariffs Get Court Stay—For Now Donald Trump’s controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs live to see another day. A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the former US president to keep imposing broad-based tariffs under emergency powers, despite a lower court ruling that declared them illegal. The court cited national security concerns, giving the Trump team more time to fight the legal challenge. Critics argue the tariffs were arbitrary, hurting global trade and spooking markets. White House adviser Peter Navarro insists the administration will push on—via courts or alternative methods. “It’s not over,” he said. “We have other tools.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


India’s Growth Engine Still Roaring, Says RBI

The Reserve Bank of India’s annual report is cautiously optimistic. It warns of global headwinds—rising input costs, protectionist trade policies, and tariff risks—but says India remains the fastest-growing major economy. Domestic demand, strong exports, and a thriving farm sector powered momentum in FY25. Inflation eased to a six-year low of 3.16% in April, raising expectations of a 25 bps repo rate cut in June.

Forex reserves are healthy, fiscal discipline is holding, and public capex continues to drive growth. On the radar: stress tests, cyber risk reviews, and climate risk evaluations for banks and NBFCs. A record ₹2.69 trillion surplus transfer to the Centre also boosted RBI’s balance sheet credibility.

Bottom line? Global chaos may persist, but India’s economic engine looks well-fueled and storm-ready.




Covid Creeps Back, But Experts Say: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed

With new Covid variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 emerging, and over 1,000 active cases reported across cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, India is reactivating its Covid response. A high-level panel is reviewing vaccine stocks, testing readiness, and hospital capacity.

Experts say the virus is currently mild. Hybrid immunity—vaccine plus natural infection—is widespread, and booster doses aren’t necessary for most. But vaccine makers are being urged to update formulations in case a new, more dangerous variant emerges.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and other health leaders advise vigilance over panic. WHO hasn’t flagged the variants as serious threats. For now, the focus is on monitoring—not mass vaccinations.




India, US Sprint to Seal Trade Deal Before Tariff Clock Expires

India and the US are racing to close a long-pending bilateral trade pact before a crucial 8 July deadline, when Trump-era reciprocal tariffs could make a comeback. American negotiators arrive in Delhi next week for what could be the final round.

India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal said this deal is a strategic play—not just about tariff relief. It covers agriculture, autos, digital trade, and market access, with potential to reframe global supply chains.

Even though a US court recently ruled Trump’s baseline tariffs illegal, India is pressing on, seeing the agreement as key to long-term trade stability and its $30 trillion economic ambition by 2047.




Sebi Tightens the Screws on F&O Market Risk

Come 1 July, Sebi is rolling out sweeping reforms in the equity derivatives market. The big change? A smarter, risk-sensitive metric called delta-adjusted open interest. This will offer a clearer view of traders’ exposure based on price movements of underlying assets.

Limits are being introduced—₹1,500 crore net exposure and ₹10,000 crore gross—for index options. For single-stock derivatives, Sebi is tying position limits to cash market liquidity starting October.

Retail traders lost ₹1.89 trillion in F&O bets between FY22 and FY24, prompting Sebi to act. With earlier steps like raising lot sizes and capping weekly expiries already in motion, the message is clear: the F&O free-for-all is ending. Trade smart—or step aside.




Trump’s Tariffs Get Court Stay—For Now

Donald Trump’s controversial “Liberation Day” tariffs live to see another day. A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the former US president to keep imposing broad-based tariffs under emergency powers, despite a lower court ruling that declared them illegal.

The court cited national security concerns, giving the Trump team more time to fight the legal challenge. Critics argue the tariffs were arbitrary, hurting global trade and spooking markets.

White House adviser Peter Navarro insists the administration will push on—via courts or alternative methods. “It’s not over,” he said. “We have other tools.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 469 no Govt Hikes MSP | US Visa Ban Targets Global Censors | TCS Cuts Dividend Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Lokpal Clears Ex-SEBI Chief in Adani-Linked Allegations India’s anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, has dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The allegations—based on a Hindenburg Research report—claimed Buch and her husband held offshore stakes linked to the Adani Group. The Lokpal, led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, concluded the complaints were based on “presumptions and assumptions” with no verifiable evidence. Buch, who completed her SEBI tenure in February 2025, had strongly denied the claims. With Hindenburg itself shutting shop in January 2025, the watchdog ruled the report could not serve as grounds for a corruption probe. 2. SAIL Posts Q4 Growth, Announces Dividend Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) delivered a solid close to FY25, reporting an 11% rise in Q4 net profit to ₹1,251 crore. Revenue grew 4.8% year-on-year to ₹29,316 crore, with gains led by its IISCO and Alloy Steels plants. The Maharatna PSU announced a final dividend of ₹1.60 per share. SAIL stock, which has delivered a 325% return over five years, gained 13.5% year-to-date despite a 21% dip over the past year. With India’s infra buildout gaining momentum, SAIL hopes to carry the steel into coming quarters. 3. US Cracks Down on Global Censorship with Visa Ban In a bold move defending free speech, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals who attempt to censor expression within the US. The policy aims to block those who threaten legal action against US citizens for social media posts or pressure tech platforms to follow global censorship norms. Rubio didn’t name countries, but the message is clear: foreign governments trying to police American speech or platforms will now face consequences. “We will not tolerate encroachments on American sovereignty,” Rubio said. 4. TCS Dividend Dip Signals Strategic Shift? Tata Sons has seen its dividend income from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) drop for the first time since the IT major’s 2004 listing. In FY25, Tata Sons earned ₹32,718 crore—₹1,333 crore less than the previous year. While TCS’s revenue rose 3.8% to $30.18 billion and net profit by 2%, the payout ratio dipped to 93.9%, the lowest in six years. Analysts suspect the company is conserving cash for strategic investments in AI and tech. Adding to concerns, TCS skipped its usual annual salary hike, citing macro uncertainty. 5. Govt Hikes MSP, Extends Farm Loan Relief Ahead of Polls With elections on the horizon, the Centre has hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, with tur dal seeing the steepest rise of ₹450 to ₹8,000 per quintal. The government also extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme into FY26, offering farmers loans up to ₹3 lakh at subsidized rates via Kisan Credit Cards. Critics, however, note that the 3% hike in paddy MSP is below inflation. The Cabinet also cleared ₹7,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects, including a major rail corridor in Andhra Pradesh—part of a ₹4.5 trillion push to boost connectivity and cut logistics costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 May 2025 02:01:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Lokpal Clears Ex-SEBI Chief in Adani-Linked Allegations India’s anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, has dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The allegations—based on a Hindenburg Research report—claimed Buch and her husband held offshore stakes linked to the Adani Group. The Lokpal, led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, concluded the complaints were based on “presumptions and assumptions” with no verifiable evidence. Buch, who completed her SEBI tenure in February 2025, had strongly denied the claims. With Hindenburg itself shutting shop in January 2025, the watchdog ruled the report could not serve as grounds for a corruption probe. 2. SAIL Posts Q4 Growth, Announces Dividend Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) delivered a solid close to FY25, reporting an 11% rise in Q4 net profit to ₹1,251 crore. Revenue grew 4.8% year-on-year to ₹29,316 crore, with gains led by its IISCO and Alloy Steels plants. The Maharatna PSU announced a final dividend of ₹1.60 per share. SAIL stock, which has delivered a 325% return over five years, gained 13.5% year-to-date despite a 21% dip over the past year. With India’s infra buildout gaining momentum, SAIL hopes to carry the steel into coming quarters. 3. US Cracks Down on Global Censorship with Visa Ban In a bold move defending free speech, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals who attempt to censor expression within the US. The policy aims to block those who threaten legal action against US citizens for social media posts or pressure tech platforms to follow global censorship norms. Rubio didn’t name countries, but the message is clear: foreign governments trying to police American speech or platforms will now face consequences. “We will not tolerate encroachments on American sovereignty,” Rubio said. 4. TCS Dividend Dip Signals Strategic Shift? Tata Sons has seen its dividend income from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) drop for the first time since the IT major’s 2004 listing. In FY25, Tata Sons earned ₹32,718 crore—₹1,333 crore less than the previous year. While TCS’s revenue rose 3.8% to $30.18 billion and net profit by 2%, the payout ratio dipped to 93.9%, the lowest in six years. Analysts suspect the company is conserving cash for strategic investments in AI and tech. Adding to concerns, TCS skipped its usual annual salary hike, citing macro uncertainty. 5. Govt Hikes MSP, Extends Farm Loan Relief Ahead of Polls With elections on the horizon, the Centre has hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, with tur dal seeing the steepest rise of ₹450 to ₹8,000 per quintal. The government also extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme into FY26, offering farmers loans up to ₹3 lakh at subsidized rates via Kisan Credit Cards. Critics, however, note that the 3% hike in paddy MSP is below inflation. The Cabinet also cleared ₹7,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects, including a major rail corridor in Andhra Pradesh—part of a ₹4.5 trillion push to boost connectivity and cut logistics costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. Lokpal Clears Ex-SEBI Chief in Adani-Linked Allegations

India’s anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal, has dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The allegations—based on a Hindenburg Research report—claimed Buch and her husband held offshore stakes linked to the Adani Group. The Lokpal, led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, concluded the complaints were based on “presumptions and assumptions” with no verifiable evidence. Buch, who completed her SEBI tenure in February 2025, had strongly denied the claims. With Hindenburg itself shutting shop in January 2025, the watchdog ruled the report could not serve as grounds for a corruption probe.



2. SAIL Posts Q4 Growth, Announces Dividend

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) delivered a solid close to FY25, reporting an 11% rise in Q4 net profit to ₹1,251 crore. Revenue grew 4.8% year-on-year to ₹29,316 crore, with gains led by its IISCO and Alloy Steels plants. The Maharatna PSU announced a final dividend of ₹1.60 per share. SAIL stock, which has delivered a 325% return over five years, gained 13.5% year-to-date despite a 21% dip over the past year. With India’s infra buildout gaining momentum, SAIL hopes to carry the steel into coming quarters.



3. US Cracks Down on Global Censorship with Visa Ban

In a bold move defending free speech, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals who attempt to censor expression within the US. The policy aims to block those who threaten legal action against US citizens for social media posts or pressure tech platforms to follow global censorship norms. Rubio didn’t name countries, but the message is clear: foreign governments trying to police American speech or platforms will now face consequences. “We will not tolerate encroachments on American sovereignty,” Rubio said.



4. TCS Dividend Dip Signals Strategic Shift?

Tata Sons has seen its dividend income from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) drop for the first time since the IT major’s 2004 listing. In FY25, Tata Sons earned ₹32,718 crore—₹1,333 crore less than the previous year. While TCS’s revenue rose 3.8% to $30.18 billion and net profit by 2%, the payout ratio dipped to 93.9%, the lowest in six years. Analysts suspect the company is conserving cash for strategic investments in AI and tech. Adding to concerns, TCS skipped its usual annual salary hike, citing macro uncertainty.



5. Govt Hikes MSP, Extends Farm Loan Relief Ahead of Polls

With elections on the horizon, the Centre has hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, with tur dal seeing the steepest rise of ₹450 to ₹8,000 per quintal. The government also extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme into FY26, offering farmers loans up to ₹3 lakh at subsidized rates via Kisan Credit Cards. Critics, however, note that the 3% hike in paddy MSP is below inflation. The Cabinet also cleared ₹7,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects, including a major rail corridor in Andhra Pradesh—part of a ₹4.5 trillion push to boost connectivity and cut logistics costs.


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]]> 507 no Tax Deadline Extension | Vi’s Last Lifeline? | NMDC Q4 Results Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Tax Deadline Extended: More Time, More Disclosures Taxpayers not requiring audits now have until 15 September to file returns for FY 2024-25. The CBDT extended the deadline from 31 July due to significant changes in ITR forms, which now require detailed disclosures on tax-saving investments, capital gains, TDS on non-salary income, and HRA. Experts call the move a relief amid increased compliance.Budget 2025-26 sweetened the deal for middle-class taxpayers, raising the no-tax threshold to ₹12 lakh, and simplifying TDS norms. Direct tax collections hit ₹22.26 trillion, a 13.57% jump, reinforcing India’s push toward a digital-first, transparent tax regime. North-East India Bags ₹4.32 Trillion in Investments India’s North-East is emerging as an economic powerhouse. At a recent investment summit, the region attracted ₹4.32 trillion in deals across agriculture, hydropower, IT, tourism, and bamboo. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that each state is preparing tailored incentive packages and logistics policies.With Guwahati and Agartala poised to become international gateways, and 70% of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway complete, the region’s 12–13% decadal growth rate is set to soar even higher. Described as India’s ‘Ashta Lakshmi’, the North-East is becoming central to trade, diplomacy, and inclusive growth. Vodafone Idea Faces Financial Cliff as AGR Relief Denied Vodafone Idea’s troubles deepen after the Supreme Court rejected its plea for AGR dues relief. Its survival now hinges on whether the ₹6,000 crore in bank guarantees it submitted to the government will be invoked.If the DoT calls in the guarantees, lenders like SBI and PNB will be on the hook—turning those into high-interest loans. With a ₹2 trillion debt pile and limited cash flow, analysts fear this could cripple the already fragile telecom sector.The telco has urged government intervention to avoid a market duopoly, especially since the Centre owns a 49% stake in the company.  CEAT Reroutes US Expansion Amid Trump Tariff Threat CEAT’s $225 million acquisition of Canadian brand Camso aimed to crack the US tyre market. But Donald Trump’s threat of 44% tariffs on Sri Lankan exports—where Camso manufactures—has thrown a wrench in the works.CEO Arnab Banerjee says the company will now shift US-bound production to India, though that too may face a 26% reciprocal tariff.Despite the uncertainty, CEAT’s stock is up 18% this year, as investors remain bullish on its global expansion. But with nearly one-third of Camso’s revenue coming from the US, analysts say the deal’s long-term value now hangs in the balance. NMDC Mines Profit, But Faces Price Pressures Mining major NMDC posted a solid 5% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,483 crore, with annual net profits rising 17% to ₹6,539 crore, powered by strong iron ore and pellet sales. Revenue for FY25 crossed ₹25,000 crore.Chairman Amitava Mukherjee reiterated the company’s goal of hitting 100 MTPA production in five years, citing visible gains from ongoing initiatives.However, average iron ore prices dipped and JSW Steel—a major client—expects further softness. Despite that, NMDC announced a ₹1 per share dividend, adding to its earlier ₹2.30 payout.Eyes are now on how NMDC sustains growth amid falling ore prices and global demand shifts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 May 2025 02:29:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Tax Deadline Extended: More Time, More Disclosures Taxpayers not requiring audits now have until 15 September to file returns for FY 2024-25. The CBDT extended the deadline from 31 July due to significant changes in ITR forms, which now require detailed disclosures on tax-saving investments, capital gains, TDS on non-salary income, and HRA. Experts call the move a relief amid increased compliance.Budget 2025-26 sweetened the deal for middle-class taxpayers, raising the no-tax threshold to ₹12 lakh, and simplifying TDS norms. Direct tax collections hit ₹22.26 trillion, a 13.57% jump, reinforcing India’s push toward a digital-first, transparent tax regime. North-East India Bags ₹4.32 Trillion in Investments India’s North-East is emerging as an economic powerhouse. At a recent investment summit, the region attracted ₹4.32 trillion in deals across agriculture, hydropower, IT, tourism, and bamboo. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that each state is preparing tailored incentive packages and logistics policies.With Guwahati and Agartala poised to become international gateways, and 70% of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway complete, the region’s 12–13% decadal growth rate is set to soar even higher. Described as India’s ‘Ashta Lakshmi’, the North-East is becoming central to trade, diplomacy, and inclusive growth. Vodafone Idea Faces Financial Cliff as AGR Relief Denied Vodafone Idea’s troubles deepen after the Supreme Court rejected its plea for AGR dues relief. Its survival now hinges on whether the ₹6,000 crore in bank guarantees it submitted to the government will be invoked.If the DoT calls in the guarantees, lenders like SBI and PNB will be on the hook—turning those into high-interest loans. With a ₹2 trillion debt pile and limited cash flow, analysts fear this could cripple the already fragile telecom sector.The telco has urged government intervention to avoid a market duopoly, especially since the Centre owns a 49% stake in the company.  CEAT Reroutes US Expansion Amid Trump Tariff Threat CEAT’s $225 million acquisition of Canadian brand Camso aimed to crack the US tyre market. But Donald Trump’s threat of 44% tariffs on Sri Lankan exports—where Camso manufactures—has thrown a wrench in the works.CEO Arnab Banerjee says the company will now shift US-bound production to India, though that too may face a 26% reciprocal tariff.Despite the uncertainty, CEAT’s stock is up 18% this year, as investors remain bullish on its global expansion. But with nearly one-third of Camso’s revenue coming from the US, analysts say the deal’s long-term value now hangs in the balance. NMDC Mines Profit, But Faces Price Pressures Mining major NMDC posted a solid 5% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,483 crore, with annual net profits rising 17% to ₹6,539 crore, powered by strong iron ore and pellet sales. Revenue for FY25 crossed ₹25,000 crore.Chairman Amitava Mukherjee reiterated the company’s goal of hitting 100 MTPA production in five years, citing visible gains from ongoing initiatives.However, average iron ore prices dipped and JSW Steel—a major client—expects further softness. Despite that, NMDC announced a ₹1 per share dividend, adding to its earlier ₹2.30 payout.Eyes are now on how NMDC sustains growth amid falling ore prices and global demand shifts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Tax Deadline Extended: More Time, More Disclosures

Taxpayers not requiring audits now have until 15 September to file returns for FY 2024-25. The CBDT extended the deadline from 31 July due to significant changes in ITR forms, which now require detailed disclosures on tax-saving investments, capital gains, TDS on non-salary income, and HRA. Experts call the move a relief amid increased compliance.Budget 2025-26 sweetened the deal for middle-class taxpayers, raising the no-tax threshold to ₹12 lakh, and simplifying TDS norms. Direct tax collections hit ₹22.26 trillion, a 13.57% jump, reinforcing India’s push toward a digital-first, transparent tax regime.


North-East India Bags ₹4.32 Trillion in Investments

India’s North-East is emerging as an economic powerhouse. At a recent investment summit, the region attracted ₹4.32 trillion in deals across agriculture, hydropower, IT, tourism, and bamboo. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that each state is preparing tailored incentive packages and logistics policies.With Guwahati and Agartala poised to become international gateways, and 70% of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway complete, the region’s 12–13% decadal growth rate is set to soar even higher. Described as India’s ‘Ashta Lakshmi’, the North-East is becoming central to trade, diplomacy, and inclusive growth.


Vodafone Idea Faces Financial Cliff as AGR Relief Denied

Vodafone Idea’s troubles deepen after the Supreme Court rejected its plea for AGR dues relief. Its survival now hinges on whether the ₹6,000 crore in bank guarantees it submitted to the government will be invoked.If the DoT calls in the guarantees, lenders like SBI and PNB will be on the hook—turning those into high-interest loans. With a ₹2 trillion debt pile and limited cash flow, analysts fear this could cripple the already fragile telecom sector.The telco has urged government intervention to avoid a market duopoly, especially since the Centre owns a 49% stake in the company. 


CEAT Reroutes US Expansion Amid Trump Tariff Threat

CEAT’s $225 million acquisition of Canadian brand Camso aimed to crack the US tyre market. But Donald Trump’s threat of 44% tariffs on Sri Lankan exports—where Camso manufactures—has thrown a wrench in the works.CEO Arnab Banerjee says the company will now shift US-bound production to India, though that too may face a 26% reciprocal tariff.Despite the uncertainty, CEAT’s stock is up 18% this year, as investors remain bullish on its global expansion. But with nearly one-third of Camso’s revenue coming from the US, analysts say the deal’s long-term value now hangs in the balance.


NMDC Mines Profit, But Faces Price Pressures

Mining major NMDC posted a solid 5% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,483 crore, with annual net profits rising 17% to ₹6,539 crore, powered by strong iron ore and pellet sales. Revenue for FY25 crossed ₹25,000 crore.Chairman Amitava Mukherjee reiterated the company’s goal of hitting 100 MTPA production in five years, citing visible gains from ongoing initiatives.However, average iron ore prices dipped and JSW Steel—a major client—expects further softness. Despite that, NMDC announced a ₹1 per share dividend, adding to its earlier ₹2.30 payout.Eyes are now on how NMDC sustains growth amid falling ore prices and global demand shifts.

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]]> 485 no IndiGo ₹6,831 Cr Exit Alert | NSE vs BSE: Showdown Begins | ₹850/month Starlink Connection Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. IndiGo’s Gangwal Plans ₹6,831 Cr Stake Sale In a major move, IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust are set to sell up to ₹6,831 crore worth of shares in the airline through a block deal. The sale, expected to happen Tuesday, involves up to a 3.4% stake at a floor price of ₹5,175 per share. Gangwal and his trust together own nearly 13.5% of the company. With shares up 461% over five years and near 52-week highs, investors are watching closely—this could mark a strategic exit or just profit booking. 2. NSE vs BSE: Expiry Day Showdown Begins Sebi’s new circular limiting equity derivative expiries to either Tuesday or Thursday has kicked off a turf war. NSE wants to shift its Nifty expiry to Tuesday—the very day BSE had claimed earlier for its Sensex contracts. If approved, NSE could see a 5% boost in market share, while BSE may have to move to Thursday or risk losing volumes. The final decision is due by June 15, but until then, it’s a race to lock in the more lucrative day. 3. Starlink Set to Launch in India at ₹850/month Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is close to entering India after securing a Letter of Intent from the DoT. Plans may start at just ₹850 per month with unlimited data—among the cheapest globally. The goal? Ten million subscribers. But urban surcharges, spectrum charges, and licensing levies could raise prices. Even so, Starlink hopes to bridge India’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas with poor connectivity. 4. Leela Hotels Launches ₹3,500 Cr IPO Luxury hotel chain Leela is making its market debut with a ₹3,500 crore IPO—the largest ever in India’s hospitality sector. Backed by Brookfield, the IPO is priced attractively but comes with baggage: ₹2,567 crore in debt. Most of the proceeds will go toward deleveraging. With new properties planned and EBITDA margins at 50%, Leela hopes to ride the luxury upcycle, though rivals like Taj and Oberoi still lead in occupancy and brand recall. 5. India Pushes US to Ease Fruit Import Rules India is lobbying hard to get better market access for fruits like mangoes, pomegranates, and guavas under a proposed trade deal with the US. After 25 tonnes of mangoes were destroyed at US ports, India wants faster approvals and localized certification. Despite a 28% rise in exports to the US over two years, regulatory bottlenecks remain. Exporters say the deal could be a game-changer—but time, and cold storage, are running short Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 May 2025 01:29:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. IndiGo’s Gangwal Plans ₹6,831 Cr Stake Sale In a major move, IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust are set to sell up to ₹6,831 crore worth of shares in the airline through a block deal. The sale, expected to happen Tuesday, involves up to a 3.4% stake at a floor price of ₹5,175 per share. Gangwal and his trust together own nearly 13.5% of the company. With shares up 461% over five years and near 52-week highs, investors are watching closely—this could mark a strategic exit or just profit booking. 2. NSE vs BSE: Expiry Day Showdown Begins Sebi’s new circular limiting equity derivative expiries to either Tuesday or Thursday has kicked off a turf war. NSE wants to shift its Nifty expiry to Tuesday—the very day BSE had claimed earlier for its Sensex contracts. If approved, NSE could see a 5% boost in market share, while BSE may have to move to Thursday or risk losing volumes. The final decision is due by June 15, but until then, it’s a race to lock in the more lucrative day. 3. Starlink Set to Launch in India at ₹850/month Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is close to entering India after securing a Letter of Intent from the DoT. Plans may start at just ₹850 per month with unlimited data—among the cheapest globally. The goal? Ten million subscribers. But urban surcharges, spectrum charges, and licensing levies could raise prices. Even so, Starlink hopes to bridge India’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas with poor connectivity. 4. Leela Hotels Launches ₹3,500 Cr IPO Luxury hotel chain Leela is making its market debut with a ₹3,500 crore IPO—the largest ever in India’s hospitality sector. Backed by Brookfield, the IPO is priced attractively but comes with baggage: ₹2,567 crore in debt. Most of the proceeds will go toward deleveraging. With new properties planned and EBITDA margins at 50%, Leela hopes to ride the luxury upcycle, though rivals like Taj and Oberoi still lead in occupancy and brand recall. 5. India Pushes US to Ease Fruit Import Rules India is lobbying hard to get better market access for fruits like mangoes, pomegranates, and guavas under a proposed trade deal with the US. After 25 tonnes of mangoes were destroyed at US ports, India wants faster approvals and localized certification. Despite a 28% rise in exports to the US over two years, regulatory bottlenecks remain. Exporters say the deal could be a game-changer—but time, and cold storage, are running short Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. IndiGo’s Gangwal Plans ₹6,831 Cr Stake Sale

In a major move, IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust are set to sell up to ₹6,831 crore worth of shares in the airline through a block deal. The sale, expected to happen Tuesday, involves up to a 3.4% stake at a floor price of ₹5,175 per share. Gangwal and his trust together own nearly 13.5% of the company. With shares up 461% over five years and near 52-week highs, investors are watching closely—this could mark a strategic exit or just profit booking.


2. NSE vs BSE: Expiry Day Showdown Begins

Sebi’s new circular limiting equity derivative expiries to either Tuesday or Thursday has kicked off a turf war. NSE wants to shift its Nifty expiry to Tuesday—the very day BSE had claimed earlier for its Sensex contracts. If approved, NSE could see a 5% boost in market share, while BSE may have to move to Thursday or risk losing volumes. The final decision is due by June 15, but until then, it’s a race to lock in the more lucrative day.


3. Starlink Set to Launch in India at ₹850/month

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is close to entering India after securing a Letter of Intent from the DoT. Plans may start at just ₹850 per month with unlimited data—among the cheapest globally. The goal? Ten million subscribers. But urban surcharges, spectrum charges, and licensing levies could raise prices. Even so, Starlink hopes to bridge India’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas with poor connectivity.


4. Leela Hotels Launches ₹3,500 Cr IPO

Luxury hotel chain Leela is making its market debut with a ₹3,500 crore IPO—the largest ever in India’s hospitality sector. Backed by Brookfield, the IPO is priced attractively but comes with baggage: ₹2,567 crore in debt. Most of the proceeds will go toward deleveraging. With new properties planned and EBITDA margins at 50%, Leela hopes to ride the luxury upcycle, though rivals like Taj and Oberoi still lead in occupancy and brand recall.


5. India Pushes US to Ease Fruit Import Rules

India is lobbying hard to get better market access for fruits like mangoes, pomegranates, and guavas under a proposed trade deal with the US. After 25 tonnes of mangoes were destroyed at US ports, India wants faster approvals and localized certification. Despite a 28% rise in exports to the US over two years, regulatory bottlenecks remain. Exporters say the deal could be a game-changer—but time, and cold storage, are running short

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]]> 515 no India Leaps Past Japan | Rally Interrupted: Markets Lose Steam | Gold Slips, Reserves Tumble Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets Cool Off After 4-Week Rally After weeks of surging highs, Indian markets finally took a breather. The Sensex and Nifty slipped 0.7% each as foreign investors sold off in three out of four sessions. Sectors like realty and metals held up well, but autos, IT, and FMCG lagged. Midcaps dipped while smallcaps stayed afloat. Technical resistance at Nifty’s 25,200 level held firm, with support seen at 24,500. Analysts suggest a cautiously bullish stance, with Bank Nifty holding strong and poised for a breakout above 56,000. Traders are advised to focus on banking, metals, and energy, while keeping tight stop-losses amid high volatility. India Becomes World’s 4th-Largest Economy India has officially overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.19 trillion, according to the IMF. “We are now bigger than Japan,” announced NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. The data shows India is just behind Germany and could climb to third place within three years. The IMF projects India will grow at 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026—making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy, powered by rural demand and resilient consumption despite global headwinds Forex Reserves Slip Amid Gold Dip India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $4.9 billion to $685.7 billion, dragged down by a steep $5.1 billion drop in gold reserves. The fall comes weeks after hitting a 7-month high. Gold holdings dropped to $81.2 billion, likely due to easing geopolitical tensions and softer gold prices. Interestingly, foreign currency assets edged up by $280 million, showing relative dollar stability. With the rupee trading at ₹85.17 to the dollar, RBI’s reserve moves signal ongoing efforts to curb volatility and balance market swings. LIC Smashes Guinness World Record LIC made global headlines by issuing 588,107 life insurance policies in just 24 hours—earning it a Guinness World Record. The massive feat was achieved on January 20, 2025, with the help of 452,839 agents across India. Dubbed “Mad Million Day,” the initiative was the brainchild of CEO Siddhartha Mohanty, who motivated every agent to close at least one policy that day. LIC called it a reflection of their agents’ dedication and a milestone in customer outreach and productivity. India’s Trade Talks Shift East After US, EU Deals With trade agreements with the US and EU nearing conclusion, India is preparing to refocus on partners in Asia-Pacific—namely Japan, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Peru. India-ASEAN FTA reviews are ongoing, and an upgrade to the Japan deal is under discussion. Meanwhile, India’s FTA with the UK, finalized in May, has already slashed tariffs on 99% of goods and aims to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. A US deal is expected before the 8 July tariff deadline, potentially shielding India from retaliatory trade measures. Once done, India will turn to its next wave of strategic trade alignments to strengthen its supply chains and global reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 May 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Markets Cool Off After 4-Week Rally After weeks of surging highs, Indian markets finally took a breather. The Sensex and Nifty slipped 0.7% each as foreign investors sold off in three out of four sessions. Sectors like realty and metals held up well, but autos, IT, and FMCG lagged. Midcaps dipped while smallcaps stayed afloat. Technical resistance at Nifty’s 25,200 level held firm, with support seen at 24,500. Analysts suggest a cautiously bullish stance, with Bank Nifty holding strong and poised for a breakout above 56,000. Traders are advised to focus on banking, metals, and energy, while keeping tight stop-losses amid high volatility. India Becomes World’s 4th-Largest Economy India has officially overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.19 trillion, according to the IMF. “We are now bigger than Japan,” announced NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. The data shows India is just behind Germany and could climb to third place within three years. The IMF projects India will grow at 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026—making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy, powered by rural demand and resilient consumption despite global headwinds Forex Reserves Slip Amid Gold Dip India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $4.9 billion to $685.7 billion, dragged down by a steep $5.1 billion drop in gold reserves. The fall comes weeks after hitting a 7-month high. Gold holdings dropped to $81.2 billion, likely due to easing geopolitical tensions and softer gold prices. Interestingly, foreign currency assets edged up by $280 million, showing relative dollar stability. With the rupee trading at ₹85.17 to the dollar, RBI’s reserve moves signal ongoing efforts to curb volatility and balance market swings. LIC Smashes Guinness World Record LIC made global headlines by issuing 588,107 life insurance policies in just 24 hours—earning it a Guinness World Record. The massive feat was achieved on January 20, 2025, with the help of 452,839 agents across India. Dubbed “Mad Million Day,” the initiative was the brainchild of CEO Siddhartha Mohanty, who motivated every agent to close at least one policy that day. LIC called it a reflection of their agents’ dedication and a milestone in customer outreach and productivity. India’s Trade Talks Shift East After US, EU Deals With trade agreements with the US and EU nearing conclusion, India is preparing to refocus on partners in Asia-Pacific—namely Japan, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Peru. India-ASEAN FTA reviews are ongoing, and an upgrade to the Japan deal is under discussion. Meanwhile, India’s FTA with the UK, finalized in May, has already slashed tariffs on 99% of goods and aims to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. A US deal is expected before the 8 July tariff deadline, potentially shielding India from retaliatory trade measures. Once done, India will turn to its next wave of strategic trade alignments to strengthen its supply chains and global reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


Markets Cool Off After 4-Week Rally

After weeks of surging highs, Indian markets finally took a breather. The Sensex and Nifty slipped 0.7% each as foreign investors sold off in three out of four sessions. Sectors like realty and metals held up well, but autos, IT, and FMCG lagged. Midcaps dipped while smallcaps stayed afloat. Technical resistance at Nifty’s 25,200 level held firm, with support seen at 24,500. Analysts suggest a cautiously bullish stance, with Bank Nifty holding strong and poised for a breakout above 56,000. Traders are advised to focus on banking, metals, and energy, while keeping tight stop-losses amid high volatility.


India Becomes World’s 4th-Largest Economy

India has officially overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.19 trillion, according to the IMF. “We are now bigger than Japan,” announced NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. The data shows India is just behind Germany and could climb to third place within three years. The IMF projects India will grow at 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026—making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy, powered by rural demand and resilient consumption despite global headwinds


Forex Reserves Slip Amid Gold Dip

India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $4.9 billion to $685.7 billion, dragged down by a steep $5.1 billion drop in gold reserves. The fall comes weeks after hitting a 7-month high. Gold holdings dropped to $81.2 billion, likely due to easing geopolitical tensions and softer gold prices. Interestingly, foreign currency assets edged up by $280 million, showing relative dollar stability. With the rupee trading at ₹85.17 to the dollar, RBI’s reserve moves signal ongoing efforts to curb volatility and balance market swings.


LIC Smashes Guinness World Record

LIC made global headlines by issuing 588,107 life insurance policies in just 24 hours—earning it a Guinness World Record. The massive feat was achieved on January 20, 2025, with the help of 452,839 agents across India. Dubbed “Mad Million Day,” the initiative was the brainchild of CEO Siddhartha Mohanty, who motivated every agent to close at least one policy that day. LIC called it a reflection of their agents’ dedication and a milestone in customer outreach and productivity.


India’s Trade Talks Shift East After US, EU Deals

With trade agreements with the US and EU nearing conclusion, India is preparing to refocus on partners in Asia-Pacific—namely Japan, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Peru. India-ASEAN FTA reviews are ongoing, and an upgrade to the Japan deal is under discussion. Meanwhile, India’s FTA with the UK, finalized in May, has already slashed tariffs on 99% of goods and aims to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. A US deal is expected before the 8 July tariff deadline, potentially shielding India from retaliatory trade measures. Once done, India will turn to its next wave of strategic trade alignments to strengthen its supply chains and global reach.

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]]> 529 no Sensex Shake-Up | ITC Profit Soars | Sun Pharma Slides | No More ‘Lodha’ Wars Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. The Lodha Truce, ₹5,000 Cr Feud SettledAfter nine rounds of mediation and a mother’s public plea, warring brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha have settled their ₹5,000-crore trademark dispute. As per the court-filed terms, Abhinandan can no longer use ‘Lodha’ in isolation for real estate. Instead, he must use the full ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ with clear disclaimers. Both parties waived financial claims and agreed to strict separation, including no shared employees or premises. Violations could trigger a ₹1 lakh/day penalty. Legal experts call it a rare, detailed resolution setting a precedent for intra-family brand disputes in India. 2. ITC’s Record Profit Powered by Hotel DemergerITC reported a Q4 consolidated net profit of ₹19,807 crore, largely due to a one-time exceptional gain of ₹15,145 crore from the demerger of its hotel business. Adjusted net profit fell to ₹4,662 crore, down from ₹5,190 crore a year ago. Revenue rose 10% YoY to ₹20,376 crore, led by cigarettes and FMCG. EBITDA grew 3.7%, but margins slipped to 33.5%. A final dividend of ₹7.85 per share was announced, taking the full-year payout to ₹14.35. 3. Sun Pharma Profit Dips, But Margins Expand Sun Pharmaceutical Industries posted a 19% YoY decline in Q4 profit at ₹2,154 crore, even as revenue rose 8% to ₹12,959 crore. Strong domestic sales and global speciality drugs helped EBITDA grow 22% with margins expanding to 28.7%. US sales declined, but India sales grew 13.6%. The company declared a final dividend of ₹5.50 per share, taking FY25’s total to ₹16. CMD Dilip Shanghvi highlighted promising global pipeline and recent acquisitions to strengthen the speciality segment. 4. Sensex Shake-Up: Trent, BEL In; Nestle, Indus Ind OutThe BSE Sensex is getting a facelift—Tata-owned Trent and defence PSU Bharat Electronics will replace Nestle India and IndusInd Bank from June 23. The reshuffle reflects shifting investor sentiment toward domestic consumption and defence stocks. Other key changes across indices: Dixon, Coforge, and Indus Towers will enter BSE 100; InterGlobe Aviation and Shriram Finance join the Sensex 50. IDFC First Bank replaces Canara Bank in the BSE Bankex. 5. De Beers Sees India’s Diamond Market Doubling India’s natural diamond market is set to double in five years, says De Beers Group CEO Al Cook, during his first visit to the country. India has overtaken China to become De Beers’ second-largest market, after the US. De Beers is ramping up marketing spend, opening four new stores, and partnering with major players like Tanishq and GJEPC. While lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are gaining ground, Cook emphasized their future lies in tech, not jewellery. De Beers has closed its LGD brand Lightbox amid a 90% fall in LGD prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 May 2025 02:51:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. The Lodha Truce, ₹5,000 Cr Feud SettledAfter nine rounds of mediation and a mother’s public plea, warring brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha have settled their ₹5,000-crore trademark dispute. As per the court-filed terms, Abhinandan can no longer use ‘Lodha’ in isolation for real estate. Instead, he must use the full ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ with clear disclaimers. Both parties waived financial claims and agreed to strict separation, including no shared employees or premises. Violations could trigger a ₹1 lakh/day penalty. Legal experts call it a rare, detailed resolution setting a precedent for intra-family brand disputes in India. 2. ITC’s Record Profit Powered by Hotel DemergerITC reported a Q4 consolidated net profit of ₹19,807 crore, largely due to a one-time exceptional gain of ₹15,145 crore from the demerger of its hotel business. Adjusted net profit fell to ₹4,662 crore, down from ₹5,190 crore a year ago. Revenue rose 10% YoY to ₹20,376 crore, led by cigarettes and FMCG. EBITDA grew 3.7%, but margins slipped to 33.5%. A final dividend of ₹7.85 per share was announced, taking the full-year payout to ₹14.35. 3. Sun Pharma Profit Dips, But Margins Expand Sun Pharmaceutical Industries posted a 19% YoY decline in Q4 profit at ₹2,154 crore, even as revenue rose 8% to ₹12,959 crore. Strong domestic sales and global speciality drugs helped EBITDA grow 22% with margins expanding to 28.7%. US sales declined, but India sales grew 13.6%. The company declared a final dividend of ₹5.50 per share, taking FY25’s total to ₹16. CMD Dilip Shanghvi highlighted promising global pipeline and recent acquisitions to strengthen the speciality segment. 4. Sensex Shake-Up: Trent, BEL In; Nestle, Indus Ind OutThe BSE Sensex is getting a facelift—Tata-owned Trent and defence PSU Bharat Electronics will replace Nestle India and IndusInd Bank from June 23. The reshuffle reflects shifting investor sentiment toward domestic consumption and defence stocks. Other key changes across indices: Dixon, Coforge, and Indus Towers will enter BSE 100; InterGlobe Aviation and Shriram Finance join the Sensex 50. IDFC First Bank replaces Canara Bank in the BSE Bankex. 5. De Beers Sees India’s Diamond Market Doubling India’s natural diamond market is set to double in five years, says De Beers Group CEO Al Cook, during his first visit to the country. India has overtaken China to become De Beers’ second-largest market, after the US. De Beers is ramping up marketing spend, opening four new stores, and partnering with major players like Tanishq and GJEPC. While lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are gaining ground, Cook emphasized their future lies in tech, not jewellery. De Beers has closed its LGD brand Lightbox amid a 90% fall in LGD prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


1. The Lodha Truce, ₹5,000 Cr Feud SettledAfter nine rounds of mediation and a mother’s public plea, warring brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha have settled their ₹5,000-crore trademark dispute. As per the court-filed terms, Abhinandan can no longer use ‘Lodha’ in isolation for real estate. Instead, he must use the full ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ with clear disclaimers. Both parties waived financial claims and agreed to strict separation, including no shared employees or premises. Violations could trigger a ₹1 lakh/day penalty. Legal experts call it a rare, detailed resolution setting a precedent for intra-family brand disputes in India.


2. ITC’s Record Profit Powered by Hotel DemergerITC reported a Q4 consolidated net profit of ₹19,807 crore, largely due to a one-time exceptional gain of ₹15,145 crore from the demerger of its hotel business. Adjusted net profit fell to ₹4,662 crore, down from ₹5,190 crore a year ago. Revenue rose 10% YoY to ₹20,376 crore, led by cigarettes and FMCG. EBITDA grew 3.7%, but margins slipped to 33.5%. A final dividend of ₹7.85 per share was announced, taking the full-year payout to ₹14.35.


3. Sun Pharma Profit Dips, But Margins Expand

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries posted a 19% YoY decline in Q4 profit at ₹2,154 crore, even as revenue rose 8% to ₹12,959 crore. Strong domestic sales and global speciality drugs helped EBITDA grow 22% with margins expanding to 28.7%. US sales declined, but India sales grew 13.6%. The company declared a final dividend of ₹5.50 per share, taking FY25’s total to ₹16. CMD Dilip Shanghvi highlighted promising global pipeline and recent acquisitions to strengthen the speciality segment.


4. Sensex Shake-Up: Trent, BEL In; Nestle, Indus

Ind OutThe BSE Sensex is getting a facelift—Tata-owned Trent and defence PSU Bharat Electronics will replace Nestle India and IndusInd Bank from June 23. The reshuffle reflects shifting investor sentiment toward domestic consumption and defence stocks. Other key changes across indices: Dixon, Coforge, and Indus Towers will enter BSE 100; InterGlobe Aviation and Shriram Finance join the Sensex 50. IDFC First Bank replaces Canara Bank in the BSE Bankex.


5. De Beers Sees India’s Diamond Market Doubling

India’s natural diamond market is set to double in five years, says De Beers Group CEO Al Cook, during his first visit to the country. India has overtaken China to become De Beers’ second-largest market, after the US. De Beers is ramping up marketing spend, opening four new stores, and partnering with major players like Tanishq and GJEPC. While lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are gaining ground, Cook emphasized their future lies in tech, not jewellery. De Beers has closed its LGD brand Lightbox amid a 90% fall in LGD prices.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 493 no Blackstone Buys AGS | NHPC Profit Soars 52% | India-EU FTA Talks Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India Seizes Crude Opportunity Amid Geopolitical Tensions With Brent crude trading at a four-year low near $65 per barrel, India is moving fast to refill its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Current reserves cover just 9.5 days—far below the IEA’s 90-day norm. The urgency is amplified by recent border tensions and Operation Sindoor. The Centre, which had deferred a ₹5,000 crore SPR budget in FY24, now plans to reallocate funds in FY26. Two new storage sites at Chandikhol and Padur are in the pipeline. Officials are hoping to mirror 2020’s success, when India bought crude at $19/barrel, saving ₹700 crore. JP Morgan expects Brent to dip further to $58 by 2026—offering a window India won’t want to miss. NHPC Powers Up Profits, Expands Clean Energy Push NHPC reported a 52% jump in Q4 net profit to ₹919.63 crore, with operational revenue more than doubling year-on-year. Shareholders get a total FY25 dividend of ₹1.91 per share. The hydropower giant also added 800 MW from the Parbati-II project and 107 MW solar capacity in April, deepening its clean energy portfolio. However, a High Court-mandated ₹589 crore payment to staff dented profits, with ₹301.97 crore booked as unbilled revenue. Despite this, NHPC’s momentum across hydro, solar, and wind cements its leadership in India’s energy transition. Blackstone Clinches Billion-Dollar Healthtech Deal In a competitive bidding war, Blackstone secured AGS Health for $1.2–1.3 billion—quadrupling its 2019 value. The Chennai-headquartered RCM (revenue cycle management) firm serves over 150 US healthcare providers and generates over ₹500 crore in EBITDA. The deal, managed by JP Morgan and BofA, reflects growing global investor appetite for tech-driven, dollar-generating health services. It also signals Blackstone’s strong bet on compliance-focused platforms amid rising healthcare digitization. Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’: Sci-Fi Meets Strategy Donald Trump has revived Reagan’s Star Wars dream—announcing a $175 billion missile-defense initiative named “Golden Dome.” The system, featuring space-based and ground interceptors, aims to defend against threats across all four missile phases—including launches from space. Trump vows it will be operational by 2029, with Gen. Michael Guetlein leading the charge. Congress has begun with a $25 billion ask. While the tech is still untested, the plan could transform modern defense and reshape global security architecture. India-EU Trade Talks Enter Final Lap India has dispatched a delegation to Brussels for the next round of FTA talks with the EU. This follows the 11th round held in Delhi on May 16. The deal covers 23 chapters, including trade in goods and services, IP, sustainability, and dispute resolution. India is hoping for a two-phase closure model, similar to its Australia and US strategies, amid tariff uncertainties under President Trump. The EU seeks steep duty cuts on automobiles, medical devices, and alcohol, while India aims to boost exports in pharma, steel, and textiles. With $137 billion in bilateral trade and strong political backing from both sides, the long-pending FTA may finally be within reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 May 2025 02:45:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India Seizes Crude Opportunity Amid Geopolitical Tensions With Brent crude trading at a four-year low near $65 per barrel, India is moving fast to refill its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Current reserves cover just 9.5 days—far below the IEA’s 90-day norm. The urgency is amplified by recent border tensions and Operation Sindoor. The Centre, which had deferred a ₹5,000 crore SPR budget in FY24, now plans to reallocate funds in FY26. Two new storage sites at Chandikhol and Padur are in the pipeline. Officials are hoping to mirror 2020’s success, when India bought crude at $19/barrel, saving ₹700 crore. JP Morgan expects Brent to dip further to $58 by 2026—offering a window India won’t want to miss. NHPC Powers Up Profits, Expands Clean Energy Push NHPC reported a 52% jump in Q4 net profit to ₹919.63 crore, with operational revenue more than doubling year-on-year. Shareholders get a total FY25 dividend of ₹1.91 per share. The hydropower giant also added 800 MW from the Parbati-II project and 107 MW solar capacity in April, deepening its clean energy portfolio. However, a High Court-mandated ₹589 crore payment to staff dented profits, with ₹301.97 crore booked as unbilled revenue. Despite this, NHPC’s momentum across hydro, solar, and wind cements its leadership in India’s energy transition. Blackstone Clinches Billion-Dollar Healthtech Deal In a competitive bidding war, Blackstone secured AGS Health for $1.2–1.3 billion—quadrupling its 2019 value. The Chennai-headquartered RCM (revenue cycle management) firm serves over 150 US healthcare providers and generates over ₹500 crore in EBITDA. The deal, managed by JP Morgan and BofA, reflects growing global investor appetite for tech-driven, dollar-generating health services. It also signals Blackstone’s strong bet on compliance-focused platforms amid rising healthcare digitization. Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’: Sci-Fi Meets Strategy Donald Trump has revived Reagan’s Star Wars dream—announcing a $175 billion missile-defense initiative named “Golden Dome.” The system, featuring space-based and ground interceptors, aims to defend against threats across all four missile phases—including launches from space. Trump vows it will be operational by 2029, with Gen. Michael Guetlein leading the charge. Congress has begun with a $25 billion ask. While the tech is still untested, the plan could transform modern defense and reshape global security architecture. India-EU Trade Talks Enter Final Lap India has dispatched a delegation to Brussels for the next round of FTA talks with the EU. This follows the 11th round held in Delhi on May 16. The deal covers 23 chapters, including trade in goods and services, IP, sustainability, and dispute resolution. India is hoping for a two-phase closure model, similar to its Australia and US strategies, amid tariff uncertainties under President Trump. The EU seeks steep duty cuts on automobiles, medical devices, and alcohol, while India aims to boost exports in pharma, steel, and textiles. With $137 billion in bilateral trade and strong political backing from both sides, the long-pending FTA may finally be within reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.


India Seizes Crude Opportunity Amid Geopolitical Tensions

With Brent crude trading at a four-year low near $65 per barrel, India is moving fast to refill its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Current reserves cover just 9.5 days—far below the IEA’s 90-day norm. The urgency is amplified by recent border tensions and Operation Sindoor. The Centre, which had deferred a ₹5,000 crore SPR budget in FY24, now plans to reallocate funds in FY26. Two new storage sites at Chandikhol and Padur are in the pipeline. Officials are hoping to mirror 2020’s success, when India bought crude at $19/barrel, saving ₹700 crore. JP Morgan expects Brent to dip further to $58 by 2026—offering a window India won’t want to miss.


NHPC Powers Up Profits, Expands Clean Energy Push

NHPC reported a 52% jump in Q4 net profit to ₹919.63 crore, with operational revenue more than doubling year-on-year. Shareholders get a total FY25 dividend of ₹1.91 per share. The hydropower giant also added 800 MW from the Parbati-II project and 107 MW solar capacity in April, deepening its clean energy portfolio. However, a High Court-mandated ₹589 crore payment to staff dented profits, with ₹301.97 crore booked as unbilled revenue. Despite this, NHPC’s momentum across hydro, solar, and wind cements its leadership in India’s energy transition.


Blackstone Clinches Billion-Dollar Healthtech Deal

In a competitive bidding war, Blackstone secured AGS Health for $1.2–1.3 billion—quadrupling its 2019 value. The Chennai-headquartered RCM (revenue cycle management) firm serves over 150 US healthcare providers and generates over ₹500 crore in EBITDA. The deal, managed by JP Morgan and BofA, reflects growing global investor appetite for tech-driven, dollar-generating health services. It also signals Blackstone’s strong bet on compliance-focused platforms amid rising healthcare digitization.


Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’: Sci-Fi Meets Strategy

Donald Trump has revived Reagan’s Star Wars dream—announcing a $175 billion missile-defense initiative named “Golden Dome.” The system, featuring space-based and ground interceptors, aims to defend against threats across all four missile phases—including launches from space. Trump vows it will be operational by 2029, with Gen. Michael Guetlein leading the charge. Congress has begun with a $25 billion ask. While the tech is still untested, the plan could transform modern defense and reshape global security architecture.


India-EU Trade Talks Enter Final Lap

India has dispatched a delegation to Brussels for the next round of FTA talks with the EU. This follows the 11th round held in Delhi on May 16. The deal covers 23 chapters, including trade in goods and services, IP, sustainability, and dispute resolution. India is hoping for a two-phase closure model, similar to its Australia and US strategies, amid tariff uncertainties under President Trump. The EU seeks steep duty cuts on automobiles, medical devices, and alcohol, while India aims to boost exports in pharma, steel, and textiles. With $137 billion in bilateral trade and strong political backing from both sides, the long-pending FTA may finally be within reach.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 475 no No Relief for Telcos | Myntra Goes Global | Trump, Putin Talk Peace Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. India on Covid Alert Again India’s health agencies have reactivated surveillance mechanisms amid rising Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. Genome sequencing and wastewater tracking in Bengaluru are already picking up early signals. With 257 active cases—the highest in a year—authorities stress there’s no need to panic yet. “Covid hasn’t vanished,” warns Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, citing the emergence of Omicron sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8. No hospitalizations have been reported in India, but experts are watching SARI and ILI trends closely. 2. SC to Telcos: No Waiver, No Shortcut The Supreme Court dismissed pleas by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Tata Teleservices for relief from ₹80,000 crore in interest and penalties linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Calling the petitions “shocking” and “misconceived,” the court said it’s up to the government to help—but it won’t intervene judicially. Vodafone Idea, now nearly half-owned by the government, is under financial duress with over ₹2 trillion in dues. Without a bailout or major policy relief, analysts warn it may not survive beyond FY26. 3. India’s Coffee Exports Brew Big India’s coffee exports jumped from $800 million in FY15 to $1.81 billion in FY25, despite only marginal production growth. The secret? Higher global prices for robusta and strong branding. Karnataka remains the coffee hub, but cultivation is expanding into tribal districts of Odisha. With Europe’s deforestation regulation kicking in, India’s shade-grown coffee is gaining a green premium. Still, rising procurement costs are hitting local traders hard, even as demand from Italy, Russia, and Germany grows strong. 4. Myntra Goes Global, Starts with Singapore Myntra has launched international shipping to Singapore, targeting the 6 million-strong Indian diaspora. With over 35,000 styles across 100 brands—including Aurelia, Global Desi, and Rare Rabbit—the Flipkart-owned fashion giant is offering delivery in 4–7 days straight from India. CEO Nandita Sinha says the focus is on festive fashion and understanding consumer needs before expanding to more countries. Singapore’s booming e-commerce market makes it an ideal launchpad for “Myntra Global,” a strategy aimed at building global brand affinity. 5. Trump-Putin Call Rekindles Peace Hopes In a surprise diplomatic turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump was “frank and useful.” The two discussed paths to peace in Ukraine, with Putin proposing a memorandum for a ceasefire and long-term treaty. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the idea of peace but said Russia must act to be trusted. “We want to finish this war, but we don’t trust them,” he said. Talks may be resuming—but skepticism remains high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 May 2025 02:23:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. India on Covid Alert Again India’s health agencies have reactivated surveillance mechanisms amid rising Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. Genome sequencing and wastewater tracking in Bengaluru are already picking up early signals. With 257 active cases—the highest in a year—authorities stress there’s no need to panic yet. “Covid hasn’t vanished,” warns Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, citing the emergence of Omicron sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8. No hospitalizations have been reported in India, but experts are watching SARI and ILI trends closely. 2. SC to Telcos: No Waiver, No Shortcut The Supreme Court dismissed pleas by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Tata Teleservices for relief from ₹80,000 crore in interest and penalties linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Calling the petitions “shocking” and “misconceived,” the court said it’s up to the government to help—but it won’t intervene judicially. Vodafone Idea, now nearly half-owned by the government, is under financial duress with over ₹2 trillion in dues. Without a bailout or major policy relief, analysts warn it may not survive beyond FY26. 3. India’s Coffee Exports Brew Big India’s coffee exports jumped from $800 million in FY15 to $1.81 billion in FY25, despite only marginal production growth. The secret? Higher global prices for robusta and strong branding. Karnataka remains the coffee hub, but cultivation is expanding into tribal districts of Odisha. With Europe’s deforestation regulation kicking in, India’s shade-grown coffee is gaining a green premium. Still, rising procurement costs are hitting local traders hard, even as demand from Italy, Russia, and Germany grows strong. 4. Myntra Goes Global, Starts with Singapore Myntra has launched international shipping to Singapore, targeting the 6 million-strong Indian diaspora. With over 35,000 styles across 100 brands—including Aurelia, Global Desi, and Rare Rabbit—the Flipkart-owned fashion giant is offering delivery in 4–7 days straight from India. CEO Nandita Sinha says the focus is on festive fashion and understanding consumer needs before expanding to more countries. Singapore’s booming e-commerce market makes it an ideal launchpad for “Myntra Global,” a strategy aimed at building global brand affinity. 5. Trump-Putin Call Rekindles Peace Hopes In a surprise diplomatic turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump was “frank and useful.” The two discussed paths to peace in Ukraine, with Putin proposing a memorandum for a ceasefire and long-term treaty. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the idea of peace but said Russia must act to be trusted. “We want to finish this war, but we don’t trust them,” he said. Talks may be resuming—but skepticism remains high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

1. India on Covid Alert Again

India’s health agencies have reactivated surveillance mechanisms amid rising Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. Genome sequencing and wastewater tracking in Bengaluru are already picking up early signals. With 257 active cases—the highest in a year—authorities stress there’s no need to panic yet. “Covid hasn’t vanished,” warns Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, citing the emergence of Omicron sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8. No hospitalizations have been reported in India, but experts are watching SARI and ILI trends closely.

2. SC to Telcos: No Waiver, No Shortcut

The Supreme Court dismissed pleas by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Tata Teleservices for relief from ₹80,000 crore in interest and penalties linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Calling the petitions “shocking” and “misconceived,” the court said it’s up to the government to help—but it won’t intervene judicially. Vodafone Idea, now nearly half-owned by the government, is under financial duress with over ₹2 trillion in dues. Without a bailout or major policy relief, analysts warn it may not survive beyond FY26.

3. India’s Coffee Exports Brew Big

India’s coffee exports jumped from $800 million in FY15 to $1.81 billion in FY25, despite only marginal production growth. The secret? Higher global prices for robusta and strong branding. Karnataka remains the coffee hub, but cultivation is expanding into tribal districts of Odisha. With Europe’s deforestation regulation kicking in, India’s shade-grown coffee is gaining a green premium. Still, rising procurement costs are hitting local traders hard, even as demand from Italy, Russia, and Germany grows strong.

4. Myntra Goes Global, Starts with Singapore

Myntra has launched international shipping to Singapore, targeting the 6 million-strong Indian diaspora. With over 35,000 styles across 100 brands—including Aurelia, Global Desi, and Rare Rabbit—the Flipkart-owned fashion giant is offering delivery in 4–7 days straight from India. CEO Nandita Sinha says the focus is on festive fashion and understanding consumer needs before expanding to more countries. Singapore’s booming e-commerce market makes it an ideal launchpad for “Myntra Global,” a strategy aimed at building global brand affinity.

5. Trump-Putin Call Rekindles Peace Hopes

In a surprise diplomatic turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump was “frank and useful.” The two discussed paths to peace in Ukraine, with Putin proposing a memorandum for a ceasefire and long-term treaty. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the idea of peace but said Russia must act to be trusted. “We want to finish this war, but we don’t trust them,” he said. Talks may be resuming—but skepticism remains high.

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]]> 485 no Big Corporate Earnings Week | India Chokes Dhaka’s Trade Lifeline Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you 5 major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John. 1. Q4 Earnings Storm: Over 660 Companies Line UpIt’s a blockbuster week on Dalal Street as over 660 companies, including market giants like Power Grid, ONGC, Hindalco, and ITC, prepare to report Q4 results. The Nifty 500 has already surprised positively with 10.5% earnings growth, signaling a mid-cap revival. Investors will closely track results starting Monday from firms like DLF and Pfizer, followed by Hindalco, Dixon, and Max Healthcare on Tuesday. Wednesday belongs to ONGC, IndiGo, and Mankind Pharma. By Friday, the likes of JSW Steel and Reliance Infra will cap off what could be a defining week for FY25 sentiment. Even Saturday will see earnings action from JK Cement and Indigo Paints. The momentum here could shape the market’s next big move. 2. IMF’s 11-Point Lifeline to PakistanPakistan has secured a fresh $1 billion from the IMF—but with 11 strict conditions. The total disbursed now stands at $2.1 billion. Key demands include passing a ₹17.6 trillion budget, implementing agricultural income tax, raising energy tariffs, and phasing out tech zone incentives by 2035. Failure to meet these could jeopardize further aid. Adding to the pressure, the IMF has flagged rising India-Pakistan tensions as a potential risk to the reform path. As Pakistan stares at a tough fiscal balancing act, the road to economic stability is paved with policy overhauls and public patience. 3. India Hits Bangladesh with Trade CurbsIndia has restricted port access for Bangladeshi goods worth $770 million, impacting nearly 42% of Dhaka’s exports into India. The move blocks key items like garments and processed foods from land routes, now limiting them to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports. While India hasn’t cited geopolitical reasons, the restrictions follow Dhaka’s curbs on Indian yarn and rice exports and a transit fee on Indian cargo. Experts say India is using economic tools to push back against Bangladesh’s growing tilt towards China, which recently signed $2.1 billion worth of deals with Dhaka. With trade ties fraying, the two neighbors are veering from collaboration toward confrontation. 4. Adani’s Deep-Sea Defence PlayAdani Defence & Aerospace has signed a major partnership with US-based Sparton to localize anti-submarine warfare tech in India. This makes Adani the first private Indian firm to offer indigenised sonobuoy systems—critical for undersea detection and naval security. The tie-up aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and is poised to boost Indian Navy capabilities. Jeet Adani called it a step toward securing sovereignty amid rising maritime threats. Sparton CEO Donnelly Bohan said the collaboration will help build high-tech jobs and localized defence manufacturing. India’s push to be a global player in undersea warfare just got a sonar-powered boost. 5. Ola’s Gigafactory Ambitions Hit DelayOla Electric’s grand gigafactory plan has hit a snag. Despite raising ₹5,500 crore last year, the company has not utilized the ₹1,227 crore earmarked for expanding battery cell capacity to 6.4 GWh by April 2025. Phase 1b and Phase 2 are delayed, with commercial production now pushed to FY26. This could endanger Ola’s eligibility for incentives under the ₹18,100 crore PLI scheme. The company, already facing mounting losses—₹564 crore in Q3 FY25—is under scrutiny for delayed execution and missed milestones. Analysts warn that unless Ola speeds up or outsources, its dream of a 20GWh facility by 2026 may remain on paper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 May 2025 01:53:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you 5 major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John. 1. Q4 Earnings Storm: Over 660 Companies Line UpIt’s a blockbuster week on Dalal Street as over 660 companies, including market giants like Power Grid, ONGC, Hindalco, and ITC, prepare to report Q4 results. The Nifty 500 has already surprised positively with 10.5% earnings growth, signaling a mid-cap revival. Investors will closely track results starting Monday from firms like DLF and Pfizer, followed by Hindalco, Dixon, and Max Healthcare on Tuesday. Wednesday belongs to ONGC, IndiGo, and Mankind Pharma. By Friday, the likes of JSW Steel and Reliance Infra will cap off what could be a defining week for FY25 sentiment. Even Saturday will see earnings action from JK Cement and Indigo Paints. The momentum here could shape the market’s next big move. 2. IMF’s 11-Point Lifeline to PakistanPakistan has secured a fresh $1 billion from the IMF—but with 11 strict conditions. The total disbursed now stands at $2.1 billion. Key demands include passing a ₹17.6 trillion budget, implementing agricultural income tax, raising energy tariffs, and phasing out tech zone incentives by 2035. Failure to meet these could jeopardize further aid. Adding to the pressure, the IMF has flagged rising India-Pakistan tensions as a potential risk to the reform path. As Pakistan stares at a tough fiscal balancing act, the road to economic stability is paved with policy overhauls and public patience. 3. India Hits Bangladesh with Trade CurbsIndia has restricted port access for Bangladeshi goods worth $770 million, impacting nearly 42% of Dhaka’s exports into India. The move blocks key items like garments and processed foods from land routes, now limiting them to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports. While India hasn’t cited geopolitical reasons, the restrictions follow Dhaka’s curbs on Indian yarn and rice exports and a transit fee on Indian cargo. Experts say India is using economic tools to push back against Bangladesh’s growing tilt towards China, which recently signed $2.1 billion worth of deals with Dhaka. With trade ties fraying, the two neighbors are veering from collaboration toward confrontation. 4. Adani’s Deep-Sea Defence PlayAdani Defence & Aerospace has signed a major partnership with US-based Sparton to localize anti-submarine warfare tech in India. This makes Adani the first private Indian firm to offer indigenised sonobuoy systems—critical for undersea detection and naval security. The tie-up aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and is poised to boost Indian Navy capabilities. Jeet Adani called it a step toward securing sovereignty amid rising maritime threats. Sparton CEO Donnelly Bohan said the collaboration will help build high-tech jobs and localized defence manufacturing. India’s push to be a global player in undersea warfare just got a sonar-powered boost. 5. Ola’s Gigafactory Ambitions Hit DelayOla Electric’s grand gigafactory plan has hit a snag. Despite raising ₹5,500 crore last year, the company has not utilized the ₹1,227 crore earmarked for expanding battery cell capacity to 6.4 GWh by April 2025. Phase 1b and Phase 2 are delayed, with commercial production now pushed to FY26. This could endanger Ola’s eligibility for incentives under the ₹18,100 crore PLI scheme. The company, already facing mounting losses—₹564 crore in Q3 FY25—is under scrutiny for delayed execution and missed milestones. Analysts warn that unless Ola speeds up or outsources, its dream of a 20GWh facility by 2026 may remain on paper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you 5 major stories from the world of business.


It's Monday, May 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John.


1. Q4 Earnings Storm: Over 660 Companies Line UpIt’s a blockbuster week on Dalal Street as over 660 companies, including market giants like Power Grid, ONGC, Hindalco, and ITC, prepare to report Q4 results. The Nifty 500 has already surprised positively with 10.5% earnings growth, signaling a mid-cap revival. Investors will closely track results starting Monday from firms like DLF and Pfizer, followed by Hindalco, Dixon, and Max Healthcare on Tuesday. Wednesday belongs to ONGC, IndiGo, and Mankind Pharma. By Friday, the likes of JSW Steel and Reliance Infra will cap off what could be a defining week for FY25 sentiment. Even Saturday will see earnings action from JK Cement and Indigo Paints. The momentum here could shape the market’s next big move.


2. IMF’s 11-Point Lifeline to PakistanPakistan has secured a fresh $1 billion from the IMF—but with 11 strict conditions. The total disbursed now stands at $2.1 billion. Key demands include passing a ₹17.6 trillion budget, implementing agricultural income tax, raising energy tariffs, and phasing out tech zone incentives by 2035. Failure to meet these could jeopardize further aid. Adding to the pressure, the IMF has flagged rising India-Pakistan tensions as a potential risk to the reform path. As Pakistan stares at a tough fiscal balancing act, the road to economic stability is paved with policy overhauls and public patience.


3. India Hits Bangladesh with Trade CurbsIndia has restricted port access for Bangladeshi goods worth $770 million, impacting nearly 42% of Dhaka’s exports into India. The move blocks key items like garments and processed foods from land routes, now limiting them to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports. While India hasn’t cited geopolitical reasons, the restrictions follow Dhaka’s curbs on Indian yarn and rice exports and a transit fee on Indian cargo. Experts say India is using economic tools to push back against Bangladesh’s growing tilt towards China, which recently signed $2.1 billion worth of deals with Dhaka. With trade ties fraying, the two neighbors are veering from collaboration toward confrontation.


4. Adani’s Deep-Sea Defence PlayAdani Defence & Aerospace has signed a major partnership with US-based Sparton to localize anti-submarine warfare tech in India. This makes Adani the first private Indian firm to offer indigenised sonobuoy systems—critical for undersea detection and naval security. The tie-up aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and is poised to boost Indian Navy capabilities. Jeet Adani called it a step toward securing sovereignty amid rising maritime threats. Sparton CEO Donnelly Bohan said the collaboration will help build high-tech jobs and localized defence manufacturing. India’s push to be a global player in undersea warfare just got a sonar-powered boost.


5. Ola’s Gigafactory Ambitions Hit DelayOla Electric’s grand gigafactory plan has hit a snag. Despite raising ₹5,500 crore last year, the company has not utilized the ₹1,227 crore earmarked for expanding battery cell capacity to 6.4 GWh by April 2025. Phase 1b and Phase 2 are delayed, with commercial production now pushed to FY26. This could endanger Ola’s eligibility for incentives under the ₹18,100 crore PLI scheme. The company, already facing mounting losses—₹564 crore in Q3 FY25—is under scrutiny for delayed execution and missed milestones. Analysts warn that unless Ola speeds up or outsources, its dream of a 20GWh facility by 2026 may remain on paper.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 469 no Çelebi Booted from India | India to Pak: Vacate PoK | India’s Oil Demand Rockets 1. India Becomes the World’s Fastest-Growing Oil Consumer OPEC’s latest report crowns India as the top driver of global oil demand growth through 2025 and 2026.Oil demand in India will rise from 5.55 million bpd (2024) to 5.99 million bpd (2026), growing faster than China’s and the US’s.Diesel is the main growth driver, with road expansion, infrastructure, and industrial growth boosting demand.March saw record crude imports (5.4 million bpd), with Russia leading at 36% of India’s crude intake.Despite geopolitical headwinds like US tariffs, OPEC sees India’s fiscal policy and strong economy cushioning any impact. 2. IndusInd Bank Uncovers ₹595 Cr in Dubious Bookkeeping India’s eighth-largest private bank is under fire for accounting lapses worth ₹595 crore in “other assets.”Triggered by a whistleblower complaint, the bank’s internal audit flagged unsubstantiated balances, quietly offset in January 2025.An earlier ₹674 crore was wrongly booked as interest over three quarters and later reversed.Top bosses CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana resigned in April amid mounting pressure.External firms PwC and Grant Thornton have been roped in for damage assessment and forensic audits.Moody’s cut the bank’s outlook to “negative”, citing weak internal controls and lack of succession planning. 3. Apple Reassures India After Trump’s iPhone Rebuke After Donald Trump publicly told Apple to stop making iPhones in India, the tech giant quietly assured New Delhi that it’s not going anywhere.Trump, speaking in Doha, said Apple CEO Tim Cook was investing in India “too much” and should “build in the US.”Apple currently produces 15% of its iPhones in India, with plans to make India a major export base.Indian officials confirmed Apple’s investment roadmap remains intact.India-made iPhones, mostly built by Foxconn and Tata Electronics, are now being exported to global markets, including the US. 4. IndusInd Bank’s ₹1,979 Cr Derivatives Blowout Adds to Woes In a separate episode earlier this year, derivative accounting errors cost the bank ₹1,979 crore.Lapses hit 2.35% of the bank’s net worth, according to PwC’s review.The bank is now strengthening internal controls, but the damage to investor confidence and leadership remains deep. 5. India Rejects Pakistan’s Conditional Peace Offer Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif extended a peace olive branch—but with the usual caveat: Kashmir.“We are ready to talk,” he said, but insisted Kashmir be central to any future talks.India immediately shut the door—S. Jaishankar stated the only issue left is for Pakistan to vacate PoK.This exchange follows a May 10 ceasefire understanding, after four days of heavy cross-border shelling. 6. India Revokes Security Clearance of Turkish Aviation Firm Çelebi In a move mixing geopolitics with national security, India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation.Çelebi handles ground operations at nine major airports including Mumbai and Delhi.The action follows public anger over Turkey’s support to Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.Shiv Sena leaders had also demanded the firm’s expulsion, citing national security.Despite its large footprint—58K flights, 5.4 lakh tons of cargo, and 7,800 employees—Çelebi now faces exit signals from India’s aviation ecosystem.India’s narrative this week is clear: high on energy, tough on lapses, assertive on sovereignty, and bold in global business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 May 2025 00:45:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 1. India Becomes the World’s Fastest-Growing Oil Consumer OPEC’s latest report crowns India as the top driver of global oil demand growth through 2025 and 2026.Oil demand in India will rise from 5.55 million bpd (2024) to 5.99 million bpd (2026), growing faster than China’s and the US’s.Diesel is the main growth driver, with road expansion, infrastructure, and industrial growth boosting demand.March saw record crude imports (5.4 million bpd), with Russia leading at 36% of India’s crude intake.Despite geopolitical headwinds like US tariffs, OPEC sees India’s fiscal policy and strong economy cushioning any impact. 2. IndusInd Bank Uncovers ₹595 Cr in Dubious Bookkeeping India’s eighth-largest private bank is under fire for accounting lapses worth ₹595 crore in “other assets.”Triggered by a whistleblower complaint, the bank’s internal audit flagged unsubstantiated balances, quietly offset in January 2025.An earlier ₹674 crore was wrongly booked as interest over three quarters and later reversed.Top bosses CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana resigned in April amid mounting pressure.External firms PwC and Grant Thornton have been roped in for damage assessment and forensic audits.Moody’s cut the bank’s outlook to “negative”, citing weak internal controls and lack of succession planning. 3. Apple Reassures India After Trump’s iPhone Rebuke After Donald Trump publicly told Apple to stop making iPhones in India, the tech giant quietly assured New Delhi that it’s not going anywhere.Trump, speaking in Doha, said Apple CEO Tim Cook was investing in India “too much” and should “build in the US.”Apple currently produces 15% of its iPhones in India, with plans to make India a major export base.Indian officials confirmed Apple’s investment roadmap remains intact.India-made iPhones, mostly built by Foxconn and Tata Electronics, are now being exported to global markets, including the US. 4. IndusInd Bank’s ₹1,979 Cr Derivatives Blowout Adds to Woes In a separate episode earlier this year, derivative accounting errors cost the bank ₹1,979 crore.Lapses hit 2.35% of the bank’s net worth, according to PwC’s review.The bank is now strengthening internal controls, but the damage to investor confidence and leadership remains deep. 5. India Rejects Pakistan’s Conditional Peace Offer Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif extended a peace olive branch—but with the usual caveat: Kashmir.“We are ready to talk,” he said, but insisted Kashmir be central to any future talks.India immediately shut the door—S. Jaishankar stated the only issue left is for Pakistan to vacate PoK.This exchange follows a May 10 ceasefire understanding, after four days of heavy cross-border shelling. 6. India Revokes Security Clearance of Turkish Aviation Firm Çelebi In a move mixing geopolitics with national security, India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation.Çelebi handles ground operations at nine major airports including Mumbai and Delhi.The action follows public anger over Turkey’s support to Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.Shiv Sena leaders had also demanded the firm’s expulsion, citing national security.Despite its large footprint—58K flights, 5.4 lakh tons of cargo, and 7,800 employees—Çelebi now faces exit signals from India’s aviation ecosystem.India’s narrative this week is clear: high on energy, tough on lapses, assertive on sovereignty, and bold in global business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 1. India Becomes the World’s Fastest-Growing Oil Consumer

OPEC’s latest report crowns India as the top driver of global oil demand growth through 2025 and 2026.Oil demand in India will rise from 5.55 million bpd (2024) to 5.99 million bpd (2026), growing faster than China’s and the US’s.
Diesel is the main growth driver, with road expansion, infrastructure, and industrial growth boosting demand.
March saw record crude imports (5.4 million bpd), with Russia leading at 36% of India’s crude intake.
Despite geopolitical headwinds like US tariffs, OPEC sees India’s fiscal policy and strong economy cushioning any impact.


2. IndusInd Bank Uncovers ₹595 Cr in Dubious Bookkeeping

India’s eighth-largest private bank is under fire for accounting lapses worth ₹595 crore in “other assets.”Triggered by a whistleblower complaint, the bank’s internal audit flagged unsubstantiated balances, quietly offset in January 2025.
An earlier ₹674 crore was wrongly booked as interest over three quarters and later reversed.
Top bosses CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana resigned in April amid mounting pressure.
External firms PwC and Grant Thornton have been roped in for damage assessment and forensic audits.
Moody’s cut the bank’s outlook to “negative”, citing weak internal controls and lack of succession planning.

3. Apple Reassures India After Trump’s iPhone Rebuke

After Donald Trump publicly told Apple to stop making iPhones in India, the tech giant quietly assured New Delhi that it’s not going anywhere.Trump, speaking in Doha, said Apple CEO Tim Cook was investing in India “too much” and should “build in the US.”
Apple currently produces 15% of its iPhones in India, with plans to make India a major export base.
Indian officials confirmed Apple’s investment roadmap remains intact.
India-made iPhones, mostly built by Foxconn and Tata Electronics, are now being exported to global markets, including the US.


4. IndusInd Bank’s ₹1,979 Cr Derivatives Blowout Adds to Woes

In a separate episode earlier this year, derivative accounting errors cost the bank ₹1,979 crore.Lapses hit 2.35% of the bank’s net worth, according to PwC’s review.
The bank is now strengthening internal controls, but the damage to investor confidence and leadership remains deep.


5. India Rejects Pakistan’s Conditional Peace Offer

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif extended a peace olive branch—but with the usual caveat: Kashmir.“We are ready to talk,” he said, but insisted Kashmir be central to any future talks.
India immediately shut the door—S. Jaishankar stated the only issue left is for Pakistan to vacate PoK.
This exchange follows a May 10 ceasefire understanding, after four days of heavy cross-border shelling.



6. India Revokes Security Clearance of Turkish Aviation Firm Çelebi

In a move mixing geopolitics with national security, India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation.Çelebi handles ground operations at nine major airports including Mumbai and Delhi.
The action follows public anger over Turkey’s support to Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
Shiv Sena leaders had also demanded the firm’s expulsion, citing national security.
Despite its large footprint—58K flights, 5.4 lakh tons of cargo, and 7,800 employees—Çelebi now faces exit signals from India’s aviation ecosystem.
India’s narrative this week is clear: high on energy, tough on lapses, assertive on sovereignty, and bold in global business.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 481 Display Chips, Desi Dreams | Tata Power’s ₹25,000 Cr Surge | North-East’s ₹2.5 Trillion Pitch 1. Tata Power’s ₹25,000 Cr Surge - 00:38:02 - 01:53:715 Tata Power is charging ahead with a massive ₹25,000 crore capital outlay for FY26, focusing half of it on renewables. CEO Praveer Sinha revealed the company plans to add up to 2.7 GW of capacity, with long-term wind turbine deals in the pipeline. Tata Power is also eyeing two UP discoms—Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal—as they head for privatisation. Meanwhile, its nuclear ambitions hinge on legal reforms expected in the Monsoon Session. The company posted a strong Q4 with net profit up 25% to ₹1,306 crore, riding on strong performance across renewables, generation, and distribution. 2. North-East’s ₹2.5 Trillion Pitch - 01:56:495- 03:13:724 Ahead of the Rising Northeast Summit on May 23–24, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced ₹1.12 trillion in confirmed proposals and eyes a ₹2.5 trillion target. Big names like Reliance, Adani, Tata Sons, and ITC are expected to contribute an additional ₹80,000 crore. From textiles to tourism, IT to energy, the region is being positioned as a high-return, high-growth destination. The summit will feature 11 ministerial sessions at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. French firms are also warming up to the region, with dairy, aviation, and agri-tech sectors in focus. 3. Gensol’s Clean Energy Crisis - 03:16:504 - 04:41:656 Gensol Engineering is in deep trouble. Ireda has filed an insolvency plea for a ₹510 crore loan default, just weeks after accusing the company of forging documents and misusing funds. Sebi has already barred the promoters—Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi—from the markets and corporate roles. Gensol raised over ₹800 crore to buy EVs for its BluSmart business but used only ₹567 crore, with ₹260 crore unaccounted for. The case, now under EOW and forensic audit, is a cautionary tale in India’s clean energy push. 4. #BoycottTurkey Takes Off - 04:44:518 - 05:59:635 Social media outrage over Turkey’s ties with Pakistan—especially reports of drone support—has sparked #BoycottTurkey trends. Platforms like Cox & Kings and Ixigo have paused bookings to the country. IndiGo and Air India’s partnerships with Turkish Airlines came under fire, but insiders say there’s no major commercial hit—yet. With Turkish Technic servicing both airlines and Celebi handling ground ops at key airports, complete decoupling looks unlikely. As with Maldives and China, boycotts only stick when commerce takes a hit—and so far, it hasn’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 May 2025 01:09:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 1. Tata Power’s ₹25,000 Cr Surge - 00:38:02 - 01:53:715 Tata Power is charging ahead with a massive ₹25,000 crore capital outlay for FY26, focusing half of it on renewables. CEO Praveer Sinha revealed the company plans to add up to 2.7 GW of capacity, with long-term wind turbine deals in the pipeline. Tata Power is also eyeing two UP discoms—Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal—as they head for privatisation. Meanwhile, its nuclear ambitions hinge on legal reforms expected in the Monsoon Session. The company posted a strong Q4 with net profit up 25% to ₹1,306 crore, riding on strong performance across renewables, generation, and distribution. 2. North-East’s ₹2.5 Trillion Pitch - 01:56:495- 03:13:724 Ahead of the Rising Northeast Summit on May 23–24, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced ₹1.12 trillion in confirmed proposals and eyes a ₹2.5 trillion target. Big names like Reliance, Adani, Tata Sons, and ITC are expected to contribute an additional ₹80,000 crore. From textiles to tourism, IT to energy, the region is being positioned as a high-return, high-growth destination. The summit will feature 11 ministerial sessions at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. French firms are also warming up to the region, with dairy, aviation, and agri-tech sectors in focus. 3. Gensol’s Clean Energy Crisis - 03:16:504 - 04:41:656 Gensol Engineering is in deep trouble. Ireda has filed an insolvency plea for a ₹510 crore loan default, just weeks after accusing the company of forging documents and misusing funds. Sebi has already barred the promoters—Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi—from the markets and corporate roles. Gensol raised over ₹800 crore to buy EVs for its BluSmart business but used only ₹567 crore, with ₹260 crore unaccounted for. The case, now under EOW and forensic audit, is a cautionary tale in India’s clean energy push. 4. #BoycottTurkey Takes Off - 04:44:518 - 05:59:635 Social media outrage over Turkey’s ties with Pakistan—especially reports of drone support—has sparked #BoycottTurkey trends. Platforms like Cox & Kings and Ixigo have paused bookings to the country. IndiGo and Air India’s partnerships with Turkish Airlines came under fire, but insiders say there’s no major commercial hit—yet. With Turkish Technic servicing both airlines and Celebi handling ground ops at key airports, complete decoupling looks unlikely. As with Maldives and China, boycotts only stick when commerce takes a hit—and so far, it hasn’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 1. Tata Power’s ₹25,000 Cr Surge - 00:38:02 - 01:53:715

Tata Power is charging ahead with a massive ₹25,000 crore capital outlay for FY26, focusing half of it on renewables. CEO Praveer Sinha revealed the company plans to add up to 2.7 GW of capacity, with long-term wind turbine deals in the pipeline. Tata Power is also eyeing two UP discoms—Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal—as they head for privatisation. Meanwhile, its nuclear ambitions hinge on legal reforms expected in the Monsoon Session. The company posted a strong Q4 with net profit up 25% to ₹1,306 crore, riding on strong performance across renewables, generation, and distribution.


2. North-East’s ₹2.5 Trillion Pitch - 01:56:495- 03:13:724

Ahead of the Rising Northeast Summit on May 23–24, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced ₹1.12 trillion in confirmed proposals and eyes a ₹2.5 trillion target. Big names like Reliance, Adani, Tata Sons, and ITC are expected to contribute an additional ₹80,000 crore. From textiles to tourism, IT to energy, the region is being positioned as a high-return, high-growth destination. The summit will feature 11 ministerial sessions at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. French firms are also warming up to the region, with dairy, aviation, and agri-tech sectors in focus.


3. Gensol’s Clean Energy Crisis - 03:16:504 - 04:41:656

Gensol Engineering is in deep trouble. Ireda has filed an insolvency plea for a ₹510 crore loan default, just weeks after accusing the company of forging documents and misusing funds. Sebi has already barred the promoters—Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi—from the markets and corporate roles. Gensol raised over ₹800 crore to buy EVs for its BluSmart business but used only ₹567 crore, with ₹260 crore unaccounted for. The case, now under EOW and forensic audit, is a cautionary tale in India’s clean energy push.


4. #BoycottTurkey Takes Off - 04:44:518 - 05:59:635

Social media outrage over Turkey’s ties with Pakistan—especially reports of drone support—has sparked #BoycottTurkey trends. Platforms like Cox & Kings and Ixigo have paused bookings to the country. IndiGo and Air India’s partnerships with Turkish Airlines came under fire, but insiders say there’s no major commercial hit—yet. With Turkish Technic servicing both airlines and Celebi handling ground ops at key airports, complete decoupling looks unlikely. As with Maldives and China, boycotts only stick when commerce takes a hit—and so far, it hasn’t.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 460 Airtel, Tata & Hero - Earnings Overview | IND-US, Tariff Tensions Simmer Again India vs. US: Trade Tensions Heat UpIndia is ready to hit back with $1.91 billion in tariffs on key US goods—like almonds, petrochemicals, and medical devices—if steel and aluminium duties aren’t withdrawn by June 8. The trigger? Trump’s extension of safeguard duties. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Washington on May 16 to try and broker a deal. With $7.6B in exports on the line and a 90-day tariff pause set to expire on July 8, India’s playing hardball while still betting on a Free Trade Agreement. Airtel’s Q4 Rings Loud Bharti Airtel posted a stunning 432% jump in Q4FY25 net profit at ₹11,022 crore, riding high on tariff hikes and a one-time tax gain. Revenue rose 27% to ₹47,876 crore, while ARPU hit ₹245. With 590.5 million users, the company also sealed a satellite internet pact with Elon Musk’s Starlink. A ₹16/share final dividend caps off a blockbuster year. Tata’s Mixed Drive Tata Motors saw Q4 profit drop 51% YoY to ₹8,470 crore, but FY25 revenue hit a record ₹4.39 lakh crore. JLR’s PBT soared to a decade-high £2.5 billion, and Tata’s EV arm turned EBITDA positive. Challenges persist in passenger vehicles, but the company remains debt-free and optimistic. A ₹6 dividend and a key Investor Day on June 16 are on the radar. Hero’s Global EV Push Hero MotoCorp’s FY25 net profit rose 16% to ₹4,610 crore. Exports jumped 44%, and EV sales rocketed 175%, with its Vida brand doubling market share. But rivals like Honda and TVS are growing faster. Hero plans European expansion and is betting big on EVs and new three-wheeler plays via Euler Motors. Cipla Steady Amid Policy Storm Cipla shrugged off US pharma tariff fears and posted a 30% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,222 crore. FY25 revenue grew 8% to ₹27,548 crore. The US remains key, now forming 29% of revenue, while India remains the long-term play. With GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic going off patent soon, Cipla’s gearing up with in-house and partner products for the next leg of growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 May 2025 04:16:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India vs. US: Trade Tensions Heat UpIndia is ready to hit back with $1.91 billion in tariffs on key US goods—like almonds, petrochemicals, and medical devices—if steel and aluminium duties aren’t withdrawn by June 8. The trigger? Trump’s extension of safeguard duties. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Washington on May 16 to try and broker a deal. With $7.6B in exports on the line and a 90-day tariff pause set to expire on July 8, India’s playing hardball while still betting on a Free Trade Agreement. Airtel’s Q4 Rings Loud Bharti Airtel posted a stunning 432% jump in Q4FY25 net profit at ₹11,022 crore, riding high on tariff hikes and a one-time tax gain. Revenue rose 27% to ₹47,876 crore, while ARPU hit ₹245. With 590.5 million users, the company also sealed a satellite internet pact with Elon Musk’s Starlink. A ₹16/share final dividend caps off a blockbuster year. Tata’s Mixed Drive Tata Motors saw Q4 profit drop 51% YoY to ₹8,470 crore, but FY25 revenue hit a record ₹4.39 lakh crore. JLR’s PBT soared to a decade-high £2.5 billion, and Tata’s EV arm turned EBITDA positive. Challenges persist in passenger vehicles, but the company remains debt-free and optimistic. A ₹6 dividend and a key Investor Day on June 16 are on the radar. Hero’s Global EV Push Hero MotoCorp’s FY25 net profit rose 16% to ₹4,610 crore. Exports jumped 44%, and EV sales rocketed 175%, with its Vida brand doubling market share. But rivals like Honda and TVS are growing faster. Hero plans European expansion and is betting big on EVs and new three-wheeler plays via Euler Motors. Cipla Steady Amid Policy Storm Cipla shrugged off US pharma tariff fears and posted a 30% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,222 crore. FY25 revenue grew 8% to ₹27,548 crore. The US remains key, now forming 29% of revenue, while India remains the long-term play. With GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic going off patent soon, Cipla’s gearing up with in-house and partner products for the next leg of growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices India vs. US:

Trade Tensions Heat UpIndia is ready to hit back with $1.91 billion in tariffs on key US goods—like almonds, petrochemicals, and medical devices—if steel and aluminium duties aren’t withdrawn by June 8. The trigger? Trump’s extension of safeguard duties. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Washington on May 16 to try and broker a deal. With $7.6B in exports on the line and a 90-day tariff pause set to expire on July 8, India’s playing hardball while still betting on a Free Trade Agreement.


Airtel’s Q4 Rings Loud

Bharti Airtel posted a stunning 432% jump in Q4FY25 net profit at ₹11,022 crore, riding high on tariff hikes and a one-time tax gain. Revenue rose 27% to ₹47,876 crore, while ARPU hit ₹245. With 590.5 million users, the company also sealed a satellite internet pact with Elon Musk’s Starlink. A ₹16/share final dividend caps off a blockbuster year.


Tata’s Mixed Drive

Tata Motors saw Q4 profit drop 51% YoY to ₹8,470 crore, but FY25 revenue hit a record ₹4.39 lakh crore. JLR’s PBT soared to a decade-high £2.5 billion, and Tata’s EV arm turned EBITDA positive. Challenges persist in passenger vehicles, but the company remains debt-free and optimistic. A ₹6 dividend and a key Investor Day on June 16 are on the radar.


Hero’s Global EV Push

Hero MotoCorp’s FY25 net profit rose 16% to ₹4,610 crore. Exports jumped 44%, and EV sales rocketed 175%, with its Vida brand doubling market share. But rivals like Honda and TVS are growing faster. Hero plans European expansion and is betting big on EVs and new three-wheeler plays via Euler Motors.


Cipla Steady Amid Policy Storm

Cipla shrugged off US pharma tariff fears and posted a 30% jump in Q4 profit to ₹1,222 crore. FY25 revenue grew 8% to ₹27,548 crore. The US remains key, now forming 29% of revenue, while India remains the long-term play. With GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic going off patent soon, Cipla’s gearing up with in-house and partner products for the next leg of growth.

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]]> 503 no Bulls Break Loose | Yes Bank – SMBC Deal | Worldline Exit from India Market Roars Back: Ceasefire & Tariff Pause Spark ₹16 Trillion RallyPeace on the borders and a tariff truce overseas gave Indian markets their best day in over four years. With India-Pakistan tensions cooling and US-China easing trade friction, the Nifty soared 3.8% and Sensex jumped 3.7%, adding ₹16 trillion to investor wealth. IT, banking, and blue-chip stocks led the charge, as FIIs and DIIs poured in over ₹2,600 crore. “We’re in a sweet spot,” said Marcellus’ Saurabh Mukherjea, flagging optimism ahead of earnings and a potential EM bull run in 2025. Trump’s Drug Price Bombshell Rattles Indian Pharma Donald Trump’s executive order to slash US prescription drug prices by 59% has stirred unease among Indian pharma exporters. Branded drugmakers like Sun Pharma, with up to 17% US revenue exposure, face risks if the rule is enforced. Generic manufacturers may escape unscathed—for now. With Trump pushing for price parity with Europe, and past efforts blocked in court, Indian pharma must brace for policy volatility in its top export market. Yes Bank’s SMBC Deal Signals Fresh Start Yes Bank is readying for a reset with a ₹13,482 crore lifeline from Japan’s SMBC, which will pick up a 20% stake. CEO Prashant Kumar called it a triple win: reducing SBI’s stake overhang, onboarding a global strategic partner, and potentially securing a credit rating upgrade. With PE options ruled out and M&A off the table, the bank is betting on stability, not survival. Approval is expected by September, as analysts cautiously back the move. Worldline Looks to Exit India in $200M Deal French fintech Worldline is quietly preparing to exit India, hiring BNP Paribas to find a buyer for its B2B payments business. The move is part of CEO Pierre Vacheron’s cost-cutting and portfolio-pruning turnaround plan following steep losses and multiple profit warnings. Razorpay and PayU are seen as front-runners. If it goes through, the deal could reshape India’s digital payments battlefield—and help Worldline reset focus on core markets. Hero’s Pivot Moment: Munjal Returns Amid EV PressureLeadership churn at Hero MotoCorp has brought 71-year-old Pawan Munjal back into the spotlight. With CEO Niranjan Gupta exiting and Honda closing in on sales, India’s two-wheeler giant is in reset mode. Interim CEO Vikram Kasbekar steps in as the company struggles with slow EV adoption and a 4.5% YTD stock drop. With just 48,674 EV scooters sold versus TVS and Bajaj’s 2 lakh+, Munjal’s next move will be critical. Investors await Tuesday’s earnings for clues on Hero’s growth, margins, and roadmap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 May 2025 04:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Market Roars Back: Ceasefire & Tariff Pause Spark ₹16 Trillion RallyPeace on the borders and a tariff truce overseas gave Indian markets their best day in over four years. With India-Pakistan tensions cooling and US-China easing trade friction, the Nifty soared 3.8% and Sensex jumped 3.7%, adding ₹16 trillion to investor wealth. IT, banking, and blue-chip stocks led the charge, as FIIs and DIIs poured in over ₹2,600 crore. “We’re in a sweet spot,” said Marcellus’ Saurabh Mukherjea, flagging optimism ahead of earnings and a potential EM bull run in 2025. Trump’s Drug Price Bombshell Rattles Indian Pharma Donald Trump’s executive order to slash US prescription drug prices by 59% has stirred unease among Indian pharma exporters. Branded drugmakers like Sun Pharma, with up to 17% US revenue exposure, face risks if the rule is enforced. Generic manufacturers may escape unscathed—for now. With Trump pushing for price parity with Europe, and past efforts blocked in court, Indian pharma must brace for policy volatility in its top export market. Yes Bank’s SMBC Deal Signals Fresh Start Yes Bank is readying for a reset with a ₹13,482 crore lifeline from Japan’s SMBC, which will pick up a 20% stake. CEO Prashant Kumar called it a triple win: reducing SBI’s stake overhang, onboarding a global strategic partner, and potentially securing a credit rating upgrade. With PE options ruled out and M&A off the table, the bank is betting on stability, not survival. Approval is expected by September, as analysts cautiously back the move. Worldline Looks to Exit India in $200M Deal French fintech Worldline is quietly preparing to exit India, hiring BNP Paribas to find a buyer for its B2B payments business. The move is part of CEO Pierre Vacheron’s cost-cutting and portfolio-pruning turnaround plan following steep losses and multiple profit warnings. Razorpay and PayU are seen as front-runners. If it goes through, the deal could reshape India’s digital payments battlefield—and help Worldline reset focus on core markets. Hero’s Pivot Moment: Munjal Returns Amid EV PressureLeadership churn at Hero MotoCorp has brought 71-year-old Pawan Munjal back into the spotlight. With CEO Niranjan Gupta exiting and Honda closing in on sales, India’s two-wheeler giant is in reset mode. Interim CEO Vikram Kasbekar steps in as the company struggles with slow EV adoption and a 4.5% YTD stock drop. With just 48,674 EV scooters sold versus TVS and Bajaj’s 2 lakh+, Munjal’s next move will be critical. Investors await Tuesday’s earnings for clues on Hero’s growth, margins, and roadmap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Market Roars Back:

Ceasefire & Tariff Pause Spark ₹16 Trillion RallyPeace on the borders and a tariff truce overseas gave Indian markets their best day in over four years. With India-Pakistan tensions cooling and US-China easing trade friction, the Nifty soared 3.8% and Sensex jumped 3.7%, adding ₹16 trillion to investor wealth. IT, banking, and blue-chip stocks led the charge, as FIIs and DIIs poured in over ₹2,600 crore. “We’re in a sweet spot,” said Marcellus’ Saurabh Mukherjea, flagging optimism ahead of earnings and a potential EM bull run in 2025.


Trump’s Drug Price Bombshell Rattles Indian Pharma

Donald Trump’s executive order to slash US prescription drug prices by 59% has stirred unease among Indian pharma exporters. Branded drugmakers like Sun Pharma, with up to 17% US revenue exposure, face risks if the rule is enforced. Generic manufacturers may escape unscathed—for now. With Trump pushing for price parity with Europe, and past efforts blocked in court, Indian pharma must brace for policy volatility in its top export market.


Yes Bank’s SMBC Deal Signals Fresh Start

Yes Bank is readying for a reset with a ₹13,482 crore lifeline from Japan’s SMBC, which will pick up a 20% stake. CEO Prashant Kumar called it a triple win: reducing SBI’s stake overhang, onboarding a global strategic partner, and potentially securing a credit rating upgrade. With PE options ruled out and M&A off the table, the bank is betting on stability, not survival. Approval is expected by September, as analysts cautiously back the move.


Worldline Looks to Exit India in $200M Deal

French fintech Worldline is quietly preparing to exit India, hiring BNP Paribas to find a buyer for its B2B payments business. The move is part of CEO Pierre Vacheron’s cost-cutting and portfolio-pruning turnaround plan following steep losses and multiple profit warnings. Razorpay and PayU are seen as front-runners. If it goes through, the deal could reshape India’s digital payments battlefield—and help Worldline reset focus on core markets.


Hero’s Pivot Moment:

Munjal Returns Amid EV PressureLeadership churn at Hero MotoCorp has brought 71-year-old Pawan Munjal back into the spotlight. With CEO Niranjan Gupta exiting and Honda closing in on sales, India’s two-wheeler giant is in reset mode. Interim CEO Vikram Kasbekar steps in as the company struggles with slow EV adoption and a 4.5% YTD stock drop. With just 48,674 EV scooters sold versus TVS and Bajaj’s 2 lakh+, Munjal’s next move will be critical. Investors await Tuesday’s earnings for clues on Hero’s growth, margins, and roadmap.

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]]> 464 Kashmir - Trump Talks. India Walks | Sensex Sinks on Border Heat | Op Sindoor - 10 Takeaways Operation Sindoor: “We Struck Where It Hurt”India’s top military brass revealed the impact of Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Air Marshal AK Bharti said strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases like Chaklala and Rahim Yar Khan. Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like IC-814 hijacker Yusuf Azhar, were eliminated. India also lost five defence personnel. Despite a brief ceasefire request by Pakistan via hotline, violations resumed within hours, including drone attacks and civilian targeting. India made it clear—further provocations will be met with decisive force. D-Street Wobbles Amid Border HeatIndia’s longest stock market rally of 2025 came to a halt as border tensions rattled investors. The Sensex dropped 1,047 points, Nifty fell 339, and Bank Nifty slid 2.76%. Most sectors ended in the red, with realty, banking, and pharma leading the decline. Analysts warn of more correction ahead, with key support at 23,800. With volatility high and geopolitical risk rising, experts advise a cautious, stock-specific approach for the coming week. BrahMos Facility Inaugurated in LucknowDefence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new 200-acre BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow, linking it to India’s renewed defence posture under Operation Sindoor. Part of the UP Defence Corridor, the facility underscores India’s push for self-reliance in military tech, with ₹34,000 crore in investment proposals already. Singh reiterated India’s intent to neutralize terrorism with precision, calling the strikes a message of strength. UP CM Yogi Adityanath echoed that India would now “crush terrorism, not tolerate it.” India Rejects Trump’s Kashmir OfferIndia firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, who inaccurately referred to it as a “thousand-year conflict,” claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire. India dismissed the idea, reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir is a bilateral issue and the only matter worth discussing is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While Pakistan welcomed Trump’s remarks, India’s position remains unchanged—no third-party mediation. Combat Medicine Stock-Up BeginsWith conflict risks rising, India is scaling up production of combat medicines. The Health Ministry, led by J.P. Nadda, has directed the Department of Pharmaceuticals to boost supplies of trauma essentials—antibiotics, burn treatments, orthopedic implants, and blood products. A 24x7 control center is being established to coordinate emergency response. Doctors warn that war-related injuries demand fast access to life-saving supplies, and India’s health sector is quietly shifting into battle readiness mode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 May 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Operation Sindoor: “We Struck Where It Hurt”India’s top military brass revealed the impact of Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Air Marshal AK Bharti said strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases like Chaklala and Rahim Yar Khan. Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like IC-814 hijacker Yusuf Azhar, were eliminated. India also lost five defence personnel. Despite a brief ceasefire request by Pakistan via hotline, violations resumed within hours, including drone attacks and civilian targeting. India made it clear—further provocations will be met with decisive force. D-Street Wobbles Amid Border HeatIndia’s longest stock market rally of 2025 came to a halt as border tensions rattled investors. The Sensex dropped 1,047 points, Nifty fell 339, and Bank Nifty slid 2.76%. Most sectors ended in the red, with realty, banking, and pharma leading the decline. Analysts warn of more correction ahead, with key support at 23,800. With volatility high and geopolitical risk rising, experts advise a cautious, stock-specific approach for the coming week. BrahMos Facility Inaugurated in LucknowDefence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new 200-acre BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow, linking it to India’s renewed defence posture under Operation Sindoor. Part of the UP Defence Corridor, the facility underscores India’s push for self-reliance in military tech, with ₹34,000 crore in investment proposals already. Singh reiterated India’s intent to neutralize terrorism with precision, calling the strikes a message of strength. UP CM Yogi Adityanath echoed that India would now “crush terrorism, not tolerate it.” India Rejects Trump’s Kashmir OfferIndia firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, who inaccurately referred to it as a “thousand-year conflict,” claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire. India dismissed the idea, reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir is a bilateral issue and the only matter worth discussing is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While Pakistan welcomed Trump’s remarks, India’s position remains unchanged—no third-party mediation. Combat Medicine Stock-Up BeginsWith conflict risks rising, India is scaling up production of combat medicines. The Health Ministry, led by J.P. Nadda, has directed the Department of Pharmaceuticals to boost supplies of trauma essentials—antibiotics, burn treatments, orthopedic implants, and blood products. A 24x7 control center is being established to coordinate emergency response. Doctors warn that war-related injuries demand fast access to life-saving supplies, and India’s health sector is quietly shifting into battle readiness mode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Operation Sindoor: “We Struck Where It Hurt”India’s top military brass revealed the impact of Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Air Marshal AK Bharti said strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases like Chaklala and Rahim Yar Khan. Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like IC-814 hijacker Yusuf Azhar, were eliminated. India also lost five defence personnel. Despite a brief ceasefire request by Pakistan via hotline, violations resumed within hours, including drone attacks and civilian targeting. India made it clear—further provocations will be met with decisive force.


D-Street Wobbles Amid Border HeatIndia’s longest stock market rally of 2025 came to a halt as border tensions rattled investors. The Sensex dropped 1,047 points, Nifty fell 339, and Bank Nifty slid 2.76%. Most sectors ended in the red, with realty, banking, and pharma leading the decline. Analysts warn of more correction ahead, with key support at 23,800. With volatility high and geopolitical risk rising, experts advise a cautious, stock-specific approach for the coming week.


BrahMos Facility Inaugurated in LucknowDefence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new 200-acre BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow, linking it to India’s renewed defence posture under Operation Sindoor. Part of the UP Defence Corridor, the facility underscores India’s push for self-reliance in military tech, with ₹34,000 crore in investment proposals already. Singh reiterated India’s intent to neutralize terrorism with precision, calling the strikes a message of strength. UP CM Yogi Adityanath echoed that India would now “crush terrorism, not tolerate it.”


India Rejects Trump’s Kashmir OfferIndia firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, who inaccurately referred to it as a “thousand-year conflict,” claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire. India dismissed the idea, reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir is a bilateral issue and the only matter worth discussing is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While Pakistan welcomed Trump’s remarks, India’s position remains unchanged—no third-party mediation.


Combat Medicine Stock-Up BeginsWith conflict risks rising, India is scaling up production of combat medicines. The Health Ministry, led by J.P. Nadda, has directed the Department of Pharmaceuticals to boost supplies of trauma essentials—antibiotics, burn treatments, orthopedic implants, and blood products. A 24x7 control center is being established to coordinate emergency response. Doctors warn that war-related injuries demand fast access to life-saving supplies, and India’s health sector is quietly shifting into battle readiness mode.

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]]> 461 Markets Flinch as Missiles Fly | Flying from Mumbai? Pay More Soon India Shoots Down F-16 in Escalating Air Conflict In a dramatic escalation, India’s air defence systems went full throttle Thursday night, downing a Pakistani F-16, two JF-17s, and a Pakistani AWACS inside Punjab province. The air battle followed Islamabad’s coordinated strikes on Indian military locations in Jammu and Punjab. Drones were also intercepted in J&K and Rajasthan, with one striking Jammu Airport. India’s S-400 systems thwarted eight incoming missiles across key border areas. The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed no casualties, calling the response “by the book.” The attacks came just days after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, placing the region on high alert. Markets Turn Cautious Amid War Clouds While panic didn’t grip the markets, investors showed signs of nervousness after reports of Pakistani missile strikes on Indian targets. The Nifty fell 0.6% to 24,273, and India VIX surged 10% to 21.01, reflecting volatility. The put-call ratio (PCR) hit a record 1.89 before settling at 0.86 by day-end, as traders unwound risky bets. Analysts flagged this as heightened caution. Still, long-term bulls like Mirae’s Swarup Mohanty and Kotak’s Nilesh Shah believe the skirmish won’t derail markets for long—and might offer buying opportunities. Adani’s Himalayan Power Play with Bhutan Adani Group has inked a strategic MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower. Building on their ongoing 900 MW Wangchhu project, the deal aligns with Bhutan’s 2040 clean energy roadmap. Adani will ensure power offtake via India’s commercial markets, reinforcing Bhutan’s central role in regional energy trade. With Tata Power and NHPC also eyeing Bhutan, the stage is set for a South Asian hydropower boom. Trump Hints at Major UK Trade Deal Donald Trump teased a “major trade deal” announcement at a press conference, likely involving the UK, according to Reuters and Financial Times. The deal could scrap Britain’s 2% digital tax and see U.S. tariffs on aluminum, autos, and steel lowered. Talks with India are also on the table but face “a twist.” Trump claimed multiple nations are eager to negotiate. Markets reacted mildly positive, with S&P 500 futures up 0.5%, even as the 145% tariff wall on China remains untouched. Mumbai Flyers, Brace for Higher Airport Fees From May 16, flying out of Mumbai’s Adani-run CSMIA will cost more. For the first time, domestic passengers will pay ₹175 on departure and ₹75 on arrival. International travellers face a steeper hike—₹695 and ₹304 for business class, ₹615 and ₹260 for economy, over 200% higher than current rates. AERA justified the hike citing upgraded infrastructure. The fee changes come amid Terminal 1’s planned demolition, which is expected to temporarily dip traffic, with a rebound anticipated once Navi Mumbai airport opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 May 2025 03:03:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India Shoots Down F-16 in Escalating Air Conflict In a dramatic escalation, India’s air defence systems went full throttle Thursday night, downing a Pakistani F-16, two JF-17s, and a Pakistani AWACS inside Punjab province. The air battle followed Islamabad’s coordinated strikes on Indian military locations in Jammu and Punjab. Drones were also intercepted in J&K and Rajasthan, with one striking Jammu Airport. India’s S-400 systems thwarted eight incoming missiles across key border areas. The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed no casualties, calling the response “by the book.” The attacks came just days after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, placing the region on high alert. Markets Turn Cautious Amid War Clouds While panic didn’t grip the markets, investors showed signs of nervousness after reports of Pakistani missile strikes on Indian targets. The Nifty fell 0.6% to 24,273, and India VIX surged 10% to 21.01, reflecting volatility. The put-call ratio (PCR) hit a record 1.89 before settling at 0.86 by day-end, as traders unwound risky bets. Analysts flagged this as heightened caution. Still, long-term bulls like Mirae’s Swarup Mohanty and Kotak’s Nilesh Shah believe the skirmish won’t derail markets for long—and might offer buying opportunities. Adani’s Himalayan Power Play with Bhutan Adani Group has inked a strategic MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower. Building on their ongoing 900 MW Wangchhu project, the deal aligns with Bhutan’s 2040 clean energy roadmap. Adani will ensure power offtake via India’s commercial markets, reinforcing Bhutan’s central role in regional energy trade. With Tata Power and NHPC also eyeing Bhutan, the stage is set for a South Asian hydropower boom. Trump Hints at Major UK Trade Deal Donald Trump teased a “major trade deal” announcement at a press conference, likely involving the UK, according to Reuters and Financial Times. The deal could scrap Britain’s 2% digital tax and see U.S. tariffs on aluminum, autos, and steel lowered. Talks with India are also on the table but face “a twist.” Trump claimed multiple nations are eager to negotiate. Markets reacted mildly positive, with S&P 500 futures up 0.5%, even as the 145% tariff wall on China remains untouched. Mumbai Flyers, Brace for Higher Airport Fees From May 16, flying out of Mumbai’s Adani-run CSMIA will cost more. For the first time, domestic passengers will pay ₹175 on departure and ₹75 on arrival. International travellers face a steeper hike—₹695 and ₹304 for business class, ₹615 and ₹260 for economy, over 200% higher than current rates. AERA justified the hike citing upgraded infrastructure. The fee changes come amid Terminal 1’s planned demolition, which is expected to temporarily dip traffic, with a rebound anticipated once Navi Mumbai airport opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices India Shoots Down F-16 in Escalating Air Conflict

In a dramatic escalation, India’s air defence systems went full throttle Thursday night, downing a Pakistani F-16, two JF-17s, and a Pakistani AWACS inside Punjab province. The air battle followed Islamabad’s coordinated strikes on Indian military locations in Jammu and Punjab. Drones were also intercepted in J&K and Rajasthan, with one striking Jammu Airport. India’s S-400 systems thwarted eight incoming missiles across key border areas. The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed no casualties, calling the response “by the book.” The attacks came just days after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, placing the region on high alert.


Markets Turn Cautious Amid War Clouds

While panic didn’t grip the markets, investors showed signs of nervousness after reports of Pakistani missile strikes on Indian targets. The Nifty fell 0.6% to 24,273, and India VIX surged 10% to 21.01, reflecting volatility. The put-call ratio (PCR) hit a record 1.89 before settling at 0.86 by day-end, as traders unwound risky bets. Analysts flagged this as heightened caution. Still, long-term bulls like Mirae’s Swarup Mohanty and Kotak’s Nilesh Shah believe the skirmish won’t derail markets for long—and might offer buying opportunities.


Adani’s Himalayan Power Play with Bhutan

Adani Group has inked a strategic MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower. Building on their ongoing 900 MW Wangchhu project, the deal aligns with Bhutan’s 2040 clean energy roadmap. Adani will ensure power offtake via India’s commercial markets, reinforcing Bhutan’s central role in regional energy trade. With Tata Power and NHPC also eyeing Bhutan, the stage is set for a South Asian hydropower boom.


Trump Hints at Major UK Trade Deal

Donald Trump teased a “major trade deal” announcement at a press conference, likely involving the UK, according to Reuters and Financial Times. The deal could scrap Britain’s 2% digital tax and see U.S. tariffs on aluminum, autos, and steel lowered. Talks with India are also on the table but face “a twist.” Trump claimed multiple nations are eager to negotiate. Markets reacted mildly positive, with S&P 500 futures up 0.5%, even as the 145% tariff wall on China remains untouched.


Mumbai Flyers, Brace for Higher Airport Fees

From May 16, flying out of Mumbai’s Adani-run CSMIA will cost more. For the first time, domestic passengers will pay ₹175 on departure and ₹75 on arrival. International travellers face a steeper hike—₹695 and ₹304 for business class, ₹615 and ₹260 for economy, over 200% higher than current rates. AERA justified the hike citing upgraded infrastructure. The fee changes come amid Terminal 1’s planned demolition, which is expected to temporarily dip traffic, with a rebound anticipated once Navi Mumbai airport opens.

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]]> 458 Defence Stocks Rally on Border Tensions | Starlink Cleared for India | REITs Revival As missiles struck terror targets across the border in ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s cyber command braced for a digital warfront. Just hours after the strikes, top cyber experts and government officials warned of a heightened risk of cyberattacks targeting India’s critical infrastructure. Banks, telecom networks, and public utilities have been put on alert. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued advisories to financial institutions, while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered telcos to boost network security, especially in sensitive border regions. “Cyber sabotage today can be as destructive as a missile,” warned Rakesh Bhatnagar of VoICE, highlighting risks from foreign-made telecom and power equipment. Industry insiders say everything from denial-of-service attacks to stealth intrusions aimed at stealing sensitive government data is on the table. Pakistani hackers, officials say, have already attempted website defacements and intrusions—one recent case targeted Rajasthan’s education portal. With tensions high, India’s cybersecurity forces are now operating at peak alert levels. Experts stress that this isn’t just a government issue. “Every connected individual is vulnerable,” said Aon’s Prasanna Kumar. His warning? The war is now digital—and everyone’s a target. India’s retaliatory strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ have not only made geopolitical waves—they’ve sent defence stocks flying. Since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, defence stocks have outpaced the broader market. The Nifty Defence Index is up 2.99%, while the Nifty 50 managed just 1.2%. Big names like Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, and Mazagon Dock have all gained in anticipation of faster project execution. “Earlier, defence orders took 5–7 years to play out. Now there’s pressure to deliver in three,” says Vikas Gupta of OmniScience Capital. That urgency could drive earnings and lead to analyst upgrades. What’s more, the global backdrop is shifting. With Russia and Israel unable to meet export demand, and Trump pushing NATO to ramp up defence spending, India’s affordable arms offerings are suddenly in high demand. “India’s export potential is huge,” says Ventura’s Vinit Bo-linj-kar, pointing to a 10-year global defence stockpile low. From UAVs and missiles by Adani to Tata-Airbus military aircraft and even critical mineral players like NMDC, India’s defence ecosystem is expanding fast. If tensions escalate, analysts expect a spike in demand not just for weapons—but for maintenance, upgrades, and consumables. War or not, defence is clearly in investor crosshairs. After a long wait and some tough new security rules, Elon Musk’s Starlink has finally been greenlit to beam satellite internet across India. The Department of Telecommunications has issued Starlink a Letter of Intent to launch services, officials confirmed. This approval positions Starlink alongside Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES JV in the race to blanket India with satellite broadband. The timing’s key—Starlink’s nod came just a day after the government tightened rules, mandating data localization, lawful interception, and domestic manufacturing. “They’ll begin demos next, before getting the final licence,” one official said. Starlink’s plans hinge on more than just a licence. It still needs IN-SPACe clearance to operate its satellite fleet and set up earth station gateways—key for local connectivity. Globally, Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation—over 6,750 in orbit. Back home, it’s already in talks with telecom giants Airtel and Jio to distribute its kits through retail chains. With over 40% of India still offline—mostly in rural regions—analysts say Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer. As Bernstein put it, this could help bridge India’s deep digital divide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 May 2025 01:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast As missiles struck terror targets across the border in ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s cyber command braced for a digital warfront. Just hours after the strikes, top cyber experts and government officials warned of a heightened risk of cyberattacks targeting India’s critical infrastructure. Banks, telecom networks, and public utilities have been put on alert. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued advisories to financial institutions, while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered telcos to boost network security, especially in sensitive border regions. “Cyber sabotage today can be as destructive as a missile,” warned Rakesh Bhatnagar of VoICE, highlighting risks from foreign-made telecom and power equipment. Industry insiders say everything from denial-of-service attacks to stealth intrusions aimed at stealing sensitive government data is on the table. Pakistani hackers, officials say, have already attempted website defacements and intrusions—one recent case targeted Rajasthan’s education portal. With tensions high, India’s cybersecurity forces are now operating at peak alert levels. Experts stress that this isn’t just a government issue. “Every connected individual is vulnerable,” said Aon’s Prasanna Kumar. His warning? The war is now digital—and everyone’s a target. India’s retaliatory strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ have not only made geopolitical waves—they’ve sent defence stocks flying. Since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, defence stocks have outpaced the broader market. The Nifty Defence Index is up 2.99%, while the Nifty 50 managed just 1.2%. Big names like Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, and Mazagon Dock have all gained in anticipation of faster project execution. “Earlier, defence orders took 5–7 years to play out. Now there’s pressure to deliver in three,” says Vikas Gupta of OmniScience Capital. That urgency could drive earnings and lead to analyst upgrades. What’s more, the global backdrop is shifting. With Russia and Israel unable to meet export demand, and Trump pushing NATO to ramp up defence spending, India’s affordable arms offerings are suddenly in high demand. “India’s export potential is huge,” says Ventura’s Vinit Bo-linj-kar, pointing to a 10-year global defence stockpile low. From UAVs and missiles by Adani to Tata-Airbus military aircraft and even critical mineral players like NMDC, India’s defence ecosystem is expanding fast. If tensions escalate, analysts expect a spike in demand not just for weapons—but for maintenance, upgrades, and consumables. War or not, defence is clearly in investor crosshairs. After a long wait and some tough new security rules, Elon Musk’s Starlink has finally been greenlit to beam satellite internet across India. The Department of Telecommunications has issued Starlink a Letter of Intent to launch services, officials confirmed. This approval positions Starlink alongside Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES JV in the race to blanket India with satellite broadband. The timing’s key—Starlink’s nod came just a day after the government tightened rules, mandating data localization, lawful interception, and domestic manufacturing. “They’ll begin demos next, before getting the final licence,” one official said. Starlink’s plans hinge on more than just a licence. It still needs IN-SPACe clearance to operate its satellite fleet and set up earth station gateways—key for local connectivity. Globally, Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation—over 6,750 in orbit. Back home, it’s already in talks with telecom giants Airtel and Jio to distribute its kits through retail chains. With over 40% of India still offline—mostly in rural regions—analysts say Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer. As Bernstein put it, this could help bridge India’s deep digital divide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As missiles struck terror targets across the border in ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s cyber command braced for a digital warfront. Just hours after the strikes, top cyber experts and government officials warned of a heightened risk of cyberattacks targeting India’s critical infrastructure. Banks, telecom networks, and public utilities have been put on alert. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued advisories to financial institutions, while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered telcos to boost network security, especially in sensitive border regions. “Cyber sabotage today can be as destructive as a missile,” warned Rakesh Bhatnagar of VoICE, highlighting risks from foreign-made telecom and power equipment. Industry insiders say everything from denial-of-service attacks to stealth intrusions aimed at stealing sensitive government data is on the table. Pakistani hackers, officials say, have already attempted website defacements and intrusions—one recent case targeted Rajasthan’s education portal. With tensions high, India’s cybersecurity forces are now operating at peak alert levels. Experts stress that this isn’t just a government issue. “Every connected individual is vulnerable,” said Aon’s Prasanna Kumar. His warning? The war is now digital—and everyone’s a target.



India’s retaliatory strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ have not only made geopolitical waves—they’ve sent defence stocks flying. Since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, defence stocks have outpaced the broader market. The Nifty Defence Index is up 2.99%, while the Nifty 50 managed just 1.2%. Big names like Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, and Mazagon Dock have all gained in anticipation of faster project execution. “Earlier, defence orders took 5–7 years to play out. Now there’s pressure to deliver in three,” says Vikas Gupta of OmniScience Capital. That urgency could drive earnings and lead to analyst upgrades. What’s more, the global backdrop is shifting. With Russia and Israel unable to meet export demand, and Trump pushing NATO to ramp up defence spending, India’s affordable arms offerings are suddenly in high demand. “India’s export potential is huge,” says Ventura’s Vinit Bo-linj-kar, pointing to a 10-year global defence stockpile low. From UAVs and missiles by Adani to Tata-Airbus military aircraft and even critical mineral players like NMDC, India’s defence ecosystem is expanding fast. If tensions escalate, analysts expect a spike in demand not just for weapons—but for maintenance, upgrades, and consumables. War or not, defence is clearly in investor crosshairs.


After a long wait and some tough new security rules, Elon Musk’s Starlink has finally been greenlit to beam satellite internet across India. The Department of Telecommunications has issued Starlink a Letter of Intent to launch services, officials confirmed. This approval positions Starlink alongside Eutelsat OneWeb and the Jio-SES JV in the race to blanket India with satellite broadband. The timing’s key—Starlink’s nod came just a day after the government tightened rules, mandating data localization, lawful interception, and domestic manufacturing. “They’ll begin demos next, before getting the final licence,” one official said. Starlink’s plans hinge on more than just a licence. It still needs IN-SPACe clearance to operate its satellite fleet and set up earth station gateways—key for local connectivity. Globally, Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation—over 6,750 in orbit. Back home, it’s already in talks with telecom giants Airtel and Jio to distribute its kits through retail chains. With over 40% of India still offline—mostly in rural regions—analysts say Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer. As Bernstein put it, this could help bridge India’s deep digital divide.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 490 India Strikes Deep in Pakistan | India, UK Ink Historic FTA | Synoptics IPO Scam 1.⁠ ⁠Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back In a dramatic pre-dawn move on May 8, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key Lashkar and Jaish hubs in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. Executed using fighter jets, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and tri-service precision, the strikes were conducted entirely from Indian airspace and targeted only terrorist infrastructure. India described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” avoiding Pakistani military installations while showcasing significant firepower and coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 2.⁠ ⁠Pakistan Responds: “This Won’t Go Unanswered” Reacting to the strikes, Pakistan’s military issued a stern warning. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated, “India’s temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief,” vowing retaliation at a time and place of its choosing. Pakistan confirmed strikes in three locations and mobilized its air force, while closing its airspace for 48 hours. Tensions along the Line of Control have since intensified, with reports of heavy artillery exchanges. 3.⁠ ⁠IAF Combat Drills & Civil Defence Readiness Parallel to Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force began a major combat readiness exercise across the western sector, involving fighter jets, drones, helicopters, AWACS, and refuellers in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and UP. Though termed “routine,” the timing—post-Pahalgam—adds strategic weight. Simultaneously, India conducted nationwide civil defence drills across 244 districts, the largest since 1971. These drills tested air raid sirens, evacuation plans, blackout protocols, and communications, sending a clear message: India is prepared for all scenarios. ⸻ 4.⁠ ⁠India, UK Seal Historic Free Trade Deal In a major diplomatic win, India and the UK signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement after three years of negotiations. The deal unlocks a $45 billion trade corridor, addresses visa access for Indian professionals, and introduces the Double Contribution Convention to ease social security obligations for cross-border workers. While hailed as a boost for textiles, automotive, and seafood exports, concerns remain over the UK’s upcoming carbon tax that could hurt Indian steel and cement exports. Still, the FTA is expected to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, marking a new chapter in India’s global trade diplomacy. 5.⁠ ⁠SEBI Exposes IPO Scam at Synoptics In a first-of-its-kind action, SEBI has cracked down on Synoptics Technologies and its merchant banker, First Overseas Capital Ltd, for misusing over ₹19 crore from IPO proceeds. The money was diverted to shell entities a day before listing, with ₹2 crore used to buy Synoptics shares and artificially inflate demand. SEBI called the misuse “shocking and stunning,” banned FOCL from handling any new IPOs, and barred Synoptics’ promoters from the market. A deeper probe has been launched into 20 other IPOs managed by FOCL. The message is clear: tampering with public money won’t go unpunished. 6.⁠ ⁠India to Overtake Japan as 4th Largest Economy According to the IMF’s April 2025 Outlook, India is projected to surpass Japan in 2025 with a GDP of $4.187 trillion, becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy. This rise reflects India’s resilience, reforms, and growing domestic demand—even as growth cools to 6.2% in FY25. Challenges persist: trade tensions, including recent US tariffs, and slowing momentum may test the climb. But India’s long-term trajectory remains upward, with Germany next in its sights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 May 2025 02:13:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 1.⁠ ⁠Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back In a dramatic pre-dawn move on May 8, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key Lashkar and Jaish hubs in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. Executed using fighter jets, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and tri-service precision, the strikes were conducted entirely from Indian airspace and targeted only terrorist infrastructure. India described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” avoiding Pakistani military installations while showcasing significant firepower and coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 2.⁠ ⁠Pakistan Responds: “This Won’t Go Unanswered” Reacting to the strikes, Pakistan’s military issued a stern warning. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated, “India’s temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief,” vowing retaliation at a time and place of its choosing. Pakistan confirmed strikes in three locations and mobilized its air force, while closing its airspace for 48 hours. Tensions along the Line of Control have since intensified, with reports of heavy artillery exchanges. 3.⁠ ⁠IAF Combat Drills & Civil Defence Readiness Parallel to Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force began a major combat readiness exercise across the western sector, involving fighter jets, drones, helicopters, AWACS, and refuellers in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and UP. Though termed “routine,” the timing—post-Pahalgam—adds strategic weight. Simultaneously, India conducted nationwide civil defence drills across 244 districts, the largest since 1971. These drills tested air raid sirens, evacuation plans, blackout protocols, and communications, sending a clear message: India is prepared for all scenarios. ⸻ 4.⁠ ⁠India, UK Seal Historic Free Trade Deal In a major diplomatic win, India and the UK signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement after three years of negotiations. The deal unlocks a $45 billion trade corridor, addresses visa access for Indian professionals, and introduces the Double Contribution Convention to ease social security obligations for cross-border workers. While hailed as a boost for textiles, automotive, and seafood exports, concerns remain over the UK’s upcoming carbon tax that could hurt Indian steel and cement exports. Still, the FTA is expected to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, marking a new chapter in India’s global trade diplomacy. 5.⁠ ⁠SEBI Exposes IPO Scam at Synoptics In a first-of-its-kind action, SEBI has cracked down on Synoptics Technologies and its merchant banker, First Overseas Capital Ltd, for misusing over ₹19 crore from IPO proceeds. The money was diverted to shell entities a day before listing, with ₹2 crore used to buy Synoptics shares and artificially inflate demand. SEBI called the misuse “shocking and stunning,” banned FOCL from handling any new IPOs, and barred Synoptics’ promoters from the market. A deeper probe has been launched into 20 other IPOs managed by FOCL. The message is clear: tampering with public money won’t go unpunished. 6.⁠ ⁠India to Overtake Japan as 4th Largest Economy According to the IMF’s April 2025 Outlook, India is projected to surpass Japan in 2025 with a GDP of $4.187 trillion, becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy. This rise reflects India’s resilience, reforms, and growing domestic demand—even as growth cools to 6.2% in FY25. Challenges persist: trade tensions, including recent US tariffs, and slowing momentum may test the climb. But India’s long-term trajectory remains upward, with Germany next in its sights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 1.⁠ ⁠Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back


In a dramatic pre-dawn move on May 8, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key Lashkar and Jaish hubs in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22.


Executed using fighter jets, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and tri-service precision, the strikes were conducted entirely from Indian airspace and targeted only terrorist infrastructure. India described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” avoiding Pakistani military installations while showcasing significant firepower and coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.




2.⁠ ⁠Pakistan Responds: “This Won’t Go Unanswered”


Reacting to the strikes, Pakistan’s military issued a stern warning. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated, “India’s temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief,” vowing retaliation at a time and place of its choosing. Pakistan confirmed strikes in three locations and mobilized its air force, while closing its airspace for 48 hours. Tensions along the Line of Control have since intensified, with reports of heavy artillery exchanges.


3.⁠ ⁠IAF Combat Drills & Civil Defence Readiness


Parallel to Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force began a major combat readiness exercise across the western sector, involving fighter jets, drones, helicopters, AWACS, and refuellers in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and UP. Though termed “routine,” the timing—post-Pahalgam—adds strategic weight.


Simultaneously, India conducted nationwide civil defence drills across 244 districts, the largest since 1971. These drills tested air raid sirens, evacuation plans, blackout protocols, and communications, sending a clear message: India is prepared for all scenarios.


⸻


4.⁠ ⁠India, UK Seal Historic Free Trade Deal


In a major diplomatic win, India and the UK signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement after three years of negotiations. The deal unlocks a $45 billion trade corridor, addresses visa access for Indian professionals, and introduces the Double Contribution Convention to ease social security obligations for cross-border workers.


While hailed as a boost for textiles, automotive, and seafood exports, concerns remain over the UK’s upcoming carbon tax that could hurt Indian steel and cement exports. Still, the FTA is expected to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, marking a new chapter in India’s global trade diplomacy.


5.⁠ ⁠SEBI Exposes IPO Scam at Synoptics


In a first-of-its-kind action, SEBI has cracked down on Synoptics Technologies and its merchant banker, First Overseas Capital Ltd, for misusing over ₹19 crore from IPO proceeds. The money was diverted to shell entities a day before listing, with ₹2 crore used to buy Synoptics shares and artificially inflate demand.


SEBI called the misuse “shocking and stunning,” banned FOCL from handling any new IPOs, and barred Synoptics’ promoters from the market. A deeper probe has been launched into 20 other IPOs managed by FOCL. The message is clear: tampering with public money won’t go unpunished.


6.⁠ ⁠India to Overtake Japan as 4th Largest Economy


According to the IMF’s April 2025 Outlook, India is projected to surpass Japan in 2025 with a GDP of $4.187 trillion, becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy. This rise reflects India’s resilience, reforms, and growing domestic demand—even as growth cools to 6.2% in FY25.


Challenges persist: trade tensions, including recent US tariffs, and slowing momentum may test the climb. But India’s long-term trajectory remains upward, with Germany next in its sights.

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]]> 477 PAK Hackers Hit Defence Sites | UTs Get Capex Boost | Taj Bets on Travel Boom India Gears Up for Worst-Case Scenarios As Indo-Pak tensions soar post the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7. These include air raid sirens, crash blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and camouflaging critical infrastructure—measures not seen at this scale since the Kargil conflict. The drills follow India’s sweeping diplomatic retaliation: suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari border, and banning Pakistan Airlines. Pakistan hit back by halting all trade and closing its airspace. PM Modi has granted the military full operational freedom to respond. As cross-border ceasefire violations stretch into their 10th day, India is clearly preparing for all possibilities. Cyber Frontline: Hackers Hit Indian Defence SitesA digital war is brewing alongside border tensions. Pakistani hacker groups have claimed to breach key Indian defence-linked websites, including the Military Engineer Services and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses—claims the institute denies. One group alleged access to 10GB of user data. Meanwhile, defacement attempts were made on websites like Armoured Vehicle Nigam and Army Public Schools. Another group, Internet of Khilafah, targeted welfare platforms for ex-servicemen. While cybersecurity teams have foiled most attacks, these waves of digital aggression are adding another layer to the Indo-Pak crisis. Union Territories Join Centre’s Capex Push Starting FY26, India’s Union Territories (UTs) will finally be eligible for the Centre’s 50-year, interest-free capital expenditure loan scheme—originally introduced post-pandemic for states only. With ₹1.5 trillion allocated for FY26, 60% of funds will go toward infrastructure, while 40% will be linked to reforms. UTs like Puducherry and Delhi can now tap into this pool to fund critical projects. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh already top the borrowing list under this scheme. Economists say the move aims to spur public investment and balance development across regions amid slow private capital inflow. Taj Hotels Bets Big on India’s Travel Boom Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), owner of the iconic Taj brand, is doubling down on India’s tourism wave with a ₹1,200 crore investment plan for FY26. After a 53% jump in FY25 net profit to ₹2,038 crore, the company plans to open 30 new hotels, most under an asset-light model. TajSATS, its catering arm, added ₹716 crore to revenues. With rising demand from leisure, business, and MICE segments, IHCL is eyeing higher occupancy rates and room prices, forecasted to cross ₹10,000 by 2026. From legacy luxury to next-gen growth, IHCL is charting a bold path forward. Skechers to Go Private in $9.4 Billion Deal Footwear giant Skechers is being acquired by 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion all-cash deal, valuing shares at $63—a 30% premium. Shareholders can also choose $57 cash plus equity in a new private entity. The move comes as global shoemakers brace for US tariffs under President Trump’s trade reset. Despite record revenues of $9 billion in 2024 and $640 million in earnings, Skechers hopes that going private will help it weather geopolitical headwinds, especially as China contributes 15% of its revenue. CEO Robert Greenberg and team will stay on, with headquarters remaining in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 May 2025 01:37:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India Gears Up for Worst-Case Scenarios As Indo-Pak tensions soar post the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7. These include air raid sirens, crash blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and camouflaging critical infrastructure—measures not seen at this scale since the Kargil conflict. The drills follow India’s sweeping diplomatic retaliation: suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari border, and banning Pakistan Airlines. Pakistan hit back by halting all trade and closing its airspace. PM Modi has granted the military full operational freedom to respond. As cross-border ceasefire violations stretch into their 10th day, India is clearly preparing for all possibilities. Cyber Frontline: Hackers Hit Indian Defence SitesA digital war is brewing alongside border tensions. Pakistani hacker groups have claimed to breach key Indian defence-linked websites, including the Military Engineer Services and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses—claims the institute denies. One group alleged access to 10GB of user data. Meanwhile, defacement attempts were made on websites like Armoured Vehicle Nigam and Army Public Schools. Another group, Internet of Khilafah, targeted welfare platforms for ex-servicemen. While cybersecurity teams have foiled most attacks, these waves of digital aggression are adding another layer to the Indo-Pak crisis. Union Territories Join Centre’s Capex Push Starting FY26, India’s Union Territories (UTs) will finally be eligible for the Centre’s 50-year, interest-free capital expenditure loan scheme—originally introduced post-pandemic for states only. With ₹1.5 trillion allocated for FY26, 60% of funds will go toward infrastructure, while 40% will be linked to reforms. UTs like Puducherry and Delhi can now tap into this pool to fund critical projects. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh already top the borrowing list under this scheme. Economists say the move aims to spur public investment and balance development across regions amid slow private capital inflow. Taj Hotels Bets Big on India’s Travel Boom Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), owner of the iconic Taj brand, is doubling down on India’s tourism wave with a ₹1,200 crore investment plan for FY26. After a 53% jump in FY25 net profit to ₹2,038 crore, the company plans to open 30 new hotels, most under an asset-light model. TajSATS, its catering arm, added ₹716 crore to revenues. With rising demand from leisure, business, and MICE segments, IHCL is eyeing higher occupancy rates and room prices, forecasted to cross ₹10,000 by 2026. From legacy luxury to next-gen growth, IHCL is charting a bold path forward. Skechers to Go Private in $9.4 Billion Deal Footwear giant Skechers is being acquired by 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion all-cash deal, valuing shares at $63—a 30% premium. Shareholders can also choose $57 cash plus equity in a new private entity. The move comes as global shoemakers brace for US tariffs under President Trump’s trade reset. Despite record revenues of $9 billion in 2024 and $640 million in earnings, Skechers hopes that going private will help it weather geopolitical headwinds, especially as China contributes 15% of its revenue. CEO Robert Greenberg and team will stay on, with headquarters remaining in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices India Gears Up for Worst-Case Scenarios

As Indo-Pak tensions soar post the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7. These include air raid sirens, crash blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and camouflaging critical infrastructure—measures not seen at this scale since the Kargil conflict. The drills follow India’s sweeping diplomatic retaliation: suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari border, and banning Pakistan Airlines. Pakistan hit back by halting all trade and closing its airspace. PM Modi has granted the military full operational freedom to respond. As cross-border ceasefire violations stretch into their 10th day, India is clearly preparing for all possibilities.


Cyber Frontline:

Hackers Hit Indian Defence SitesA digital war is brewing alongside border tensions. Pakistani hacker groups have claimed to breach key Indian defence-linked websites, including the Military Engineer Services and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses—claims the institute denies. One group alleged access to 10GB of user data. Meanwhile, defacement attempts were made on websites like Armoured Vehicle Nigam and Army Public Schools. Another group, Internet of Khilafah, targeted welfare platforms for ex-servicemen. While cybersecurity teams have foiled most attacks, these waves of digital aggression are adding another layer to the Indo-Pak crisis.


Union Territories Join Centre’s Capex Push

Starting FY26, India’s Union Territories (UTs) will finally be eligible for the Centre’s 50-year, interest-free capital expenditure loan scheme—originally introduced post-pandemic for states only. With ₹1.5 trillion allocated for FY26, 60% of funds will go toward infrastructure, while 40% will be linked to reforms. UTs like Puducherry and Delhi can now tap into this pool to fund critical projects. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh already top the borrowing list under this scheme. Economists say the move aims to spur public investment and balance development across regions amid slow private capital inflow.

Taj Hotels Bets Big on India’s Travel Boom

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), owner of the iconic Taj brand, is doubling down on India’s tourism wave with a ₹1,200 crore investment plan for FY26. After a 53% jump in FY25 net profit to ₹2,038 crore, the company plans to open 30 new hotels, most under an asset-light model. TajSATS, its catering arm, added ₹716 crore to revenues. With rising demand from leisure, business, and MICE segments, IHCL is eyeing higher occupancy rates and room prices, forecasted to cross ₹10,000 by 2026. From legacy luxury to next-gen growth, IHCL is charting a bold path forward.


Skechers to Go Private in $9.4 Billion Deal

Footwear giant Skechers is being acquired by 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion all-cash deal, valuing shares at $63—a 30% premium. Shareholders can also choose $57 cash plus equity in a new private entity. The move comes as global shoemakers brace for US tariffs under President Trump’s trade reset. Despite record revenues of $9 billion in 2024 and $640 million in earnings, Skechers hopes that going private will help it weather geopolitical headwinds, especially as China contributes 15% of its revenue. CEO Robert Greenberg and team will stay on, with headquarters remaining in California.

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]]> 478 HDFC’s ₹15 Trillion Milestone | Buffett to retire, successor named | Shell Eyes BP Buffett to Step Down Greg Abel Steps UpIn a surprise announcement at Berkshire Hathaway’s AGM, Warren Buffett, 94, revealed he will retire as CEO by end-2025. His successor: Greg Abel, 62, Berkshire’s vice-chair overseeing its vast non-insurance businesses like BNSF Railways and Dairy Queen. Abel, a low-profile Canadian known for strategic thinking and integrity, has been the designated successor since 2021. The board is expected to formalize his appointment. Buffett’s children won’t lead the company—son Howard will become non-executive chairman, while their $140B stake goes to philanthropy. Abel now prepares to helm the $1 trillion giant, with a clear mandate: preserve the Berkshire culture while navigating a new era. HDFC Bank’s ₹15 Trillion Comeback After years of stagnation, HDFC Bank’s market cap has crossed ₹15 trillion, joining Reliance and TCS in the elite club. Its shares surged 35% over the past year, prompting brokerages to raise price targets to ₹2,340. This marks a major reversal from earlier struggles—tech outages, RBI sanctions, and a tough merger with HDFC had battered its performance. CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan stabilized the ship through aggressive credit card pushes, tech upgrades, and branch expansion. Now focusing on SME lending and retail growth, HDFC is poised to ride India’s next wave of economic expansion, even as analysts say one solid quarter could fully reset investor sentiment. AI Is Now Hiring Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool—it’s becoming the recruiter. Companies like Grapevine, Hyring, AssessHub, and Babblebots are automating early stages of hiring, conducting video interviews, evaluating candidates via facial recognition and behavioral cues. Razorpay, for instance, is testing AI for both screening and onboarding. The results? Up to 80% cost savings and 50% reduction in HR hours. Yet, not everyone is sold—CIEL HR found video-based AI interviews off-putting for candidates. Experts warn the current boom may be “curiosity revenue,” with no clear moats in place. Still, with hiring volume set to rise, AI’s role in HR seems here to stay. Shell Considers Bold BP Takeover Shell is quietly exploring a possible acquisition of BP Plc, aiming to capitalize on BP’s 30% stock slump amid weak oil prices and investor unrest. The potential merger would be one of the oil industry’s largest ever, reuniting two British energy giants. But Shell is moving cautiously. CEO Wael Sawan says the “bar is high,” favoring stock buybacks unless a deal clearly boosts value. Activist investor Elliott has taken a 5% stake in BP, urging the company to consider transformative steps. A takeover would give Shell new access to US markets and deepen its oil portfolio—but only if the price, and timing, are right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 May 2025 05:12:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Buffett to Step Down Greg Abel Steps UpIn a surprise announcement at Berkshire Hathaway’s AGM, Warren Buffett, 94, revealed he will retire as CEO by end-2025. His successor: Greg Abel, 62, Berkshire’s vice-chair overseeing its vast non-insurance businesses like BNSF Railways and Dairy Queen. Abel, a low-profile Canadian known for strategic thinking and integrity, has been the designated successor since 2021. The board is expected to formalize his appointment. Buffett’s children won’t lead the company—son Howard will become non-executive chairman, while their $140B stake goes to philanthropy. Abel now prepares to helm the $1 trillion giant, with a clear mandate: preserve the Berkshire culture while navigating a new era. HDFC Bank’s ₹15 Trillion Comeback After years of stagnation, HDFC Bank’s market cap has crossed ₹15 trillion, joining Reliance and TCS in the elite club. Its shares surged 35% over the past year, prompting brokerages to raise price targets to ₹2,340. This marks a major reversal from earlier struggles—tech outages, RBI sanctions, and a tough merger with HDFC had battered its performance. CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan stabilized the ship through aggressive credit card pushes, tech upgrades, and branch expansion. Now focusing on SME lending and retail growth, HDFC is poised to ride India’s next wave of economic expansion, even as analysts say one solid quarter could fully reset investor sentiment. AI Is Now Hiring Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool—it’s becoming the recruiter. Companies like Grapevine, Hyring, AssessHub, and Babblebots are automating early stages of hiring, conducting video interviews, evaluating candidates via facial recognition and behavioral cues. Razorpay, for instance, is testing AI for both screening and onboarding. The results? Up to 80% cost savings and 50% reduction in HR hours. Yet, not everyone is sold—CIEL HR found video-based AI interviews off-putting for candidates. Experts warn the current boom may be “curiosity revenue,” with no clear moats in place. Still, with hiring volume set to rise, AI’s role in HR seems here to stay. Shell Considers Bold BP Takeover Shell is quietly exploring a possible acquisition of BP Plc, aiming to capitalize on BP’s 30% stock slump amid weak oil prices and investor unrest. The potential merger would be one of the oil industry’s largest ever, reuniting two British energy giants. But Shell is moving cautiously. CEO Wael Sawan says the “bar is high,” favoring stock buybacks unless a deal clearly boosts value. Activist investor Elliott has taken a 5% stake in BP, urging the company to consider transformative steps. A takeover would give Shell new access to US markets and deepen its oil portfolio—but only if the price, and timing, are right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Buffett to Step Down

Greg Abel Steps UpIn a surprise announcement at Berkshire Hathaway’s AGM, Warren Buffett, 94, revealed he will retire as CEO by end-2025. His successor: Greg Abel, 62, Berkshire’s vice-chair overseeing its vast non-insurance businesses like BNSF Railways and Dairy Queen. Abel, a low-profile Canadian known for strategic thinking and integrity, has been the designated successor since 2021. The board is expected to formalize his appointment. Buffett’s children won’t lead the company—son Howard will become non-executive chairman, while their $140B stake goes to philanthropy. Abel now prepares to helm the $1 trillion giant, with a clear mandate: preserve the Berkshire culture while navigating a new era.


HDFC Bank’s ₹15 Trillion Comeback

After years of stagnation, HDFC Bank’s market cap has crossed ₹15 trillion, joining Reliance and TCS in the elite club. Its shares surged 35% over the past year, prompting brokerages to raise price targets to ₹2,340. This marks a major reversal from earlier struggles—tech outages, RBI sanctions, and a tough merger with HDFC had battered its performance. CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan stabilized the ship through aggressive credit card pushes, tech upgrades, and branch expansion. Now focusing on SME lending and retail growth, HDFC is poised to ride India’s next wave of economic expansion, even as analysts say one solid quarter could fully reset investor sentiment.


AI Is Now Hiring

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool—it’s becoming the recruiter. Companies like Grapevine, Hyring, AssessHub, and Babblebots are automating early stages of hiring, conducting video interviews, evaluating candidates via facial recognition and behavioral cues. Razorpay, for instance, is testing AI for both screening and onboarding. The results? Up to 80% cost savings and 50% reduction in HR hours. Yet, not everyone is sold—CIEL HR found video-based AI interviews off-putting for candidates. Experts warn the current boom may be “curiosity revenue,” with no clear moats in place. Still, with hiring volume set to rise, AI’s role in HR seems here to stay.


Shell Considers Bold BP Takeover

Shell is quietly exploring a possible acquisition of BP Plc, aiming to capitalize on BP’s 30% stock slump amid weak oil prices and investor unrest. The potential merger would be one of the oil industry’s largest ever, reuniting two British energy giants. But Shell is moving cautiously. CEO Wael Sawan says the “bar is high,” favoring stock buybacks unless a deal clearly boosts value. Activist investor Elliott has taken a 5% stake in BP, urging the company to consider transformative steps. A takeover would give Shell new access to US markets and deepen its oil portfolio—but only if the price, and timing, are right.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 449 IND-PAK Border on Edge | YouTube Loves India | Market outlook - Volatility Ahead, but India Steady To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc⁠ 1.⁠ ⁠YouTube Doubles Down on India’s Creator Economy YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, at the WAVES 2025 summit, pledged an additional ₹8.5 billion to India’s creator ecosystem, on top of ₹210 billion already invested over the past three years. With over 100 million Indian channels uploading in 2024 and more than 15,000 surpassing 1 million subscribers, Mohan called India a rising “Creator Nation.” The platform clocked 45 billion watch hours from Indian content last year alone. Backing this digital momentum, the Indian government announced a $1 billion creator economy fund and the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, supported by global tech giants like Nvidia, Google, Apple, and Meta. 2.⁠ ⁠India-Pakistan Border Tensions Escalate Post Pahalgam Attack Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan has intensified military deployments across the India border. Radar systems and Chinese SH-15 howitzers were positioned in Rajasthan’s Longewala sector. The Pakistan Air Force launched large-scale exercises involving F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s, signaling heightened readiness. India, in turn, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out Pakistan’s alleged cross-border terror links. The geopolitical mood remains tense, with both countries maintaining high alert levels. 3.⁠ ⁠Pre-IPO Funding Faces Chill as Markets Wobble Volatile public markets have started to dent private funding too—especially pre-IPO deals. Investors, including HNIs and family offices, are pushing for discounted valuations, stricter terms, and longer timelines before committing funds. Big names like Zepto, Groww, and Cred are said to be in talks, but several deals are being renegotiated or delayed. While 2024 saw $355 million raised across 17 pre-IPO deals, caution is now the dominant theme. Weak post-listing performances by firms like Ola Electric and Swiggy, and the broader 7% decline in Nifty since September, have soured sentiment. 4.⁠ ⁠Markets Cautious, But India Still a Bright Spot A Mint survey of 30 investment professionals reveals that while volatility is expected to remain high—thanks to Trump’s tariff war and domestic uncertainty—India may still emerge as a relatively stable investment zone. Over 77% of experts expect continued choppiness over the next quarter, though 63% believe large-cap stocks now offer attractive entry points. Mid- and small-cap stocks remain under watch after sharp corrections. Gold, meanwhile, is shining bright—up 31% in 2025 so far—and expected to outperform equities again if global turbulence persists. IPOs have largely dried up, but 53% of analysts see a cautious revival in high-quality names later this year. 5.⁠ ⁠Sebi Clears IndusInd Execs of Insider Trading Sebi has closed its investigation into insider trading allegations against IndusInd Bank’s former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy CEO Arun Khurana. It found all ESOP-related trades were disclosed and occurred post-vesting. However, a forensic audit revealed Khurana had knowledge of the incorrect forex derivative accounting that caused a ₹1,960 crore hit. While insider trading wasn’t established, governance questions linger. The bank is still grappling with reputational fallout amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 May 2025 03:03:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc⁠ 1.⁠ ⁠YouTube Doubles Down on India’s Creator Economy YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, at the WAVES 2025 summit, pledged an additional ₹8.5 billion to India’s creator ecosystem, on top of ₹210 billion already invested over the past three years. With over 100 million Indian channels uploading in 2024 and more than 15,000 surpassing 1 million subscribers, Mohan called India a rising “Creator Nation.” The platform clocked 45 billion watch hours from Indian content last year alone. Backing this digital momentum, the Indian government announced a $1 billion creator economy fund and the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, supported by global tech giants like Nvidia, Google, Apple, and Meta. 2.⁠ ⁠India-Pakistan Border Tensions Escalate Post Pahalgam Attack Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan has intensified military deployments across the India border. Radar systems and Chinese SH-15 howitzers were positioned in Rajasthan’s Longewala sector. The Pakistan Air Force launched large-scale exercises involving F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s, signaling heightened readiness. India, in turn, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out Pakistan’s alleged cross-border terror links. The geopolitical mood remains tense, with both countries maintaining high alert levels. 3.⁠ ⁠Pre-IPO Funding Faces Chill as Markets Wobble Volatile public markets have started to dent private funding too—especially pre-IPO deals. Investors, including HNIs and family offices, are pushing for discounted valuations, stricter terms, and longer timelines before committing funds. Big names like Zepto, Groww, and Cred are said to be in talks, but several deals are being renegotiated or delayed. While 2024 saw $355 million raised across 17 pre-IPO deals, caution is now the dominant theme. Weak post-listing performances by firms like Ola Electric and Swiggy, and the broader 7% decline in Nifty since September, have soured sentiment. 4.⁠ ⁠Markets Cautious, But India Still a Bright Spot A Mint survey of 30 investment professionals reveals that while volatility is expected to remain high—thanks to Trump’s tariff war and domestic uncertainty—India may still emerge as a relatively stable investment zone. Over 77% of experts expect continued choppiness over the next quarter, though 63% believe large-cap stocks now offer attractive entry points. Mid- and small-cap stocks remain under watch after sharp corrections. Gold, meanwhile, is shining bright—up 31% in 2025 so far—and expected to outperform equities again if global turbulence persists. IPOs have largely dried up, but 53% of analysts see a cautious revival in high-quality names later this year. 5.⁠ ⁠Sebi Clears IndusInd Execs of Insider Trading Sebi has closed its investigation into insider trading allegations against IndusInd Bank’s former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy CEO Arun Khurana. It found all ESOP-related trades were disclosed and occurred post-vesting. However, a forensic audit revealed Khurana had knowledge of the incorrect forex derivative accounting that caused a ₹1,960 crore hit. While insider trading wasn’t established, governance questions linger. The bank is still grappling with reputational fallout amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc⁠


1.⁠ ⁠YouTube Doubles Down on India’s Creator Economy

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, at the WAVES 2025 summit, pledged an additional ₹8.5 billion to India’s creator ecosystem, on top of ₹210 billion already invested over the past three years. With over 100 million Indian channels uploading in 2024 and more than 15,000 surpassing 1 million subscribers, Mohan called India a rising “Creator Nation.” The platform clocked 45 billion watch hours from Indian content last year alone.

Backing this digital momentum, the Indian government announced a $1 billion creator economy fund and the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, supported by global tech giants like Nvidia, Google, Apple, and Meta.


2.⁠ ⁠India-Pakistan Border Tensions Escalate Post Pahalgam Attack

Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan has intensified military deployments across the India border. Radar systems and Chinese SH-15 howitzers were positioned in Rajasthan’s Longewala sector. The Pakistan Air Force launched large-scale exercises involving F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s, signaling heightened readiness.

India, in turn, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out Pakistan’s alleged cross-border terror links. The geopolitical mood remains tense, with both countries maintaining high alert levels.


3.⁠ ⁠Pre-IPO Funding Faces Chill as Markets Wobble

Volatile public markets have started to dent private funding too—especially pre-IPO deals. Investors, including HNIs and family offices, are pushing for discounted valuations, stricter terms, and longer timelines before committing funds.

Big names like Zepto, Groww, and Cred are said to be in talks, but several deals are being renegotiated or delayed. While 2024 saw $355 million raised across 17 pre-IPO deals, caution is now the dominant theme. Weak post-listing performances by firms like Ola Electric and Swiggy, and the broader 7% decline in Nifty since September, have soured sentiment.


4.⁠ ⁠Markets Cautious, But India Still a Bright Spot

A Mint survey of 30 investment professionals reveals that while volatility is expected to remain high—thanks to Trump’s tariff war and domestic uncertainty—India may still emerge as a relatively stable investment zone.

Over 77% of experts expect continued choppiness over the next quarter, though 63% believe large-cap stocks now offer attractive entry points. Mid- and small-cap stocks remain under watch after sharp corrections.

Gold, meanwhile, is shining bright—up 31% in 2025 so far—and expected to outperform equities again if global turbulence persists. IPOs have largely dried up, but 53% of analysts see a cautious revival in high-quality names later this year.


5.⁠ ⁠Sebi Clears IndusInd Execs of Insider Trading

Sebi has closed its investigation into insider trading allegations against IndusInd Bank’s former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy CEO Arun Khurana. It found all ESOP-related trades were disclosed and occurred post-vesting.

However, a forensic audit revealed Khurana had knowledge of the incorrect forex derivative accounting that caused a ₹1,960 crore hit. While insider trading wasn’t established, governance questions linger. The bank is still grappling with reputational fallout amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 468 Bajaj Finance Showers Dividends, Splits Stock | Infosys Trims Again | UltraTech Expands Fast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Bajaj Finance: Four Reasons to Cheer Bajaj Finance delighted shareholders with a ₹56 dividend bonanza, a 1:2 stock split, and a 4:1 bonus share issue. The ₹44 final dividend and ₹12 special dividend come on the back of its Bajaj Housing Finance IPO. Financially, Bajaj Finance posted a 16% jump in net profit at ₹3,940 crore and a 21% rise in net interest income. Assets under management grew 26% to over ₹3 lakh crore, with stable asset quality. The company’s AGM is scheduled for July 24, and shares are already on a strong upward run. Infosys Trims Trainees, Plans Big Fresh Hiring Infosys laid off another 195 trainees in Mysuru after multiple failed assessment attempts, pushing total layoffs to around 800 since February. While it hasn’t confirmed the layoffs publicly, Infosys is offering free upskilling programs via UpGrad and NIIT, along with a month’s pay and relocation allowances. Interestingly, even as it trims entry-level staff, Infosys plans to hire over 20,000 freshers in FY26. Shares rose slightly post-results, signaling investor confidence. ALTERRA Bets Big on India’s Green Energy ALTERRA, the world’s largest private climate fund, invested $100 million into Mumbai-based Evren to power up renewable projects in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Backed by Brookfield’s Global Transition Fund II, Evren plans to develop up to 11 GW of solar, wind, and battery capacity. ALTERRA’s move marks its first direct investment in the Global South. With India targeting 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030, and green investments projected to quintuple to ₹31 trillion, the clean energy race is heating up. UltraTech Cement: Bigger, Leaner, Faster UltraTech Cement is gearing up for double-digit volume growth in FY26, outpacing the industry’s 7–8% growth forecast. After a muted start due to heatwaves and a real estate slowdown, demand is expected to bounce back. Recent acquisitions—India Cements and Kesoram—are showing early wins, with India Cements hitting EBITDA break-even. UltraTech’s capacity is set to jump to 210.5 million tonnes by FY27, boosting its market share to 27%. Shares recently hit a 52-week high, gaining 19% over the past year. Maritime Push: ₹25,000 Crore Fund Cleared India’s shipbuilding ambitions just got a ₹25,000-crore boost with the clearance of the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) for FY26. The Centre will contribute around ₹12,250 crore, with major ports and global funds funding the rest. MDF will offer long-term loans and equity support for shipbuilding, port modernization, cruise tourism, and inland waterways. Experts see huge potential for India to grab market share from China, South Korea, and Japan, especially as global trade dynamics shift. Cabinet approval is expected soon.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Bajaj Finance: Four Reasons to Cheer Bajaj Finance delighted shareholders with a ₹56 dividend bonanza, a 1:2 stock split, and a 4:1 bonus share issue. The ₹44 final dividend and ₹12 special dividend come on the back of its Bajaj Housing Finance IPO. Financially, Bajaj Finance posted a 16% jump in net profit at ₹3,940 crore and a 21% rise in net interest income. Assets under management grew 26% to over ₹3 lakh crore, with stable asset quality. The company’s AGM is scheduled for July 24, and shares are already on a strong upward run. Infosys Trims Trainees, Plans Big Fresh Hiring Infosys laid off another 195 trainees in Mysuru after multiple failed assessment attempts, pushing total layoffs to around 800 since February. While it hasn’t confirmed the layoffs publicly, Infosys is offering free upskilling programs via UpGrad and NIIT, along with a month’s pay and relocation allowances. Interestingly, even as it trims entry-level staff, Infosys plans to hire over 20,000 freshers in FY26. Shares rose slightly post-results, signaling investor confidence. ALTERRA Bets Big on India’s Green Energy ALTERRA, the world’s largest private climate fund, invested $100 million into Mumbai-based Evren to power up renewable projects in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Backed by Brookfield’s Global Transition Fund II, Evren plans to develop up to 11 GW of solar, wind, and battery capacity. ALTERRA’s move marks its first direct investment in the Global South. With India targeting 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030, and green investments projected to quintuple to ₹31 trillion, the clean energy race is heating up. UltraTech Cement: Bigger, Leaner, Faster UltraTech Cement is gearing up for double-digit volume growth in FY26, outpacing the industry’s 7–8% growth forecast. After a muted start due to heatwaves and a real estate slowdown, demand is expected to bounce back. Recent acquisitions—India Cements and Kesoram—are showing early wins, with India Cements hitting EBITDA break-even. UltraTech’s capacity is set to jump to 210.5 million tonnes by FY27, boosting its market share to 27%. Shares recently hit a 52-week high, gaining 19% over the past year. Maritime Push: ₹25,000 Crore Fund Cleared India’s shipbuilding ambitions just got a ₹25,000-crore boost with the clearance of the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) for FY26. The Centre will contribute around ₹12,250 crore, with major ports and global funds funding the rest. MDF will offer long-term loans and equity support for shipbuilding, port modernization, cruise tourism, and inland waterways. Experts see huge potential for India to grab market share from China, South Korea, and Japan, especially as global trade dynamics shift. Cabinet approval is expected soon.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc

Bajaj Finance: Four Reasons to Cheer

Bajaj Finance delighted shareholders with a ₹56 dividend bonanza, a 1:2 stock split, and a 4:1 bonus share issue. The ₹44 final dividend and ₹12 special dividend come on the back of its Bajaj Housing Finance IPO. Financially, Bajaj Finance posted a 16% jump in net profit at ₹3,940 crore and a 21% rise in net interest income. Assets under management grew 26% to over ₹3 lakh crore, with stable asset quality. The company’s AGM is scheduled for July 24, and shares are already on a strong upward run.



Infosys Trims Trainees, Plans Big Fresh Hiring

Infosys laid off another 195 trainees in Mysuru after multiple failed assessment attempts, pushing total layoffs to around 800 since February. While it hasn’t confirmed the layoffs publicly, Infosys is offering free upskilling programs via UpGrad and NIIT, along with a month’s pay and relocation allowances. Interestingly, even as it trims entry-level staff, Infosys plans to hire over 20,000 freshers in FY26. Shares rose slightly post-results, signaling investor confidence.



ALTERRA Bets Big on India’s Green Energy

ALTERRA, the world’s largest private climate fund, invested $100 million into Mumbai-based Evren to power up renewable projects in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Backed by Brookfield’s Global Transition Fund II, Evren plans to develop up to 11 GW of solar, wind, and battery capacity. ALTERRA’s move marks its first direct investment in the Global South. With India targeting 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030, and green investments projected to quintuple to ₹31 trillion, the clean energy race is heating up.



UltraTech Cement: Bigger, Leaner, Faster

UltraTech Cement is gearing up for double-digit volume growth in FY26, outpacing the industry’s 7–8% growth forecast. After a muted start due to heatwaves and a real estate slowdown, demand is expected to bounce back. Recent acquisitions—India Cements and Kesoram—are showing early wins, with India Cements hitting EBITDA break-even. UltraTech’s capacity is set to jump to 210.5 million tonnes by FY27, boosting its market share to 27%. Shares recently hit a 52-week high, gaining 19% over the past year.



Maritime Push: ₹25,000 Crore Fund Cleared

India’s shipbuilding ambitions just got a ₹25,000-crore boost with the clearance of the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) for FY26. The Centre will contribute around ₹12,250 crore, with major ports and global funds funding the rest. MDF will offer long-term loans and equity support for shipbuilding, port modernization, cruise tourism, and inland waterways. Experts see huge potential for India to grab market share from China, South Korea, and Japan, especially as global trade dynamics shift. Cabinet approval is expected soon.


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 462 Ather Energy IPO Races to Markets | Cars24 Slashes 200 Jobs | TVS Motor Earnings To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Banks across India will see scattered closures this week. April 29: Parshuram Jayanti (Himachal Pradesh) April 30: Akshaya Tritiya & Basava Jayanti (Multiple States) May 1: Nationwide shutdown for Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, and Gujarat Day. If you have urgent banking needs, act fast before the long break hits. After a pause, Ather Energy is hitting the market with its IPO, priced between ₹304–₹321 per share. Subscription: April 28–30 Grey Market Premium: ₹17 above issue price Listing: May 6 Proceeds will fund a new Maharashtra plant, R&D, marketing, and debt repayment. Early buzz suggests Ather could electrify the IPO street. Cars24 has laid off over 200 employees in product and tech as part of a cost restructure, right after acquiring Team-BHP. CEO Vikram Chopra called it a reflection of misplaced bets, not performance. Employees will get severance, mentorship, and redeployment support. Cars24 now focuses on becoming leaner in a tough auto-tech space. TVS Motor is expected to post 13% revenue growth in Q4, thanks to strong scooter and EV sales. EV sales soared 30%, while premium motorcycle models like Apache also saw double-digit growth. Key investor focus areas: International expansion after Ion Mobility deal EV market defense against Ola and Bajaj Premiumization strategy for motorcycles TVS remains a stock analysts are bullish on for FY26. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged U.S. investors to back India, calling it a rare beacon of growth and stability amid global headwinds. Expected GDP growth: 6.5% in 2025 RBI shifts to an accommodative stance, signaling more rate cuts Malhotra’s message: India remains the fastest-growing major economy, despite trade wars and global uncertainty. River Mobility posted a 20x revenue surge to ₹104 crore but saw losses balloon to ₹176 crore in FY25. Aggressive retail expansion (25 stores) boosted scooter sales but increased burn rates. The goal: 100 stores by FY26 Gross margin profitability by October  Bank Holidays: Plan Ahead!⚡ Ather Energy IPO: Full Throttle🚗 Cars24 Cuts 200 Jobs🛵 TVS Motor Speeds Past Rivals🇮🇳 RBI’s Pitch: India Is The Safe Bet⚡🛵 River Mobility: Racing with RiskEBITDA positivity at 15,000–20,000 units/month sales Yet, competition from giants like Hero and TVS, consumer safety concerns, and poor EV infrastructure pose serious survival challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:07:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Banks across India will see scattered closures this week. April 29: Parshuram Jayanti (Himachal Pradesh) April 30: Akshaya Tritiya & Basava Jayanti (Multiple States) May 1: Nationwide shutdown for Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, and Gujarat Day. If you have urgent banking needs, act fast before the long break hits. After a pause, Ather Energy is hitting the market with its IPO, priced between ₹304–₹321 per share. Subscription: April 28–30 Grey Market Premium: ₹17 above issue price Listing: May 6 Proceeds will fund a new Maharashtra plant, R&D, marketing, and debt repayment. Early buzz suggests Ather could electrify the IPO street. Cars24 has laid off over 200 employees in product and tech as part of a cost restructure, right after acquiring Team-BHP. CEO Vikram Chopra called it a reflection of misplaced bets, not performance. Employees will get severance, mentorship, and redeployment support. Cars24 now focuses on becoming leaner in a tough auto-tech space. TVS Motor is expected to post 13% revenue growth in Q4, thanks to strong scooter and EV sales. EV sales soared 30%, while premium motorcycle models like Apache also saw double-digit growth. Key investor focus areas: International expansion after Ion Mobility deal EV market defense against Ola and Bajaj Premiumization strategy for motorcycles TVS remains a stock analysts are bullish on for FY26. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged U.S. investors to back India, calling it a rare beacon of growth and stability amid global headwinds. Expected GDP growth: 6.5% in 2025 RBI shifts to an accommodative stance, signaling more rate cuts Malhotra’s message: India remains the fastest-growing major economy, despite trade wars and global uncertainty. River Mobility posted a 20x revenue surge to ₹104 crore but saw losses balloon to ₹176 crore in FY25. Aggressive retail expansion (25 stores) boosted scooter sales but increased burn rates. The goal: 100 stores by FY26 Gross margin profitability by October  Bank Holidays: Plan Ahead!⚡ Ather Energy IPO: Full Throttle🚗 Cars24 Cuts 200 Jobs🛵 TVS Motor Speeds Past Rivals🇮🇳 RBI’s Pitch: India Is The Safe Bet⚡🛵 River Mobility: Racing with RiskEBITDA positivity at 15,000–20,000 units/month sales Yet, competition from giants like Hero and TVS, consumer safety concerns, and poor EV infrastructure pose serious survival challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc

Banks across India will see scattered closures this week.

  • April 29: Parshuram Jayanti (Himachal Pradesh)

  • April 30: Akshaya Tritiya & Basava Jayanti (Multiple States)

  • May 1: Nationwide shutdown for Labour Day, Maharashtra Day, and Gujarat Day. If you have urgent banking needs, act fast before the long break hits.



After a pause, Ather Energy is hitting the market with its IPO, priced between ₹304–₹321 per share.

  • Subscription: April 28–30

  • Grey Market Premium: ₹17 above issue price

  • Listing: May 6 Proceeds will fund a new Maharashtra plant, R&D, marketing, and debt repayment. Early buzz suggests Ather could electrify the IPO street.



Cars24 has laid off over 200 employees in product and tech as part of a cost restructure, right after acquiring Team-BHP.

CEO Vikram Chopra called it a reflection of misplaced bets, not performance.

Employees will get severance, mentorship, and redeployment support.

Cars24 now focuses on becoming leaner in a tough auto-tech space.



TVS Motor is expected to post 13% revenue growth in Q4, thanks to strong scooter and EV sales.

EV sales soared 30%, while premium motorcycle models like Apache also saw double-digit growth.

Key investor focus areas:

  • International expansion after Ion Mobility deal

  • EV market defense against Ola and Bajaj

  • Premiumization strategy for motorcycles TVS remains a stock analysts are bullish on for FY26.



RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged U.S. investors to back India, calling it a rare beacon of growth and stability amid global headwinds.

  • Expected GDP growth: 6.5% in 2025

  • RBI shifts to an accommodative stance, signaling more rate cuts Malhotra’s message: India remains the fastest-growing major economy, despite trade wars and global uncertainty.



River Mobility posted a 20x revenue surge to ₹104 crore but saw losses balloon to ₹176 crore in FY25.

Aggressive retail expansion (25 stores) boosted scooter sales but increased burn rates.

The goal:

  • 100 stores by FY26

  • Gross margin profitability by October


 Bank Holidays: Plan Ahead!⚡ Ather Energy IPO: Full Throttle🚗 Cars24 Cuts 200 Jobs🛵 TVS Motor Speeds Past Rivals🇮🇳 RBI’s Pitch: India Is The Safe Bet⚡🛵 River Mobility: Racing with RiskEBITDA positivity at 15,000–20,000 units/month sales Yet, competition from giants like Hero and TVS, consumer safety concerns, and poor EV infrastructure pose serious survival challenges.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 524 Pakistan’s War Rhetorics & Empty Pockets | Maruti Earnings Preview | Airspace Shut To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc 1. India-Pakistan Tensions Rise After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension Just a day after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan retaliated by calling the move an “Act of War.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting, announcing a series of countermeasures—halting all trade with India, expelling Indian diplomats, closing airspace to Indian carriers, and putting the 1972 Simla Agreement “in abeyance.” But can Pakistan afford a war? The numbers say no. Foreign reserves stand at just $11.09 billion, barely covering two months of imports. With $131 billion in external debt and $100 billion due in repayments over the next four years, Islamabad is walking a fiscal tightrope. Its economic lifeline, a $7 billion IMF bailout, is arriving in slow trickles amid warnings of “formidable vulnerabilities.” Political instability adds to the volatility. While rhetoric from Islamabad is heating up, experts warn a full-blown escalation could tip Pakistan deeper into economic crisis. 2. Airspace Closed, Ticket Prices Climb Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian airlines is already causing turbulence. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are now forced to reroute via the UAE or Iran, adding over an hour of flight time. The result? A potential 35–40% surge in international ticket prices, according to aviation experts. Affected routes include key flights to the US, UK, Europe, and Middle East. Meanwhile, India has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Though ICAO permits such restrictions for security, bilateral coordination is now unlikely, signaling worsening diplomatic frostbite. Hospitals in India are rushing to treat Pakistani patients before a May 1 deadline, with critical medical cases—especially children—caught in the crossfire. 3. Tesla May Finally Set Up Shop in India India’s EV policy may soon get a revamp—and Tesla could be the biggest beneficiary. A senior government official said India is open to revising its electric vehicle manufacturing policy once tariff terms are finalised under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. At stake is the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India, which slashes import duties from 70–80% to 15% for up to 8,000 imported EVs annually for five years. While the scheme had no takers initially, Tesla’s February hiring spree in India signals renewed interest. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, commenting on the broader trade talks, said, “There’s a serious lack of reciprocity” with India. With both sides looking to strike balance on tariffs and access, Tesla’s India debut could mark a turning point in EV manufacturing for the region. 4. Maruti Suzuki Braces for Earnings Slowdown India’s auto giant Maruti Suzuki is expected to post a muted Q4 today, with revenue growth of 7% and profit likely down by 4%, say brokerages. Margins are squeezed by higher marketing spends and discounts, with Ebitda likely shrinking by 44 basis points. Inventory levels have surged—from 9 days in January to over 40 now—forcing the company to scale back wholesale dispatches. Still, Maruti sold over 6 lakh vehicles in Q4. Key things to watch: Demand outlook as income tax relief and RBI rate cuts play out. Export risk, especially amid Trump’s 25% tariffs on autos. The lukewarm launch of Maruti’s first EV, the e-Vitara, which has seen slow bookings ahead of a May-June delivery window. Despite the slowdown, Maruti’s stock has climbed 6% this year, outpacing the Nifty Auto index. But investors are looking to today’s earnings call for clues on whether the momentum can return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc 1. India-Pakistan Tensions Rise After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension Just a day after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan retaliated by calling the move an “Act of War.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting, announcing a series of countermeasures—halting all trade with India, expelling Indian diplomats, closing airspace to Indian carriers, and putting the 1972 Simla Agreement “in abeyance.” But can Pakistan afford a war? The numbers say no. Foreign reserves stand at just $11.09 billion, barely covering two months of imports. With $131 billion in external debt and $100 billion due in repayments over the next four years, Islamabad is walking a fiscal tightrope. Its economic lifeline, a $7 billion IMF bailout, is arriving in slow trickles amid warnings of “formidable vulnerabilities.” Political instability adds to the volatility. While rhetoric from Islamabad is heating up, experts warn a full-blown escalation could tip Pakistan deeper into economic crisis. 2. Airspace Closed, Ticket Prices Climb Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian airlines is already causing turbulence. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are now forced to reroute via the UAE or Iran, adding over an hour of flight time. The result? A potential 35–40% surge in international ticket prices, according to aviation experts. Affected routes include key flights to the US, UK, Europe, and Middle East. Meanwhile, India has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Though ICAO permits such restrictions for security, bilateral coordination is now unlikely, signaling worsening diplomatic frostbite. Hospitals in India are rushing to treat Pakistani patients before a May 1 deadline, with critical medical cases—especially children—caught in the crossfire. 3. Tesla May Finally Set Up Shop in India India’s EV policy may soon get a revamp—and Tesla could be the biggest beneficiary. A senior government official said India is open to revising its electric vehicle manufacturing policy once tariff terms are finalised under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. At stake is the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India, which slashes import duties from 70–80% to 15% for up to 8,000 imported EVs annually for five years. While the scheme had no takers initially, Tesla’s February hiring spree in India signals renewed interest. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, commenting on the broader trade talks, said, “There’s a serious lack of reciprocity” with India. With both sides looking to strike balance on tariffs and access, Tesla’s India debut could mark a turning point in EV manufacturing for the region. 4. Maruti Suzuki Braces for Earnings Slowdown India’s auto giant Maruti Suzuki is expected to post a muted Q4 today, with revenue growth of 7% and profit likely down by 4%, say brokerages. Margins are squeezed by higher marketing spends and discounts, with Ebitda likely shrinking by 44 basis points. Inventory levels have surged—from 9 days in January to over 40 now—forcing the company to scale back wholesale dispatches. Still, Maruti sold over 6 lakh vehicles in Q4. Key things to watch: Demand outlook as income tax relief and RBI rate cuts play out. Export risk, especially amid Trump’s 25% tariffs on autos. The lukewarm launch of Maruti’s first EV, the e-Vitara, which has seen slow bookings ahead of a May-June delivery window. Despite the slowdown, Maruti’s stock has climbed 6% this year, outpacing the Nifty Auto index. But investors are looking to today’s earnings call for clues on whether the momentum can return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


1. India-Pakistan Tensions Rise After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

Just a day after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan retaliated by calling the move an “Act of War.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting, announcing a series of countermeasures—halting all trade with India, expelling Indian diplomats, closing airspace to Indian carriers, and putting the 1972 Simla Agreement “in abeyance.”

But can Pakistan afford a war? The numbers say no. Foreign reserves stand at just $11.09 billion, barely covering two months of imports. With $131 billion in external debt and $100 billion due in repayments over the next four years, Islamabad is walking a fiscal tightrope. Its economic lifeline, a $7 billion IMF bailout, is arriving in slow trickles amid warnings of “formidable vulnerabilities.” Political instability adds to the volatility.

While rhetoric from Islamabad is heating up, experts warn a full-blown escalation could tip Pakistan deeper into economic crisis.


2. Airspace Closed, Ticket Prices Climb


Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian airlines is already causing turbulence. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are now forced to reroute via the UAE or Iran, adding over an hour of flight time. The result? A potential 35–40% surge in international ticket prices, according to aviation experts.

Affected routes include key flights to the US, UK, Europe, and Middle East. Meanwhile, India has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Though ICAO permits such restrictions for security, bilateral coordination is now unlikely, signaling worsening diplomatic frostbite.

Hospitals in India are rushing to treat Pakistani patients before a May 1 deadline, with critical medical cases—especially children—caught in the crossfire.


3. Tesla May Finally Set Up Shop in India


India’s EV policy may soon get a revamp—and Tesla could be the biggest beneficiary. A senior government official said India is open to revising its electric vehicle manufacturing policy once tariff terms are finalised under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.

At stake is the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India, which slashes import duties from 70–80% to 15% for up to 8,000 imported EVs annually for five years. While the scheme had no takers initially, Tesla’s February hiring spree in India signals renewed interest.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, commenting on the broader trade talks, said, “There’s a serious lack of reciprocity” with India. With both sides looking to strike balance on tariffs and access, Tesla’s India debut could mark a turning point in EV manufacturing for the region.


4. Maruti Suzuki Braces for Earnings Slowdown


India’s auto giant Maruti Suzuki is expected to post a muted Q4 today, with revenue growth of 7% and profit likely down by 4%, say brokerages. Margins are squeezed by higher marketing spends and discounts, with Ebitda likely shrinking by 44 basis points.

Inventory levels have surged—from 9 days in January to over 40 now—forcing the company to scale back wholesale dispatches. Still, Maruti sold over 6 lakh vehicles in Q4.

Key things to watch:

  • Demand outlook as income tax relief and RBI rate cuts play out.

  • Export risk, especially amid Trump’s 25% tariffs on autos.

  • The lukewarm launch of Maruti’s first EV, the e-Vitara, which has seen slow bookings ahead of a May-June delivery window.

Despite the slowdown, Maruti’s stock has climbed 6% this year, outpacing the Nifty Auto index. But investors are looking to today’s earnings call for clues on whether the momentum can return.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 553 Kashmir Travel Collapse After Terror Attack | India, Saudi Ink $100B Energy & Infra Pact | Buying Luxury? Pay Extra Tax To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Kashmir Travel Takes a Hit Post Terror Attack Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, travel agencies across India report up to 90% cancellations for Kashmir-bound trips. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Agencies say bookings dropped overnight, with customers demanding refunds—even for non-refundable trips—leading to operational chaos. In response, SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo have added emergency flights out of Srinagar and are offering waivers on cancellations and rescheduling for bookings made before April 22, valid through April 30. The attack has derailed Kashmir’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery. India-Saudi Arabia Boost Energy Ties with Refinery Pact During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah, India and Saudi Arabia agreed to jointly set up two oil refineries in India, part of a broader push to strengthen strategic ties. The agreement was sealed during the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council meeting co-chaired by Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion investment commitment, spanning energy, fintech, infrastructure, and health. Additional MoUs were signed on space collaboration, healthcare, and postal services, and new committees were created for defence and tourism cooperation. Though Modi cut short his visit after the Kashmir attack, momentum on bilateral ties remains strong. Lodha vs Lodha: A Real Estate Rivalry Brews in Mumbai In a bold move, Abhinandan Lodha’s House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) is stepping into Mumbai’s competitive real estate market—directly challenging big brother Abhishek Lodha’s Macrotech Developers. HoABL announced three vertical projects, including a landmark American Culture Center in Marine Lines, a Chowpatty beachfront project, and a joint venture in Naigaon, with a total investment of ₹2,500 crore and projected revenue of ₹3,500 crore. Known for its plotted development outside Mumbai, HoABL now aims for 50% of its revenue from vertical projects within 2-3 years. With approvals in place and construction beginning by year-end, Mumbai’s skyline may become the new Lodha battleground. SEBI’s Fast-Track Dispute Resolution Plan Draws Mixed Reactions SEBI’s latest consultation paper proposes a faster, tech-driven online dispute resolution (ODR) framework for the securities market, including direct arbitration for claims over ₹10 crore. Legal experts back the move for greater certainty and accountability, but warn that mandating a 100% deposit to appeal arbitral awards could discourage retail investors. The proposal also seeks to differentiate regulatory vs. contractual disputes, a grey area that’s caused confusion in the past. SEBI plans digital filings, 21-day conciliation timelines, and a round-robin panel allocation system. While hailed as a step forward in improving market efficiency, experts urge flexibility for complex or multi-party cases. Public feedback is open until May 12. Luxury Shoppers Face 1% Tax on Big-Ticket Buys From April 22, 2025, India’s luxury buyers will need to factor in a 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on purchases over ₹10 lakh, as per a new CBDT directive. This includes high-end items like watches, artworks, collectibles, yachts, designer bags, shoes, sports gear, and even home theatres and racehorses. The tax applies to the entire transaction value once the ₹10 lakh threshold is breached. “This aligns with global trends in tax transparency and tracking high-value consumption,” said Munjal Almoula of BDO India. The move is part of a broader strategy to widen the tax base and monitor luxury spending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc Kashmir Travel Takes a Hit Post Terror Attack Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, travel agencies across India report up to 90% cancellations for Kashmir-bound trips. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Agencies say bookings dropped overnight, with customers demanding refunds—even for non-refundable trips—leading to operational chaos. In response, SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo have added emergency flights out of Srinagar and are offering waivers on cancellations and rescheduling for bookings made before April 22, valid through April 30. The attack has derailed Kashmir’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery. India-Saudi Arabia Boost Energy Ties with Refinery Pact During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah, India and Saudi Arabia agreed to jointly set up two oil refineries in India, part of a broader push to strengthen strategic ties. The agreement was sealed during the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council meeting co-chaired by Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion investment commitment, spanning energy, fintech, infrastructure, and health. Additional MoUs were signed on space collaboration, healthcare, and postal services, and new committees were created for defence and tourism cooperation. Though Modi cut short his visit after the Kashmir attack, momentum on bilateral ties remains strong. Lodha vs Lodha: A Real Estate Rivalry Brews in Mumbai In a bold move, Abhinandan Lodha’s House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) is stepping into Mumbai’s competitive real estate market—directly challenging big brother Abhishek Lodha’s Macrotech Developers. HoABL announced three vertical projects, including a landmark American Culture Center in Marine Lines, a Chowpatty beachfront project, and a joint venture in Naigaon, with a total investment of ₹2,500 crore and projected revenue of ₹3,500 crore. Known for its plotted development outside Mumbai, HoABL now aims for 50% of its revenue from vertical projects within 2-3 years. With approvals in place and construction beginning by year-end, Mumbai’s skyline may become the new Lodha battleground. SEBI’s Fast-Track Dispute Resolution Plan Draws Mixed Reactions SEBI’s latest consultation paper proposes a faster, tech-driven online dispute resolution (ODR) framework for the securities market, including direct arbitration for claims over ₹10 crore. Legal experts back the move for greater certainty and accountability, but warn that mandating a 100% deposit to appeal arbitral awards could discourage retail investors. The proposal also seeks to differentiate regulatory vs. contractual disputes, a grey area that’s caused confusion in the past. SEBI plans digital filings, 21-day conciliation timelines, and a round-robin panel allocation system. While hailed as a step forward in improving market efficiency, experts urge flexibility for complex or multi-party cases. Public feedback is open until May 12. Luxury Shoppers Face 1% Tax on Big-Ticket Buys From April 22, 2025, India’s luxury buyers will need to factor in a 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on purchases over ₹10 lakh, as per a new CBDT directive. This includes high-end items like watches, artworks, collectibles, yachts, designer bags, shoes, sports gear, and even home theatres and racehorses. The tax applies to the entire transaction value once the ₹10 lakh threshold is breached. “This aligns with global trends in tax transparency and tracking high-value consumption,” said Munjal Almoula of BDO India. The move is part of a broader strategy to widen the tax base and monitor luxury spending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


Kashmir Travel Takes a Hit Post Terror Attack


Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, travel agencies across India report up to 90% cancellations for Kashmir-bound trips. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Agencies say bookings dropped overnight, with customers demanding refunds—even for non-refundable trips—leading to operational chaos. In response, SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo have added emergency flights out of Srinagar and are offering waivers on cancellations and rescheduling for bookings made before April 22, valid through April 30. The attack has derailed Kashmir’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery.


India-Saudi Arabia Boost Energy Ties with Refinery Pact


During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah, India and Saudi Arabia agreed to jointly set up two oil refineries in India, part of a broader push to strengthen strategic ties. The agreement was sealed during the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council meeting co-chaired by Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion investment commitment, spanning energy, fintech, infrastructure, and health. Additional MoUs were signed on space collaboration, healthcare, and postal services, and new committees were created for defence and tourism cooperation. Though Modi cut short his visit after the Kashmir attack, momentum on bilateral ties remains strong.


Lodha vs Lodha: A Real Estate Rivalry Brews in Mumbai


In a bold move, Abhinandan Lodha’s House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) is stepping into Mumbai’s competitive real estate market—directly challenging big brother Abhishek Lodha’s Macrotech Developers. HoABL announced three vertical projects, including a landmark American Culture Center in Marine Lines, a Chowpatty beachfront project, and a joint venture in Naigaon, with a total investment of ₹2,500 crore and projected revenue of ₹3,500 crore. Known for its plotted development outside Mumbai, HoABL now aims for 50% of its revenue from vertical projects within 2-3 years. With approvals in place and construction beginning by year-end, Mumbai’s skyline may become the new Lodha battleground.


SEBI’s Fast-Track Dispute Resolution Plan Draws Mixed Reactions


SEBI’s latest consultation paper proposes a faster, tech-driven online dispute resolution (ODR) framework for the securities market, including direct arbitration for claims over ₹10 crore. Legal experts back the move for greater certainty and accountability, but warn that mandating a 100% deposit to appeal arbitral awards could discourage retail investors. The proposal also seeks to differentiate regulatory vs. contractual disputes, a grey area that’s caused confusion in the past. SEBI plans digital filings, 21-day conciliation timelines, and a round-robin panel allocation system. While hailed as a step forward in improving market efficiency, experts urge flexibility for complex or multi-party cases. Public feedback is open until May 12.


Luxury Shoppers Face 1% Tax on Big-Ticket Buys


From April 22, 2025, India’s luxury buyers will need to factor in a 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on purchases over ₹10 lakh, as per a new CBDT directive. This includes high-end items like watches, artworks, collectibles, yachts, designer bags, shoes, sports gear, and even home theatres and racehorses. The tax applies to the entire transaction value once the ₹10 lakh threshold is breached. “This aligns with global trends in tax transparency and tracking high-value consumption,” said Munjal Almoula of BDO India. The move is part of a broader strategy to widen the tax base and monitor luxury spending.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 476 Mutual Fund Fees Rise | RBI Pushes ‘.bank.in’ Shift | Trident’s ₹2,000 Cr Startup Bet To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc 1. RBI Pushes Banks to Adopt ‘.bank.in’ Domain for Safer Digital Banking In a major cybersecurity move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked all banks to migrate to the new ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 31, 2025. The initiative aims to curb rising digital payment frauds and phishing attacks, enhancing user trust in digital banking. The migration will be managed by IDRBT, under the supervision of NIXI and the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Banks are urged to begin the transition immediately, with IDRBT guiding the technical process. 2. IMF Cuts India’s Growth Forecast Amid Global Trade Slowdown The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.2% from 6.5%, citing global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said businesses are pausing investments due to the volatile environment. Despite the downgrade, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with FY27 growth pegged at 6.3%. However, the global outlook is dim: trade growth for 2025 is seen at just 1.7%, and advanced economies like the US and Europe are expected to slow sharply. 3. Trident Launches ₹2,000 Cr Fund for Growth-Stage Startups Trident Growth Partners, backed by Ranjan Pai’s Claypond Capital, has launched a ₹2,000 crore fund to support Series B and C startups across sectors like consumer, fintech, healthcare, and tech. The fund will invest ₹150–170 crore in 10–12 companies with scalable models. Trident’s backers include startup founders from Lenskart, Policybazaar, KreditBee, and Livspace. With a strong exit record from 14 unicorns and 8 IPOs, Trident has already made its first bet in SaaS firm Spotdraft and is lining up more deals, aiming to bridge India’s mid-market funding gap. 4. Mutual Fund Fees Rise Despite Market Slump Investors in direct equity mutual funds are facing a double whammy — market downturns and higher expense ratios (TERs). A Mint analysis found that 62% of direct equity schemes increased TERs from Sept 2024 to March 2025, even as many saw asset growth. While Sebi caps TERs based on fund size, there’s no rule on timing of hikes, creating room for asset managers to raise fees strategically. In contrast, regular plans — which include distributor commissions — mostly kept or cut their TERs. Sebi’s earlier proposal to shift TER slabs to the AMC level is currently on hold. 5. HCLTech Leads in Growth, Warns of Weak FY26 HCL Technologies outpaced peers like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro with 4.3% revenue growth in FY25, reaching $13.84 billion. But it projects just 2–5% growth for FY26, its slowest outlook since 2020, amid macro uncertainty and tariff headwinds. CEO C. Vijayakumar cited weak discretionary spending and client delays. Net profit rose 7.65% to $2.04 billion, with margins expanding due to strong performance in its software products arm. Still, HCLTech cut over 4,000 jobs, signaling a cautious approach to hiring, unlike its peers. The company says FY26 hiring will be “quarterly and cautious,” as AI and soft demand reshape the IT workforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc 1. RBI Pushes Banks to Adopt ‘.bank.in’ Domain for Safer Digital Banking In a major cybersecurity move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked all banks to migrate to the new ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 31, 2025. The initiative aims to curb rising digital payment frauds and phishing attacks, enhancing user trust in digital banking. The migration will be managed by IDRBT, under the supervision of NIXI and the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Banks are urged to begin the transition immediately, with IDRBT guiding the technical process. 2. IMF Cuts India’s Growth Forecast Amid Global Trade Slowdown The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.2% from 6.5%, citing global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said businesses are pausing investments due to the volatile environment. Despite the downgrade, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with FY27 growth pegged at 6.3%. However, the global outlook is dim: trade growth for 2025 is seen at just 1.7%, and advanced economies like the US and Europe are expected to slow sharply. 3. Trident Launches ₹2,000 Cr Fund for Growth-Stage Startups Trident Growth Partners, backed by Ranjan Pai’s Claypond Capital, has launched a ₹2,000 crore fund to support Series B and C startups across sectors like consumer, fintech, healthcare, and tech. The fund will invest ₹150–170 crore in 10–12 companies with scalable models. Trident’s backers include startup founders from Lenskart, Policybazaar, KreditBee, and Livspace. With a strong exit record from 14 unicorns and 8 IPOs, Trident has already made its first bet in SaaS firm Spotdraft and is lining up more deals, aiming to bridge India’s mid-market funding gap. 4. Mutual Fund Fees Rise Despite Market Slump Investors in direct equity mutual funds are facing a double whammy — market downturns and higher expense ratios (TERs). A Mint analysis found that 62% of direct equity schemes increased TERs from Sept 2024 to March 2025, even as many saw asset growth. While Sebi caps TERs based on fund size, there’s no rule on timing of hikes, creating room for asset managers to raise fees strategically. In contrast, regular plans — which include distributor commissions — mostly kept or cut their TERs. Sebi’s earlier proposal to shift TER slabs to the AMC level is currently on hold. 5. HCLTech Leads in Growth, Warns of Weak FY26 HCL Technologies outpaced peers like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro with 4.3% revenue growth in FY25, reaching $13.84 billion. But it projects just 2–5% growth for FY26, its slowest outlook since 2020, amid macro uncertainty and tariff headwinds. CEO C. Vijayakumar cited weak discretionary spending and client delays. Net profit rose 7.65% to $2.04 billion, with margins expanding due to strong performance in its software products arm. Still, HCLTech cut over 4,000 jobs, signaling a cautious approach to hiring, unlike its peers. The company says FY26 hiring will be “quarterly and cautious,” as AI and soft demand reshape the IT workforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


1. RBI Pushes Banks to Adopt ‘.bank.in’ Domain for Safer Digital Banking

In a major cybersecurity move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked all banks to migrate to the new ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 31, 2025. The initiative aims to curb rising digital payment frauds and phishing attacks, enhancing user trust in digital banking. The migration will be managed by IDRBT, under the supervision of NIXI and the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Banks are urged to begin the transition immediately, with IDRBT guiding the technical process.

2. IMF Cuts India’s Growth Forecast Amid Global Trade Slowdown

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.2% from 6.5%, citing global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said businesses are pausing investments due to the volatile environment. Despite the downgrade, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with FY27 growth pegged at 6.3%. However, the global outlook is dim: trade growth for 2025 is seen at just 1.7%, and advanced economies like the US and Europe are expected to slow sharply.

3. Trident Launches ₹2,000 Cr Fund for Growth-Stage Startups

Trident Growth Partners, backed by Ranjan Pai’s Claypond Capital, has launched a ₹2,000 crore fund to support Series B and C startups across sectors like consumer, fintech, healthcare, and tech. The fund will invest ₹150–170 crore in 10–12 companies with scalable models. Trident’s backers include startup founders from Lenskart, Policybazaar, KreditBee, and Livspace. With a strong exit record from 14 unicorns and 8 IPOs, Trident has already made its first bet in SaaS firm Spotdraft and is lining up more deals, aiming to bridge India’s mid-market funding gap.

4. Mutual Fund Fees Rise Despite Market Slump

Investors in direct equity mutual funds are facing a double whammy — market downturns and higher expense ratios (TERs). A Mint analysis found that 62% of direct equity schemes increased TERs from Sept 2024 to March 2025, even as many saw asset growth. While Sebi caps TERs based on fund size, there’s no rule on timing of hikes, creating room for asset managers to raise fees strategically. In contrast, regular plans — which include distributor commissions — mostly kept or cut their TERs. Sebi’s earlier proposal to shift TER slabs to the AMC level is currently on hold.

5. HCLTech Leads in Growth, Warns of Weak FY26

HCL Technologies outpaced peers like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro with 4.3% revenue growth in FY25, reaching $13.84 billion. But it projects just 2–5% growth for FY26, its slowest outlook since 2020, amid macro uncertainty and tariff headwinds. CEO C. Vijayakumar cited weak discretionary spending and client delays. Net profit rose 7.65% to $2.04 billion, with margins expanding due to strong performance in its software products arm. Still, HCLTech cut over 4,000 jobs, signaling a cautious approach to hiring, unlike its peers. The company says FY26 hiring will be “quarterly and cautious,” as AI and soft demand reshape the IT workforce.



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]]> 558 RBI: Kids to Bank at 10 | 121 Ola stores Shut Down | India, US Near Landmark Trade Deal | China: Boeing Returned Jet Amid Tariff War To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. RBI Allows Minors Aged 10+ to Operate Bank Accounts In a push for early financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed minors aged 10 and above to open and operate savings and term deposit accounts independently. Banks may also offer internet banking, ATM cards, and cheque books to these accounts, based on their risk policies. However, overdrafts are strictly prohibited. For children under 10, accounts must be managed by a parent or legal guardian — including mothers. Banks must update internal policies by July 1, 2025, and perform due diligence at onboarding and beyond. Modi and Vance Signal Breakthrough on India-US Trade Deal Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting US Vice President J.D. Vance said they’ve made “significant progress” on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost economic ties. In Delhi, the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, tech, energy, and semiconductors. The talks build on Modi’s February visit to Washington and follow brief interactions in Paris. Modi also confirmed plans to host President Trump later this year, expected to deepen what officials call a people-driven strategic partnership amid rising global protectionism. Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Over Missing Permits The Maharashtra transport department has shut down 75 Ola Electric stores and ordered the closure of 46 more for operating without mandatory trade certificates. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that an additional 270 stores are under scrutiny. Raids in Mumbai and Pune led to the seizure of 192 unregistered vehicles. Ola claims it’s transitioning from distribution centers to a direct-to-consumer model, and is working to bring all stores into compliance. Maharashtra, Ola’s biggest market, accounted for 12% of its FY25 sales. The crackdown comes as Ola trails Bajaj and TVS in monthly retail rankings, and its stock has dropped 38% year-to-date. Google Pays ₹20 Crore to Settle India Antitrust Case Google has become the first company to use India’s new settlement framework, paying ₹20.24 crore to resolve an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The case centered around Google’s contracts with smart TV makers, which allegedly forced bundling of Play Store and Play Services and blocked rival Android forks. Under the New India Agreement, Google must now unbundle these services for smart TVs sold in India. The settlement, offered with a 15% discount, followed input from 45 stakeholders. The move comes as the EU considers similar action against Big Tech, especially amid tensions with the US over tariffs. Xiamen Airlines Returns Boeing Jet Amid US-China Trade War In a sharp blow to Boeing, China’s Xiamen Airlines returned a new 737 MAX to the US, citing high tariffs on American imports. The jet, already painted in Xiamen’s livery, landed at Boeing’s Seattle base after being pulled from the company’s Zhoushan plant in China. The reversal follows a fresh tariff war: 145% US tariffs on Chinese goods, countered by 125% Chinese tariffs on US imports. The price hike made the $55 million aircraft financially unviable. China has asked its airlines to pause Boeing purchases and is exploring support for carriers with leasing agreements. With 20% of Boeing’s projected global demand tied to China, the move adds pressure to an already strained US-China relationship. Boeing has not commented on the return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:46:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. RBI Allows Minors Aged 10+ to Operate Bank Accounts In a push for early financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed minors aged 10 and above to open and operate savings and term deposit accounts independently. Banks may also offer internet banking, ATM cards, and cheque books to these accounts, based on their risk policies. However, overdrafts are strictly prohibited. For children under 10, accounts must be managed by a parent or legal guardian — including mothers. Banks must update internal policies by July 1, 2025, and perform due diligence at onboarding and beyond. Modi and Vance Signal Breakthrough on India-US Trade Deal Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting US Vice President J.D. Vance said they’ve made “significant progress” on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost economic ties. In Delhi, the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, tech, energy, and semiconductors. The talks build on Modi’s February visit to Washington and follow brief interactions in Paris. Modi also confirmed plans to host President Trump later this year, expected to deepen what officials call a people-driven strategic partnership amid rising global protectionism. Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Over Missing Permits The Maharashtra transport department has shut down 75 Ola Electric stores and ordered the closure of 46 more for operating without mandatory trade certificates. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that an additional 270 stores are under scrutiny. Raids in Mumbai and Pune led to the seizure of 192 unregistered vehicles. Ola claims it’s transitioning from distribution centers to a direct-to-consumer model, and is working to bring all stores into compliance. Maharashtra, Ola’s biggest market, accounted for 12% of its FY25 sales. The crackdown comes as Ola trails Bajaj and TVS in monthly retail rankings, and its stock has dropped 38% year-to-date. Google Pays ₹20 Crore to Settle India Antitrust Case Google has become the first company to use India’s new settlement framework, paying ₹20.24 crore to resolve an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The case centered around Google’s contracts with smart TV makers, which allegedly forced bundling of Play Store and Play Services and blocked rival Android forks. Under the New India Agreement, Google must now unbundle these services for smart TVs sold in India. The settlement, offered with a 15% discount, followed input from 45 stakeholders. The move comes as the EU considers similar action against Big Tech, especially amid tensions with the US over tariffs. Xiamen Airlines Returns Boeing Jet Amid US-China Trade War In a sharp blow to Boeing, China’s Xiamen Airlines returned a new 737 MAX to the US, citing high tariffs on American imports. The jet, already painted in Xiamen’s livery, landed at Boeing’s Seattle base after being pulled from the company’s Zhoushan plant in China. The reversal follows a fresh tariff war: 145% US tariffs on Chinese goods, countered by 125% Chinese tariffs on US imports. The price hike made the $55 million aircraft financially unviable. China has asked its airlines to pause Boeing purchases and is exploring support for carriers with leasing agreements. With 20% of Boeing’s projected global demand tied to China, the move adds pressure to an already strained US-China relationship. Boeing has not commented on the return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.


RBI Allows Minors Aged 10+ to Operate Bank Accounts


In a push for early financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed minors aged 10 and above to open and operate savings and term deposit accounts independently. Banks may also offer internet banking, ATM cards, and cheque books to these accounts, based on their risk policies. However, overdrafts are strictly prohibited. For children under 10, accounts must be managed by a parent or legal guardian — including mothers. Banks must update internal policies by July 1, 2025, and perform due diligence at onboarding and beyond.


Modi and Vance Signal Breakthrough on India-US Trade Deal


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting US Vice President J.D. Vance said they’ve made “significant progress” on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost economic ties. In Delhi, the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, tech, energy, and semiconductors. The talks build on Modi’s February visit to Washington and follow brief interactions in Paris. Modi also confirmed plans to host President Trump later this year, expected to deepen what officials call a people-driven strategic partnership amid rising global protectionism.


Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Over Missing Permits


The Maharashtra transport department has shut down 75 Ola Electric stores and ordered the closure of 46 more for operating without mandatory trade certificates. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that an additional 270 stores are under scrutiny. Raids in Mumbai and Pune led to the seizure of 192 unregistered vehicles. Ola claims it’s transitioning from distribution centers to a direct-to-consumer model, and is working to bring all stores into compliance. Maharashtra, Ola’s biggest market, accounted for 12% of its FY25 sales. The crackdown comes as Ola trails Bajaj and TVS in monthly retail rankings, and its stock has dropped 38% year-to-date.


Google Pays ₹20 Crore to Settle India Antitrust Case


Google has become the first company to use India’s new settlement framework, paying ₹20.24 crore to resolve an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The case centered around Google’s contracts with smart TV makers, which allegedly forced bundling of Play Store and Play Services and blocked rival Android forks. Under the New India Agreement, Google must now unbundle these services for smart TVs sold in India. The settlement, offered with a 15% discount, followed input from 45 stakeholders. The move comes as the EU considers similar action against Big Tech, especially amid tensions with the US over tariffs.


Xiamen Airlines Returns Boeing Jet Amid US-China Trade War


In a sharp blow to Boeing, China’s Xiamen Airlines returned a new 737 MAX to the US, citing high tariffs on American imports. The jet, already painted in Xiamen’s livery, landed at Boeing’s Seattle base after being pulled from the company’s Zhoushan plant in China. The reversal follows a fresh tariff war: 145% US tariffs on Chinese goods, countered by 125% Chinese tariffs on US imports. The price hike made the $55 million aircraft financially unviable. China has asked its airlines to pause Boeing purchases and is exploring support for carriers with leasing agreements. With 20% of Boeing’s projected global demand tied to China, the move adds pressure to an already strained US-China relationship. Boeing has not commented on the return.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 536 UPI Tax Rumors Busted | MTNL Defaults Big | REITs, InvITs Get a Boost https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  1. No GST on UPI, Says Government The Finance Ministry has shut down rumors of a potential 18% GST on UPI payments over ₹2,000, calling the reports “false and misleading.” It clarified that GST applies only where fees like MDR are involved—which were eliminated in 2020 for UPI Person-to-Merchant transactions. Instead, the government is doubling down on UPI promotion, spending ₹3,631 crore in FY24 alone. With UPI transactions soaring to ₹260.56 lakh crore, India now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments. Bottom line: UPI stays tax-free. 2. MTNL Defaults on ₹8,346 Crore MTNL has defaulted on massive loans from seven public sector banks, including SBI and PNB, pushing its total debt to ₹33,568 crore. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. Despite the financial mess, MTNL stock has delivered 500% returns in five years—though it’s down 15% year-to-date. Investors remain optimistic, but the company’s debt pile raises serious questions about its future. 3. China Extends Olive Branch to India Amid $99 Billion Trade Gap China’s trade deficit with India hit a record $99.2 billion, prompting Beijing to seek economic cooperation. Ambassador Xu Feihong said China is ready to open its market to premium Indian exports but expects equal treatment for Chinese firms in return. Meanwhile, India has activated an Import Monitoring Committee to track any potential dumping of Chinese goods amid U.S. tariffs. The stakes: whether this becomes a turning point in bilateral trade—or another round of economic tug-of-war. 4. Auto Part Makers Burn Cash in EV Gamble Once solid in the engine parts business, companies like Greaves Cotton, Tube Investments, and Pinnacle Industries jumped into EV manufacturing to stay relevant. The result? A collective ₹1,600 crore in losses. Greaves’ scooter sales halved in FY24, Pinnacle’s EKA Mobility bled cash despite a solid order book, and Tube’s EV arm remains unprofitable. Analysts say legacy players like Bajaj and TVS now dominate, with better brands, service networks, and distribution. The EV dream for these suppliers? A harsh reality check. 5. Sebi Pushes for More MF Exposure to REITs, InvITs Sebi wants mutual funds to increase exposure to REITs and InvITs, proposing to double the investment cap to 20% of NAV and 10% per issuer. The move aims to boost real estate and infra sectors, but experts warn of risks around taxation, classification, and compliance. Since these instruments blend features of equity and debt, overshooting limits could mess with a fund’s identity and investor expectations. A bold push—but AMCs will need better risk disclosures and investor education to make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  1. No GST on UPI, Says Government The Finance Ministry has shut down rumors of a potential 18% GST on UPI payments over ₹2,000, calling the reports “false and misleading.” It clarified that GST applies only where fees like MDR are involved—which were eliminated in 2020 for UPI Person-to-Merchant transactions. Instead, the government is doubling down on UPI promotion, spending ₹3,631 crore in FY24 alone. With UPI transactions soaring to ₹260.56 lakh crore, India now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments. Bottom line: UPI stays tax-free. 2. MTNL Defaults on ₹8,346 Crore MTNL has defaulted on massive loans from seven public sector banks, including SBI and PNB, pushing its total debt to ₹33,568 crore. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. Despite the financial mess, MTNL stock has delivered 500% returns in five years—though it’s down 15% year-to-date. Investors remain optimistic, but the company’s debt pile raises serious questions about its future. 3. China Extends Olive Branch to India Amid $99 Billion Trade Gap China’s trade deficit with India hit a record $99.2 billion, prompting Beijing to seek economic cooperation. Ambassador Xu Feihong said China is ready to open its market to premium Indian exports but expects equal treatment for Chinese firms in return. Meanwhile, India has activated an Import Monitoring Committee to track any potential dumping of Chinese goods amid U.S. tariffs. The stakes: whether this becomes a turning point in bilateral trade—or another round of economic tug-of-war. 4. Auto Part Makers Burn Cash in EV Gamble Once solid in the engine parts business, companies like Greaves Cotton, Tube Investments, and Pinnacle Industries jumped into EV manufacturing to stay relevant. The result? A collective ₹1,600 crore in losses. Greaves’ scooter sales halved in FY24, Pinnacle’s EKA Mobility bled cash despite a solid order book, and Tube’s EV arm remains unprofitable. Analysts say legacy players like Bajaj and TVS now dominate, with better brands, service networks, and distribution. The EV dream for these suppliers? A harsh reality check. 5. Sebi Pushes for More MF Exposure to REITs, InvITs Sebi wants mutual funds to increase exposure to REITs and InvITs, proposing to double the investment cap to 20% of NAV and 10% per issuer. The move aims to boost real estate and infra sectors, but experts warn of risks around taxation, classification, and compliance. Since these instruments blend features of equity and debt, overshooting limits could mess with a fund’s identity and investor expectations. A bold push—but AMCs will need better risk disclosures and investor education to make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


1. No GST on UPI, Says Government


The Finance Ministry has shut down rumors of a potential 18% GST on UPI payments over ₹2,000, calling the reports “false and misleading.” It clarified that GST applies only where fees like MDR are involved—which were eliminated in 2020 for UPI Person-to-Merchant transactions. Instead, the government is doubling down on UPI promotion, spending ₹3,631 crore in FY24 alone. With UPI transactions soaring to ₹260.56 lakh crore, India now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments. Bottom line: UPI stays tax-free.


2. MTNL Defaults on ₹8,346 Crore


MTNL has defaulted on massive loans from seven public sector banks, including SBI and PNB, pushing its total debt to ₹33,568 crore. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. Despite the financial mess, MTNL stock has delivered 500% returns in five years—though it’s down 15% year-to-date. Investors remain optimistic, but the company’s debt pile raises serious questions about its future.


3. China Extends Olive Branch to India Amid $99 Billion Trade Gap


China’s trade deficit with India hit a record $99.2 billion, prompting Beijing to seek economic cooperation. Ambassador Xu Feihong said China is ready to open its market to premium Indian exports but expects equal treatment for Chinese firms in return. Meanwhile, India has activated an Import Monitoring Committee to track any potential dumping of Chinese goods amid U.S. tariffs. The stakes: whether this becomes a turning point in bilateral trade—or another round of economic tug-of-war.


4. Auto Part Makers Burn Cash in EV Gamble


Once solid in the engine parts business, companies like Greaves Cotton, Tube Investments, and Pinnacle Industries jumped into EV manufacturing to stay relevant. The result? A collective ₹1,600 crore in losses. Greaves’ scooter sales halved in FY24, Pinnacle’s EKA Mobility bled cash despite a solid order book, and Tube’s EV arm remains unprofitable. Analysts say legacy players like Bajaj and TVS now dominate, with better brands, service networks, and distribution. The EV dream for these suppliers? A harsh reality check.


5. Sebi Pushes for More MF Exposure to REITs, InvITs


Sebi wants mutual funds to increase exposure to REITs and InvITs, proposing to double the investment cap to 20% of NAV and 10% per issuer. The move aims to boost real estate and infra sectors, but experts warn of risks around taxation, classification, and compliance. Since these instruments blend features of equity and debt, overshooting limits could mess with a fund’s identity and investor expectations. A bold push—but AMCs will need better risk disclosures and investor education to make it work.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 598 NSE Shares Surge Before IPO | Wipro Stalls Despite Profit Rise | Oil India Digs Deep for Growth To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  🇺🇸🇨🇳 US-China Trade War Escalates Just hours after the U.S. slapped a 245% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing signaled a willingness to return to the negotiation table—but with conditions. China demanded an end to hostile rhetoric, clarity on trade policy, and a Trump-backed lead negotiator. Meanwhile, China played its trump card—rare earths—by restricting exports of seven key minerals crucial for U.S. tech and defense sectors. With China controlling 92% of rare earth processing, this move could deepen supply chain disruptions and intensify the trade war. 📈 NSE Investor Frenzy Signals IPO Readiness A technical change sparked a boom in NSE’s unlisted share activity. After India’s largest stock exchange activated its ISIN on March 24—cutting share transfer time from months to just one day—its investor base surged from 22,400 to 60,000 in under three weeks. With shares trading between ₹700 and ₹2,260 and a market cap of ₹4 trillion, the IPO buzz is back. Market veterans say: the liquidity’s here, now it’s up to Sebi. 💻 Wipro’s Growth Woes Deepen Wipro reported a second consecutive year of falling revenue, down 2.7% to $10.51 billion, even as profit rose 19%. CEO Srinivas Pallia blamed global uncertainty and cautious client spending, especially in Europe, for the sluggish outlook. The company expects Q1 FY26 revenue to shrink another 1.5–3.5%. Despite large deals and tighter cost control, Wipro’s growth remains elusive. The company added fewer clients, lost some large accounts, and issued no hiring target—a clear sign of caution amid global tech turbulence. 🚛 Isuzu’s Export Engine Powers Ahead Isuzu Motors India became the top commercial vehicle exporter in FY25, with a 24% jump in exports to 20,312 units. The company’s Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh has been key to its growth, supplying vehicles across Asia and the Middle East. With global-standard production and recent expansion into engine assembly, Isuzu is scaling up both exports and domestic reach. It recently rolled out its 100,000th vehicle from the plant—a quiet but firm Made-in-India success story. 🛢️ Oil India Eyes Big Discovery Oil India is doubling down on exploration. After bagging nine blocks in the OALP-9 round, CMD Ranjit Rath says a major oil and gas find is “only a matter of time.” The company’s acreage has nearly doubled to 110,000 sq. km, with active drilling across Assam, Mahanadi, Rajasthan, and the Andamans. A recent oil presence confirmed in the north bank of the Brahmaputra marks a significant milestone in Upper Assam. With investor confidence rising—shares closed up 3.29%—Oil India is drilling toward a high-stakes payoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  🇺🇸🇨🇳 US-China Trade War Escalates Just hours after the U.S. slapped a 245% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing signaled a willingness to return to the negotiation table—but with conditions. China demanded an end to hostile rhetoric, clarity on trade policy, and a Trump-backed lead negotiator. Meanwhile, China played its trump card—rare earths—by restricting exports of seven key minerals crucial for U.S. tech and defense sectors. With China controlling 92% of rare earth processing, this move could deepen supply chain disruptions and intensify the trade war. 📈 NSE Investor Frenzy Signals IPO Readiness A technical change sparked a boom in NSE’s unlisted share activity. After India’s largest stock exchange activated its ISIN on March 24—cutting share transfer time from months to just one day—its investor base surged from 22,400 to 60,000 in under three weeks. With shares trading between ₹700 and ₹2,260 and a market cap of ₹4 trillion, the IPO buzz is back. Market veterans say: the liquidity’s here, now it’s up to Sebi. 💻 Wipro’s Growth Woes Deepen Wipro reported a second consecutive year of falling revenue, down 2.7% to $10.51 billion, even as profit rose 19%. CEO Srinivas Pallia blamed global uncertainty and cautious client spending, especially in Europe, for the sluggish outlook. The company expects Q1 FY26 revenue to shrink another 1.5–3.5%. Despite large deals and tighter cost control, Wipro’s growth remains elusive. The company added fewer clients, lost some large accounts, and issued no hiring target—a clear sign of caution amid global tech turbulence. 🚛 Isuzu’s Export Engine Powers Ahead Isuzu Motors India became the top commercial vehicle exporter in FY25, with a 24% jump in exports to 20,312 units. The company’s Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh has been key to its growth, supplying vehicles across Asia and the Middle East. With global-standard production and recent expansion into engine assembly, Isuzu is scaling up both exports and domestic reach. It recently rolled out its 100,000th vehicle from the plant—a quiet but firm Made-in-India success story. 🛢️ Oil India Eyes Big Discovery Oil India is doubling down on exploration. After bagging nine blocks in the OALP-9 round, CMD Ranjit Rath says a major oil and gas find is “only a matter of time.” The company’s acreage has nearly doubled to 110,000 sq. km, with active drilling across Assam, Mahanadi, Rajasthan, and the Andamans. A recent oil presence confirmed in the north bank of the Brahmaputra marks a significant milestone in Upper Assam. With investor confidence rising—shares closed up 3.29%—Oil India is drilling toward a high-stakes payoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.




This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


🇺🇸🇨🇳 US-China Trade War Escalates


Just hours after the U.S. slapped a 245% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing signaled a willingness to return to the negotiation table—but with conditions. China demanded an end to hostile rhetoric, clarity on trade policy, and a Trump-backed lead negotiator. Meanwhile, China played its trump card—rare earths—by restricting exports of seven key minerals crucial for U.S. tech and defense sectors. With China controlling 92% of rare earth processing, this move could deepen supply chain disruptions and intensify the trade war.


📈 NSE Investor Frenzy Signals IPO Readiness


A technical change sparked a boom in NSE’s unlisted share activity. After India’s largest stock exchange activated its ISIN on March 24—cutting share transfer time from months to just one day—its investor base surged from 22,400 to 60,000 in under three weeks. With shares trading between ₹700 and ₹2,260 and a market cap of ₹4 trillion, the IPO buzz is back. Market veterans say: the liquidity’s here, now it’s up to Sebi.


💻 Wipro’s Growth Woes Deepen


Wipro reported a second consecutive year of falling revenue, down 2.7% to $10.51 billion, even as profit rose 19%. CEO Srinivas Pallia blamed global uncertainty and cautious client spending, especially in Europe, for the sluggish outlook. The company expects Q1 FY26 revenue to shrink another 1.5–3.5%. Despite large deals and tighter cost control, Wipro’s growth remains elusive. The company added fewer clients, lost some large accounts, and issued no hiring target—a clear sign of caution amid global tech turbulence.


🚛 Isuzu’s Export Engine Powers Ahead


Isuzu Motors India became the top commercial vehicle exporter in FY25, with a 24% jump in exports to 20,312 units. The company’s Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh has been key to its growth, supplying vehicles across Asia and the Middle East. With global-standard production and recent expansion into engine assembly, Isuzu is scaling up both exports and domestic reach. It recently rolled out its 100,000th vehicle from the plant—a quiet but firm Made-in-India success story.


🛢️ Oil India Eyes Big Discovery


Oil India is doubling down on exploration. After bagging nine blocks in the OALP-9 round, CMD Ranjit Rath says a major oil and gas find is “only a matter of time.” The company’s acreage has nearly doubled to 110,000 sq. km, with active drilling across Assam, Mahanadi, Rajasthan, and the Andamans. A recent oil presence confirmed in the north bank of the Brahmaputra marks a significant milestone in Upper Assam. With investor confidence rising—shares closed up 3.29%—Oil India is drilling toward a high-stakes payoff.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 565 IndiGo Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline | Inflation Drops | Ericsson’s India Buzz Fades This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 1. India’s $4 Billion Tech Design Ambition India is aiming to move up the electronics value chain with a proposed $4 billion Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The goal? To go from “Make in India” to “Design in India.” The scheme will support 30 semiconductor and 30 electronics categories, including Wi-Fi chips, EV components, and smart meters. Incentives will be based on investment and turnover, with a focus on creating patents and IP. This comes as India files only 60,000 patents annually, far behind the U.S. and China, which each cross the one-million mark. As production-linked incentives for mobile phones wind down, this move could mark India’s next leap in tech manufacturing and innovation. 2. Inflation Eases, RBI Shifts Focus to Growth Retail inflation in March dropped to 3.34%, the lowest since August 2019, thanks to cooling food prices. Food inflation fell sharply to 2.69% from 8.5% a year ago. This dip prompted the Reserve Bank of India to cut the repo rate to 6%, with more cuts expected in June. With 12 states reporting inflation below the national average and cereals inflation at a 33-month low, analysts expect the RBI to focus more on supporting growth. 3. Ericsson’s India Sales Slip as 5G Rollout Slows Swedish telecom firm Ericsson reported its sixth straight quarterly revenue dip in India, down 28% year-on-year, as major telcos Airtel and Jio near completion of their 5G rollout. However, revenue rose 32% sequentially, thanks to new contracts from Vodafone Idea and Airtel. India remains Ericsson’s second-largest market, though its share of global revenue dropped to 7% from 10%. Globally, Ericsson’s sales rose 3%, and net profit jumped 63%, signaling strength outside India. The company remains confident in its long-term prospects despite the domestic cooldown. 4. IndiGo Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline In a landmark moment, IndiGo’s market cap hit $23.45 billion, making it the world’s most valuable airline. That’s higher than Delta, American, or Lufthansa. The airline commands over 60% of India’s domestic market and has proven resilient through multiple industry downturns. Massive aircraft orders placed early have given it an edge amid global supply shortages. The company’s rise is also being seen as a case for privatization—IndiGo has thrived while government-owned airlines have floundered. Still, issues like falling service quality and limited competition loom. 5. Diamond Exports Hit 20-Year Low India’s diamond and jewellery exports are in a deep slump. Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 15% in FY25 to ₹1.12 trillion, the lowest in nearly two decades. Overall gems and jewellery exports dropped 10%, marking the third straight year of decline. The sector has been hit by post-pandemic demand shifts, sanctions on Russian diamond supplies, and now, slowing consumer demand in the U.S. and China. Lab-grown diamonds, which cost a fraction of natural ones, are also undercutting demand. The industry is calling for government support through tax breaks, easier credit, and promotion campaigns to revive growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:11:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 1. India’s $4 Billion Tech Design Ambition India is aiming to move up the electronics value chain with a proposed $4 billion Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The goal? To go from “Make in India” to “Design in India.” The scheme will support 30 semiconductor and 30 electronics categories, including Wi-Fi chips, EV components, and smart meters. Incentives will be based on investment and turnover, with a focus on creating patents and IP. This comes as India files only 60,000 patents annually, far behind the U.S. and China, which each cross the one-million mark. As production-linked incentives for mobile phones wind down, this move could mark India’s next leap in tech manufacturing and innovation. 2. Inflation Eases, RBI Shifts Focus to Growth Retail inflation in March dropped to 3.34%, the lowest since August 2019, thanks to cooling food prices. Food inflation fell sharply to 2.69% from 8.5% a year ago. This dip prompted the Reserve Bank of India to cut the repo rate to 6%, with more cuts expected in June. With 12 states reporting inflation below the national average and cereals inflation at a 33-month low, analysts expect the RBI to focus more on supporting growth. 3. Ericsson’s India Sales Slip as 5G Rollout Slows Swedish telecom firm Ericsson reported its sixth straight quarterly revenue dip in India, down 28% year-on-year, as major telcos Airtel and Jio near completion of their 5G rollout. However, revenue rose 32% sequentially, thanks to new contracts from Vodafone Idea and Airtel. India remains Ericsson’s second-largest market, though its share of global revenue dropped to 7% from 10%. Globally, Ericsson’s sales rose 3%, and net profit jumped 63%, signaling strength outside India. The company remains confident in its long-term prospects despite the domestic cooldown. 4. IndiGo Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline In a landmark moment, IndiGo’s market cap hit $23.45 billion, making it the world’s most valuable airline. That’s higher than Delta, American, or Lufthansa. The airline commands over 60% of India’s domestic market and has proven resilient through multiple industry downturns. Massive aircraft orders placed early have given it an edge amid global supply shortages. The company’s rise is also being seen as a case for privatization—IndiGo has thrived while government-owned airlines have floundered. Still, issues like falling service quality and limited competition loom. 5. Diamond Exports Hit 20-Year Low India’s diamond and jewellery exports are in a deep slump. Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 15% in FY25 to ₹1.12 trillion, the lowest in nearly two decades. Overall gems and jewellery exports dropped 10%, marking the third straight year of decline. The sector has been hit by post-pandemic demand shifts, sanctions on Russian diamond supplies, and now, slowing consumer demand in the U.S. and China. Lab-grown diamonds, which cost a fraction of natural ones, are also undercutting demand. The industry is calling for government support through tax breaks, easier credit, and promotion campaigns to revive growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.


1. India’s $4 Billion Tech Design Ambition

India is aiming to move up the electronics value chain with a proposed $4 billion Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The goal? To go from “Make in India” to “Design in India.” The scheme will support 30 semiconductor and 30 electronics categories, including Wi-Fi chips, EV components, and smart meters. Incentives will be based on investment and turnover, with a focus on creating patents and IP. This comes as India files only 60,000 patents annually, far behind the U.S. and China, which each cross the one-million mark. As production-linked incentives for mobile phones wind down, this move could mark India’s next leap in tech manufacturing and innovation.


2. Inflation Eases, RBI Shifts Focus to Growth

Retail inflation in March dropped to 3.34%, the lowest since August 2019, thanks to cooling food prices. Food inflation fell sharply to 2.69% from 8.5% a year ago. This dip prompted the Reserve Bank of India to cut the repo rate to 6%, with more cuts expected in June. With 12 states reporting inflation below the national average and cereals inflation at a 33-month low, analysts expect the RBI to focus more on supporting growth.


3. Ericsson’s India Sales Slip as 5G Rollout Slows

Swedish telecom firm Ericsson reported its sixth straight quarterly revenue dip in India, down 28% year-on-year, as major telcos Airtel and Jio near completion of their 5G rollout. However, revenue rose 32% sequentially, thanks to new contracts from Vodafone Idea and Airtel. India remains Ericsson’s second-largest market, though its share of global revenue dropped to 7% from 10%. Globally, Ericsson’s sales rose 3%, and net profit jumped 63%, signaling strength outside India. The company remains confident in its long-term prospects despite the domestic cooldown.


4. IndiGo Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline

In a landmark moment, IndiGo’s market cap hit $23.45 billion, making it the world’s most valuable airline. That’s higher than Delta, American, or Lufthansa. The airline commands over 60% of India’s domestic market and has proven resilient through multiple industry downturns. Massive aircraft orders placed early have given it an edge amid global supply shortages. The company’s rise is also being seen as a case for privatization—IndiGo has thrived while government-owned airlines have floundered. Still, issues like falling service quality and limited competition loom.


5. Diamond Exports Hit 20-Year Low

India’s diamond and jewellery exports are in a deep slump. Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 15% in FY25 to ₹1.12 trillion, the lowest in nearly two decades. Overall gems and jewellery exports dropped 10%, marking the third straight year of decline. The sector has been hit by post-pandemic demand shifts, sanctions on Russian diamond supplies, and now, slowing consumer demand in the U.S. and China. Lab-grown diamonds, which cost a fraction of natural ones, are also undercutting demand. The industry is calling for government support through tax breaks, easier credit, and promotion campaigns to revive growth.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 516 Layoff Reports “False”: Dr Reddy’s | FIR against OYO | Tata Capital IPO https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  China Hits Back with Rare Earth Export Curbs In a powerful response to US tariffs, China has tightened export controls on rare earth minerals—essential for defense tech, EVs, and smartphones. These new rules require permits for seven key rare earth elements, creating delays that could ripple through global supply chains. With China controlling nearly 90% of global supply and refining, this move hits American giants like Tesla, Lockheed Martin, and Apple. The U.S. has only one rare earth mine, intensifying the urgency to diversify supply chains. As Bloomberg reports, China’s message is clear: if Washington plays tariffs, Beijing plays rare earths. Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium; India Pushes for Extradition Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi—accused in the ₹14,000-crore PNB scam—has been arrested in Belgium. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, are preparing to travel to Brussels to expedite his extradition. Choksi, who obtained Belgian residency in 2023, is contesting the move on medical and human rights grounds. His lawyer cites poor prison conditions in India and claims the case is political. Belgium has acknowledged India’s extradition request, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could mirror past cases like Sanjay Bhandari’s. Dr Reddy’s Slams Downsizing Rumors Amid Strong Q3 Earnings Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has denied reports that it plans to cut workforce costs by 25%, calling the claims “factually incorrect.” Business Standard had reported that high-paid executives and R&D employees were being asked to resign or take voluntary retirement. However, the pharma major insists no such restructuring is happening. Financially, Dr Reddy’s delivered a strong Q3 FY25—profit after tax rose 2% YoY to ₹1,413.3 crore, while revenue jumped 16% to ₹8,358.6 crore. Key growth came from India, Emerging Markets, and the Nicotine Replacement Therapy portfolio. EBITDA hit ₹2,298.2 crore, reflecting solid business fundamentals. Tata Capital Files for IPO, Only Third Tata Listing in 25 Years Tata Capital is preparing for a long-awaited IPO, marking the Tata Group’s third public listing in a quarter-century, after TCS and Tata Technologies. The move follows an RBI mandate requiring systemically important NBFCs to go public by September 2025. The IPO is expected to raise ₹15,000–₹18,000 crore. Once plagued by bad loans and group-level turbulence, Tata Capital has pivoted under Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and CEO Rajiv Sabharwal, growing its loan book to ₹1.5 trillion. With strong focus on affordable housing and SMEs, the IPO is poised to reshape the NBFC space. OYO Faces FIR Over Alleged ₹22 Crore Revenue Inflation Samskara Resort in Jaipur has filed an FIR against OYO, accusing the travel aggregator of fabricating bookings worth ₹22.22 crore, which triggered a ₹2.66 crore GST notice. Madan Jain, associated with the resort, claims OYO backdated and inflated revenues even before their agreement began in April 2019. Actual bookings via OYO reportedly totaled just ₹10.95 lakh. The FIR names OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and includes charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Rajasthan’s hotel federation alleges over 20 hotels received similar GST notices, pointing to a broader pattern of grievances against OYO, which is yet to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast China Hits Back with Rare Earth Export Curbs | Tata Capital Files for IPO To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  China Hits Back with Rare Earth Export Curbs In a powerful response to US tariffs, China has tightened export controls on rare earth minerals—essential for defense tech, EVs, and smartphones. These new rules require permits for seven key rare earth elements, creating delays that could ripple through global supply chains. With China controlling nearly 90% of global supply and refining, this move hits American giants like Tesla, Lockheed Martin, and Apple. The U.S. has only one rare earth mine, intensifying the urgency to diversify supply chains. As Bloomberg reports, China’s message is clear: if Washington plays tariffs, Beijing plays rare earths. Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium; India Pushes for Extradition Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi—accused in the ₹14,000-crore PNB scam—has been arrested in Belgium. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, are preparing to travel to Brussels to expedite his extradition. Choksi, who obtained Belgian residency in 2023, is contesting the move on medical and human rights grounds. His lawyer cites poor prison conditions in India and claims the case is political. Belgium has acknowledged India’s extradition request, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could mirror past cases like Sanjay Bhandari’s. Dr Reddy’s Slams Downsizing Rumors Amid Strong Q3 Earnings Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has denied reports that it plans to cut workforce costs by 25%, calling the claims “factually incorrect.” Business Standard had reported that high-paid executives and R&D employees were being asked to resign or take voluntary retirement. However, the pharma major insists no such restructuring is happening. Financially, Dr Reddy’s delivered a strong Q3 FY25—profit after tax rose 2% YoY to ₹1,413.3 crore, while revenue jumped 16% to ₹8,358.6 crore. Key growth came from India, Emerging Markets, and the Nicotine Replacement Therapy portfolio. EBITDA hit ₹2,298.2 crore, reflecting solid business fundamentals. Tata Capital Files for IPO, Only Third Tata Listing in 25 Years Tata Capital is preparing for a long-awaited IPO, marking the Tata Group’s third public listing in a quarter-century, after TCS and Tata Technologies. The move follows an RBI mandate requiring systemically important NBFCs to go public by September 2025. The IPO is expected to raise ₹15,000–₹18,000 crore. Once plagued by bad loans and group-level turbulence, Tata Capital has pivoted under Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and CEO Rajiv Sabharwal, growing its loan book to ₹1.5 trillion. With strong focus on affordable housing and SMEs, the IPO is poised to reshape the NBFC space. OYO Faces FIR Over Alleged ₹22 Crore Revenue Inflation Samskara Resort in Jaipur has filed an FIR against OYO, accusing the travel aggregator of fabricating bookings worth ₹22.22 crore, which triggered a ₹2.66 crore GST notice. Madan Jain, associated with the resort, claims OYO backdated and inflated revenues even before their agreement began in April 2019. Actual bookings via OYO reportedly totaled just ₹10.95 lakh. The FIR names OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and includes charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Rajasthan’s hotel federation alleges over 20 hotels received similar GST notices, pointing to a broader pattern of grievances against OYO, which is yet to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


China Hits Back with Rare Earth Export Curbs


In a powerful response to US tariffs, China has tightened export controls on rare earth minerals—essential for defense tech, EVs, and smartphones. These new rules require permits for seven key rare earth elements, creating delays that could ripple through global supply chains. With China controlling nearly 90% of global supply and refining, this move hits American giants like Tesla, Lockheed Martin, and Apple. The U.S. has only one rare earth mine, intensifying the urgency to diversify supply chains. As Bloomberg reports, China’s message is clear: if Washington plays tariffs, Beijing plays rare earths.


Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium; India Pushes for Extradition


Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi—accused in the ₹14,000-crore PNB scam—has been arrested in Belgium. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, are preparing to travel to Brussels to expedite his extradition. Choksi, who obtained Belgian residency in 2023, is contesting the move on medical and human rights grounds. His lawyer cites poor prison conditions in India and claims the case is political. Belgium has acknowledged India’s extradition request, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could mirror past cases like Sanjay Bhandari’s.


Dr Reddy’s Slams Downsizing Rumors Amid Strong Q3 Earnings


Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has denied reports that it plans to cut workforce costs by 25%, calling the claims “factually incorrect.” Business Standard had reported that high-paid executives and R&D employees were being asked to resign or take voluntary retirement. However, the pharma major insists no such restructuring is happening. Financially, Dr Reddy’s delivered a strong Q3 FY25—profit after tax rose 2% YoY to ₹1,413.3 crore, while revenue jumped 16% to ₹8,358.6 crore. Key growth came from India, Emerging Markets, and the Nicotine Replacement Therapy portfolio. EBITDA hit ₹2,298.2 crore, reflecting solid business fundamentals.


Tata Capital Files for IPO, Only Third Tata Listing in 25 Years


Tata Capital is preparing for a long-awaited IPO, marking the Tata Group’s third public listing in a quarter-century, after TCS and Tata Technologies. The move follows an RBI mandate requiring systemically important NBFCs to go public by September 2025. The IPO is expected to raise ₹15,000–₹18,000 crore. Once plagued by bad loans and group-level turbulence, Tata Capital has pivoted under Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and CEO Rajiv Sabharwal, growing its loan book to ₹1.5 trillion. With strong focus on affordable housing and SMEs, the IPO is poised to reshape the NBFC space.


OYO Faces FIR Over Alleged ₹22 Crore Revenue Inflation


Samskara Resort in Jaipur has filed an FIR against OYO, accusing the travel aggregator of fabricating bookings worth ₹22.22 crore, which triggered a ₹2.66 crore GST notice. Madan Jain, associated with the resort, claims OYO backdated and inflated revenues even before their agreement began in April 2019. Actual bookings via OYO reportedly totaled just ₹10.95 lakh. The FIR names OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and includes charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Rajasthan’s hotel federation alleges over 20 hotels received similar GST notices, pointing to a broader pattern of grievances against OYO, which is yet to respond.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 581 Green Card Setback for Indians | Cleartrip’s ₹800 Cr Free Fall Indians Are Booking Big This Summer https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Market Holiday Alert Heads up, traders! Indian stock markets will be closed on April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti) and April 18 (Good Friday). Plan your trades accordingly.   US-China Trade War Reloaded The tariff tussle is back on. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced new sector-specific tariffs on smartphones, semiconductors, and pharma, likely within a month. “We can’t rely on China for essentials,” he told ABC News, signaling a push to bring manufacturing home. This comes after Trump temporarily exempted some Chinese electronics from a 145% retaliatory tariff, a move that briefly helped companies like Apple, which had lost $640 billion in market value. With fresh tariffs looming, China is urging a rollback, but the tech and pharma trade war may just be heating up again. Summer Surge: Indians Flock Abroad India’s scorching summer is sending travelers packing. Outbound travel is up 15–20% year-on-year, say visa providers. Top destinations: Europe, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia. “Plan early,” urges VFS Global, as visa demand jumps 11% since 2024. Peak season might stretch into October, and agencies are leaning on AI to speed up processing. From leisure to study and work, Indians are going global—and not looking back. Cleartrip’s Costly Flight Plan Despite MS Dhoni’s pilot pitch, Cleartrip’s financials hit turbulence. In FY24, the travel portal spent ₹988 crore to earn just ₹97 crore, racking up losses over ₹800 crore—half of it on discounts. Flipkart’s 2021 acquisition hasn’t paid off, as rivals like MakeMyTrip and Ixigo fly ahead. With new growth head Manjari Singhal, Cleartrip is eyeing hotels, corporate travel, and cabs. But experts say: “Discounts won’t fly forever.” Will Cleartrip course-correct or stay grounded? Green Card Setback for Indians The May 2025 US Visa Bulletin brings bad news—EB-5 visas for Indians retrogressed by six months to May 1, 2019, increasing wait times. Other categories remain stuck: EB-2: Jan 2013 EB-3: Slight move to April 2013 EB-4: Still unavailable Blame it on high demand, annual caps, and per-country limits. Experts advise exploring faster tracks like EB1 or NIW—but for many, the American dream is on pause.  HDFC Bets Big on Small-Town Homes HDFC Capital is investing ₹1,500 crore in 18 residential projects with Eldeco Group across Tier-II and III cities. Targeting markets like Panipat, Ludhiana, Rishikesh, and Kasauli, the platform eyes ₹11,000 crore in revenue from 10 million sq ft of new housing. “We’re bullish on towns near metros,” says CEO Vipul Roongta, citing rising infrastructure and housing demand. Backed by its $4.2 billion housing fund, HDFC is betting that India’s real estate boom is heading beyond the metros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast US-China Trade War Reloaded | HDFC Bets Big on Small-Town Homes To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Market Holiday Alert Heads up, traders! Indian stock markets will be closed on April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti) and April 18 (Good Friday). Plan your trades accordingly.   US-China Trade War Reloaded The tariff tussle is back on. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced new sector-specific tariffs on smartphones, semiconductors, and pharma, likely within a month. “We can’t rely on China for essentials,” he told ABC News, signaling a push to bring manufacturing home. This comes after Trump temporarily exempted some Chinese electronics from a 145% retaliatory tariff, a move that briefly helped companies like Apple, which had lost $640 billion in market value. With fresh tariffs looming, China is urging a rollback, but the tech and pharma trade war may just be heating up again. Summer Surge: Indians Flock Abroad India’s scorching summer is sending travelers packing. Outbound travel is up 15–20% year-on-year, say visa providers. Top destinations: Europe, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia. “Plan early,” urges VFS Global, as visa demand jumps 11% since 2024. Peak season might stretch into October, and agencies are leaning on AI to speed up processing. From leisure to study and work, Indians are going global—and not looking back. Cleartrip’s Costly Flight Plan Despite MS Dhoni’s pilot pitch, Cleartrip’s financials hit turbulence. In FY24, the travel portal spent ₹988 crore to earn just ₹97 crore, racking up losses over ₹800 crore—half of it on discounts. Flipkart’s 2021 acquisition hasn’t paid off, as rivals like MakeMyTrip and Ixigo fly ahead. With new growth head Manjari Singhal, Cleartrip is eyeing hotels, corporate travel, and cabs. But experts say: “Discounts won’t fly forever.” Will Cleartrip course-correct or stay grounded? Green Card Setback for Indians The May 2025 US Visa Bulletin brings bad news—EB-5 visas for Indians retrogressed by six months to May 1, 2019, increasing wait times. Other categories remain stuck: EB-2: Jan 2013 EB-3: Slight move to April 2013 EB-4: Still unavailable Blame it on high demand, annual caps, and per-country limits. Experts advise exploring faster tracks like EB1 or NIW—but for many, the American dream is on pause.  HDFC Bets Big on Small-Town Homes HDFC Capital is investing ₹1,500 crore in 18 residential projects with Eldeco Group across Tier-II and III cities. Targeting markets like Panipat, Ludhiana, Rishikesh, and Kasauli, the platform eyes ₹11,000 crore in revenue from 10 million sq ft of new housing. “We’re bullish on towns near metros,” says CEO Vipul Roongta, citing rising infrastructure and housing demand. Backed by its $4.2 billion housing fund, HDFC is betting that India’s real estate boom is heading beyond the metros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

Market Holiday Alert

Heads up, traders! Indian stock markets will be closed on April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti) and April 18 (Good Friday). Plan your trades accordingly.

 

US-China Trade War Reloaded

The tariff tussle is back on. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced new sector-specific tariffs on smartphones, semiconductors, and pharma, likely within a month.

“We can’t rely on China for essentials,” he told ABC News, signaling a push to bring manufacturing home.

This comes after Trump temporarily exempted some Chinese electronics from a 145% retaliatory tariff, a move that briefly helped companies like Apple, which had lost $640 billion in market value.

With fresh tariffs looming, China is urging a rollback, but the tech and pharma trade war may just be heating up again.


Summer Surge: Indians Flock Abroad

India’s scorching summer is sending travelers packing. Outbound travel is up 15–20% year-on-year, say visa providers.

Top destinations: Europe, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia.

“Plan early,” urges VFS Global, as visa demand jumps 11% since 2024.

Peak season might stretch into October, and agencies are leaning on AI to speed up processing.

From leisure to study and work, Indians are going global—and not looking back.

Cleartrip’s Costly Flight Plan

Despite MS Dhoni’s pilot pitch, Cleartrip’s financials hit turbulence.

In FY24, the travel portal spent ₹988 crore to earn just ₹97 crore, racking up losses over ₹800 crore—half of it on discounts.

Flipkart’s 2021 acquisition hasn’t paid off, as rivals like MakeMyTrip and Ixigo fly ahead.

With new growth head Manjari Singhal, Cleartrip is eyeing hotels, corporate travel, and cabs.

But experts say: “Discounts won’t fly forever.” Will Cleartrip course-correct or stay grounded?


Green Card Setback for Indians

The May 2025 US Visa Bulletin brings bad news—EB-5 visas for Indians retrogressed by six months to May 1, 2019, increasing wait times.

Other categories remain stuck:

  • EB-2: Jan 2013

  • EB-3: Slight move to April 2013

  • EB-4: Still unavailable

  • Blame it on high demand, annual caps, and per-country limits.

  • Experts advise exploring faster tracks like EB1 or NIW—but for many, the American dream is on pause.

 HDFC Bets Big on Small-Town Homes

HDFC Capital is investing ₹1,500 crore in 18 residential projects with Eldeco Group across Tier-II and III cities.

Targeting markets like Panipat, Ludhiana, Rishikesh, and Kasauli, the platform eyes ₹11,000 crore in revenue from 10 million sq ft of new housing.

“We’re bullish on towns near metros,” says CEO Vipul Roongta, citing rising infrastructure and housing demand.

Backed by its $4.2 billion housing fund, HDFC is betting that India’s real estate boom is heading beyond the metros.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 563 Byju’s Sued in U.S. | Kohli’s Next Move: From Puma to Agilitas | India’s Growth Takes a Hit This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. Wall Street Reverses Course After Tariff Jitters Wednesday’s rally? Short-lived. U.S. stock markets nosedived Thursday, giving back most of their gains after optimism over Trump’s temporary tariff pause faded fast. The S&P 500 fell 3.46%, the Dow lost 1,014 points, and the Nasdaq dropped 4.31%, dragged down by a brutal tech sell-off—Tesla plunged 8%, Nvidia and Meta slid 7%, and Apple fell 4%. What triggered the sell-off? A White House clarification revealed that tariffs on Chinese imports will spike to 145%, not 125% as previously suggested. Even a soft inflation report couldn’t soothe investor nerves. Message from the market: relief rallies are fragile, and volatility may be the new normal. 🇺🇸🇮🇳 U.S. Suspends Extra Tariffs on India for 90 Days In a significant breather for India, the U.S. has suspended additional 26% import duties for 90 days until July 9, after Trump’s sweeping April 2 order targeted over 60 countries. However, a 10% baseline tariff remains. India, which exports 18% of its goods to the U.S., is among the 75 nations engaging with Washington to fix non-reciprocal trade imbalances. China, Hong Kong, and Macau, notably, are excluded from this relief. With global trade reshuffling, India may have gained time—but uncertainty looms beyond July. 📉 India’s Growth Outlook Slips on Tariff Pressures Moody’s Analytics has cut India’s 2025 GDP forecast to 6.1%, down from 6.4%, blaming the economic drag from U.S. tariffs. Though Trump paused most hikes temporarily, the blanket 10% duty could still hurt. India’s Q3 GDP came in at 6.2%, but to meet the fiscal target of 6.5%, Q4 would need to clock a steep 7.6% growth. The RBI has responded by cutting interest rates by 25 basis points to 6% and shifting to an “accommodative” stance, with more rate cuts expected. With exports like gems and textiles under pressure, domestic demand may be India’s buffer—but risks are clearly rising. ⚖️ Byju’s Sued in U.S. Over Missing $533 Million In a blockbuster lawsuit, Byju’s U.S. finance arm, Alpha Inc., has sued founder Byju Raveendran, his wife Divya, and top executives for allegedly stealing $533 million from a $1.2 billion loan. Filed in Delaware, the lawsuit accuses them of fraud, fund diversion, and blocking creditor access. Byju’s calls it a “nefarious ploy” to seize control and blames GLAS Trust and EY for misleading U.S. courts and sabotaging India’s insolvency process. Meanwhile, Byju’s has filed its own FIR in India, accusing GLAS, EY, and former resolution professionals of bribery and conspiracy. Once a startup poster child, Byju’s now finds itself in the eye of a global financial storm. 👟 Kohli’s Next Move: From Puma to Homegrown Agilitas Virat Kohli is stepping up his entrepreneurial game. With his ₹110 crore deal with Puma ending, Kohli is joining Indian sportswear startup Agilitas as investor and brand ambassador. Founded by former Puma India MD Abhishek Ganguly, Agilitas will now scale Kohli’s lifestyle brand One8 in India and globally. The official reveal is expected during the IPL season. Backed by ₹530 crore from Convergent Finance and Nexus Ventures, Agilitas also owns Lotto India and shoemaker Mochiko, signaling serious ambitions to challenge global giants. For Kohli, this isn’t just another endorsement—it’s a brand-building innings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:35:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. Wall Street Reverses Course After Tariff Jitters Wednesday’s rally? Short-lived. U.S. stock markets nosedived Thursday, giving back most of their gains after optimism over Trump’s temporary tariff pause faded fast. The S&P 500 fell 3.46%, the Dow lost 1,014 points, and the Nasdaq dropped 4.31%, dragged down by a brutal tech sell-off—Tesla plunged 8%, Nvidia and Meta slid 7%, and Apple fell 4%. What triggered the sell-off? A White House clarification revealed that tariffs on Chinese imports will spike to 145%, not 125% as previously suggested. Even a soft inflation report couldn’t soothe investor nerves. Message from the market: relief rallies are fragile, and volatility may be the new normal. 🇺🇸🇮🇳 U.S. Suspends Extra Tariffs on India for 90 Days In a significant breather for India, the U.S. has suspended additional 26% import duties for 90 days until July 9, after Trump’s sweeping April 2 order targeted over 60 countries. However, a 10% baseline tariff remains. India, which exports 18% of its goods to the U.S., is among the 75 nations engaging with Washington to fix non-reciprocal trade imbalances. China, Hong Kong, and Macau, notably, are excluded from this relief. With global trade reshuffling, India may have gained time—but uncertainty looms beyond July. 📉 India’s Growth Outlook Slips on Tariff Pressures Moody’s Analytics has cut India’s 2025 GDP forecast to 6.1%, down from 6.4%, blaming the economic drag from U.S. tariffs. Though Trump paused most hikes temporarily, the blanket 10% duty could still hurt. India’s Q3 GDP came in at 6.2%, but to meet the fiscal target of 6.5%, Q4 would need to clock a steep 7.6% growth. The RBI has responded by cutting interest rates by 25 basis points to 6% and shifting to an “accommodative” stance, with more rate cuts expected. With exports like gems and textiles under pressure, domestic demand may be India’s buffer—but risks are clearly rising. ⚖️ Byju’s Sued in U.S. Over Missing $533 Million In a blockbuster lawsuit, Byju’s U.S. finance arm, Alpha Inc., has sued founder Byju Raveendran, his wife Divya, and top executives for allegedly stealing $533 million from a $1.2 billion loan. Filed in Delaware, the lawsuit accuses them of fraud, fund diversion, and blocking creditor access. Byju’s calls it a “nefarious ploy” to seize control and blames GLAS Trust and EY for misleading U.S. courts and sabotaging India’s insolvency process. Meanwhile, Byju’s has filed its own FIR in India, accusing GLAS, EY, and former resolution professionals of bribery and conspiracy. Once a startup poster child, Byju’s now finds itself in the eye of a global financial storm. 👟 Kohli’s Next Move: From Puma to Homegrown Agilitas Virat Kohli is stepping up his entrepreneurial game. With his ₹110 crore deal with Puma ending, Kohli is joining Indian sportswear startup Agilitas as investor and brand ambassador. Founded by former Puma India MD Abhishek Ganguly, Agilitas will now scale Kohli’s lifestyle brand One8 in India and globally. The official reveal is expected during the IPL season. Backed by ₹530 crore from Convergent Finance and Nexus Ventures, Agilitas also owns Lotto India and shoemaker Mochiko, signaling serious ambitions to challenge global giants. For Kohli, this isn’t just another endorsement—it’s a brand-building innings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.



Wall Street Reverses Course After Tariff Jitters


Wednesday’s rally? Short-lived. U.S. stock markets nosedived Thursday, giving back most of their gains after optimism over Trump’s temporary tariff pause faded fast. The S&P 500 fell 3.46%, the Dow lost 1,014 points, and the Nasdaq dropped 4.31%, dragged down by a brutal tech sell-off—Tesla plunged 8%, Nvidia and Meta slid 7%, and Apple fell 4%. What triggered the sell-off? A White House clarification revealed that tariffs on Chinese imports will spike to 145%, not 125% as previously suggested. Even a soft inflation report couldn’t soothe investor nerves. Message from the market: relief rallies are fragile, and volatility may be the new normal.


🇺🇸🇮🇳 U.S. Suspends Extra Tariffs on India for 90 Days


In a significant breather for India, the U.S. has suspended additional 26% import duties for 90 days until July 9, after Trump’s sweeping April 2 order targeted over 60 countries. However, a 10% baseline tariff remains. India, which exports 18% of its goods to the U.S., is among the 75 nations engaging with Washington to fix non-reciprocal trade imbalances. China, Hong Kong, and Macau, notably, are excluded from this relief. With global trade reshuffling, India may have gained time—but uncertainty looms beyond July.


📉 India’s Growth Outlook Slips on Tariff Pressures


Moody’s Analytics has cut India’s 2025 GDP forecast to 6.1%, down from 6.4%, blaming the economic drag from U.S. tariffs. Though Trump paused most hikes temporarily, the blanket 10% duty could still hurt. India’s Q3 GDP came in at 6.2%, but to meet the fiscal target of 6.5%, Q4 would need to clock a steep 7.6% growth. The RBI has responded by cutting interest rates by 25 basis points to 6% and shifting to an “accommodative” stance, with more rate cuts expected. With exports like gems and textiles under pressure, domestic demand may be India’s buffer—but risks are clearly rising.


⚖️ Byju’s Sued in U.S. Over Missing $533 Million


In a blockbuster lawsuit, Byju’s U.S. finance arm, Alpha Inc., has sued founder Byju Raveendran, his wife Divya, and top executives for allegedly stealing $533 million from a $1.2 billion loan. Filed in Delaware, the lawsuit accuses them of fraud, fund diversion, and blocking creditor access. Byju’s calls it a “nefarious ploy” to seize control and blames GLAS Trust and EY for misleading U.S. courts and sabotaging India’s insolvency process. Meanwhile, Byju’s has filed its own FIR in India, accusing GLAS, EY, and former resolution professionals of bribery and conspiracy. Once a startup poster child, Byju’s now finds itself in the eye of a global financial storm.


👟 Kohli’s Next Move: From Puma to Homegrown Agilitas


Virat Kohli is stepping up his entrepreneurial game. With his ₹110 crore deal with Puma ending, Kohli is joining Indian sportswear startup Agilitas as investor and brand ambassador. Founded by former Puma India MD Abhishek Ganguly, Agilitas will now scale Kohli’s lifestyle brand One8 in India and globally. The official reveal is expected during the IPL season. Backed by ₹530 crore from Convergent Finance and Nexus Ventures, Agilitas also owns Lotto India and shoemaker Mochiko, signaling serious ambitions to challenge global giants. For Kohli, this isn’t just another endorsement—it’s a brand-building innings.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 526 Wall Street’s Record-Breaking Rally | 90 day pause on US Tariff | BlackRock Bets on Adani This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 🌍 Global Trade Truce — Or Just a Timeout? In a dramatic turn, US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs and rolled back the “reciprocal tariff” rate to 10% for most non-China trade partners. “No other president would’ve done what I did,” Trump declared, defending his hardline strategy that’s rocked global markets. But China wasn’t spared — tariffs on Beijing were jacked up to 125%, with Trump accusing China of “disrespecting” world markets. China retaliated swiftly, slapping 84% tariffs on US goods. The EU and Canada also joined the tit-for-tat, announcing new levies. Markets cheered the truce — or at least the pause. Wall Street roared: • S&P 500 jumped 9.5% • Nasdaq surged 12% • Dow climbed nearly 3,000 points Over 30 billion shares changed hands, making it the busiest trading day ever. Still, with talks expected to drag and China still targeted, this could just be the eye of the storm. 🏦 RBI Cuts Rates as Growth Wobbles Amid the global chaos, the Reserve Bank of India cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6%, the second such move this year. More notably, it shifted its policy stance to “accommodative”, signaling further support if the economy slows. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra warned of mounting uncertainties, with India’s FY26 growth forecast cut to 6.5% from 6.7%. Why now? Trump’s tariff war threatens global demand. While India’s inflation is cooling (below 4%), the rupee faces pressure as China devalues the yuan, risking India’s export competitiveness. Oil prices have dropped to $60 per barrel, but a currency war could be next. RBI’s “managed float” strategy may soon be tested like never before. 📈 BlackRock Bets Big on Adani In a bold endorsement, BlackRock — the world’s largest asset manager — picked up nearly one-third of a $1 billion bond issue by Adani Group’s promoter firm, Renew Exim. Despite a lingering US bribery case involving Adani promoters, BlackRock’s entry signals investor confidence. Most of the proceeds will fund Adani’s ₹5,000 crore acquisition of ITD Cementation, with the rest going toward a ₹5 trillion capex spree across green energy, ports, airports, and more. On Wednesday, Adani closed its open offer for ITD, acquiring 21% from the public. Post-deal, Renew Exim will control 67.45% of the company. Meanwhile, Adani Green Energy refinanced $1 billion in debt — its first major capital move since the DoJ allegations, proving the group is not just navigating headwinds but accelerating through them. ⚡ JSW Powers Up with O2 Deal JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, has completed its largest-ever green acquisition, buying O2 Power for ₹12,468 crore. Backed by EQT (51%) and Temasek (49%), O2 Power brings 4.7 GW of renewable capacity, including 1.3 GW of operational assets and a robust project pipeline. This deal takes JSW’s total installed capacity to 12.2 GW, with renewables now forming 54%. CEO Sharad Mahendra said this move puts them “significantly ahead” of their 2030 targets. O2’s portfolio includes 3,722 MW tied up under high-credit PPAs, with another 974 MW awaiting contracts. JSW expects strong operational synergies and a solid value payoff from the acquisition. 📉 Market Holiday A reminder: Indian stock markets are closed today, April 10, for Mahavir Jayanti. Trading resumes tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:12:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 🌍 Global Trade Truce — Or Just a Timeout? In a dramatic turn, US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs and rolled back the “reciprocal tariff” rate to 10% for most non-China trade partners. “No other president would’ve done what I did,” Trump declared, defending his hardline strategy that’s rocked global markets. But China wasn’t spared — tariffs on Beijing were jacked up to 125%, with Trump accusing China of “disrespecting” world markets. China retaliated swiftly, slapping 84% tariffs on US goods. The EU and Canada also joined the tit-for-tat, announcing new levies. Markets cheered the truce — or at least the pause. Wall Street roared: • S&P 500 jumped 9.5% • Nasdaq surged 12% • Dow climbed nearly 3,000 points Over 30 billion shares changed hands, making it the busiest trading day ever. Still, with talks expected to drag and China still targeted, this could just be the eye of the storm. 🏦 RBI Cuts Rates as Growth Wobbles Amid the global chaos, the Reserve Bank of India cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6%, the second such move this year. More notably, it shifted its policy stance to “accommodative”, signaling further support if the economy slows. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra warned of mounting uncertainties, with India’s FY26 growth forecast cut to 6.5% from 6.7%. Why now? Trump’s tariff war threatens global demand. While India’s inflation is cooling (below 4%), the rupee faces pressure as China devalues the yuan, risking India’s export competitiveness. Oil prices have dropped to $60 per barrel, but a currency war could be next. RBI’s “managed float” strategy may soon be tested like never before. 📈 BlackRock Bets Big on Adani In a bold endorsement, BlackRock — the world’s largest asset manager — picked up nearly one-third of a $1 billion bond issue by Adani Group’s promoter firm, Renew Exim. Despite a lingering US bribery case involving Adani promoters, BlackRock’s entry signals investor confidence. Most of the proceeds will fund Adani’s ₹5,000 crore acquisition of ITD Cementation, with the rest going toward a ₹5 trillion capex spree across green energy, ports, airports, and more. On Wednesday, Adani closed its open offer for ITD, acquiring 21% from the public. Post-deal, Renew Exim will control 67.45% of the company. Meanwhile, Adani Green Energy refinanced $1 billion in debt — its first major capital move since the DoJ allegations, proving the group is not just navigating headwinds but accelerating through them. ⚡ JSW Powers Up with O2 Deal JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, has completed its largest-ever green acquisition, buying O2 Power for ₹12,468 crore. Backed by EQT (51%) and Temasek (49%), O2 Power brings 4.7 GW of renewable capacity, including 1.3 GW of operational assets and a robust project pipeline. This deal takes JSW’s total installed capacity to 12.2 GW, with renewables now forming 54%. CEO Sharad Mahendra said this move puts them “significantly ahead” of their 2030 targets. O2’s portfolio includes 3,722 MW tied up under high-credit PPAs, with another 974 MW awaiting contracts. JSW expects strong operational synergies and a solid value payoff from the acquisition. 📉 Market Holiday A reminder: Indian stock markets are closed today, April 10, for Mahavir Jayanti. Trading resumes tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.


🌍 Global Trade Truce — Or Just a Timeout?

In a dramatic turn, US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs and rolled back the “reciprocal tariff” rate to 10% for most non-China trade partners. “No other president would’ve done what I did,” Trump declared, defending his hardline strategy that’s rocked global markets.

But China wasn’t spared — tariffs on Beijing were jacked up to 125%, with Trump accusing China of “disrespecting” world markets. China retaliated swiftly, slapping 84% tariffs on US goods. The EU and Canada also joined the tit-for-tat, announcing new levies.


Markets cheered the truce — or at least the pause. Wall Street roared:

• S&P 500 jumped 9.5%

• Nasdaq surged 12%

• Dow climbed nearly 3,000 points

Over 30 billion shares changed hands, making it the busiest trading day ever. Still, with talks expected to drag and China still targeted, this could just be the eye of the storm.


🏦 RBI Cuts Rates as Growth Wobbles

Amid the global chaos, the Reserve Bank of India cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6%, the second such move this year. More notably, it shifted its policy stance to “accommodative”, signaling further support if the economy slows.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra warned of mounting uncertainties, with India’s FY26 growth forecast cut to 6.5% from 6.7%.


Why now? Trump’s tariff war threatens global demand. While India’s inflation is cooling (below 4%), the rupee faces pressure as China devalues the yuan, risking India’s export competitiveness. Oil prices have dropped to $60 per barrel, but a currency war could be next. RBI’s “managed float” strategy may soon be tested like never before.


📈 BlackRock Bets Big on Adani

In a bold endorsement, BlackRock — the world’s largest asset manager — picked up nearly one-third of a $1 billion bond issue by Adani Group’s promoter firm, Renew Exim.

Despite a lingering US bribery case involving Adani promoters, BlackRock’s entry signals investor confidence. Most of the proceeds will fund Adani’s ₹5,000 crore acquisition of ITD Cementation, with the rest going toward a ₹5 trillion capex spree across green energy, ports, airports, and more.


On Wednesday, Adani closed its open offer for ITD, acquiring 21% from the public. Post-deal, Renew Exim will control 67.45% of the company.

Meanwhile, Adani Green Energy refinanced $1 billion in debt — its first major capital move since the DoJ allegations, proving the group is not just navigating headwinds but accelerating through them.


⚡ JSW Powers Up with O2 Deal

JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, has completed its largest-ever green acquisition, buying O2 Power for ₹12,468 crore.

Backed by EQT (51%) and Temasek (49%), O2 Power brings 4.7 GW of renewable capacity, including 1.3 GW of operational assets and a robust project pipeline.


This deal takes JSW’s total installed capacity to 12.2 GW, with renewables now forming 54%. CEO Sharad Mahendra said this move puts them “significantly ahead” of their 2030 targets.

O2’s portfolio includes 3,722 MW tied up under high-credit PPAs, with another 974 MW awaiting contracts. JSW expects strong operational synergies and a solid value payoff from the acquisition.


📉 Market Holiday

A reminder: Indian stock markets are closed today, April 10, for Mahavir Jayanti. Trading resumes tomorrow.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 563 US slaps 104% duty on China | BoAt IPO 2.0 | India’s Shipbuilding Surge This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. US-China Tariff War Escalates The US-China trade tensions hit a boiling point as the White House confirmed a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, effective April 9. While President Trump says he’s “waiting for China’s call,” Beijing isn’t backing down, calling the move “blackmail.” Global markets, oddly, bounced back slightly on hopes of negotiations—but signs of a resolution remain slim. Apple’s Satcom Partner Eyes India Globalstar, the satellite partner behind Apple’s emergency SOS feature, has applied to enter India’s growing satellite market. With just 31 satellites compared to Starlink’s 7,000+, Globalstar is eyeing a niche play. But competition is heating up, with players like Jio, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper racing for spectrum. India’s satcom sector could grow nearly 10x by 2028. BoAt Sets Sail for IPO—Again India’s popular wearables brand BoAt is gearing up for a ₹2,000 crore IPO. After shelving its 2022 plans, the company has confidentially filed papers under SEBI’s revised norms. The issue includes a ₹900 crore fresh issue and ₹1,100 crore offer-for-sale. Proceeds will fund R&D, product upgrades, and debt reduction—potentially making this one of the year’s most anticipated listings. India’s Big Shipbuilding Ambition India is charting a new course in shipbuilding, teaming up with South Korea’s Hyundai and Japan’s Mitsui. Cochin Shipyard is close to sealing a deal for a new Kochi facility, with land provided by the government. The goal? Boost India’s share in the $100 billion global shipbuilding market from less than 1% to a top-5 position by 2047, backed by a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund. Apollo Hospitals Bets Big on NCD Care Apollo Hospitals is investing ₹6,000 crore to expand its urban footprint and fight India’s rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The two-phase plan will add 3,500 beds across cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai. Apollo’s “Health of the Nation” report reveals 27% of 2.5 million screened individuals had multiple NCD risk factors. The healthcare giant is pushing for nationwide screening and preventive school health programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:03:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. US-China Tariff War Escalates The US-China trade tensions hit a boiling point as the White House confirmed a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, effective April 9. While President Trump says he’s “waiting for China’s call,” Beijing isn’t backing down, calling the move “blackmail.” Global markets, oddly, bounced back slightly on hopes of negotiations—but signs of a resolution remain slim. Apple’s Satcom Partner Eyes India Globalstar, the satellite partner behind Apple’s emergency SOS feature, has applied to enter India’s growing satellite market. With just 31 satellites compared to Starlink’s 7,000+, Globalstar is eyeing a niche play. But competition is heating up, with players like Jio, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper racing for spectrum. India’s satcom sector could grow nearly 10x by 2028. BoAt Sets Sail for IPO—Again India’s popular wearables brand BoAt is gearing up for a ₹2,000 crore IPO. After shelving its 2022 plans, the company has confidentially filed papers under SEBI’s revised norms. The issue includes a ₹900 crore fresh issue and ₹1,100 crore offer-for-sale. Proceeds will fund R&D, product upgrades, and debt reduction—potentially making this one of the year’s most anticipated listings. India’s Big Shipbuilding Ambition India is charting a new course in shipbuilding, teaming up with South Korea’s Hyundai and Japan’s Mitsui. Cochin Shipyard is close to sealing a deal for a new Kochi facility, with land provided by the government. The goal? Boost India’s share in the $100 billion global shipbuilding market from less than 1% to a top-5 position by 2047, backed by a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund. Apollo Hospitals Bets Big on NCD Care Apollo Hospitals is investing ₹6,000 crore to expand its urban footprint and fight India’s rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The two-phase plan will add 3,500 beds across cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai. Apollo’s “Health of the Nation” report reveals 27% of 2.5 million screened individuals had multiple NCD risk factors. The healthcare giant is pushing for nationwide screening and preventive school health programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.


US-China Tariff War Escalates

The US-China trade tensions hit a boiling point as the White House confirmed a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, effective April 9. While President Trump says he’s “waiting for China’s call,” Beijing isn’t backing down, calling the move “blackmail.” Global markets, oddly, bounced back slightly on hopes of negotiations—but signs of a resolution remain slim.


Apple’s Satcom Partner Eyes India

Globalstar, the satellite partner behind Apple’s emergency SOS feature, has applied to enter India’s growing satellite market. With just 31 satellites compared to Starlink’s 7,000+, Globalstar is eyeing a niche play. But competition is heating up, with players like Jio, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper racing for spectrum. India’s satcom sector could grow nearly 10x by 2028.


BoAt Sets Sail for IPO—Again

India’s popular wearables brand BoAt is gearing up for a ₹2,000 crore IPO. After shelving its 2022 plans, the company has confidentially filed papers under SEBI’s revised norms. The issue includes a ₹900 crore fresh issue and ₹1,100 crore offer-for-sale. Proceeds will fund R&D, product upgrades, and debt reduction—potentially making this one of the year’s most anticipated listings.


India’s Big Shipbuilding Ambition

India is charting a new course in shipbuilding, teaming up with South Korea’s Hyundai and Japan’s Mitsui. Cochin Shipyard is close to sealing a deal for a new Kochi facility, with land provided by the government. The goal? Boost India’s share in the $100 billion global shipbuilding market from less than 1% to a top-5 position by 2047, backed by a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund.


Apollo Hospitals Bets Big on NCD Care

Apollo Hospitals is investing ₹6,000 crore to expand its urban footprint and fight India’s rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The two-phase plan will add 3,500 beds across cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai. Apollo’s “Health of the Nation” report reveals 27% of 2.5 million screened individuals had multiple NCD risk factors. The healthcare giant is pushing for nationwide screening and preventive school health programs.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 532 Ex-MLA Held in ₹750 Cr Bank Fraud | Prestige Hospitality Plans ₹2,500 Cr IPO https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=7mpP2ZLhcUNQotPR MARKET SHOCK: MONDAY MELTDOWN, BUT A POSSIBLE REBOUND India’s stock markets suffered their worst single-day fall in 10 months, with the Sensex plunging nearly 3%—opening 4,000 points lower—after Donald Trump’s tariff threats sent global investors into panic mode. Midcap and smallcap indices dropped even more, down 3.5% and 3.8%. Despite the turmoil, experts say this isn’t an India-specific issue. “Today’s correction is more global panic than India-specific,” noted Finavenue’s Abhishek Jaiswal. Historically, such sharp corrections are often followed by strong rebounds. Meanwhile, the rupee stayed largely stable, slipping only 0.47%, and India’s markets are still outperforming peers like Japan, Hong Kong, and the US. UP POLITICIAN ARRESTED IN MASSIVE ₹750 CR BANK FRAUD Vinay Shankar Tiwari, son of late UP strongman Hari Shankar Tiwari, was arrested in a ₹750 crore bank fraud case. The ED claims he diverted funds from a ₹1,129 crore loan taken by Gangotri Enterprises, where he was a promoter. After ignoring multiple summons, Tiwari was picked up from Lucknow following raids across five cities. Over ₹100 crore in assets have been seized. The case stems from a CBI FIR filed after complaints from the Bank of India-led lending consortium. Tiwari, once elected on a BSP ticket and later with the Samajwadi Party, is now at the heart of one of UP’s largest banking scandals. TRUMP TARIFFS COULD SHRINK INDIA’S US EXPORTS BY $5.76 BILLION India’s booming exports to the US face a serious threat under Donald Trump’s revived “America First” agenda. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative, new tariffs could slash India’s exports by over 6% in 2025. High-impact sectors include gems and jewellery, electronics, auto parts, and seafood. Of the $89.8 billion India exported to the US last year, $67.2 billion will now face a steep 26% duty—up from lower MFN rates. While some industries may benefit from Chinese penalties, many others face steep losses. India’s government is maintaining a cautious stance, avoiding retaliatory tariffs for now. LPG PRICES UP ₹50; PETROL, DIESEL EXCISE HIKED Households will pay more for cooking gas starting Tuesday, April 8, with LPG cylinder prices hiked by ₹50. Under the Ujjwala scheme, subsidized cylinders will now cost ₹550; others will pay ₹853. The government also raised excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹2 per litre but clarified that pump prices will remain unchanged for now, thanks to falling global crude prices. “The price hike will be reviewed,” said Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, noting the move will help recover ₹43,000 crore in losses incurred by oil companies due to previous subsidies. PRESTIGE HOSPITALITY GEARS UP FOR ₹2,500 CR IPO Prestige Hospitality Ventures, a subsidiary of real estate major Prestige Group, is preparing to go public to raise ₹2,000–2,500 crore. The company is expected to file its draft IPO papers with SEBI in the next two weeks. The funds will be used to expand its hotel portfolio and reduce debt. The firm currently operates eight hotels (1,477 keys) and has 15 more in the pipeline, including high-end properties in Delhi Aerocity, Mumbai, Goa, and more. With travel demand rising and partnerships like Marriott in place, the IPO aims to tap into India’s fast-growing hospitality market. Prestige joins a wave of hotel IPOs including Samhi Hotels, Juniper Hotels, and Ventive Hospitality, as the sector rides a post-pandemic growth wave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast MARKET SHOCK: MONDAY MELTDOWN, BUT A POSSIBLE REBOUND India’s stock markets suffered their worst single-day fall in 10 months, with the Sensex plunging nearly 3%—opening 4,000 points lower—after Donald Trump’s tariff threats sent global investors into panic mode. Midcap and smallcap indices dropped even more, down 3.5% and 3.8%. Despite the turmoil, experts say this isn’t an India-specific issue. “Today’s correction is more global panic than India-specific,” noted Finavenue’s Abhishek Jaiswal. Historically, such sharp corrections are often followed by strong rebounds. Meanwhile, the rupee stayed largely stable, slipping only 0.47%, and India’s markets are still outperforming peers like Japan, Hong Kong, and the US. UP POLITICIAN ARRESTED IN MASSIVE ₹750 CR BANK FRAUD Vinay Shankar Tiwari, son of late UP strongman Hari Shankar Tiwari, was arrested in a ₹750 crore bank fraud case. The ED claims he diverted funds from a ₹1,129 crore loan taken by Gangotri Enterprises, where he was a promoter. After ignoring multiple summons, Tiwari was picked up from Lucknow following raids across five cities. Over ₹100 crore in assets have been seized. The case stems from a CBI FIR filed after complaints from the Bank of India-led lending consortium. Tiwari, once elected on a BSP ticket and later with the Samajwadi Party, is now at the heart of one of UP’s largest banking scandals. TRUMP TARIFFS COULD SHRINK INDIA’S US EXPORTS BY $5.76 BILLION India’s booming exports to the US face a serious threat under Donald Trump’s revived “America First” agenda. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative, new tariffs could slash India’s exports by over 6% in 2025. High-impact sectors include gems and jewellery, electronics, auto parts, and seafood. Of the $89.8 billion India exported to the US last year, $67.2 billion will now face a steep 26% duty—up from lower MFN rates. While some industries may benefit from Chinese penalties, many others face steep losses. India’s government is maintaining a cautious stance, avoiding retaliatory tariffs for now. LPG PRICES UP ₹50; PETROL, DIESEL EXCISE HIKED Households will pay more for cooking gas starting Tuesday, April 8, with LPG cylinder prices hiked by ₹50. Under the Ujjwala scheme, subsidized cylinders will now cost ₹550; others will pay ₹853. The government also raised excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹2 per litre but clarified that pump prices will remain unchanged for now, thanks to falling global crude prices. “The price hike will be reviewed,” said Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, noting the move will help recover ₹43,000 crore in losses incurred by oil companies due to previous subsidies. PRESTIGE HOSPITALITY GEARS UP FOR ₹2,500 CR IPO Prestige Hospitality Ventures, a subsidiary of real estate major Prestige Group, is preparing to go public to raise ₹2,000–2,500 crore. The company is expected to file its draft IPO papers with SEBI in the next two weeks. The funds will be used to expand its hotel portfolio and reduce debt. The firm currently operates eight hotels (1,477 keys) and has 15 more in the pipeline, including high-end properties in Delhi Aerocity, Mumbai, Goa, and more. With travel demand rising and partnerships like Marriott in place, the IPO aims to tap into India’s fast-growing hospitality market. Prestige joins a wave of hotel IPOs including Samhi Hotels, Juniper Hotels, and Ventive Hospitality, as the sector rides a post-pandemic growth wave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices MARKET SHOCK: MONDAY MELTDOWN, BUT A POSSIBLE REBOUND

India’s stock markets suffered their worst single-day fall in 10 months, with the Sensex plunging nearly 3%—opening 4,000 points lower—after Donald Trump’s tariff threats sent global investors into panic mode. Midcap and smallcap indices dropped even more, down 3.5% and 3.8%. Despite the turmoil, experts say this isn’t an India-specific issue. “Today’s correction is more global panic than India-specific,” noted Finavenue’s Abhishek Jaiswal. Historically, such sharp corrections are often followed by strong rebounds. Meanwhile, the rupee stayed largely stable, slipping only 0.47%, and India’s markets are still outperforming peers like Japan, Hong Kong, and the US.


UP POLITICIAN ARRESTED IN MASSIVE ₹750 CR BANK FRAUD

Vinay Shankar Tiwari, son of late UP strongman Hari Shankar Tiwari, was arrested in a ₹750 crore bank fraud case. The ED claims he diverted funds from a ₹1,129 crore loan taken by Gangotri Enterprises, where he was a promoter. After ignoring multiple summons, Tiwari was picked up from Lucknow following raids across five cities. Over ₹100 crore in assets have been seized. The case stems from a CBI FIR filed after complaints from the Bank of India-led lending consortium. Tiwari, once elected on a BSP ticket and later with the Samajwadi Party, is now at the heart of one of UP’s largest banking scandals.


TRUMP TARIFFS COULD SHRINK INDIA’S US EXPORTS BY $5.76 BILLION

India’s booming exports to the US face a serious threat under Donald Trump’s revived “America First” agenda. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative, new tariffs could slash India’s exports by over 6% in 2025. High-impact sectors include gems and jewellery, electronics, auto parts, and seafood. Of the $89.8 billion India exported to the US last year, $67.2 billion will now face a steep 26% duty—up from lower MFN rates. While some industries may benefit from Chinese penalties, many others face steep losses. India’s government is maintaining a cautious stance, avoiding retaliatory tariffs for now.


LPG PRICES UP ₹50; PETROL, DIESEL EXCISE HIKED

Households will pay more for cooking gas starting Tuesday, April 8, with LPG cylinder prices hiked by ₹50. Under the Ujjwala scheme, subsidized cylinders will now cost ₹550; others will pay ₹853. The government also raised excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹2 per litre but clarified that pump prices will remain unchanged for now, thanks to falling global crude prices. “The price hike will be reviewed,” said Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, noting the move will help recover ₹43,000 crore in losses incurred by oil companies due to previous subsidies.


PRESTIGE HOSPITALITY GEARS UP FOR ₹2,500 CR IPO

Prestige Hospitality Ventures, a subsidiary of real estate major Prestige Group, is preparing to go public to raise ₹2,000–2,500 crore. The company is expected to file its draft IPO papers with SEBI in the next two weeks. The funds will be used to expand its hotel portfolio and reduce debt. The firm currently operates eight hotels (1,477 keys) and has 15 more in the pipeline, including high-end properties in Delhi Aerocity, Mumbai, Goa, and more. With travel demand rising and partnerships like Marriott in place, the IPO aims to tap into India’s fast-growing hospitality market. Prestige joins a wave of hotel IPOs including Samhi Hotels, Juniper Hotels, and Ventive Hospitality, as the sector rides a post-pandemic growth wave.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 548 no Markets Brace for Monday Meltdown | Skoda vs. Taxman: ₹11,526 Cr Showdown | Whisky Withstand: Premium Spirits Defy Tariffs To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Last week, the Indian stock market hit the brakes—and hard. The Sensex plunged over 2,000 points, Nifty dropped more than 600, wiping out a two-week rally. The trigger? Donald Trump’s tariff hike announcement rattled global markets, sending IT and metal stocks into a tailspin—down 7–9%. Banks and FMCG held steady, but foreign investors flipped to sellers, deepening the slide. This week is crucial. The RBI’s monetary policy meet on April 9, along with IIP and CPI data, will set the tone. TCS kicks off Q4 earnings on April 10, adding to the market’s watchlist. Technically, Nifty’s support sits at 22,600—if that breaks, 22,100 could be next. Bank Nifty is showing some strength and might just be the market’s silver lining. Meanwhile, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is in hot water over a ₹11,526 crore tax dispute. India’s customs department claims Skoda misclassified imported parts as something other than Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits between 2012 and 2024—costing the exchequer big. Skoda disagrees and has taken the matter to the Bombay High Court. But customs officials say the automaker delayed proceedings by not submitting critical documents—even after repeated requests. A past probe also found Skoda concealed 31 agreements with foreign affiliates. The court has yet to rule, but the government wants adjudication to begin—immediately. India’s PM E-Drive scheme for electric trucks? Still stuck in neutral. One year in, not a single rupee of the ₹500 crore fund has been used. No trucks subsidized. No localization rules issued. The scheme, meant to boost clean logistics, is now looking to steel, cement, ports, and logistics sectors to revive demand. But without a clear Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), truckmakers are stuck. They say they need 18 months once rules are notified—but the clock’s ticking. The scheme ends FY26. Still, the market is moving quietly—over 6,000 electric goods carriers were sold in 2024, up from 2,600 in 2023. Chinese major BYD is leading the charge, but with ₹150 crore unused this fiscal, the government’s got work to do—and fast. Premium Indian whiskies might just dodge the U.S. tariff bullet. A fresh 26% duty hike on Indian liquor exports is worrying—but top-shelf single malts are holding their own. “Even a 30% hike won’t shake premium buyers,” says Radico Khaitan’s Amar Sinha. Last year, Indian alcohol exports to the U.S. surged nearly 50% to $10.5 million. The high margins and lifestyle positioning of premium whiskies are helping absorb the blow. But the pain is real for small and mid-sized distillers, especially in low-duty categories like ethyl alcohol. Industry leaders are pushing both governments to strike a balance before long-term growth is jeopardized. And finally, Wipro is going all-in on AI—guided by a new face. Ali Wasti, a veteran deep-tech investor, has joined Wipro Ventures as co-managing partner. He replaces retiring co-founder Venu Pemmaraju. Wasti previously led investments at HPE’s Pathfinder Ventures and brings deep AI and cybersecurity chops. Wipro just topped up its $500 million venture fund with another $200 million, aiming to back startups whose tech can be integrated into Wipro’s services. With 37 portfolio companies—mostly U.S.-based—Wipro is now eyeing AI-powered enterprise solutions as the next frontier. In today’s IT landscape, this isn’t just strategy—it’s survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Apr 2025 02:37:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Dusit Hotels Bet Big on India To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Last week, the Indian stock market hit the brakes—and hard. The Sensex plunged over 2,000 points, Nifty dropped more than 600, wiping out a two-week rally. The trigger? Donald Trump’s tariff hike announcement rattled global markets, sending IT and metal stocks into a tailspin—down 7–9%. Banks and FMCG held steady, but foreign investors flipped to sellers, deepening the slide. This week is crucial. The RBI’s monetary policy meet on April 9, along with IIP and CPI data, will set the tone. TCS kicks off Q4 earnings on April 10, adding to the market’s watchlist. Technically, Nifty’s support sits at 22,600—if that breaks, 22,100 could be next. Bank Nifty is showing some strength and might just be the market’s silver lining. Meanwhile, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is in hot water over a ₹11,526 crore tax dispute. India’s customs department claims Skoda misclassified imported parts as something other than Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits between 2012 and 2024—costing the exchequer big. Skoda disagrees and has taken the matter to the Bombay High Court. But customs officials say the automaker delayed proceedings by not submitting critical documents—even after repeated requests. A past probe also found Skoda concealed 31 agreements with foreign affiliates. The court has yet to rule, but the government wants adjudication to begin—immediately. India’s PM E-Drive scheme for electric trucks? Still stuck in neutral. One year in, not a single rupee of the ₹500 crore fund has been used. No trucks subsidized. No localization rules issued. The scheme, meant to boost clean logistics, is now looking to steel, cement, ports, and logistics sectors to revive demand. But without a clear Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), truckmakers are stuck. They say they need 18 months once rules are notified—but the clock’s ticking. The scheme ends FY26. Still, the market is moving quietly—over 6,000 electric goods carriers were sold in 2024, up from 2,600 in 2023. Chinese major BYD is leading the charge, but with ₹150 crore unused this fiscal, the government’s got work to do—and fast. Premium Indian whiskies might just dodge the U.S. tariff bullet. A fresh 26% duty hike on Indian liquor exports is worrying—but top-shelf single malts are holding their own. “Even a 30% hike won’t shake premium buyers,” says Radico Khaitan’s Amar Sinha. Last year, Indian alcohol exports to the U.S. surged nearly 50% to $10.5 million. The high margins and lifestyle positioning of premium whiskies are helping absorb the blow. But the pain is real for small and mid-sized distillers, especially in low-duty categories like ethyl alcohol. Industry leaders are pushing both governments to strike a balance before long-term growth is jeopardized. And finally, Wipro is going all-in on AI—guided by a new face. Ali Wasti, a veteran deep-tech investor, has joined Wipro Ventures as co-managing partner. He replaces retiring co-founder Venu Pemmaraju. Wasti previously led investments at HPE’s Pathfinder Ventures and brings deep AI and cybersecurity chops. Wipro just topped up its $500 million venture fund with another $200 million, aiming to back startups whose tech can be integrated into Wipro’s services. With 37 portfolio companies—mostly U.S.-based—Wipro is now eyeing AI-powered enterprise solutions as the next frontier. In today’s IT landscape, this isn’t just strategy—it’s survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

Last week, the Indian stock market hit the brakes—and hard.

The Sensex plunged over 2,000 points, Nifty dropped more than 600, wiping out a two-week rally. The trigger? Donald Trump’s tariff hike announcement rattled global markets, sending IT and metal stocks into a tailspin—down 7–9%. Banks and FMCG held steady, but foreign investors flipped to sellers, deepening the slide. This week is crucial. The RBI’s monetary policy meet on April 9, along with IIP and CPI data, will set the tone. TCS kicks off Q4 earnings on April 10, adding to the market’s watchlist. Technically, Nifty’s support sits at 22,600—if that breaks, 22,100 could be next. Bank Nifty is showing some strength and might just be the market’s silver lining.


Meanwhile, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is in hot water over a ₹11,526 crore tax dispute.

India’s customs department claims Skoda misclassified imported parts as something other than Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits between 2012 and 2024—costing the exchequer big. Skoda disagrees and has taken the matter to the Bombay High Court. But customs officials say the automaker delayed proceedings by not submitting critical documents—even after repeated requests. A past probe also found Skoda concealed 31 agreements with foreign affiliates. The court has yet to rule, but the government wants adjudication to begin—immediately.


India’s PM E-Drive scheme for electric trucks? Still stuck in neutral.

One year in, not a single rupee of the ₹500 crore fund has been used. No trucks subsidized. No localization rules issued. The scheme, meant to boost clean logistics, is now looking to steel, cement, ports, and logistics sectors to revive demand. But without a clear Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), truckmakers are stuck. They say they need 18 months once rules are notified—but the clock’s ticking. The scheme ends FY26. Still, the market is moving quietly—over 6,000 electric goods carriers were sold in 2024, up from 2,600 in 2023. Chinese major BYD is leading the charge, but with ₹150 crore unused this fiscal, the government’s got work to do—and fast.


Premium Indian whiskies might just dodge the U.S. tariff bullet.

A fresh 26% duty hike on Indian liquor exports is worrying—but top-shelf single malts are holding their own. “Even a 30% hike won’t shake premium buyers,” says Radico Khaitan’s Amar Sinha. Last year, Indian alcohol exports to the U.S. surged nearly 50% to $10.5 million. The high margins and lifestyle positioning of premium whiskies are helping absorb the blow. But the pain is real for small and mid-sized distillers, especially in low-duty categories like ethyl alcohol. Industry leaders are pushing both governments to strike a balance before long-term growth is jeopardized.


And finally, Wipro is going all-in on AI—guided by a new face.

Ali Wasti, a veteran deep-tech investor, has joined Wipro Ventures as co-managing partner. He replaces retiring co-founder Venu Pemmaraju. Wasti previously led investments at HPE’s Pathfinder Ventures and brings deep AI and cybersecurity chops. Wipro just topped up its $500 million venture fund with another $200 million, aiming to back startups whose tech can be integrated into Wipro’s services. With 37 portfolio companies—mostly U.S.-based—Wipro is now eyeing AI-powered enterprise solutions as the next frontier. In today’s IT landscape, this isn’t just strategy—it’s survival.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 556 Indian Pharma Dodges U.S. Tariffs | BMW EV Sales Soar in India https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade, But India Stays Steady Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—10% on all imports and 27% on Indian goods—sent global markets into a tailspin, yet India’s markets showed resilience. While Japan’s Nikkei plunged nearly 3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.5%, India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 barely flinched. Analysts say India’s competitive edge remains intact, though foreign investors pulled ₹2,806 crore from stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged as investors sought safe havens amid U.S. economic concerns. With central banks increasing gold reserves, the move signals deeper worries about the dollar’s stability. India’s Fuel Trade With the U.S. Faces New Challenges The 27% tariff on Indian imports is set to disrupt India’s $6 billion petroleum trade with the U.S., particularly in refined fuels like gasoline. As Western nations cut Russian oil post-Ukraine war, India became a major supplier—but the new tariff threatens that role. Despite a 3.7% rise in export volume, revenue dropped 7% to $40.4 billion this fiscal year. Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy are expected to take a hit. India is unlikely to retaliate with counter-tariffs, as that would raise domestic crude and LNG prices. Instead, officials are considering boosting imports of U.S. WTI crude to maintain trade ties. India’s Pharma Industry Wins Tariff Exemption Amid Trump’s tariff spree, Indian pharmaceuticals emerged unscathed. The U.S. exempted the sector, recognizing its role in providing affordable medicines worldwide. India supplies 40% of the U.S.’s generic drugs, saving the American healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. With exports worth $8.7 billion to the U.S. and imports of just $800 million, the exemption benefits both nations. However, legal experts warn of potential future scrutiny under Section 232, which assesses imports based on national security concerns. For now, the exemption reinforces India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world,” opening opportunities for biosimilars and domestic API production. BMW India’s EV Sales Soar Despite Industry Caution BMW India defied concerns over slow EV adoption, reporting a threefold surge in electric vehicle sales in Q1 2024. EVs accounted for 17% of its total sales (3,914 units), with overall sales growing 7% year-on-year. While Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki remain cautious about EV adoption due to infrastructure challenges, BMW sees strong demand even in smaller cities. The company’s latest EV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, launched at Auto Expo 2024, has already secured 1,500 bookings. However, the auto industry faces headwinds from Trump’s 25% tariff on auto imports, prompting manufacturers to refocus on internal combustion engines (ICE) amid policy uncertainty. Dusit International Returns to India With a Bold Expansion Plan After exiting in 2017, Thailand’s Dusit International is making a comeback in India with plans to sign 30 hotels and 3,000 rooms in three years. “This time, we’re getting it right,” says Siradej Donavanik, VP of Global Hotel Development. The company is targeting tier-II and III cities while maintaining a presence in metros. Led by industry veteran Deepika Arora, Dusit’s expansion includes luxury and upper-midscale brands, with upcoming hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasol, and Manali. As India’s luxury travel market surges toward a projected $410 billion by 2030, Dusit sees a prime opportunity to establish a strong foothold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Dusit Hotels Bet Big on India To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade, But India Stays Steady Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—10% on all imports and 27% on Indian goods—sent global markets into a tailspin, yet India’s markets showed resilience. While Japan’s Nikkei plunged nearly 3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.5%, India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 barely flinched. Analysts say India’s competitive edge remains intact, though foreign investors pulled ₹2,806 crore from stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged as investors sought safe havens amid U.S. economic concerns. With central banks increasing gold reserves, the move signals deeper worries about the dollar’s stability. India’s Fuel Trade With the U.S. Faces New Challenges The 27% tariff on Indian imports is set to disrupt India’s $6 billion petroleum trade with the U.S., particularly in refined fuels like gasoline. As Western nations cut Russian oil post-Ukraine war, India became a major supplier—but the new tariff threatens that role. Despite a 3.7% rise in export volume, revenue dropped 7% to $40.4 billion this fiscal year. Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy are expected to take a hit. India is unlikely to retaliate with counter-tariffs, as that would raise domestic crude and LNG prices. Instead, officials are considering boosting imports of U.S. WTI crude to maintain trade ties. India’s Pharma Industry Wins Tariff Exemption Amid Trump’s tariff spree, Indian pharmaceuticals emerged unscathed. The U.S. exempted the sector, recognizing its role in providing affordable medicines worldwide. India supplies 40% of the U.S.’s generic drugs, saving the American healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. With exports worth $8.7 billion to the U.S. and imports of just $800 million, the exemption benefits both nations. However, legal experts warn of potential future scrutiny under Section 232, which assesses imports based on national security concerns. For now, the exemption reinforces India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world,” opening opportunities for biosimilars and domestic API production. BMW India’s EV Sales Soar Despite Industry Caution BMW India defied concerns over slow EV adoption, reporting a threefold surge in electric vehicle sales in Q1 2024. EVs accounted for 17% of its total sales (3,914 units), with overall sales growing 7% year-on-year. While Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki remain cautious about EV adoption due to infrastructure challenges, BMW sees strong demand even in smaller cities. The company’s latest EV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, launched at Auto Expo 2024, has already secured 1,500 bookings. However, the auto industry faces headwinds from Trump’s 25% tariff on auto imports, prompting manufacturers to refocus on internal combustion engines (ICE) amid policy uncertainty. Dusit International Returns to India With a Bold Expansion Plan After exiting in 2017, Thailand’s Dusit International is making a comeback in India with plans to sign 30 hotels and 3,000 rooms in three years. “This time, we’re getting it right,” says Siradej Donavanik, VP of Global Hotel Development. The company is targeting tier-II and III cities while maintaining a presence in metros. Led by industry veteran Deepika Arora, Dusit’s expansion includes luxury and upper-midscale brands, with upcoming hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasol, and Manali. As India’s luxury travel market surges toward a projected $410 billion by 2030, Dusit sees a prime opportunity to establish a strong foothold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade, But India Stays Steady

Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—10% on all imports and 27% on Indian goods—sent global markets into a tailspin, yet India’s markets showed resilience. While Japan’s Nikkei plunged nearly 3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.5%, India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 barely flinched. Analysts say India’s competitive edge remains intact, though foreign investors pulled ₹2,806 crore from stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged as investors sought safe havens amid U.S. economic concerns. With central banks increasing gold reserves, the move signals deeper worries about the dollar’s stability.

India’s Fuel Trade With the U.S. Faces New Challenges

The 27% tariff on Indian imports is set to disrupt India’s $6 billion petroleum trade with the U.S., particularly in refined fuels like gasoline. As Western nations cut Russian oil post-Ukraine war, India became a major supplier—but the new tariff threatens that role. Despite a 3.7% rise in export volume, revenue dropped 7% to $40.4 billion this fiscal year. Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy are expected to take a hit. India is unlikely to retaliate with counter-tariffs, as that would raise domestic crude and LNG prices. Instead, officials are considering boosting imports of U.S. WTI crude to maintain trade ties.

India’s Pharma Industry Wins Tariff Exemption

Amid Trump’s tariff spree, Indian pharmaceuticals emerged unscathed. The U.S. exempted the sector, recognizing its role in providing affordable medicines worldwide. India supplies 40% of the U.S.’s generic drugs, saving the American healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. With exports worth $8.7 billion to the U.S. and imports of just $800 million, the exemption benefits both nations. However, legal experts warn of potential future scrutiny under Section 232, which assesses imports based on national security concerns. For now, the exemption reinforces India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world,” opening opportunities for biosimilars and domestic API production.

BMW India’s EV Sales Soar Despite Industry Caution

BMW India defied concerns over slow EV adoption, reporting a threefold surge in electric vehicle sales in Q1 2024. EVs accounted for 17% of its total sales (3,914 units), with overall sales growing 7% year-on-year. While Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki remain cautious about EV adoption due to infrastructure challenges, BMW sees strong demand even in smaller cities. The company’s latest EV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, launched at Auto Expo 2024, has already secured 1,500 bookings. However, the auto industry faces headwinds from Trump’s 25% tariff on auto imports, prompting manufacturers to refocus on internal combustion engines (ICE) amid policy uncertainty.

Dusit International Returns to India With a Bold Expansion Plan

After exiting in 2017, Thailand’s Dusit International is making a comeback in India with plans to sign 30 hotels and 3,000 rooms in three years. “This time, we’re getting it right,” says Siradej Donavanik, VP of Global Hotel Development. The company is targeting tier-II and III cities while maintaining a presence in metros. Led by industry veteran Deepika Arora, Dusit’s expansion includes luxury and upper-midscale brands, with upcoming hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasol, and Manali. As India’s luxury travel market surges toward a projected $410 billion by 2030, Dusit sees a prime opportunity to establish a strong foothold.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 534 Trump’s Tariff Bomb Hits India, China, EU | India’s Green Bond Push To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Harvard in Trump’s Crosshairs Harvard is the latest Ivy League school facing Trump’s crackdown on alleged campus antisemitism. On Monday, the White House launched a review of its $9 billion in federal funding—weeks after stripping Columbia University of $400 million. Harvard’s new president, Alan Garber, has acted swiftly: dismissing Middle Eastern Studies leaders, cutting ties with a West Bank university, and reinforcing academic diversity guidelines. Critics say it’s not enough. Former Harvard President Larry Summers accused the school of ignoring Israeli perspectives, while faculty worry Garber is caving to political pressure. Princeton, too, is caught in the crossfire, with Trump pausing dozens of its research grants. Princeton’s president calls it “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare.” Garber warns that losing federal funds could cripple research, but with Trump’s task force investigating multiple institutions, the battle is far from over. India Eyes Bigger Green Bond Target India is considering increasing its ₹25,342 crore sovereign green bond issuance for FY26, riding on investor interest. Green bonds, which fund renewable energy and climate projects, currently see a 2-3 basis point premium (“greenium”) over regular bonds in India, lower than the 3-8 points seen in developed markets. Officials expect higher returns this year amid global shifts towards sustainable finance. However, if investor demand falls short, the government may scale back. Since 2022, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in green bonds to support its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030. The coming months will determine investor appetite and the country’s green finance trajectory. Manufacturing Rebounds, But Trade Risks Loom India’s manufacturing sector rebounded in March, with the HSBC PMI hitting 58.1—its highest in eight months—driven by surging new orders. Strong demand and marketing efforts fueled the recovery, but concerns over potential US tariffs linger. President Trump is set to announce new trade measures on April 2, raising fears of weakened exports. A 20% tariff hike could shave 0.4% off India’s GDP, according to Capital Economics. Inflation is also rising, with higher costs for copper, electronics, and rubber. The RBI, meeting April 7-9, may cut rates to support growth, but with Q4 GDP tracking at 6.7%, below its 6.5% target, economic uncertainty remains. IPL Drives Food Delivery Boom The IPL season is fueling a surge in food orders, with fast-food chains cashing in. Domino’s sees no sign of demand slowing, doubling down on promotions like its six-in-one pizza. Streaming and TV viewership are soaring—JioHotstar reported a 40% spike in digital engagement, while TV audiences hit 253 million in the first three matches. Rebel Foods, which runs Wendy’s and Oven Story, increased marketing spend by 10-20%, banking on the cricket frenzy. Last year, IPL-driven sales jumped 60-70%, and brands expect another blockbuster season despite broader economic concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:10:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast IPL Drives Food Delivery Boom To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Harvard in Trump’s Crosshairs Harvard is the latest Ivy League school facing Trump’s crackdown on alleged campus antisemitism. On Monday, the White House launched a review of its $9 billion in federal funding—weeks after stripping Columbia University of $400 million. Harvard’s new president, Alan Garber, has acted swiftly: dismissing Middle Eastern Studies leaders, cutting ties with a West Bank university, and reinforcing academic diversity guidelines. Critics say it’s not enough. Former Harvard President Larry Summers accused the school of ignoring Israeli perspectives, while faculty worry Garber is caving to political pressure. Princeton, too, is caught in the crossfire, with Trump pausing dozens of its research grants. Princeton’s president calls it “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare.” Garber warns that losing federal funds could cripple research, but with Trump’s task force investigating multiple institutions, the battle is far from over. India Eyes Bigger Green Bond Target India is considering increasing its ₹25,342 crore sovereign green bond issuance for FY26, riding on investor interest. Green bonds, which fund renewable energy and climate projects, currently see a 2-3 basis point premium (“greenium”) over regular bonds in India, lower than the 3-8 points seen in developed markets. Officials expect higher returns this year amid global shifts towards sustainable finance. However, if investor demand falls short, the government may scale back. Since 2022, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in green bonds to support its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030. The coming months will determine investor appetite and the country’s green finance trajectory. Manufacturing Rebounds, But Trade Risks Loom India’s manufacturing sector rebounded in March, with the HSBC PMI hitting 58.1—its highest in eight months—driven by surging new orders. Strong demand and marketing efforts fueled the recovery, but concerns over potential US tariffs linger. President Trump is set to announce new trade measures on April 2, raising fears of weakened exports. A 20% tariff hike could shave 0.4% off India’s GDP, according to Capital Economics. Inflation is also rising, with higher costs for copper, electronics, and rubber. The RBI, meeting April 7-9, may cut rates to support growth, but with Q4 GDP tracking at 6.7%, below its 6.5% target, economic uncertainty remains. IPL Drives Food Delivery Boom The IPL season is fueling a surge in food orders, with fast-food chains cashing in. Domino’s sees no sign of demand slowing, doubling down on promotions like its six-in-one pizza. Streaming and TV viewership are soaring—JioHotstar reported a 40% spike in digital engagement, while TV audiences hit 253 million in the first three matches. Rebel Foods, which runs Wendy’s and Oven Story, increased marketing spend by 10-20%, banking on the cricket frenzy. Last year, IPL-driven sales jumped 60-70%, and brands expect another blockbuster season despite broader economic concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


Harvard in Trump’s Crosshairs

Harvard is the latest Ivy League school facing Trump’s crackdown on alleged campus antisemitism. On Monday, the White House launched a review of its $9 billion in federal funding—weeks after stripping Columbia University of $400 million. Harvard’s new president, Alan Garber, has acted swiftly: dismissing Middle Eastern Studies leaders, cutting ties with a West Bank university, and reinforcing academic diversity guidelines. Critics say it’s not enough. Former Harvard President Larry Summers accused the school of ignoring Israeli perspectives, while faculty worry Garber is caving to political pressure. Princeton, too, is caught in the crossfire, with Trump pausing dozens of its research grants. Princeton’s president calls it “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare.” Garber warns that losing federal funds could cripple research, but with Trump’s task force investigating multiple institutions, the battle is far from over.


India Eyes Bigger Green Bond Target

India is considering increasing its ₹25,342 crore sovereign green bond issuance for FY26, riding on investor interest. Green bonds, which fund renewable energy and climate projects, currently see a 2-3 basis point premium (“greenium”) over regular bonds in India, lower than the 3-8 points seen in developed markets. Officials expect higher returns this year amid global shifts towards sustainable finance. However, if investor demand falls short, the government may scale back. Since 2022, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in green bonds to support its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030. The coming months will determine investor appetite and the country’s green finance trajectory.


Manufacturing Rebounds, But Trade Risks Loom

India’s manufacturing sector rebounded in March, with the HSBC PMI hitting 58.1—its highest in eight months—driven by surging new orders. Strong demand and marketing efforts fueled the recovery, but concerns over potential US tariffs linger. President Trump is set to announce new trade measures on April 2, raising fears of weakened exports. A 20% tariff hike could shave 0.4% off India’s GDP, according to Capital Economics. Inflation is also rising, with higher costs for copper, electronics, and rubber. The RBI, meeting April 7-9, may cut rates to support growth, but with Q4 GDP tracking at 6.7%, below its 6.5% target, economic uncertainty remains.


IPL Drives Food Delivery Boom

The IPL season is fueling a surge in food orders, with fast-food chains cashing in. Domino’s sees no sign of demand slowing, doubling down on promotions like its six-in-one pizza. Streaming and TV viewership are soaring—JioHotstar reported a 40% spike in digital engagement, while TV audiences hit 253 million in the first three matches. Rebel Foods, which runs Wendy’s and Oven Story, increased marketing spend by 10-20%, banking on the cricket frenzy. Last year, IPL-driven sales jumped 60-70%, and brands expect another blockbuster season despite broader economic concerns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 616 Zomato Cuts 600 Jobs | Aditya Birla Sells Paper Biz to ITC for ₹3,500 Cr CAG Flags Telecom & Digital Infra Failures, Billions Lost https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Zepto Bets Big on Cold Chain for Fresh Produce Quick commerce is fast, but fresh produce needs better logistics. Zepto is doubling down on cold chain infrastructure to improve margins and quality. CEO Aadit Palicha is actively seeking cold supply chain experts to enhance operations. The company has partnered with Transport Corporation of India to expand storage in the South. Fruits and vegetables account for 8-10% of quick commerce sales but face 15% wastage due to India’s fragmented cold chain. The market is projected to grow from $14.5 billion (2023) to $53 billion (2032). Zepto’s private-label meat brand, Relish, leveraged cold logistics to hit ₹150 crore ARR in six months. Zomato Lays Off 600 Employees Amid Automation Push Zomato has reportedly laid off 600 customer support employees in a bid to cut costs as growth slows. The layoffs follow AI-driven automation in customer service and financial pressures at its quick commerce arm, Blinkit. Employees claim they were dismissed without notice periods or clear explanations, while Zomato cites performance issues. On Reddit, ex-employees shared grievances, with one alleging termination for being late by 28 minutes over three months. Despite the layoffs, Zomato’s stock closed 0.84% higher at ₹203.20. Aditya Birla Exits Paper Business, Sells to ITC for ₹3,500 Crore Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) is exiting the paper sector, selling Century Pulp and Paper to ITC Ltd for ₹3,500 crore. The deal surpassed estimates, with Nomura valuing it at 18x EV/EBITDA for FY25. ABREL’s paper segment has struggled, with revenue falling 5.5% YoY in FY24 and margins shrinking by 410 basis points. The sale will help reduce net debt (₹4,300 crore) to near-zero, boosting ABREL’s real estate expansion. However, significant cash flow from projects like Niyaara will only materialize from FY27 onwards. ABREL’s stock is down 21% in 2025, and investors await Q4 results and the Niyaara Phase 3 launch in FY26. CAG Report Flags Revenue Losses, Weak Oversight in Telecom & Digital Infra The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised alarms over governance failures in telecom, electronics, and postal services: • Telecom: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) failed to recover ₹2,463.67 crore from telcos due to delayed audits. BSNL lost ₹1,757.76 crore by failing to bill Reliance Jio for technology use. • Electronics Manufacturing: Under M-SIPS, only ₹2,136 crore was disbursed from ₹36,991 crore in committed investments, causing policy instability for investors. • Digital Infrastructure: The ₹6,548-crore National Knowledge Network for research institutions was flagged for poor bandwidth utilization and cybersecurity gaps. • Postal Services: GST mismanagement and irregular promotions resulted in ₹17.22 crore in tax losses. The findings expose execution flaws in India’s push for digital self-reliance. Shapoorji Pallonji Faces Insolvency Plea Over Unpaid ₹2.72 Crore The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-Mumbai has issued a notice to Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd (SPCPL) over an insolvency plea filed by Chennai-based Intertouch Metal Buildings Pvt. Ltd. The roofing firm alleges unpaid dues for work on Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. SPCPL must respond within seven days, with the next hearing on April 24. This isn’t SPCPL’s first insolvency dispute. In October 2024, NCLT dismissed a similar plea by KBC Infrastructure, ruling that insolvency laws cannot be used as a debt recovery tool. As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are on Shapoorji Pallonji’s response and whether the case progresses to full-fledged insolvency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Zepto’s Cold Chain Play To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Zepto Bets Big on Cold Chain for Fresh Produce Quick commerce is fast, but fresh produce needs better logistics. Zepto is doubling down on cold chain infrastructure to improve margins and quality. CEO Aadit Palicha is actively seeking cold supply chain experts to enhance operations. The company has partnered with Transport Corporation of India to expand storage in the South. Fruits and vegetables account for 8-10% of quick commerce sales but face 15% wastage due to India’s fragmented cold chain. The market is projected to grow from $14.5 billion (2023) to $53 billion (2032). Zepto’s private-label meat brand, Relish, leveraged cold logistics to hit ₹150 crore ARR in six months. Zomato Lays Off 600 Employees Amid Automation Push Zomato has reportedly laid off 600 customer support employees in a bid to cut costs as growth slows. The layoffs follow AI-driven automation in customer service and financial pressures at its quick commerce arm, Blinkit. Employees claim they were dismissed without notice periods or clear explanations, while Zomato cites performance issues. On Reddit, ex-employees shared grievances, with one alleging termination for being late by 28 minutes over three months. Despite the layoffs, Zomato’s stock closed 0.84% higher at ₹203.20. Aditya Birla Exits Paper Business, Sells to ITC for ₹3,500 Crore Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) is exiting the paper sector, selling Century Pulp and Paper to ITC Ltd for ₹3,500 crore. The deal surpassed estimates, with Nomura valuing it at 18x EV/EBITDA for FY25. ABREL’s paper segment has struggled, with revenue falling 5.5% YoY in FY24 and margins shrinking by 410 basis points. The sale will help reduce net debt (₹4,300 crore) to near-zero, boosting ABREL’s real estate expansion. However, significant cash flow from projects like Niyaara will only materialize from FY27 onwards. ABREL’s stock is down 21% in 2025, and investors await Q4 results and the Niyaara Phase 3 launch in FY26. CAG Report Flags Revenue Losses, Weak Oversight in Telecom & Digital Infra The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised alarms over governance failures in telecom, electronics, and postal services: • Telecom: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) failed to recover ₹2,463.67 crore from telcos due to delayed audits. BSNL lost ₹1,757.76 crore by failing to bill Reliance Jio for technology use. • Electronics Manufacturing: Under M-SIPS, only ₹2,136 crore was disbursed from ₹36,991 crore in committed investments, causing policy instability for investors. • Digital Infrastructure: The ₹6,548-crore National Knowledge Network for research institutions was flagged for poor bandwidth utilization and cybersecurity gaps. • Postal Services: GST mismanagement and irregular promotions resulted in ₹17.22 crore in tax losses. The findings expose execution flaws in India’s push for digital self-reliance. Shapoorji Pallonji Faces Insolvency Plea Over Unpaid ₹2.72 Crore The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-Mumbai has issued a notice to Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd (SPCPL) over an insolvency plea filed by Chennai-based Intertouch Metal Buildings Pvt. Ltd. The roofing firm alleges unpaid dues for work on Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. SPCPL must respond within seven days, with the next hearing on April 24. This isn’t SPCPL’s first insolvency dispute. In October 2024, NCLT dismissed a similar plea by KBC Infrastructure, ruling that insolvency laws cannot be used as a debt recovery tool. As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are on Shapoorji Pallonji’s response and whether the case progresses to full-fledged insolvency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


Zepto Bets Big on Cold Chain for Fresh Produce

Quick commerce is fast, but fresh produce needs better logistics. Zepto is doubling down on cold chain infrastructure to improve margins and quality. CEO Aadit Palicha is actively seeking cold supply chain experts to enhance operations. The company has partnered with Transport Corporation of India to expand storage in the South. Fruits and vegetables account for 8-10% of quick commerce sales but face 15% wastage due to India’s fragmented cold chain. The market is projected to grow from $14.5 billion (2023) to $53 billion (2032). Zepto’s private-label meat brand, Relish, leveraged cold logistics to hit ₹150 crore ARR in six months.

Zomato Lays Off 600 Employees Amid Automation Push

Zomato has reportedly laid off 600 customer support employees in a bid to cut costs as growth slows. The layoffs follow AI-driven automation in customer service and financial pressures at its quick commerce arm, Blinkit. Employees claim they were dismissed without notice periods or clear explanations, while Zomato cites performance issues. On Reddit, ex-employees shared grievances, with one alleging termination for being late by 28 minutes over three months. Despite the layoffs, Zomato’s stock closed 0.84% higher at ₹203.20.

Aditya Birla Exits Paper Business, Sells to ITC for ₹3,500 Crore

Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) is exiting the paper sector, selling Century Pulp and Paper to ITC Ltd for ₹3,500 crore. The deal surpassed estimates, with Nomura valuing it at 18x EV/EBITDA for FY25. ABREL’s paper segment has struggled, with revenue falling 5.5% YoY in FY24 and margins shrinking by 410 basis points. The sale will help reduce net debt (₹4,300 crore) to near-zero, boosting ABREL’s real estate expansion. However, significant cash flow from projects like Niyaara will only materialize from FY27 onwards. ABREL’s stock is down 21% in 2025, and investors await Q4 results and the Niyaara Phase 3 launch in FY26.

CAG Report Flags Revenue Losses, Weak Oversight in Telecom & Digital Infra

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised alarms over governance failures in telecom, electronics, and postal services:

• Telecom: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) failed to recover ₹2,463.67 crore from telcos due to delayed audits. BSNL lost ₹1,757.76 crore by failing to bill Reliance Jio for technology use.

• Electronics Manufacturing: Under M-SIPS, only ₹2,136 crore was disbursed from ₹36,991 crore in committed investments, causing policy instability for investors.

• Digital Infrastructure: The ₹6,548-crore National Knowledge Network for research institutions was flagged for poor bandwidth utilization and cybersecurity gaps.

• Postal Services: GST mismanagement and irregular promotions resulted in ₹17.22 crore in tax losses.

The findings expose execution flaws in India’s push for digital self-reliance.

Shapoorji Pallonji Faces Insolvency Plea Over Unpaid ₹2.72 Crore

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-Mumbai has issued a notice to Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd (SPCPL) over an insolvency plea filed by Chennai-based Intertouch Metal Buildings Pvt. Ltd. The roofing firm alleges unpaid dues for work on Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. SPCPL must respond within seven days, with the next hearing on April 24.

This isn’t SPCPL’s first insolvency dispute. In October 2024, NCLT dismissed a similar plea by KBC Infrastructure, ruling that insolvency laws cannot be used as a debt recovery tool.

As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are on Shapoorji Pallonji’s response and whether the case progresses to full-fledged insolvency.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 609 Govt Eases Vi’s Debt Burden | IGL’s Solar bet, ₹2,066 Cr Projec https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Stock Market Under Pressure Indian markets may open nearly 1% lower after the Eid holiday as global trade tensions resurface. Investors are wary of US President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff deadline, which triggered sell-offs in Asian and European markets. Nifty 50 faces key support at 23,263 and resistance at 23,737, with analysts predicting volatility ahead. Meanwhile, concerns over a potential US recession (35% probability per Goldman Sachs) and FPI outflows are adding to uncertainty. IGL’s Solar Bet Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) is entering renewables through a ₹2,066 crore joint venture with Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) to develop a 500 MWp solar project in Bikaner. With IGL holding a 74% stake, the project aligns with its ambition to build a 1 GW green energy portfolio within four years. The company, known for city gas distribution, is now expanding beyond Delhi into Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Vodafone Idea’s Lifeline Vodafone Idea (Vi) received a major boost as the government converted ₹36,950 crore of spectrum dues into equity, reducing its statutory burden by 66% over three years. This frees up ₹40,000 crore in cash flow, easing Vi’s liquidity crisis as it seeks ₹25,000 crore in bank funding. However, long-term challenges remain, with annual payments of ₹43,000 crore due between FY28-31. Without tariff hikes, Vi could require further government intervention, potentially making it a public-sector telecom operator. SEBI Cracks Down on Finfluencers India’s market regulator SEBI is tightening oversight of financial influencers, especially those registered with AMFI, as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation. With help from Meta and Google, SEBI has removed 70,000 unregistered digital financial advisors. The issue is pressing—82% of social media-driven investors act on influencer advice, yet only 2% of these influencers are SEBI-registered. SEBI is exploring ways to increase the number of registered investment advisors while experts push for stricter monitoring of financial content. Telecom Expansion Faces Roadblocks Telecom firms warn of service disruptions as 13 states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have yet to implement the Centre’s 2024 Right of Way (RoW) rules. High municipal fees, multiple approval layers, and delays in clearances are stalling 4G and 5G rollouts. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is pushing for compliance, with a centralized RoW portal expected soon. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is urging swift action to prevent network congestion. These developments highlight India’s evolving business landscape, with markets bracing for volatility, industries pivoting to new opportunities, and regulatory shifts shaping the investment and telecom sectors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:24:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast 5G Rollout Stuck in Red Tape To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Stock Market Under Pressure Indian markets may open nearly 1% lower after the Eid holiday as global trade tensions resurface. Investors are wary of US President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff deadline, which triggered sell-offs in Asian and European markets. Nifty 50 faces key support at 23,263 and resistance at 23,737, with analysts predicting volatility ahead. Meanwhile, concerns over a potential US recession (35% probability per Goldman Sachs) and FPI outflows are adding to uncertainty. IGL’s Solar Bet Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) is entering renewables through a ₹2,066 crore joint venture with Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) to develop a 500 MWp solar project in Bikaner. With IGL holding a 74% stake, the project aligns with its ambition to build a 1 GW green energy portfolio within four years. The company, known for city gas distribution, is now expanding beyond Delhi into Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Vodafone Idea’s Lifeline Vodafone Idea (Vi) received a major boost as the government converted ₹36,950 crore of spectrum dues into equity, reducing its statutory burden by 66% over three years. This frees up ₹40,000 crore in cash flow, easing Vi’s liquidity crisis as it seeks ₹25,000 crore in bank funding. However, long-term challenges remain, with annual payments of ₹43,000 crore due between FY28-31. Without tariff hikes, Vi could require further government intervention, potentially making it a public-sector telecom operator. SEBI Cracks Down on Finfluencers India’s market regulator SEBI is tightening oversight of financial influencers, especially those registered with AMFI, as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation. With help from Meta and Google, SEBI has removed 70,000 unregistered digital financial advisors. The issue is pressing—82% of social media-driven investors act on influencer advice, yet only 2% of these influencers are SEBI-registered. SEBI is exploring ways to increase the number of registered investment advisors while experts push for stricter monitoring of financial content. Telecom Expansion Faces Roadblocks Telecom firms warn of service disruptions as 13 states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have yet to implement the Centre’s 2024 Right of Way (RoW) rules. High municipal fees, multiple approval layers, and delays in clearances are stalling 4G and 5G rollouts. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is pushing for compliance, with a centralized RoW portal expected soon. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is urging swift action to prevent network congestion. These developments highlight India’s evolving business landscape, with markets bracing for volatility, industries pivoting to new opportunities, and regulatory shifts shaping the investment and telecom sectors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


Stock Market Under Pressure

Indian markets may open nearly 1% lower after the Eid holiday as global trade tensions resurface. Investors are wary of US President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff deadline, which triggered sell-offs in Asian and European markets. Nifty 50 faces key support at 23,263 and resistance at 23,737, with analysts predicting volatility ahead. Meanwhile, concerns over a potential US recession (35% probability per Goldman Sachs) and FPI outflows are adding to uncertainty.

IGL’s Solar Bet

Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) is entering renewables through a ₹2,066 crore joint venture with Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) to develop a 500 MWp solar project in Bikaner. With IGL holding a 74% stake, the project aligns with its ambition to build a 1 GW green energy portfolio within four years. The company, known for city gas distribution, is now expanding beyond Delhi into Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Vodafone Idea’s Lifeline

Vodafone Idea (Vi) received a major boost as the government converted ₹36,950 crore of spectrum dues into equity, reducing its statutory burden by 66% over three years. This frees up ₹40,000 crore in cash flow, easing Vi’s liquidity crisis as it seeks ₹25,000 crore in bank funding. However, long-term challenges remain, with annual payments of ₹43,000 crore due between FY28-31. Without tariff hikes, Vi could require further government intervention, potentially making it a public-sector telecom operator.

SEBI Cracks Down on Finfluencers

India’s market regulator SEBI is tightening oversight of financial influencers, especially those registered with AMFI, as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation. With help from Meta and Google, SEBI has removed 70,000 unregistered digital financial advisors. The issue is pressing—82% of social media-driven investors act on influencer advice, yet only 2% of these influencers are SEBI-registered. SEBI is exploring ways to increase the number of registered investment advisors while experts push for stricter monitoring of financial content.

Telecom Expansion Faces Roadblocks

Telecom firms warn of service disruptions as 13 states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have yet to implement the Centre’s 2024 Right of Way (RoW) rules. High municipal fees, multiple approval layers, and delays in clearances are stalling 4G and 5G rollouts. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is pushing for compliance, with a centralized RoW portal expected soon. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is urging swift action to prevent network congestion.

These developments highlight India’s evolving business landscape, with markets bracing for volatility, industries pivoting to new opportunities, and regulatory shifts shaping the investment and telecom sectors.




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 583 Meta’s Undersea Cable to Boost India | Investors Dump US Stocks on Tariff Fears https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Jubilant FoodWorks Bets Big on Tech & Expansion Jubilant FoodWorks is ramping up its Domino’s India expansion from 2,000 to 3,000 stores, backed by Elate, an in-house Android-based POS system aimed at improving efficiency across its brands (Domino’s, Popeyes, Dunkin’, Hong’s Kitchen). CEO Sameer Khetarpal promises tech upgrades every six months, integrating AI into store management. The company is also pushing for faster deliveries, with 70% already happening in under 20 minutes and a new guaranteed 20-minute service coming to India’s top seven cities. However, dine-in sales remain sluggish as free delivery drives online orders. Meta’s Project Waterworth: Building the World’s Longest Undersea Cable Meta is advancing Project Waterworth, a 50,000-km undersea cable connecting India, the US, Brazil, South Africa, and more. The aim? Faster internet and AI-driven applications across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Meta is in talks with Airtel, Jio, Tata Communications, and Lightstorm for landing the cable in India, navigating regulatory hurdles. With 95% of global data flowing through subsea cables, this move enhances India’s digital backbone while reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive routes like the Red Sea and South China Sea. Indegene Expands AI-Driven Pharma Solutions in the US & Europe Bangalore-based Indegene is capitalizing on AI in pharma commercialization and regulation, particularly in the US and Europe, where it derives 64% of its revenue. With US pharma firms under pricing pressure, CEO Manish Gupta sees a major opportunity: “Pricing and market access are critical, and our AI-driven solutions can help.” The company has launched Cortex, an AI-powered platform, and is expanding in Europe, with a London center, an Ireland acquisition, and a move into Spain. Since 2010, Indegene has grown from ₹33 crore to ₹2,500 crore and is poised for further scale. Global Investors Shift from US Stocks Amid Tariff Uncertainty Investors are pulling billions from US stocks, redirecting funds to Europe, Asia, and emerging markets due to concerns over US tariff policies. In March alone, European investors withdrew $2.37 billion from US equity ETFs. April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan, threatens new trade tensions, prompting 15 of the world’s largest asset managers to reduce US exposure. Goldman Sachs & Barclays have already cut their S&P 500 forecasts for 2025. While some analysts argue US stocks remain attractive, foreign outflows may weaken market performance. Lollapalooza India Booms Despite Industry Challenges The third edition of Lollapalooza India attracted 60,000+ fans with Green Day, Shawn Mendes, and others. While ticket sales hit records, India’s live entertainment infrastructure remains weak, lacking dedicated concert venues. “We have to build everything from the ground up,” says Anil Makhija, COO of BookMyShow Live. Diljit Dosanjh’s criticism of India’s concert ecosystem further highlights these issues. High taxes and ticket resale controversies (e.g., Coldplay’s Mumbai show) also pose challenges. Despite this, India’s live music market is growing fast, with global artists increasingly making India a tour stop. BookMyShow is pushing for policy changes, better infrastructure, and new festivals like Bandland. “Fans are ready. Artists are ready. Now, the ecosystem needs to catch up,” says Makhija. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Domino’s Races to 3,000 Stores To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Jubilant FoodWorks Bets Big on Tech & Expansion Jubilant FoodWorks is ramping up its Domino’s India expansion from 2,000 to 3,000 stores, backed by Elate, an in-house Android-based POS system aimed at improving efficiency across its brands (Domino’s, Popeyes, Dunkin’, Hong’s Kitchen). CEO Sameer Khetarpal promises tech upgrades every six months, integrating AI into store management. The company is also pushing for faster deliveries, with 70% already happening in under 20 minutes and a new guaranteed 20-minute service coming to India’s top seven cities. However, dine-in sales remain sluggish as free delivery drives online orders. Meta’s Project Waterworth: Building the World’s Longest Undersea Cable Meta is advancing Project Waterworth, a 50,000-km undersea cable connecting India, the US, Brazil, South Africa, and more. The aim? Faster internet and AI-driven applications across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Meta is in talks with Airtel, Jio, Tata Communications, and Lightstorm for landing the cable in India, navigating regulatory hurdles. With 95% of global data flowing through subsea cables, this move enhances India’s digital backbone while reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive routes like the Red Sea and South China Sea. Indegene Expands AI-Driven Pharma Solutions in the US & Europe Bangalore-based Indegene is capitalizing on AI in pharma commercialization and regulation, particularly in the US and Europe, where it derives 64% of its revenue. With US pharma firms under pricing pressure, CEO Manish Gupta sees a major opportunity: “Pricing and market access are critical, and our AI-driven solutions can help.” The company has launched Cortex, an AI-powered platform, and is expanding in Europe, with a London center, an Ireland acquisition, and a move into Spain. Since 2010, Indegene has grown from ₹33 crore to ₹2,500 crore and is poised for further scale. Global Investors Shift from US Stocks Amid Tariff Uncertainty Investors are pulling billions from US stocks, redirecting funds to Europe, Asia, and emerging markets due to concerns over US tariff policies. In March alone, European investors withdrew $2.37 billion from US equity ETFs. April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan, threatens new trade tensions, prompting 15 of the world’s largest asset managers to reduce US exposure. Goldman Sachs & Barclays have already cut their S&P 500 forecasts for 2025. While some analysts argue US stocks remain attractive, foreign outflows may weaken market performance. Lollapalooza India Booms Despite Industry Challenges The third edition of Lollapalooza India attracted 60,000+ fans with Green Day, Shawn Mendes, and others. While ticket sales hit records, India’s live entertainment infrastructure remains weak, lacking dedicated concert venues. “We have to build everything from the ground up,” says Anil Makhija, COO of BookMyShow Live. Diljit Dosanjh’s criticism of India’s concert ecosystem further highlights these issues. High taxes and ticket resale controversies (e.g., Coldplay’s Mumbai show) also pose challenges. Despite this, India’s live music market is growing fast, with global artists increasingly making India a tour stop. BookMyShow is pushing for policy changes, better infrastructure, and new festivals like Bandland. “Fans are ready. Artists are ready. Now, the ecosystem needs to catch up,” says Makhija. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


Jubilant FoodWorks Bets Big on Tech & Expansion

Jubilant FoodWorks is ramping up its Domino’s India expansion from 2,000 to 3,000 stores, backed by Elate, an in-house Android-based POS system aimed at improving efficiency across its brands (Domino’s, Popeyes, Dunkin’, Hong’s Kitchen). CEO Sameer Khetarpal promises tech upgrades every six months, integrating AI into store management. The company is also pushing for faster deliveries, with 70% already happening in under 20 minutes and a new guaranteed 20-minute service coming to India’s top seven cities. However, dine-in sales remain sluggish as free delivery drives online orders.

Meta’s Project Waterworth: Building the World’s Longest Undersea Cable

Meta is advancing Project Waterworth, a 50,000-km undersea cable connecting India, the US, Brazil, South Africa, and more. The aim? Faster internet and AI-driven applications across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Meta is in talks with Airtel, Jio, Tata Communications, and Lightstorm for landing the cable in India, navigating regulatory hurdles. With 95% of global data flowing through subsea cables, this move enhances India’s digital backbone while reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive routes like the Red Sea and South China Sea.

Indegene Expands AI-Driven Pharma Solutions in the US & Europe

Bangalore-based Indegene is capitalizing on AI in pharma commercialization and regulation, particularly in the US and Europe, where it derives 64% of its revenue. With US pharma firms under pricing pressure, CEO Manish Gupta sees a major opportunity: “Pricing and market access are critical, and our AI-driven solutions can help.” The company has launched Cortex, an AI-powered platform, and is expanding in Europe, with a London center, an Ireland acquisition, and a move into Spain. Since 2010, Indegene has grown from ₹33 crore to ₹2,500 crore and is poised for further scale.

Global Investors Shift from US Stocks Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Investors are pulling billions from US stocks, redirecting funds to Europe, Asia, and emerging markets due to concerns over US tariff policies. In March alone, European investors withdrew $2.37 billion from US equity ETFs. April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan, threatens new trade tensions, prompting 15 of the world’s largest asset managers to reduce US exposure. Goldman Sachs & Barclays have already cut their S&P 500 forecasts for 2025. While some analysts argue US stocks remain attractive, foreign outflows may weaken market performance.

Lollapalooza India Booms Despite Industry Challenges

The third edition of Lollapalooza India attracted 60,000+ fans with Green Day, Shawn Mendes, and others. While ticket sales hit records, India’s live entertainment infrastructure remains weak, lacking dedicated concert venues. “We have to build everything from the ground up,” says Anil Makhija, COO of BookMyShow Live. Diljit Dosanjh’s criticism of India’s concert ecosystem further highlights these issues. High taxes and ticket resale controversies (e.g., Coldplay’s Mumbai show) also pose challenges. Despite this, India’s live music market is growing fast, with global artists increasingly making India a tour stop. BookMyShow is pushing for policy changes, better infrastructure, and new festivals like Bandland. “Fans are ready. Artists are ready. Now, the ecosystem needs to catch up,” says Makhija.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 602 KKR Offloads JB Chemicals Stake | Wipro’s $650M UK Deal https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Govt Tightens Grip on Crypto & Digital Assets To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink

India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing?

Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand

Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand.

Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out

Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year.

Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing

Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand.

Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound?

Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 529 Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand | Why SGB Investors Refuse to Cash Out https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Wipro GE’s $1B India Push To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing? Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand. Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year. Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand. Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound? Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


State Revenue Deficit Grants Shrink

India’s states are receiving far less in revenue deficit grants from the Centre—plummeting from ₹1.18 lakh crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with further cuts expected next year. The 15th Finance Commission aims to push states toward financial self-reliance. While overall central transfers to states have crossed ₹9.89 lakh crore in FY25, direct revenue support has dwindled. Strong state tax revenue growth (11.1% in H1 FY25) is helping, but fiscal deficits remain near the 3% threshold. The big question: Can states sustain financial discipline without heavy central backing?

Samsung Hit with $601M Tax Demand

Samsung Electronics faces a $601 million tax demand from Indian authorities over alleged tariff evasion on telecom equipment imports. Officials claim Samsung misclassified “Remote Radio Heads” (RRH) to avoid 10-20% duties. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a probe in 2021, revealing Samsung imported $784 million worth of RRHs duty-free between 2018 and 2021. Samsung denies wrongdoing and is exploring legal options. This case is part of India’s broader scrutiny of foreign firms’ import practices—Volkswagen is also under investigation for a hefty back-tax demand.

Gold Rally Keeps SGB Investors from Cashing Out

Gold prices are soaring, but investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) aren’t redeeming. Despite 14.7 tonnes being eligible for early exit, only 0.5 tonnes have been encashed, as many expect prices to touch ₹1 lakh per 10 gm amid geopolitical tensions. SGBs, introduced in 2015, offer an 8-year tenure with early exit after five years. Those who invested in 2017-18 at ₹2,951 per gm are now sitting on a 14.7% annualized return, outpacing Nifty’s 13.4%. Some experts advise locking in gains and shifting to fixed deposits yielding 7-8%. Meanwhile, gold ETFs are gaining traction, with assets nearly doubling in a year.

Wipro GE Healthcare Bets Big on Local Manufacturing

Wipro GE Healthcare has launched a $1 billion investment plan to boost local manufacturing, aiming to produce 70% of its products in India by 2030, up from 40-45% today. The company exports medical devices to 70 countries, with the US and Europe as key markets. While US reciprocal tariffs on Indian medtech are a concern, Wipro GE remains confident, citing its diversified supply chain. The investment will expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, and add a new facility to its four existing plants in Karnataka. With India’s medtech sector projected to grow 20-23% annually, Wipro GE is positioning itself for a surge in demand.

Indian Defence Stocks Poised for a Rebound?

Indian defence stocks have slumped in the recent market sell-off, but analysts see a turnaround as US-India defence ties deepen. During Trump’s first term, India gained license-free access to critical US military tech. While a second Trump presidency may initially prioritize US defence exports over Indian collaboration, long-term prospects remain strong. The US-India joint statement in February outlined plans for a 10-year defence partnership, co-production agreements, and an industry alliance for autonomous systems. Meanwhile, India’s own defence push is accelerating, with ₹54,000 crore in fresh military acquisitions and a ₹50,000 crore annual defence export target by 2029. However, analysts caution that some stocks remain overvalued, and investors should adopt a selective approach.



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]]> 551 Nifty Wipes Out Losses | Sebi Eases Rules, Investors Get More Freedom | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Markets Rally as Nifty Erases Losses Just weeks ago, Nifty was deep in the red. Now, it’s wiped out its losses for the year, riding a six-day rally that has made India one of the world’s best-performing markets this month. On Monday, Nifty surged 1.32% to 23,658, while Sensex rose 1.4% to 77,984. HDFC Bank, Reliance, SBI, and ICICI Bank led the charge. “The correction’s done—we could be heading toward record highs,” says veteran investor Ramesh Damani. Foreign investors are returning, pumping in over ₹8,000 crore in two days. However, some experts remain cautious, citing global trade tensions and volatility. Sebi Eases Investment Rules, Boosts Transparency India’s market regulator, Sebi, has revamped investment rules, doubling the disclosure threshold for foreign investors from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore, allowing alternative investment funds to take more risks, and easing fee collection restrictions for advisors. The move, led by new chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, gives investors greater flexibility while maintaining oversight. Sebi has also set up a high-level committee to address conflicts of interest and strengthen governance, signaling a push for a more transparent and investor-friendly market. Quick Commerce Becomes a Lifeline for Consumer Brands For early-stage consumer brands, quick commerce is no longer just an add-on—it’s becoming their biggest sales channel. Startups like Sweet Karam Coffee and Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm) are restructuring supply chains to meet Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart’s rapid delivery demands. Sweet Karam Coffee, for instance, shifted to regional hubs, leading to a sixfold revenue surge, with 50% of sales now coming from quick commerce. Investors like Fireside Ventures see this as their fastest-growing segment. However, challenges such as high marketing costs, limited shelf space, and operational complexities could threaten long-term profitability. Car Insurance Discounts Come at a Hidden Cost The car insurance market has transformed into a game of deep discounts and costly add-ons. Insurers lure customers with up to 80% premium cuts but recover profits by charging separately for essentials like zero depreciation, roadside assistance, and preferred garages. Some policies, especially for commercial vehicles, are issued at 95-99% discounts, distorting true pricing. While insurers claim add-ons offer flexibility, experts warn that the actual cost of insurance is now buried under multiple layers—leading to confusion and higher consumer expenses. Lentils at the Center of India-US Trade Tensions A new 10% import duty on pulses has put lentils at the heart of India-US trade talks. The US wants yellow lentils to be classified separately from red masoor to avoid the tax. Currently, both fall under the same harmonized system of nomenclature (HSN) code. India is considering duty-free US pulse imports, even as Washington prepares retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods next month. However, changing HSN classifications is a lengthy process. Despite rising domestic production, India still relies on imports, with Canada and Australia supplying the bulk of lentils. The fate of yellow lentils remains uncertain, keeping pulses a key issue in India’s global trade strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Car Insurance Discounts Come at a Hidden Cost To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  Markets Rally as Nifty Erases Losses Just weeks ago, Nifty was deep in the red. Now, it’s wiped out its losses for the year, riding a six-day rally that has made India one of the world’s best-performing markets this month. On Monday, Nifty surged 1.32% to 23,658, while Sensex rose 1.4% to 77,984. HDFC Bank, Reliance, SBI, and ICICI Bank led the charge. “The correction’s done—we could be heading toward record highs,” says veteran investor Ramesh Damani. Foreign investors are returning, pumping in over ₹8,000 crore in two days. However, some experts remain cautious, citing global trade tensions and volatility. Sebi Eases Investment Rules, Boosts Transparency India’s market regulator, Sebi, has revamped investment rules, doubling the disclosure threshold for foreign investors from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore, allowing alternative investment funds to take more risks, and easing fee collection restrictions for advisors. The move, led by new chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, gives investors greater flexibility while maintaining oversight. Sebi has also set up a high-level committee to address conflicts of interest and strengthen governance, signaling a push for a more transparent and investor-friendly market. Quick Commerce Becomes a Lifeline for Consumer Brands For early-stage consumer brands, quick commerce is no longer just an add-on—it’s becoming their biggest sales channel. Startups like Sweet Karam Coffee and Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm) are restructuring supply chains to meet Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart’s rapid delivery demands. Sweet Karam Coffee, for instance, shifted to regional hubs, leading to a sixfold revenue surge, with 50% of sales now coming from quick commerce. Investors like Fireside Ventures see this as their fastest-growing segment. However, challenges such as high marketing costs, limited shelf space, and operational complexities could threaten long-term profitability. Car Insurance Discounts Come at a Hidden Cost The car insurance market has transformed into a game of deep discounts and costly add-ons. Insurers lure customers with up to 80% premium cuts but recover profits by charging separately for essentials like zero depreciation, roadside assistance, and preferred garages. Some policies, especially for commercial vehicles, are issued at 95-99% discounts, distorting true pricing. While insurers claim add-ons offer flexibility, experts warn that the actual cost of insurance is now buried under multiple layers—leading to confusion and higher consumer expenses. Lentils at the Center of India-US Trade Tensions A new 10% import duty on pulses has put lentils at the heart of India-US trade talks. The US wants yellow lentils to be classified separately from red masoor to avoid the tax. Currently, both fall under the same harmonized system of nomenclature (HSN) code. India is considering duty-free US pulse imports, even as Washington prepares retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods next month. However, changing HSN classifications is a lengthy process. Despite rising domestic production, India still relies on imports, with Canada and Australia supplying the bulk of lentils. The fate of yellow lentils remains uncertain, keeping pulses a key issue in India’s global trade strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


Markets Rally as Nifty Erases Losses


Just weeks ago, Nifty was deep in the red. Now, it’s wiped out its losses for the year, riding a six-day rally that has made India one of the world’s best-performing markets this month. On Monday, Nifty surged 1.32% to 23,658, while Sensex rose 1.4% to 77,984. HDFC Bank, Reliance, SBI, and ICICI Bank led the charge. “The correction’s done—we could be heading toward record highs,” says veteran investor Ramesh Damani. Foreign investors are returning, pumping in over ₹8,000 crore in two days. However, some experts remain cautious, citing global trade tensions and volatility.


Sebi Eases Investment Rules, Boosts Transparency


India’s market regulator, Sebi, has revamped investment rules, doubling the disclosure threshold for foreign investors from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore, allowing alternative investment funds to take more risks, and easing fee collection restrictions for advisors. The move, led by new chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, gives investors greater flexibility while maintaining oversight. Sebi has also set up a high-level committee to address conflicts of interest and strengthen governance, signaling a push for a more transparent and investor-friendly market.


Quick Commerce Becomes a Lifeline for Consumer Brands


For early-stage consumer brands, quick commerce is no longer just an add-on—it’s becoming their biggest sales channel. Startups like Sweet Karam Coffee and Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm) are restructuring supply chains to meet Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart’s rapid delivery demands. Sweet Karam Coffee, for instance, shifted to regional hubs, leading to a sixfold revenue surge, with 50% of sales now coming from quick commerce. Investors like Fireside Ventures see this as their fastest-growing segment. However, challenges such as high marketing costs, limited shelf space, and operational complexities could threaten long-term profitability.


Car Insurance Discounts Come at a Hidden Cost


The car insurance market has transformed into a game of deep discounts and costly add-ons. Insurers lure customers with up to 80% premium cuts but recover profits by charging separately for essentials like zero depreciation, roadside assistance, and preferred garages. Some policies, especially for commercial vehicles, are issued at 95-99% discounts, distorting true pricing. While insurers claim add-ons offer flexibility, experts warn that the actual cost of insurance is now buried under multiple layers—leading to confusion and higher consumer expenses.


Lentils at the Center of India-US Trade Tensions


A new 10% import duty on pulses has put lentils at the heart of India-US trade talks. The US wants yellow lentils to be classified separately from red masoor to avoid the tax. Currently, both fall under the same harmonized system of nomenclature (HSN) code. India is considering duty-free US pulse imports, even as Washington prepares retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods next month. However, changing HSN classifications is a lengthy process. Despite rising domestic production, India still relies on imports, with Canada and Australia supplying the bulk of lentils. The fate of yellow lentils remains uncertain, keeping pulses a key issue in India’s global trade strategy.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 537 IPO Boom 2025: Big Names Ready to List | India Slips in Market Rankings as Brazil Rises https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  India’s Market Position Slips, Brazil Takes the Lead India fell three spots to sixth place in Mint’s Emerging Markets Tracker, as a stock market downturn, currency depreciation, and an 11% export decline overshadowed strong GDP growth. Meanwhile, Brazil surged to the top, driven by a 4.5% currency appreciation and stock market gains. China moved up to second, while Thailand secured third place due to export growth. Despite slower depreciation, the rupee remained one of the worst-performing currencies. Tamil Nadu’s Footwear Revolution Tamil Nadu is pivoting from leather to non-leather footwear manufacturing, attracting global brands like Nike, Puma, and Adidas. The state has secured ₹17,550 crore in investments, promising 2.3 lakh jobs. Companies like JR One Kothari have already produced 2 million Crocs, while a ₹5,000 crore Adidas facility is set to create 50,000 jobs. Rising labor costs in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are making India a viable alternative, but challenges remain—localizing raw material supply is a priority. IPO Market Gears Up for 2025 Major firms like NSE, NSDL, Tata Capital, boAt, JSW Cement, and PhonePe are preparing for IPOs in 2025. Market volatility, investor sentiment, and US policies remain key factors. Analysts say the new wave of IPOs emphasizes financial discipline, AI integration, and ESG compliance. Among key listings, Tata Capital plans a ₹15,000 crore IPO, boAt eyes ₹2,000 crore, and JSW Cement is set for ₹4,000 crore. With market confidence rising, the IPO scene is heating up. Senior Housing, Co-Living Gain Traction India’s real estate market is shifting, with senior housing and co-living emerging as promising yet complex segments. Urbanization is driving demand for mixed-use senior living communities that blend healthcare and family housing. Meanwhile, co-living is rebounding, driven by young professionals seeking affordable housing. However, low yields and operational hurdles make investors cautious. Additionally, luxury branded residences, linked to global hospitality brands, are gaining traction among HNWIs. Indian IT Firms Lead H-1B Approvals Amid Policy Shifts Indian IT companies secured one-fifth of all H-1B visas in 2024. Infosys led Indian firms with 8,140 approvals, trailing Amazon’s 9,265. India remains the dominant H-1B recipient, but policy changes under the Trump administration could impact hiring. The selection process is shifting to prevent multiple filings, fees have increased, and records older than five years are being deleted. While Indian IT firms remain strong, new rules could create hurdles for skilled workers. India’s economic landscape is evolving—can it navigate global headwinds and capitalize on emerging opportunities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Senior Housing & Co-Living: Real Estate’s Next Bet? To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  India’s Market Position Slips, Brazil Takes the Lead India fell three spots to sixth place in Mint’s Emerging Markets Tracker, as a stock market downturn, currency depreciation, and an 11% export decline overshadowed strong GDP growth. Meanwhile, Brazil surged to the top, driven by a 4.5% currency appreciation and stock market gains. China moved up to second, while Thailand secured third place due to export growth. Despite slower depreciation, the rupee remained one of the worst-performing currencies. Tamil Nadu’s Footwear Revolution Tamil Nadu is pivoting from leather to non-leather footwear manufacturing, attracting global brands like Nike, Puma, and Adidas. The state has secured ₹17,550 crore in investments, promising 2.3 lakh jobs. Companies like JR One Kothari have already produced 2 million Crocs, while a ₹5,000 crore Adidas facility is set to create 50,000 jobs. Rising labor costs in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are making India a viable alternative, but challenges remain—localizing raw material supply is a priority. IPO Market Gears Up for 2025 Major firms like NSE, NSDL, Tata Capital, boAt, JSW Cement, and PhonePe are preparing for IPOs in 2025. Market volatility, investor sentiment, and US policies remain key factors. Analysts say the new wave of IPOs emphasizes financial discipline, AI integration, and ESG compliance. Among key listings, Tata Capital plans a ₹15,000 crore IPO, boAt eyes ₹2,000 crore, and JSW Cement is set for ₹4,000 crore. With market confidence rising, the IPO scene is heating up. Senior Housing, Co-Living Gain Traction India’s real estate market is shifting, with senior housing and co-living emerging as promising yet complex segments. Urbanization is driving demand for mixed-use senior living communities that blend healthcare and family housing. Meanwhile, co-living is rebounding, driven by young professionals seeking affordable housing. However, low yields and operational hurdles make investors cautious. Additionally, luxury branded residences, linked to global hospitality brands, are gaining traction among HNWIs. Indian IT Firms Lead H-1B Approvals Amid Policy Shifts Indian IT companies secured one-fifth of all H-1B visas in 2024. Infosys led Indian firms with 8,140 approvals, trailing Amazon’s 9,265. India remains the dominant H-1B recipient, but policy changes under the Trump administration could impact hiring. The selection process is shifting to prevent multiple filings, fees have increased, and records older than five years are being deleted. While Indian IT firms remain strong, new rules could create hurdles for skilled workers. India’s economic landscape is evolving—can it navigate global headwinds and capitalize on emerging opportunities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


India’s Market Position Slips, Brazil Takes the Lead

India fell three spots to sixth place in Mint’s Emerging Markets Tracker, as a stock market downturn, currency depreciation, and an 11% export decline overshadowed strong GDP growth. Meanwhile, Brazil surged to the top, driven by a 4.5% currency appreciation and stock market gains. China moved up to second, while Thailand secured third place due to export growth. Despite slower depreciation, the rupee remained one of the worst-performing currencies.

Tamil Nadu’s Footwear Revolution

Tamil Nadu is pivoting from leather to non-leather footwear manufacturing, attracting global brands like Nike, Puma, and Adidas. The state has secured ₹17,550 crore in investments, promising 2.3 lakh jobs. Companies like JR One Kothari have already produced 2 million Crocs, while a ₹5,000 crore Adidas facility is set to create 50,000 jobs. Rising labor costs in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are making India a viable alternative, but challenges remain—localizing raw material supply is a priority.

IPO Market Gears Up for 2025

Major firms like NSE, NSDL, Tata Capital, boAt, JSW Cement, and PhonePe are preparing for IPOs in 2025. Market volatility, investor sentiment, and US policies remain key factors. Analysts say the new wave of IPOs emphasizes financial discipline, AI integration, and ESG compliance. Among key listings, Tata Capital plans a ₹15,000 crore IPO, boAt eyes ₹2,000 crore, and JSW Cement is set for ₹4,000 crore. With market confidence rising, the IPO scene is heating up.

Senior Housing, Co-Living Gain Traction

India’s real estate market is shifting, with senior housing and co-living emerging as promising yet complex segments. Urbanization is driving demand for mixed-use senior living communities that blend healthcare and family housing. Meanwhile, co-living is rebounding, driven by young professionals seeking affordable housing. However, low yields and operational hurdles make investors cautious. Additionally, luxury branded residences, linked to global hospitality brands, are gaining traction among HNWIs.

Indian IT Firms Lead H-1B Approvals Amid Policy Shifts

Indian IT companies secured one-fifth of all H-1B visas in 2024. Infosys led Indian firms with 8,140 approvals, trailing Amazon’s 9,265. India remains the dominant H-1B recipient, but policy changes under the Trump administration could impact hiring. The selection process is shifting to prevent multiple filings, fees have increased, and records older than five years are being deleted. While Indian IT firms remain strong, new rules could create hurdles for skilled workers.

India’s economic landscape is evolving—can it navigate global headwinds and capitalize on emerging opportunities?


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 579 IndiGo Soars— Next? | I₹54,000 Cr Defense Boost | Weight loss drug Mounjaro Debuts in India https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  IndiGo Soars to New Highs but Faces Valuation Concerns IndiGo’s stock hit a 52-week high of ₹5,190, fueled by strong management commentary and rising air travel demand from the Mahakumbh gathering and an extended wedding season. Passenger traffic surged 17% YoY, lifting revenue per seat. Since January, the stock has gained 25%, delivering a 58% annual return—far outpacing the Nifty 50. However, its valuation of 9.5x earnings exceeds global airline peers like Air China (8.8x) and the industry average (5.5x). IndiGo plans to expand international capacity from 28% to 40% by 2030, adding one aircraft per week and cutting grounded planes. Despite strong fundamentals, analysts warn the upside is limited, with Motilal Oswal and Nuvama setting target prices below its current ₹5,097 level. Eli Lilly Brings Mounjaro to India Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, its diabetes and weight-loss drug, in India after securing regulatory approval. With over 101 million diabetes cases and rising obesity, India is a key market for the pharma giant. Already sold in the UK and Europe under the same name and as Zepbound in the U.S., Mounjaro is expected to tap into a global obesity drug market projected to reach $150 billion annually by the 2030s. CEO David Ricks had hinted at a 2025 India launch, and now it’s a reality. Accenture’s Warning Spells Trouble for IT Sector Accenture flagged macroeconomic uncertainty in the U.S., citing weaker earnings and federal contract delays under the Trump administration. The IT giant’s Q2 revenue fell 5.8% sequentially to $16.66 billion but grew 5.4% YoY. Its Q3 revenue outlook remains between $16.9 billion and $17.5 billion, with full-year growth guidance capped at 7%. For Indian IT majors like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, this signals headwinds, as analysts predict slower growth for India’s $283-billion IT sector in FY26 due to high interest rates and geopolitical risks. However, AI offers a bright spot—Accenture secured $1.4 billion in Gen AI bookings last quarter, with total AI-related orders hitting $5.6 billion since September 2023. The Corporate Rebranding Wave: More Than Just a Name Change? Following Zomato’s shift to Eternal, CK Birla Group’s HIL Ltd has rebranded as BirlaNu Ltd, while Hindalco has also refreshed its identity. Experts say rebranding reflects strategic shifts, next-gen leadership, and market differentiation. Over 1,100 Indian companies have changed names in the past two decades, with BFSI, real estate, and IT leading the trend. A third of newly listed companies rebrand within five years of their IPO, highlighting competitive pressures. But does it impact stock prices? Not necessarily—PwC’s Raghav Narsalay notes that unless tied to a major business shift, investor reactions remain muted. India Approves ₹54,000 Crore Defence Boost India has cleared a massive military upgrade, approving key acquisitions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Highlights include: • Air Force: Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to enhance aerial surveillance. • Army: Upgraded 1,350-HP engines for T-90 tanks, improving mobility in high-altitude regions. • Navy: Indigenously developed Varunastra torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also announced measures to speed up procurement as part of the government’s “Year of Reforms” initiative. These moves reinforce India’s focus on military modernization and operational readiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India Inc’s Rebrand Rush To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.  IndiGo Soars to New Highs but Faces Valuation Concerns IndiGo’s stock hit a 52-week high of ₹5,190, fueled by strong management commentary and rising air travel demand from the Mahakumbh gathering and an extended wedding season. Passenger traffic surged 17% YoY, lifting revenue per seat. Since January, the stock has gained 25%, delivering a 58% annual return—far outpacing the Nifty 50. However, its valuation of 9.5x earnings exceeds global airline peers like Air China (8.8x) and the industry average (5.5x). IndiGo plans to expand international capacity from 28% to 40% by 2030, adding one aircraft per week and cutting grounded planes. Despite strong fundamentals, analysts warn the upside is limited, with Motilal Oswal and Nuvama setting target prices below its current ₹5,097 level. Eli Lilly Brings Mounjaro to India Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, its diabetes and weight-loss drug, in India after securing regulatory approval. With over 101 million diabetes cases and rising obesity, India is a key market for the pharma giant. Already sold in the UK and Europe under the same name and as Zepbound in the U.S., Mounjaro is expected to tap into a global obesity drug market projected to reach $150 billion annually by the 2030s. CEO David Ricks had hinted at a 2025 India launch, and now it’s a reality. Accenture’s Warning Spells Trouble for IT Sector Accenture flagged macroeconomic uncertainty in the U.S., citing weaker earnings and federal contract delays under the Trump administration. The IT giant’s Q2 revenue fell 5.8% sequentially to $16.66 billion but grew 5.4% YoY. Its Q3 revenue outlook remains between $16.9 billion and $17.5 billion, with full-year growth guidance capped at 7%. For Indian IT majors like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, this signals headwinds, as analysts predict slower growth for India’s $283-billion IT sector in FY26 due to high interest rates and geopolitical risks. However, AI offers a bright spot—Accenture secured $1.4 billion in Gen AI bookings last quarter, with total AI-related orders hitting $5.6 billion since September 2023. The Corporate Rebranding Wave: More Than Just a Name Change? Following Zomato’s shift to Eternal, CK Birla Group’s HIL Ltd has rebranded as BirlaNu Ltd, while Hindalco has also refreshed its identity. Experts say rebranding reflects strategic shifts, next-gen leadership, and market differentiation. Over 1,100 Indian companies have changed names in the past two decades, with BFSI, real estate, and IT leading the trend. A third of newly listed companies rebrand within five years of their IPO, highlighting competitive pressures. But does it impact stock prices? Not necessarily—PwC’s Raghav Narsalay notes that unless tied to a major business shift, investor reactions remain muted. India Approves ₹54,000 Crore Defence Boost India has cleared a massive military upgrade, approving key acquisitions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Highlights include: • Air Force: Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to enhance aerial surveillance. • Army: Upgraded 1,350-HP engines for T-90 tanks, improving mobility in high-altitude regions. • Navy: Indigenously developed Varunastra torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also announced measures to speed up procurement as part of the government’s “Year of Reforms” initiative. These moves reinforce India’s focus on military modernization and operational readiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.


https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc


This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 


IndiGo Soars to New Highs but Faces Valuation Concerns

IndiGo’s stock hit a 52-week high of ₹5,190, fueled by strong management commentary and rising air travel demand from the Mahakumbh gathering and an extended wedding season. Passenger traffic surged 17% YoY, lifting revenue per seat. Since January, the stock has gained 25%, delivering a 58% annual return—far outpacing the Nifty 50. However, its valuation of 9.5x earnings exceeds global airline peers like Air China (8.8x) and the industry average (5.5x). IndiGo plans to expand international capacity from 28% to 40% by 2030, adding one aircraft per week and cutting grounded planes. Despite strong fundamentals, analysts warn the upside is limited, with Motilal Oswal and Nuvama setting target prices below its current ₹5,097 level.

Eli Lilly Brings Mounjaro to India

Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, its diabetes and weight-loss drug, in India after securing regulatory approval. With over 101 million diabetes cases and rising obesity, India is a key market for the pharma giant. Already sold in the UK and Europe under the same name and as Zepbound in the U.S., Mounjaro is expected to tap into a global obesity drug market projected to reach $150 billion annually by the 2030s. CEO David Ricks had hinted at a 2025 India launch, and now it’s a reality.

Accenture’s Warning Spells Trouble for IT Sector

Accenture flagged macroeconomic uncertainty in the U.S., citing weaker earnings and federal contract delays under the Trump administration. The IT giant’s Q2 revenue fell 5.8% sequentially to $16.66 billion but grew 5.4% YoY. Its Q3 revenue outlook remains between $16.9 billion and $17.5 billion, with full-year growth guidance capped at 7%. For Indian IT majors like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, this signals headwinds, as analysts predict slower growth for India’s $283-billion IT sector in FY26 due to high interest rates and geopolitical risks. However, AI offers a bright spot—Accenture secured $1.4 billion in Gen AI bookings last quarter, with total AI-related orders hitting $5.6 billion since September 2023.

The Corporate Rebranding Wave: More Than Just a Name Change?

Following Zomato’s shift to Eternal, CK Birla Group’s HIL Ltd has rebranded as BirlaNu Ltd, while Hindalco has also refreshed its identity. Experts say rebranding reflects strategic shifts, next-gen leadership, and market differentiation. Over 1,100 Indian companies have changed names in the past two decades, with BFSI, real estate, and IT leading the trend. A third of newly listed companies rebrand within five years of their IPO, highlighting competitive pressures. But does it impact stock prices? Not necessarily—PwC’s Raghav Narsalay notes that unless tied to a major business shift, investor reactions remain muted.

India Approves ₹54,000 Crore Defence Boost

India has cleared a massive military upgrade, approving key acquisitions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Highlights include:

• Air Force: Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to enhance aerial surveillance.

• Army: Upgraded 1,350-HP engines for T-90 tanks, improving mobility in high-altitude regions.

• Navy: Indigenously developed Varunastra torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also announced measures to speed up procurement as part of the government’s “Year of Reforms” initiative. These moves reinforce India’s focus on military modernization and operational readiness.

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]]> 523 Trump Towers in Pune | Prologis Invests $500M | Mid & Small Caps Shine It's Thursday, March 20th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  Market Rally Continues, Mid- & Small-Caps Shine Indian markets extended their winning streak for the third straight session, with the Sensex closing 148 points higher at 75,449 and Nifty 50 reclaiming 22,900. However, the real momentum was in mid- and small-cap stocks, which surged over 2%, adding nearly ₹5 lakh crore in investor wealth. “The market’s positive momentum is backed by valuations,” said Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, though global uncertainties persist. While Shriram Finance and HDFC Life led the gains, ITC and Tech Mahindra lagged. Analysts expect rangebound movement, with support at 22,600 and resistance at 23,100. Trump Organization Enters India’s Commercial Realty Market After four luxury residential projects, the Trump Organization is launching its first commercial venture in India—Trump World Center Pune. Partnering with Tribeca Developers and Kundan Spaces, the ₹1,700 crore office complex will span 1.6 million sq. ft. with a premium retail boulevard. “There’s a dearth of premium office spaces in India,” said Tribeca’s Kalpesh Mehta. With record-high leasing in Pune’s commercial market, experts believe Trump’s entry will reshape the city’s office landscape. Prologis Bets Big on India’s Warehousing Boom Global warehouse giant Prologis is investing $500 million in India by 2026 to develop large warehousing parks. “The market is underserved, and there’s massive potential,” said Prologis CIO Joseph Ghazal. With major clients like Amazon, the firm is expanding in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai. It has already secured 270 acres for projects in Chennai and Bengaluru. As India’s Grade A warehousing sector grows, Prologis may eventually expand into data centers. RBI’s Balancing Act on the Rupee With the rupee depreciating 2.1% in 70 days under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI faces a tough choice—intervene or let markets decide. “The uncertainty around Trump’s policies is a key factor,” said economist Madan Sabnavis. India’s $654 billion forex reserves provide a cushion, but too much intervention could distort market dynamics. Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao cautioned, “Excessive intervention could make markets reliant on the RBI.” India Builds Tur Buffer to Curb Inflation To stabilize tur (pigeon pea) prices, the government is targeting a 1-million-tonne buffer for FY26. With production up 3% to 3.5 million tonnes, procurement has reached 200,000 tonnes so far. Despite an MSP of ₹7,550 per 100 kg, market prices fluctuate between ₹7,000-7,600. Imports from Mozambique and Myanmar help bridge the demand gap. The government has allocated ₹4,019 crore under the Price Stabilization Fund to maintain supply and control food inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast RBI’s Rupee Tightrope It's Thursday, March 20th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  Market Rally Continues, Mid- & Small-Caps Shine Indian markets extended their winning streak for the third straight session, with the Sensex closing 148 points higher at 75,449 and Nifty 50 reclaiming 22,900. However, the real momentum was in mid- and small-cap stocks, which surged over 2%, adding nearly ₹5 lakh crore in investor wealth. “The market’s positive momentum is backed by valuations,” said Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, though global uncertainties persist. While Shriram Finance and HDFC Life led the gains, ITC and Tech Mahindra lagged. Analysts expect rangebound movement, with support at 22,600 and resistance at 23,100. Trump Organization Enters India’s Commercial Realty Market After four luxury residential projects, the Trump Organization is launching its first commercial venture in India—Trump World Center Pune. Partnering with Tribeca Developers and Kundan Spaces, the ₹1,700 crore office complex will span 1.6 million sq. ft. with a premium retail boulevard. “There’s a dearth of premium office spaces in India,” said Tribeca’s Kalpesh Mehta. With record-high leasing in Pune’s commercial market, experts believe Trump’s entry will reshape the city’s office landscape. Prologis Bets Big on India’s Warehousing Boom Global warehouse giant Prologis is investing $500 million in India by 2026 to develop large warehousing parks. “The market is underserved, and there’s massive potential,” said Prologis CIO Joseph Ghazal. With major clients like Amazon, the firm is expanding in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai. It has already secured 270 acres for projects in Chennai and Bengaluru. As India’s Grade A warehousing sector grows, Prologis may eventually expand into data centers. RBI’s Balancing Act on the Rupee With the rupee depreciating 2.1% in 70 days under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI faces a tough choice—intervene or let markets decide. “The uncertainty around Trump’s policies is a key factor,” said economist Madan Sabnavis. India’s $654 billion forex reserves provide a cushion, but too much intervention could distort market dynamics. Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao cautioned, “Excessive intervention could make markets reliant on the RBI.” India Builds Tur Buffer to Curb Inflation To stabilize tur (pigeon pea) prices, the government is targeting a 1-million-tonne buffer for FY26. With production up 3% to 3.5 million tonnes, procurement has reached 200,000 tonnes so far. Despite an MSP of ₹7,550 per 100 kg, market prices fluctuate between ₹7,000-7,600. Imports from Mozambique and Myanmar help bridge the demand gap. The government has allocated ₹4,019 crore under the Price Stabilization Fund to maintain supply and control food inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Thursday, March 20th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


Market Rally Continues, Mid- & Small-Caps Shine

Indian markets extended their winning streak for the third straight session, with the Sensex closing 148 points higher at 75,449 and Nifty 50 reclaiming 22,900. However, the real momentum was in mid- and small-cap stocks, which surged over 2%, adding nearly ₹5 lakh crore in investor wealth. “The market’s positive momentum is backed by valuations,” said Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, though global uncertainties persist. While Shriram Finance and HDFC Life led the gains, ITC and Tech Mahindra lagged. Analysts expect rangebound movement, with support at 22,600 and resistance at 23,100.

Trump Organization Enters India’s Commercial Realty Market

After four luxury residential projects, the Trump Organization is launching its first commercial venture in India—Trump World Center Pune. Partnering with Tribeca Developers and Kundan Spaces, the ₹1,700 crore office complex will span 1.6 million sq. ft. with a premium retail boulevard. “There’s a dearth of premium office spaces in India,” said Tribeca’s Kalpesh Mehta. With record-high leasing in Pune’s commercial market, experts believe Trump’s entry will reshape the city’s office landscape.

Prologis Bets Big on India’s Warehousing Boom

Global warehouse giant Prologis is investing $500 million in India by 2026 to develop large warehousing parks. “The market is underserved, and there’s massive potential,” said Prologis CIO Joseph Ghazal. With major clients like Amazon, the firm is expanding in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai. It has already secured 270 acres for projects in Chennai and Bengaluru. As India’s Grade A warehousing sector grows, Prologis may eventually expand into data centers.

RBI’s Balancing Act on the Rupee

With the rupee depreciating 2.1% in 70 days under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI faces a tough choice—intervene or let markets decide. “The uncertainty around Trump’s policies is a key factor,” said economist Madan Sabnavis. India’s $654 billion forex reserves provide a cushion, but too much intervention could distort market dynamics. Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao cautioned, “Excessive intervention could make markets reliant on the RBI.”

India Builds Tur Buffer to Curb Inflation

To stabilize tur (pigeon pea) prices, the government is targeting a 1-million-tonne buffer for FY26. With production up 3% to 3.5 million tonnes, procurement has reached 200,000 tonnes so far. Despite an MSP of ₹7,550 per 100 kg, market prices fluctuate between ₹7,000-7,600. Imports from Mozambique and Myanmar help bridge the demand gap. The government has allocated ₹4,019 crore under the Price Stabilization Fund to maintain supply and control food inflation.

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]]> 596 Bajaj-Allianz Split | Voter IDs to Aadhaar link | Tata Trent’s Tumble https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Wednesday, March 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  ECI to Link Voter IDs with Aadhaar Amid Concerns The Election Commission of India (ECI) will consult UIDAI to link voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar for those who voluntarily provided it. This move aims to eliminate duplicate registrations while adhering to legal provisions. With 66.23 crore voters already sharing Aadhaar details, the plan faces opposition, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, over concerns of duplicate EPIC numbers. The ECI admitted to some errors in assigning codes but clarified that demographic and polling details remain unique. With 99.2 crore registered voters, upcoming discussions will determine how Aadhaar integration can enhance electoral roll accuracy while maintaining privacy and voluntary participation. Trent’s Stock Stumbles as Zudio Growth Slows Trent Ltd., which saw a 935% stock surge post-pandemic, is now the worst-performing Nifty 50 stock in 2025, down 26%. The slowdown is tied to Zudio’s lagging expansion, as store additions fall below expectations. Growing competition in budget fashion and slower Westside expansion—due to a shift toward larger stores—are also weighing on growth. Analysts, however, remain optimistic about Trent’s long-term prospects, citing its strong private labels and diversification into beauty and lab-grown diamonds. But for now, Zudio’s future will dictate Trent’s stock movement. Bajaj Group to Buy Allianz’s Stake for ₹24,180 Crore Bajaj Group is set to acquire Allianz SE’s 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz General and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, valuing both businesses at ₹93,000 crore. While Bajaj gains full control, analysts predict a future public listing of the insurance arms. Despite high solvency ratios—300% for general insurance and 369% for life insurance—the deal’s valuation raises questions. The general insurance acquisition came at a 16% discount compared to ICICI Lombard, but the life insurance buyout appears costly, with weaker profitability. Investors remain cautious as Bajaj’s exposure to lending via Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Housing Finance could impact sentiment. The real challenge lies in delivering future earnings growth. Sebi’s Settlement Process Under Fire for Delays & High Costs Sebi’s settlement mechanism, meant to fast-track securities law violations, is under scrutiny for delays and steep penalties. In FY25, settlements collected ₹851 crore—nearly seven times the ₹125 crore from FY23. Even excluding a ₹643-crore NSE case, the jump is substantial. Yet, efficiency is lagging, with pending settlement cases doubling from 137 in FY23 to 289 in FY24. Critics argue that Sebi arbitrarily inflates settlement amounts and imposes strict non-monetary penalties like voluntary debarments. While Sebi is working on standard operating procedures, legal experts say companies facing delays have little recourse beyond filing writ petitions—though courts rarely intervene. India’s Motorcycle Parts Exports Surge, Imports Decline India’s motorcycle parts exports have jumped 27% over three years, from $558 million in FY22 to $709 million in FY25, driven by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Imports, meanwhile, dropped from $408 million to $371 million, reflecting growing self-reliance. The sector is benefiting from deeper integration into global supply chains, with strong demand from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. In FY24, exports hit $741 million, reversing a dip in FY23. Imports have fallen over 30% in two years, highlighting India’s shift toward domestic production. With key buyers like the US, Turkey, and Mexico, India is cementing its place as a global manufacturing hub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India’s Motorcycle Parts Exports Surge, Imports Decline It's Wednesday, March 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  ECI to Link Voter IDs with Aadhaar Amid Concerns The Election Commission of India (ECI) will consult UIDAI to link voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar for those who voluntarily provided it. This move aims to eliminate duplicate registrations while adhering to legal provisions. With 66.23 crore voters already sharing Aadhaar details, the plan faces opposition, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, over concerns of duplicate EPIC numbers. The ECI admitted to some errors in assigning codes but clarified that demographic and polling details remain unique. With 99.2 crore registered voters, upcoming discussions will determine how Aadhaar integration can enhance electoral roll accuracy while maintaining privacy and voluntary participation. Trent’s Stock Stumbles as Zudio Growth Slows Trent Ltd., which saw a 935% stock surge post-pandemic, is now the worst-performing Nifty 50 stock in 2025, down 26%. The slowdown is tied to Zudio’s lagging expansion, as store additions fall below expectations. Growing competition in budget fashion and slower Westside expansion—due to a shift toward larger stores—are also weighing on growth. Analysts, however, remain optimistic about Trent’s long-term prospects, citing its strong private labels and diversification into beauty and lab-grown diamonds. But for now, Zudio’s future will dictate Trent’s stock movement. Bajaj Group to Buy Allianz’s Stake for ₹24,180 Crore Bajaj Group is set to acquire Allianz SE’s 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz General and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, valuing both businesses at ₹93,000 crore. While Bajaj gains full control, analysts predict a future public listing of the insurance arms. Despite high solvency ratios—300% for general insurance and 369% for life insurance—the deal’s valuation raises questions. The general insurance acquisition came at a 16% discount compared to ICICI Lombard, but the life insurance buyout appears costly, with weaker profitability. Investors remain cautious as Bajaj’s exposure to lending via Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Housing Finance could impact sentiment. The real challenge lies in delivering future earnings growth. Sebi’s Settlement Process Under Fire for Delays & High Costs Sebi’s settlement mechanism, meant to fast-track securities law violations, is under scrutiny for delays and steep penalties. In FY25, settlements collected ₹851 crore—nearly seven times the ₹125 crore from FY23. Even excluding a ₹643-crore NSE case, the jump is substantial. Yet, efficiency is lagging, with pending settlement cases doubling from 137 in FY23 to 289 in FY24. Critics argue that Sebi arbitrarily inflates settlement amounts and imposes strict non-monetary penalties like voluntary debarments. While Sebi is working on standard operating procedures, legal experts say companies facing delays have little recourse beyond filing writ petitions—though courts rarely intervene. India’s Motorcycle Parts Exports Surge, Imports Decline India’s motorcycle parts exports have jumped 27% over three years, from $558 million in FY22 to $709 million in FY25, driven by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Imports, meanwhile, dropped from $408 million to $371 million, reflecting growing self-reliance. The sector is benefiting from deeper integration into global supply chains, with strong demand from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. In FY24, exports hit $741 million, reversing a dip in FY23. Imports have fallen over 30% in two years, highlighting India’s shift toward domestic production. With key buyers like the US, Turkey, and Mexico, India is cementing its place as a global manufacturing hub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Wednesday, March 19th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


ECI to Link Voter IDs with Aadhaar Amid Concerns

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will consult UIDAI to link voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar for those who voluntarily provided it. This move aims to eliminate duplicate registrations while adhering to legal provisions. With 66.23 crore voters already sharing Aadhaar details, the plan faces opposition, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, over concerns of duplicate EPIC numbers. The ECI admitted to some errors in assigning codes but clarified that demographic and polling details remain unique. With 99.2 crore registered voters, upcoming discussions will determine how Aadhaar integration can enhance electoral roll accuracy while maintaining privacy and voluntary participation.

Trent’s Stock Stumbles as Zudio Growth Slows

Trent Ltd., which saw a 935% stock surge post-pandemic, is now the worst-performing Nifty 50 stock in 2025, down 26%. The slowdown is tied to Zudio’s lagging expansion, as store additions fall below expectations. Growing competition in budget fashion and slower Westside expansion—due to a shift toward larger stores—are also weighing on growth. Analysts, however, remain optimistic about Trent’s long-term prospects, citing its strong private labels and diversification into beauty and lab-grown diamonds. But for now, Zudio’s future will dictate Trent’s stock movement.

Bajaj Group to Buy Allianz’s Stake for ₹24,180 Crore

Bajaj Group is set to acquire Allianz SE’s 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz General and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, valuing both businesses at ₹93,000 crore. While Bajaj gains full control, analysts predict a future public listing of the insurance arms. Despite high solvency ratios—300% for general insurance and 369% for life insurance—the deal’s valuation raises questions. The general insurance acquisition came at a 16% discount compared to ICICI Lombard, but the life insurance buyout appears costly, with weaker profitability. Investors remain cautious as Bajaj’s exposure to lending via Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Housing Finance could impact sentiment. The real challenge lies in delivering future earnings growth.

Sebi’s Settlement Process Under Fire for Delays & High Costs

Sebi’s settlement mechanism, meant to fast-track securities law violations, is under scrutiny for delays and steep penalties. In FY25, settlements collected ₹851 crore—nearly seven times the ₹125 crore from FY23. Even excluding a ₹643-crore NSE case, the jump is substantial. Yet, efficiency is lagging, with pending settlement cases doubling from 137 in FY23 to 289 in FY24. Critics argue that Sebi arbitrarily inflates settlement amounts and imposes strict non-monetary penalties like voluntary debarments. While Sebi is working on standard operating procedures, legal experts say companies facing delays have little recourse beyond filing writ petitions—though courts rarely intervene.

India’s Motorcycle Parts Exports Surge, Imports Decline

India’s motorcycle parts exports have jumped 27% over three years, from $558 million in FY22 to $709 million in FY25, driven by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Imports, meanwhile, dropped from $408 million to $371 million, reflecting growing self-reliance. The sector is benefiting from deeper integration into global supply chains, with strong demand from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. In FY24, exports hit $741 million, reversing a dip in FY23. Imports have fallen over 30% in two years, highlighting India’s shift toward domestic production. With key buyers like the US, Turkey, and Mexico, India is cementing its place as a global manufacturing hub.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 600 Whisky Wins: ABD Doubles Down | US Tariffs, India Eyes New Trade Avenues | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Solar Growth Faces Execution Challenges Despite crossing 200 GW in renewable capacity, India’s solar energy adoption remains slow, contributing under 10% to its electricity mix. While solar capacity surged from 3.7 GW in 2015 to over 100 GW, issues like weak transmission infrastructure, land acquisition delays, and hesitant power distributors persist. Moreover, the US SEC is probing Adani Green and Azure Power over alleged bribery in solar contracts. Experts suggest grid modernization, better state-Centre coordination, and rooftop solar expansion as key solutions to achieve the 500 GW renewables target by 2030. ABD Bets on Premium Liquor Amid Market Slowdown With India’s liquor market cooling, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is focusing on premiumization. The maker of Officer’s Choice aims to raise its “prestige-and-above” segment share from 42% to 50% and launch two to three brands next fiscal. Managing Director Alok Gupta sees macroeconomic headwinds but remains bullish on high-end spirits like gin brand Zoya and single malt Arthaus. ABD is also expanding production and partnering with Ranveer Singh to drive brand growth, targeting double-digit value gains. India Braces for US Tariff Impact, Eyes Trade Diversification India’s exports to the US may dip 3-3.5% if Washington enforces reciprocal tariffs in April. With a $35.3 billion trade surplus, India is under scrutiny as the US targets nations with higher import duties. However, India’s FTAs and diversification into global supply chains could soften the impact. The US’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports might even benefit India by easing competition. As US economic growth slows, India must prioritize value-added exports and alternative trade routes via West Asia. UNO Minda’s EV Expansion Faces Market Realities India’s auto industry grew 7% YoY in Q3FY25, but weak passenger and commercial vehicle sales weighed on momentum. EV registrations jumped 37%, boosting component maker UNO Minda, whose stock initially soared 60% on its EV push. However, with EVs contributing under 6% to revenue, shares corrected 30%. Minda continues investing in high-voltage powertrain components and expanding in Indonesia. While rising costs and debt pose challenges, rural two-wheeler demand and operational efficiencies could aid long-term growth. Meta Battles CCI Over WhatsApp Data Sharing Meta is challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order banning WhatsApp from sharing user data with Facebook and Instagram, along with a ₹213 crore fine. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will decide on May 13 whether to hear Meta’s appeal before or after India’s new digital data protection rules take effect. Meta argues that the forthcoming framework makes the CCI’s ruling redundant, but regulators insist the case should proceed now. If NCLAT delays proceedings, it would mark a legal win for Meta. However, with India tightening data laws, Big Tech’s data dominance remains under scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Meta vs. CCI | UNO Minda’s EV Bet: Hype vs. Reality It's Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Solar Growth Faces Execution Challenges Despite crossing 200 GW in renewable capacity, India’s solar energy adoption remains slow, contributing under 10% to its electricity mix. While solar capacity surged from 3.7 GW in 2015 to over 100 GW, issues like weak transmission infrastructure, land acquisition delays, and hesitant power distributors persist. Moreover, the US SEC is probing Adani Green and Azure Power over alleged bribery in solar contracts. Experts suggest grid modernization, better state-Centre coordination, and rooftop solar expansion as key solutions to achieve the 500 GW renewables target by 2030. ABD Bets on Premium Liquor Amid Market Slowdown With India’s liquor market cooling, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is focusing on premiumization. The maker of Officer’s Choice aims to raise its “prestige-and-above” segment share from 42% to 50% and launch two to three brands next fiscal. Managing Director Alok Gupta sees macroeconomic headwinds but remains bullish on high-end spirits like gin brand Zoya and single malt Arthaus. ABD is also expanding production and partnering with Ranveer Singh to drive brand growth, targeting double-digit value gains. India Braces for US Tariff Impact, Eyes Trade Diversification India’s exports to the US may dip 3-3.5% if Washington enforces reciprocal tariffs in April. With a $35.3 billion trade surplus, India is under scrutiny as the US targets nations with higher import duties. However, India’s FTAs and diversification into global supply chains could soften the impact. The US’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports might even benefit India by easing competition. As US economic growth slows, India must prioritize value-added exports and alternative trade routes via West Asia. UNO Minda’s EV Expansion Faces Market Realities India’s auto industry grew 7% YoY in Q3FY25, but weak passenger and commercial vehicle sales weighed on momentum. EV registrations jumped 37%, boosting component maker UNO Minda, whose stock initially soared 60% on its EV push. However, with EVs contributing under 6% to revenue, shares corrected 30%. Minda continues investing in high-voltage powertrain components and expanding in Indonesia. While rising costs and debt pose challenges, rural two-wheeler demand and operational efficiencies could aid long-term growth. Meta Battles CCI Over WhatsApp Data Sharing Meta is challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order banning WhatsApp from sharing user data with Facebook and Instagram, along with a ₹213 crore fine. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will decide on May 13 whether to hear Meta’s appeal before or after India’s new digital data protection rules take effect. Meta argues that the forthcoming framework makes the CCI’s ruling redundant, but regulators insist the case should proceed now. If NCLAT delays proceedings, it would mark a legal win for Meta. However, with India tightening data laws, Big Tech’s data dominance remains under scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


India’s Solar Growth Faces Execution Challenges

Despite crossing 200 GW in renewable capacity, India’s solar energy adoption remains slow, contributing under 10% to its electricity mix. While solar capacity surged from 3.7 GW in 2015 to over 100 GW, issues like weak transmission infrastructure, land acquisition delays, and hesitant power distributors persist. Moreover, the US SEC is probing Adani Green and Azure Power over alleged bribery in solar contracts. Experts suggest grid modernization, better state-Centre coordination, and rooftop solar expansion as key solutions to achieve the 500 GW renewables target by 2030.

ABD Bets on Premium Liquor Amid Market Slowdown

With India’s liquor market cooling, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is focusing on premiumization. The maker of Officer’s Choice aims to raise its “prestige-and-above” segment share from 42% to 50% and launch two to three brands next fiscal. Managing Director Alok Gupta sees macroeconomic headwinds but remains bullish on high-end spirits like gin brand Zoya and single malt Arthaus. ABD is also expanding production and partnering with Ranveer Singh to drive brand growth, targeting double-digit value gains.

India Braces for US Tariff Impact, Eyes Trade Diversification

India’s exports to the US may dip 3-3.5% if Washington enforces reciprocal tariffs in April. With a $35.3 billion trade surplus, India is under scrutiny as the US targets nations with higher import duties. However, India’s FTAs and diversification into global supply chains could soften the impact. The US’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports might even benefit India by easing competition. As US economic growth slows, India must prioritize value-added exports and alternative trade routes via West Asia.

UNO Minda’s EV Expansion Faces Market Realities

India’s auto industry grew 7% YoY in Q3FY25, but weak passenger and commercial vehicle sales weighed on momentum. EV registrations jumped 37%, boosting component maker UNO Minda, whose stock initially soared 60% on its EV push. However, with EVs contributing under 6% to revenue, shares corrected 30%. Minda continues investing in high-voltage powertrain components and expanding in Indonesia. While rising costs and debt pose challenges, rural two-wheeler demand and operational efficiencies could aid long-term growth.

Meta Battles CCI Over WhatsApp Data Sharing

Meta is challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order banning WhatsApp from sharing user data with Facebook and Instagram, along with a ₹213 crore fine. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will decide on May 13 whether to hear Meta’s appeal before or after India’s new digital data protection rules take effect. Meta argues that the forthcoming framework makes the CCI’s ruling redundant, but regulators insist the case should proceed now. If NCLAT delays proceedings, it would mark a legal win for Meta. However, with India tightening data laws, Big Tech’s data dominance remains under scrutiny.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 507 BIS Cracks Down | India-New Zealand FTA Talks | Sugar Alert https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Monday, March 16th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  BIS Cracks Down on Non-Certified E-Commerce Products India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has intensified its crackdown on non-certified products sold via Amazon and Flipkart. Recent raids in Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi led to the seizure of thousands of uncertified goods, including toys, hand blenders, and gas stoves. Investigators traced the source to Techvision International Pvt Ltd, resulting in further seizures of over 11,000 appliances. Legal action is underway under the BIS Act, 2016, with potential fines and jail time. As non-compliant products flood online marketplaces, BIS urges consumers to verify certifications via its BIS Care app while ramping up surveillance to ensure product safety. Berkshire Hathaway’s Buyback Pause Continues Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has halted stock buybacks since May 2024—the longest pause since Buffett gained expanded repurchase authority in 2018. A recent proxy filing confirmed no buybacks between Feb. 10 and March 5, signaling Buffett doesn’t see Berkshire’s stock as undervalued. Despite this, the company’s stock has surged, with Class A shares reaching $771,250—up 13% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500. Investors remain optimistic due to Berkshire’s $300 billion cash reserves and strong insurance sector performance. With the stock trading at 1.7 times book value and 25 times projected earnings, analysts suggest buybacks may remain scarce unless prices drop. India-New Zealand Resume Free Trade Talks India and New Zealand have reopened negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic ties, following talks between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay. Talks, originally launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 due to disputes over dairy access and market entry. New Zealand seeks broader agricultural exports, while India is pushing for better IT and services market access. With bilateral trade at just $1.54 billion in FY24, both nations see untapped potential. The renewed talks align with India’s broader FTA strategy, following deals with Australia and EFTA, as negotiators now focus on tariff reductions and investment facilitation. BWH Hotels Expands Aggressively in India BWH Hotels, operator of Best Western and SureStay, is expanding in India with 21 newly built hotels over the next two years. Speaking at HOPE 2025, CEO Larry Cuculic emphasized a shift from conversions to fresh builds to maintain quality. BWH currently operates 32 hotels across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with plans to expand into secondary markets, driven by infrastructure growth and rising demand for business and wedding travel. The company has signed 54 properties, aiming for 100 hotels in 5-7 years. India’s hospitality sector is attracting global chains like Marriott and Wyndham, with BWH focusing on managed full-service offerings tailored to local preferences. India’s Sugar Production Drops 16%, Raising Supply Concerns India’s sugar output has fallen 16.13% to 23.71 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, causing concern among policymakers. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) highlighted “ambiguity” in production data, warning of potential impacts on domestic supply and exports. The crushing season, nearing its end, has seen lower-than-expected yields, possibly due to erratic weather. This decline may lead the government to reassess export policies and stock management, balancing farmer support with stable sugar prices. The industry awaits potential policy adjustments as the government monitors supply dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Berkshire Hathaway’s Buyback Pause Continues It's Monday, March 16th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  BIS Cracks Down on Non-Certified E-Commerce Products India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has intensified its crackdown on non-certified products sold via Amazon and Flipkart. Recent raids in Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi led to the seizure of thousands of uncertified goods, including toys, hand blenders, and gas stoves. Investigators traced the source to Techvision International Pvt Ltd, resulting in further seizures of over 11,000 appliances. Legal action is underway under the BIS Act, 2016, with potential fines and jail time. As non-compliant products flood online marketplaces, BIS urges consumers to verify certifications via its BIS Care app while ramping up surveillance to ensure product safety. Berkshire Hathaway’s Buyback Pause Continues Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has halted stock buybacks since May 2024—the longest pause since Buffett gained expanded repurchase authority in 2018. A recent proxy filing confirmed no buybacks between Feb. 10 and March 5, signaling Buffett doesn’t see Berkshire’s stock as undervalued. Despite this, the company’s stock has surged, with Class A shares reaching $771,250—up 13% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500. Investors remain optimistic due to Berkshire’s $300 billion cash reserves and strong insurance sector performance. With the stock trading at 1.7 times book value and 25 times projected earnings, analysts suggest buybacks may remain scarce unless prices drop. India-New Zealand Resume Free Trade Talks India and New Zealand have reopened negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic ties, following talks between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay. Talks, originally launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 due to disputes over dairy access and market entry. New Zealand seeks broader agricultural exports, while India is pushing for better IT and services market access. With bilateral trade at just $1.54 billion in FY24, both nations see untapped potential. The renewed talks align with India’s broader FTA strategy, following deals with Australia and EFTA, as negotiators now focus on tariff reductions and investment facilitation. BWH Hotels Expands Aggressively in India BWH Hotels, operator of Best Western and SureStay, is expanding in India with 21 newly built hotels over the next two years. Speaking at HOPE 2025, CEO Larry Cuculic emphasized a shift from conversions to fresh builds to maintain quality. BWH currently operates 32 hotels across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with plans to expand into secondary markets, driven by infrastructure growth and rising demand for business and wedding travel. The company has signed 54 properties, aiming for 100 hotels in 5-7 years. India’s hospitality sector is attracting global chains like Marriott and Wyndham, with BWH focusing on managed full-service offerings tailored to local preferences. India’s Sugar Production Drops 16%, Raising Supply Concerns India’s sugar output has fallen 16.13% to 23.71 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, causing concern among policymakers. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) highlighted “ambiguity” in production data, warning of potential impacts on domestic supply and exports. The crushing season, nearing its end, has seen lower-than-expected yields, possibly due to erratic weather. This decline may lead the government to reassess export policies and stock management, balancing farmer support with stable sugar prices. The industry awaits potential policy adjustments as the government monitors supply dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Monday, March 16th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


BIS Cracks Down on Non-Certified E-Commerce Products

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has intensified its crackdown on non-certified products sold via Amazon and Flipkart. Recent raids in Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi led to the seizure of thousands of uncertified goods, including toys, hand blenders, and gas stoves. Investigators traced the source to Techvision International Pvt Ltd, resulting in further seizures of over 11,000 appliances. Legal action is underway under the BIS Act, 2016, with potential fines and jail time. As non-compliant products flood online marketplaces, BIS urges consumers to verify certifications via its BIS Care app while ramping up surveillance to ensure product safety.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Buyback Pause Continues

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has halted stock buybacks since May 2024—the longest pause since Buffett gained expanded repurchase authority in 2018. A recent proxy filing confirmed no buybacks between Feb. 10 and March 5, signaling Buffett doesn’t see Berkshire’s stock as undervalued. Despite this, the company’s stock has surged, with Class A shares reaching $771,250—up 13% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500. Investors remain optimistic due to Berkshire’s $300 billion cash reserves and strong insurance sector performance. With the stock trading at 1.7 times book value and 25 times projected earnings, analysts suggest buybacks may remain scarce unless prices drop.

India-New Zealand Resume Free Trade Talks

India and New Zealand have reopened negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic ties, following talks between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay. Talks, originally launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 due to disputes over dairy access and market entry. New Zealand seeks broader agricultural exports, while India is pushing for better IT and services market access. With bilateral trade at just $1.54 billion in FY24, both nations see untapped potential. The renewed talks align with India’s broader FTA strategy, following deals with Australia and EFTA, as negotiators now focus on tariff reductions and investment facilitation.

BWH Hotels Expands Aggressively in India

BWH Hotels, operator of Best Western and SureStay, is expanding in India with 21 newly built hotels over the next two years. Speaking at HOPE 2025, CEO Larry Cuculic emphasized a shift from conversions to fresh builds to maintain quality. BWH currently operates 32 hotels across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with plans to expand into secondary markets, driven by infrastructure growth and rising demand for business and wedding travel. The company has signed 54 properties, aiming for 100 hotels in 5-7 years. India’s hospitality sector is attracting global chains like Marriott and Wyndham, with BWH focusing on managed full-service offerings tailored to local preferences.

India’s Sugar Production Drops 16%, Raising Supply Concerns

India’s sugar output has fallen 16.13% to 23.71 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, causing concern among policymakers. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) highlighted “ambiguity” in production data, warning of potential impacts on domestic supply and exports. The crushing season, nearing its end, has seen lower-than-expected yields, possibly due to erratic weather. This decline may lead the government to reassess export policies and stock management, balancing farmer support with stable sugar prices. The industry awaits potential policy adjustments as the government monitors supply dynamics.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 481 LG’s Mega IPO | CG Power’s Big Moves | Tata Motors’ Rough Ride https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Friday, March 14th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  LG Electronics India’s ₹15,000 Crore IPO Gets SEBI Nod LG Electronics India has received SEBI approval for its ₹15,000 crore IPO, following Hyundai Motors as the second South Korean company to list in India. The 100% offer-for-sale (OFS) will see the parent company offload a 15% stake, with proceeds not going to LG India. With ₹64,087 crore revenue in FY24, the consumer electronics giant is gearing up for listing amid rising demand for premium appliances. Tata Motors Faces Headwinds as Auto Rally Cools India’s booming auto industry is slowing down. The Nifty Auto Index, up 36% post-pandemic, has dipped 25% since September, with Tata Motors losing 33% of its value. The slowdown in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sales, tightening EU emission norms, and China’s EV shift have hit Tata hard. Its EV market share in India has dropped from 73% to 53% due to rising competition. Despite these challenges, Tata remains bullish on JLR’s cash flow, but investors await signs of a rebound. Reliance FMCG Expansion Will Take Time Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is scaling up its FMCG business, aiming for nationwide reach in 3-4 years. With brands like Campa Cola and Independence, RCPL has already taken 10% of the sparkling beverage market in key states. However, success hinges on building a strong general trade network—critical for India’s mom-and-pop-driven market. With a target of 5-6 million retail outlets and ₹1,000 crore turnover expected for FY25, Reliance is playing the long game. CG Power’s Big Bets on Railways and Semiconductors CG Power is capitalizing on India’s infrastructure push, securing a ₹450 crore contract for Vande Bharat trainsets. It’s also making a ₹7,600 crore bet on semiconductors, launching a chip assembly plant in Gujarat with government backing. A ₹9,706 crore order book (up 70% YoY) signals growth ahead. Brokerages are bullish—Nomura projects a 33% upside. With India prioritizing infrastructure and high-tech industries, CG Power is positioning itself as an industrial powerhouse. Sun Pharma Expands Oncology Play with $355M Checkpoint Buy Sun Pharma is strengthening its oncology pipeline with the $355 million acquisition of US-based Checkpoint Therapeutics. This gives it access to Unloxcyt, an FDA-approved skin cancer drug with a $500M peak sales potential. Though Checkpoint has been loss-making, Sun sees long-term value in high-margin specialty drugs, which now contribute 18% of revenue. However, with the stock down 11% in 2025, the success of Unloxcyt’s launch will be critical for investor confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Sun Pharma’s Oncology Bet It's Friday, March 14th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  LG Electronics India’s ₹15,000 Crore IPO Gets SEBI Nod LG Electronics India has received SEBI approval for its ₹15,000 crore IPO, following Hyundai Motors as the second South Korean company to list in India. The 100% offer-for-sale (OFS) will see the parent company offload a 15% stake, with proceeds not going to LG India. With ₹64,087 crore revenue in FY24, the consumer electronics giant is gearing up for listing amid rising demand for premium appliances. Tata Motors Faces Headwinds as Auto Rally Cools India’s booming auto industry is slowing down. The Nifty Auto Index, up 36% post-pandemic, has dipped 25% since September, with Tata Motors losing 33% of its value. The slowdown in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sales, tightening EU emission norms, and China’s EV shift have hit Tata hard. Its EV market share in India has dropped from 73% to 53% due to rising competition. Despite these challenges, Tata remains bullish on JLR’s cash flow, but investors await signs of a rebound. Reliance FMCG Expansion Will Take Time Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is scaling up its FMCG business, aiming for nationwide reach in 3-4 years. With brands like Campa Cola and Independence, RCPL has already taken 10% of the sparkling beverage market in key states. However, success hinges on building a strong general trade network—critical for India’s mom-and-pop-driven market. With a target of 5-6 million retail outlets and ₹1,000 crore turnover expected for FY25, Reliance is playing the long game. CG Power’s Big Bets on Railways and Semiconductors CG Power is capitalizing on India’s infrastructure push, securing a ₹450 crore contract for Vande Bharat trainsets. It’s also making a ₹7,600 crore bet on semiconductors, launching a chip assembly plant in Gujarat with government backing. A ₹9,706 crore order book (up 70% YoY) signals growth ahead. Brokerages are bullish—Nomura projects a 33% upside. With India prioritizing infrastructure and high-tech industries, CG Power is positioning itself as an industrial powerhouse. Sun Pharma Expands Oncology Play with $355M Checkpoint Buy Sun Pharma is strengthening its oncology pipeline with the $355 million acquisition of US-based Checkpoint Therapeutics. This gives it access to Unloxcyt, an FDA-approved skin cancer drug with a $500M peak sales potential. Though Checkpoint has been loss-making, Sun sees long-term value in high-margin specialty drugs, which now contribute 18% of revenue. However, with the stock down 11% in 2025, the success of Unloxcyt’s launch will be critical for investor confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Friday, March 14th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


LG Electronics India’s ₹15,000 Crore IPO Gets SEBI Nod

LG Electronics India has received SEBI approval for its ₹15,000 crore IPO, following Hyundai Motors as the second South Korean company to list in India. The 100% offer-for-sale (OFS) will see the parent company offload a 15% stake, with proceeds not going to LG India. With ₹64,087 crore revenue in FY24, the consumer electronics giant is gearing up for listing amid rising demand for premium appliances.

Tata Motors Faces Headwinds as Auto Rally Cools

India’s booming auto industry is slowing down. The Nifty Auto Index, up 36% post-pandemic, has dipped 25% since September, with Tata Motors losing 33% of its value. The slowdown in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sales, tightening EU emission norms, and China’s EV shift have hit Tata hard. Its EV market share in India has dropped from 73% to 53% due to rising competition. Despite these challenges, Tata remains bullish on JLR’s cash flow, but investors await signs of a rebound.

Reliance FMCG Expansion Will Take Time

Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) is scaling up its FMCG business, aiming for nationwide reach in 3-4 years. With brands like Campa Cola and Independence, RCPL has already taken 10% of the sparkling beverage market in key states. However, success hinges on building a strong general trade network—critical for India’s mom-and-pop-driven market. With a target of 5-6 million retail outlets and ₹1,000 crore turnover expected for FY25, Reliance is playing the long game.

CG Power’s Big Bets on Railways and Semiconductors

CG Power is capitalizing on India’s infrastructure push, securing a ₹450 crore contract for Vande Bharat trainsets. It’s also making a ₹7,600 crore bet on semiconductors, launching a chip assembly plant in Gujarat with government backing. A ₹9,706 crore order book (up 70% YoY) signals growth ahead. Brokerages are bullish—Nomura projects a 33% upside. With India prioritizing infrastructure and high-tech industries, CG Power is positioning itself as an industrial powerhouse.

Sun Pharma Expands Oncology Play with $355M Checkpoint Buy

Sun Pharma is strengthening its oncology pipeline with the $355 million acquisition of US-based Checkpoint Therapeutics. This gives it access to Unloxcyt, an FDA-approved skin cancer drug with a $500M peak sales potential. Though Checkpoint has been loss-making, Sun sees long-term value in high-margin specialty drugs, which now contribute 18% of revenue. However, with the stock down 11% in 2025, the success of Unloxcyt’s launch will be critical for investor confidence.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 541 India’s IT Stocks Plunge | Gold’s Surge Raises India’s SGB Liabilities https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Thursday, March 13th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  1. Saudi’s Riyadh Air Eyes India for Expansion Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new airline, sees India as a key market, with CEO Tony Douglas calling it “super important.” Set to begin operations this year, the airline is in early talks with Air India and IndiGo for potential partnerships. Riyadh Air plans to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030 and has already partnered with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta. With a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321 neos, the airline is tapping into India’s booming aviation market, where Indians form the second-largest expat group in Saudi Arabia. Notably, 16% of Riyadh Air’s staff are Indian. 2. Estée Lauder, DPIIT to Boost India’s Beauty Startups India’s beauty and personal care startups are set for a major push as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) partners with US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Through its BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, the collaboration will offer funding, mentorship, and global industry access, with a special focus on women-led startups. India’s beauty market is expected to grow from $7.43 billion in 2025 to $9.69 billion by 2034. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT. With India boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, this partnership could drive innovation and scaling opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs. 3. India’s IT Stocks Plunge Amid Growth Concerns India’s top IT firms—TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—saw their stocks fall up to 4.28%, erasing ₹75,414 crore in market value. Brokerages Morgan Stanley, Kotak Institutional Equities, and Motilal Oswal flagged concerns over sluggish IT spending recovery in FY26-27. High interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and vendor consolidation are slowing discretionary tech spending. “We see a transition phase where IT spending is reprioritized, moderating growth,” noted Morgan Stanley analysts. Despite these headwinds, Nasscom projects the IT industry to cross $300 billion by March 2026, implying 6.2% annual growth, though analysts remain skeptical. 4. Gold’s Surge Raises India’s Sovereign Gold Bond Liabilities As gold prices soar and equities struggle, the Indian government faces rising liabilities on its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, which ties payouts to gold’s market price. Gold has outperformed equities since 2015, rising 3.46 times its value, while Nifty 50 has declined. ₹2.39 trillion has already been paid under gold-related schemes since 2017, with another ₹1.4 trillion budgeted for 2024-26. With 132,000 kg of gold equivalent set for payout between 2025 and 2032, a prolonged gold rally could strain government finances, making this a key issue for policymakers and investors. 5. Wendy’s, Rebel Foods to Open 500 Locations in India by 2028 Rebel Foods will invest ₹100-150 crore to expand Wendy’s footprint in India, targeting 500 locations by 2028. The expansion leans heavily on cloud kitchens, which will account for 70% of new openings. Currently, Wendy’s operates in 200 locations, with 185 cloud kitchens and 15 offline stores. India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is growing at a 23% CAGR, but profitability remains challenging due to inflation and competition. Rebel Foods CEO Ankush Grover expects the IPL season to boost sales. Rebel Foods, which runs over 450 cloud kitchens across India, the Middle East, and the UK, recently raised $210 million from Temasek to fuel expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Saudi airline eyes India for major expansion It's Thursday, March 13th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  1. Saudi’s Riyadh Air Eyes India for Expansion Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new airline, sees India as a key market, with CEO Tony Douglas calling it “super important.” Set to begin operations this year, the airline is in early talks with Air India and IndiGo for potential partnerships. Riyadh Air plans to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030 and has already partnered with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta. With a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321 neos, the airline is tapping into India’s booming aviation market, where Indians form the second-largest expat group in Saudi Arabia. Notably, 16% of Riyadh Air’s staff are Indian. 2. Estée Lauder, DPIIT to Boost India’s Beauty Startups India’s beauty and personal care startups are set for a major push as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) partners with US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Through its BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, the collaboration will offer funding, mentorship, and global industry access, with a special focus on women-led startups. India’s beauty market is expected to grow from $7.43 billion in 2025 to $9.69 billion by 2034. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT. With India boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, this partnership could drive innovation and scaling opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs. 3. India’s IT Stocks Plunge Amid Growth Concerns India’s top IT firms—TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—saw their stocks fall up to 4.28%, erasing ₹75,414 crore in market value. Brokerages Morgan Stanley, Kotak Institutional Equities, and Motilal Oswal flagged concerns over sluggish IT spending recovery in FY26-27. High interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and vendor consolidation are slowing discretionary tech spending. “We see a transition phase where IT spending is reprioritized, moderating growth,” noted Morgan Stanley analysts. Despite these headwinds, Nasscom projects the IT industry to cross $300 billion by March 2026, implying 6.2% annual growth, though analysts remain skeptical. 4. Gold’s Surge Raises India’s Sovereign Gold Bond Liabilities As gold prices soar and equities struggle, the Indian government faces rising liabilities on its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, which ties payouts to gold’s market price. Gold has outperformed equities since 2015, rising 3.46 times its value, while Nifty 50 has declined. ₹2.39 trillion has already been paid under gold-related schemes since 2017, with another ₹1.4 trillion budgeted for 2024-26. With 132,000 kg of gold equivalent set for payout between 2025 and 2032, a prolonged gold rally could strain government finances, making this a key issue for policymakers and investors. 5. Wendy’s, Rebel Foods to Open 500 Locations in India by 2028 Rebel Foods will invest ₹100-150 crore to expand Wendy’s footprint in India, targeting 500 locations by 2028. The expansion leans heavily on cloud kitchens, which will account for 70% of new openings. Currently, Wendy’s operates in 200 locations, with 185 cloud kitchens and 15 offline stores. India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is growing at a 23% CAGR, but profitability remains challenging due to inflation and competition. Rebel Foods CEO Ankush Grover expects the IPL season to boost sales. Rebel Foods, which runs over 450 cloud kitchens across India, the Middle East, and the UK, recently raised $210 million from Temasek to fuel expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Thursday, March 13th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


1. Saudi’s Riyadh Air Eyes India for Expansion

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new airline, sees India as a key market, with CEO Tony Douglas calling it “super important.” Set to begin operations this year, the airline is in early talks with Air India and IndiGo for potential partnerships. Riyadh Air plans to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030 and has already partnered with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta. With a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321 neos, the airline is tapping into India’s booming aviation market, where Indians form the second-largest expat group in Saudi Arabia. Notably, 16% of Riyadh Air’s staff are Indian.

2. Estée Lauder, DPIIT to Boost India’s Beauty Startups

India’s beauty and personal care startups are set for a major push as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) partners with US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Through its BEAUTY&YOU India initiative, the collaboration will offer funding, mentorship, and global industry access, with a special focus on women-led startups. India’s beauty market is expected to grow from $7.43 billion in 2025 to $9.69 billion by 2034. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT. With India boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, this partnership could drive innovation and scaling opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs.

3. India’s IT Stocks Plunge Amid Growth Concerns

India’s top IT firms—TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—saw their stocks fall up to 4.28%, erasing ₹75,414 crore in market value. Brokerages Morgan Stanley, Kotak Institutional Equities, and Motilal Oswal flagged concerns over sluggish IT spending recovery in FY26-27. High interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and vendor consolidation are slowing discretionary tech spending. “We see a transition phase where IT spending is reprioritized, moderating growth,” noted Morgan Stanley analysts. Despite these headwinds, Nasscom projects the IT industry to cross $300 billion by March 2026, implying 6.2% annual growth, though analysts remain skeptical.

4. Gold’s Surge Raises India’s Sovereign Gold Bond Liabilities

As gold prices soar and equities struggle, the Indian government faces rising liabilities on its Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, which ties payouts to gold’s market price. Gold has outperformed equities since 2015, rising 3.46 times its value, while Nifty 50 has declined. ₹2.39 trillion has already been paid under gold-related schemes since 2017, with another ₹1.4 trillion budgeted for 2024-26. With 132,000 kg of gold equivalent set for payout between 2025 and 2032, a prolonged gold rally could strain government finances, making this a key issue for policymakers and investors.

5. Wendy’s, Rebel Foods to Open 500 Locations in India by 2028

Rebel Foods will invest ₹100-150 crore to expand Wendy’s footprint in India, targeting 500 locations by 2028. The expansion leans heavily on cloud kitchens, which will account for 70% of new openings. Currently, Wendy’s operates in 200 locations, with 185 cloud kitchens and 15 offline stores. India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is growing at a 23% CAGR, but profitability remains challenging due to inflation and competition. Rebel Foods CEO Ankush Grover expects the IPL season to boost sales. Rebel Foods, which runs over 450 cloud kitchens across India, the Middle East, and the UK, recently raised $210 million from Temasek to fuel expansion.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 548 IndusInd’s ₹19,000 Cr Wipeout - Govt Plans LIC Stake Sale | Temasek Bites into Haldiram’s It's Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  Govt Plans LIC Stake Sale The Indian government may sell a 2-3% stake in LIC in FY26, subject to market conditions, as part of SEBI’s mandate to reduce its stake to 90% by 2027. Instead of a single offering, the sale might be in tranches to maximize value. With a 96.5% holding, the Centre’s stake sale could fetch ₹9,500-14,500 crore at current prices. However, with weak market sentiment, analysts believe the government will wait for a recovery. Temasek’s ₹8,500 Crore Bet on Haldiram’s Singapore’s Temasek has acquired a 10% stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. for ₹8,500 crore, valuing the snack giant at ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion). The deal follows a restructuring merging Haldiram’s Delhi and Nagpur operations under one entity. The family may sell another 5% stake to Blackstone or Alphawave Global. With ₹14,000 crore revenue in FY24 and a 40% market share, Haldiram’s is eyeing an IPO in 24-36 months, signaling strong investor interest in India’s growing food sector. Zydus Expands into Medical Devices with €256.8M French Acquisition Zydus Lifesciences is set to acquire an 85.6% stake in French firm Amplitude Surgical for €256.8 million, with plans for a full €300 million buyout. This move marks Zydus’ entry into global medtech, focusing on orthopaedics, cardiology, and nephrology. “We aim to build a sizable medtech business in 5-7 years,” said MD Sharvil Patel. With India still importing 80-85% of medical devices, Zydus sees a major opportunity in local manufacturing and global expansion. Fewer Promotions, Modest Salary Hikes in 2025 Employees may see career growth slow in 2025, with promotions projected to drop 25%, per Deloitte. Economic uncertainty, slower revenue growth (4.4% in Q3FY25 vs. 9.1% two quarters ago), and cost-cutting measures are driving this trend. US President Trump’s proposed tariffs could further impact key Indian industries. Companies are tightening performance evaluations, and salary hikes are expected to average 9.2% in 2025, slightly lower than last year. Some IT firms may offer promotions without pay raises to retain staff, while Vedanta Group remains an outlier, maintaining promotion levels. IndusInd Bank’s ₹19,000 Crore Stock Meltdown IndusInd Bank’s stock crashed over 25% after revealing discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio spanning 5-7 years, impacting net worth by 2.35% (~₹1,600 crore). An external audit is underway, but the disclosure has raised concerns over internal controls. The RBI recently granted CEO Sumant Kathpalia just a one-year extension, possibly due to this issue. With a 50% stock decline in six months and stress in its microfinance portfolio, IndusInd faces a tough road ahead to rebuild investor trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Zydus Bets Big on Medtech: It's Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  Govt Plans LIC Stake Sale The Indian government may sell a 2-3% stake in LIC in FY26, subject to market conditions, as part of SEBI’s mandate to reduce its stake to 90% by 2027. Instead of a single offering, the sale might be in tranches to maximize value. With a 96.5% holding, the Centre’s stake sale could fetch ₹9,500-14,500 crore at current prices. However, with weak market sentiment, analysts believe the government will wait for a recovery. Temasek’s ₹8,500 Crore Bet on Haldiram’s Singapore’s Temasek has acquired a 10% stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. for ₹8,500 crore, valuing the snack giant at ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion). The deal follows a restructuring merging Haldiram’s Delhi and Nagpur operations under one entity. The family may sell another 5% stake to Blackstone or Alphawave Global. With ₹14,000 crore revenue in FY24 and a 40% market share, Haldiram’s is eyeing an IPO in 24-36 months, signaling strong investor interest in India’s growing food sector. Zydus Expands into Medical Devices with €256.8M French Acquisition Zydus Lifesciences is set to acquire an 85.6% stake in French firm Amplitude Surgical for €256.8 million, with plans for a full €300 million buyout. This move marks Zydus’ entry into global medtech, focusing on orthopaedics, cardiology, and nephrology. “We aim to build a sizable medtech business in 5-7 years,” said MD Sharvil Patel. With India still importing 80-85% of medical devices, Zydus sees a major opportunity in local manufacturing and global expansion. Fewer Promotions, Modest Salary Hikes in 2025 Employees may see career growth slow in 2025, with promotions projected to drop 25%, per Deloitte. Economic uncertainty, slower revenue growth (4.4% in Q3FY25 vs. 9.1% two quarters ago), and cost-cutting measures are driving this trend. US President Trump’s proposed tariffs could further impact key Indian industries. Companies are tightening performance evaluations, and salary hikes are expected to average 9.2% in 2025, slightly lower than last year. Some IT firms may offer promotions without pay raises to retain staff, while Vedanta Group remains an outlier, maintaining promotion levels. IndusInd Bank’s ₹19,000 Crore Stock Meltdown IndusInd Bank’s stock crashed over 25% after revealing discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio spanning 5-7 years, impacting net worth by 2.35% (~₹1,600 crore). An external audit is underway, but the disclosure has raised concerns over internal controls. The RBI recently granted CEO Sumant Kathpalia just a one-year extension, possibly due to this issue. With a 50% stock decline in six months and stress in its microfinance portfolio, IndusInd faces a tough road ahead to rebuild investor trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 


Govt Plans LIC Stake Sale

The Indian government may sell a 2-3% stake in LIC in FY26, subject to market conditions, as part of SEBI’s mandate to reduce its stake to 90% by 2027. Instead of a single offering, the sale might be in tranches to maximize value. With a 96.5% holding, the Centre’s stake sale could fetch ₹9,500-14,500 crore at current prices. However, with weak market sentiment, analysts believe the government will wait for a recovery.

Temasek’s ₹8,500 Crore Bet on Haldiram’s

Singapore’s Temasek has acquired a 10% stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. for ₹8,500 crore, valuing the snack giant at ₹85,000 crore ($10 billion). The deal follows a restructuring merging Haldiram’s Delhi and Nagpur operations under one entity. The family may sell another 5% stake to Blackstone or Alphawave Global. With ₹14,000 crore revenue in FY24 and a 40% market share, Haldiram’s is eyeing an IPO in 24-36 months, signaling strong investor interest in India’s growing food sector.

Zydus Expands into Medical Devices with €256.8M French Acquisition

Zydus Lifesciences is set to acquire an 85.6% stake in French firm Amplitude Surgical for €256.8 million, with plans for a full €300 million buyout. This move marks Zydus’ entry into global medtech, focusing on orthopaedics, cardiology, and nephrology. “We aim to build a sizable medtech business in 5-7 years,” said MD Sharvil Patel. With India still importing 80-85% of medical devices, Zydus sees a major opportunity in local manufacturing and global expansion.

Fewer Promotions, Modest Salary Hikes in 2025

Employees may see career growth slow in 2025, with promotions projected to drop 25%, per Deloitte. Economic uncertainty, slower revenue growth (4.4% in Q3FY25 vs. 9.1% two quarters ago), and cost-cutting measures are driving this trend. US President Trump’s proposed tariffs could further impact key Indian industries. Companies are tightening performance evaluations, and salary hikes are expected to average 9.2% in 2025, slightly lower than last year. Some IT firms may offer promotions without pay raises to retain staff, while Vedanta Group remains an outlier, maintaining promotion levels.

IndusInd Bank’s ₹19,000 Crore Stock Meltdown

IndusInd Bank’s stock crashed over 25% after revealing discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio spanning 5-7 years, impacting net worth by 2.35% (~₹1,600 crore). An external audit is underway, but the disclosure has raised concerns over internal controls. The RBI recently granted CEO Sumant Kathpalia just a one-year extension, possibly due to this issue. With a 50% stock decline in six months and stress in its microfinance portfolio, IndusInd faces a tough road ahead to rebuild investor trust.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 570 Ola’s Regulatory Woes, Spotify’s Growth, Inflation Eases https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  🚨 Ola Electric Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Ola Electric’s rapid expansion—4,000 stores in two years—has run into legal trouble. A Bloomberg report claims 95% of its showrooms lack trade certificates needed to display or sell unregistered vehicles, triggering raids, shutdowns, and vehicle seizures across states. Ola dismissed the allegations as “misplaced and prejudiced,” but internal documents suggest it only sought certification after facing scrutiny. Meanwhile, its stock fell 4% on March 10, adding to a 60% decline since its IPO. Alongside regulatory woes, Ola is battling layoffs, launch delays, and shrinking market share as Bajaj and TVS gain ground. A major red flag? Ola reported 25,000 vehicle sales in February, but only 8,600 were officially registered. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal remains optimistic about a turnaround, but challenges continue to mount. 🎵 Spotify’s India Strategy Pays Off, But Can It Make Money? When Spotify entered India in 2019, competition was fierce. Yet, six years later, it has emerged as a dominant player, with 91 million unique visitors and 46% YoY growth in listening hours. Its success lies in hyper-local strategies—curated regional playlists, flexible pricing, and an artist-centric approach. “India was our 79th market, and we were here for the long game,” says Amarjit Batra, MD of Spotify India. Over 70% of streams now come from local artists. However, monetization remains a challenge—subscription prices in India are much lower than in Western markets, and artist payouts remain a pain point. Spotify has changed India’s music habits, but whether it can turn free listeners into paying subscribers remains the billion-dollar question. 📉 Inflation Cools, Strengthening Case for Rate Cuts India’s retail inflation likely eased to 3.9% in February from 4.3% in January, marking four straight months of cooling prices, according to a Mint poll of 25 economists. The key driver? Falling food prices, especially vegetables, which saw inflation drop from 40% last year to 11.4% now. With inflation undershooting RBI forecasts, economists believe this could pave the way for a rate cut in April. “A moderation in CPI inflation below 4% should provide space for the MPC to lower rates by another 25 basis points,” says Annubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered Bank. However, with GDP growth at 6.2%, the RBI will need to balance inflation control with economic stimulus. The official inflation report, due March 12, will be a key indicator of the central bank’s next move. 🏸 Gopichand Warns Parents: ‘Don’t Push Kids Into Sports Without Money’ Former Olympian and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand has sparked debate by cautioning parents against pushing kids into professional sports unless they are financially secure. His concern? The exorbitant cost of training and the lack of stable career opportunities. Tennis player Tishya Khandelwal’s family, for example, spends ₹45 lakh annually on her training in Australia. Chess prodigy Vedant Panesar shells out ₹3-3.5 lakh per European tournament, with little financial support until players reach the elite level. While cricket and football offer lucrative leagues, most other sports struggle to provide financial security. Even for top players, post-retirement options are limited. As one parent bluntly puts it, “Only the top 100 in pro tennis break even. Everyone else loses money.” Passion alone isn’t enough—deep pockets are almost a prerequisite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Don’t Push Kids Into Sports Without Money; Gopichand. It's Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  🚨 Ola Electric Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Ola Electric’s rapid expansion—4,000 stores in two years—has run into legal trouble. A Bloomberg report claims 95% of its showrooms lack trade certificates needed to display or sell unregistered vehicles, triggering raids, shutdowns, and vehicle seizures across states. Ola dismissed the allegations as “misplaced and prejudiced,” but internal documents suggest it only sought certification after facing scrutiny. Meanwhile, its stock fell 4% on March 10, adding to a 60% decline since its IPO. Alongside regulatory woes, Ola is battling layoffs, launch delays, and shrinking market share as Bajaj and TVS gain ground. A major red flag? Ola reported 25,000 vehicle sales in February, but only 8,600 were officially registered. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal remains optimistic about a turnaround, but challenges continue to mount. 🎵 Spotify’s India Strategy Pays Off, But Can It Make Money? When Spotify entered India in 2019, competition was fierce. Yet, six years later, it has emerged as a dominant player, with 91 million unique visitors and 46% YoY growth in listening hours. Its success lies in hyper-local strategies—curated regional playlists, flexible pricing, and an artist-centric approach. “India was our 79th market, and we were here for the long game,” says Amarjit Batra, MD of Spotify India. Over 70% of streams now come from local artists. However, monetization remains a challenge—subscription prices in India are much lower than in Western markets, and artist payouts remain a pain point. Spotify has changed India’s music habits, but whether it can turn free listeners into paying subscribers remains the billion-dollar question. 📉 Inflation Cools, Strengthening Case for Rate Cuts India’s retail inflation likely eased to 3.9% in February from 4.3% in January, marking four straight months of cooling prices, according to a Mint poll of 25 economists. The key driver? Falling food prices, especially vegetables, which saw inflation drop from 40% last year to 11.4% now. With inflation undershooting RBI forecasts, economists believe this could pave the way for a rate cut in April. “A moderation in CPI inflation below 4% should provide space for the MPC to lower rates by another 25 basis points,” says Annubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered Bank. However, with GDP growth at 6.2%, the RBI will need to balance inflation control with economic stimulus. The official inflation report, due March 12, will be a key indicator of the central bank’s next move. 🏸 Gopichand Warns Parents: ‘Don’t Push Kids Into Sports Without Money’ Former Olympian and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand has sparked debate by cautioning parents against pushing kids into professional sports unless they are financially secure. His concern? The exorbitant cost of training and the lack of stable career opportunities. Tennis player Tishya Khandelwal’s family, for example, spends ₹45 lakh annually on her training in Australia. Chess prodigy Vedant Panesar shells out ₹3-3.5 lakh per European tournament, with little financial support until players reach the elite level. While cricket and football offer lucrative leagues, most other sports struggle to provide financial security. Even for top players, post-retirement options are limited. As one parent bluntly puts it, “Only the top 100 in pro tennis break even. Everyone else loses money.” Passion alone isn’t enough—deep pockets are almost a prerequisite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

🚨 Ola Electric Faces Regulatory Scrutiny

Ola Electric’s rapid expansion—4,000 stores in two years—has run into legal trouble. A Bloomberg report claims 95% of its showrooms lack trade certificates needed to display or sell unregistered vehicles, triggering raids, shutdowns, and vehicle seizures across states. Ola dismissed the allegations as “misplaced and prejudiced,” but internal documents suggest it only sought certification after facing scrutiny. Meanwhile, its stock fell 4% on March 10, adding to a 60% decline since its IPO. Alongside regulatory woes, Ola is battling layoffs, launch delays, and shrinking market share as Bajaj and TVS gain ground. A major red flag? Ola reported 25,000 vehicle sales in February, but only 8,600 were officially registered. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal remains optimistic about a turnaround, but challenges continue to mount.

🎵 Spotify’s India Strategy Pays Off, But Can It Make Money?

When Spotify entered India in 2019, competition was fierce. Yet, six years later, it has emerged as a dominant player, with 91 million unique visitors and 46% YoY growth in listening hours. Its success lies in hyper-local strategies—curated regional playlists, flexible pricing, and an artist-centric approach. “India was our 79th market, and we were here for the long game,” says Amarjit Batra, MD of Spotify India. Over 70% of streams now come from local artists. However, monetization remains a challenge—subscription prices in India are much lower than in Western markets, and artist payouts remain a pain point. Spotify has changed India’s music habits, but whether it can turn free listeners into paying subscribers remains the billion-dollar question.

📉 Inflation Cools, Strengthening Case for Rate Cuts

India’s retail inflation likely eased to 3.9% in February from 4.3% in January, marking four straight months of cooling prices, according to a Mint poll of 25 economists. The key driver? Falling food prices, especially vegetables, which saw inflation drop from 40% last year to 11.4% now. With inflation undershooting RBI forecasts, economists believe this could pave the way for a rate cut in April. “A moderation in CPI inflation below 4% should provide space for the MPC to lower rates by another 25 basis points,” says Annubhuti Sahay of Standard Chartered Bank. However, with GDP growth at 6.2%, the RBI will need to balance inflation control with economic stimulus. The official inflation report, due March 12, will be a key indicator of the central bank’s next move.

🏸 Gopichand Warns Parents: ‘Don’t Push Kids Into Sports Without Money’

Former Olympian and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand has sparked debate by cautioning parents against pushing kids into professional sports unless they are financially secure. His concern? The exorbitant cost of training and the lack of stable career opportunities. Tennis player Tishya Khandelwal’s family, for example, spends ₹45 lakh annually on her training in Australia. Chess prodigy Vedant Panesar shells out ₹3-3.5 lakh per European tournament, with little financial support until players reach the elite level. While cricket and football offer lucrative leagues, most other sports struggle to provide financial security. Even for top players, post-retirement options are limited. As one parent bluntly puts it, “Only the top 100 in pro tennis break even. Everyone else loses money.” Passion alone isn’t enough—deep pockets are almost a prerequisite.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 545 Gensol in Crisis | Brick vs. Click - Online Can’t Kill Offline! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Monday, March 10th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  🚀 Gensol’s Debt Crisis: Can It Survive? Gensol Engineering, once a rising star in solar and EVs, is now in deep financial trouble. Chairman Anmol Singh Jaggi pledged 85.5% of his stake to fund expansion, but missed loan repayments triggered a credit downgrade. As its stock plummeted 37% in a week, investors asked: Where did the money go? In a bid to stay afloat, Gensol is selling assets worth ₹315 crore, including its US solar tracking unit. If the deals go through, survival is possible—if not, lenders may take over. Jaggi remains optimistic, but can Gensol escape its own debt trap? ⚡ Ultraviolette’s Big Bet on EVs Ultraviolette Automotive, backed by TVS, Qualcomm, and Zoho, aims to redefine high-performance EVs. With only 1,000 motorcycles on the road, it just unveiled two new models—the Tesseract EV scooter and the Shockwave enduro bike—hoping for mass adoption and profitability within 18 months. But analysts are skeptical, citing price-sensitive buyers and Ola Electric’s recent struggles. Still, Ultraviolette is expanding across India and Europe while slashing early-bird prices to attract customers. CEO Narayan Subramaniam insists, “We are prioritizing access.” The question is—will buyers respond? 🛍️ Online vs. Offline Retail: A New Balance E-commerce revolutionized shopping, but physical stores aren’t dying just yet. A PwC survey found that 34% of Indian shoppers still prefer offline stores, compared to 21% who shop exclusively online. The reason? Trust, touch, and personalized service. While quick commerce thrives, local retailers are adapting—blending digital tools with in-store experiences. As India’s retail market heads toward a $1.89 trillion future, the key to success isn’t choosing one model over the other but mastering both. 🎶 AI vs. Music Labels: The Copyright Battle Indian music giants like Saregama, T-Series, and Sony are suing OpenAI, accusing it of training AI models on copyrighted music without permission. Their fear? AI could generate music in an artist’s style, undermining licensing revenues and creative identity. “Labels risk losing control over their assets,” warns IndusLaw’s Bharadwaj Jaishankar. Globally, AI-generated content is sparking legal debates—Drake even faced backlash for using AI to mimic Tupac. As technology challenges traditional copyright laws, the music industry faces a critical question: How do we protect human artistry in an AI-driven world? 🏨 BWH Hotels’ India Expansion BWH Hotels (Best Western, SureStay) is betting big on India, with plans for 21 new hotels in two years—all newly built, signaling a shift from conversions. CEO Larry Cuculic sees secondary markets as key, thanks to better infrastructure and demand for events like weddings. With 28 hotels currently and 54 more signed, BWH aims for 100 properties within seven years. As India’s hotel demand outpaces supply, global players like Marriott and Wyndham are also expanding. With 100,000 branded rooms expected by 2029, Cuculic calls India a “tremendous growth opportunity.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast AI vs. Music Labels: The Copyright Clash | BWH’s India Boom It's Monday, March 10th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  🚀 Gensol’s Debt Crisis: Can It Survive? Gensol Engineering, once a rising star in solar and EVs, is now in deep financial trouble. Chairman Anmol Singh Jaggi pledged 85.5% of his stake to fund expansion, but missed loan repayments triggered a credit downgrade. As its stock plummeted 37% in a week, investors asked: Where did the money go? In a bid to stay afloat, Gensol is selling assets worth ₹315 crore, including its US solar tracking unit. If the deals go through, survival is possible—if not, lenders may take over. Jaggi remains optimistic, but can Gensol escape its own debt trap? ⚡ Ultraviolette’s Big Bet on EVs Ultraviolette Automotive, backed by TVS, Qualcomm, and Zoho, aims to redefine high-performance EVs. With only 1,000 motorcycles on the road, it just unveiled two new models—the Tesseract EV scooter and the Shockwave enduro bike—hoping for mass adoption and profitability within 18 months. But analysts are skeptical, citing price-sensitive buyers and Ola Electric’s recent struggles. Still, Ultraviolette is expanding across India and Europe while slashing early-bird prices to attract customers. CEO Narayan Subramaniam insists, “We are prioritizing access.” The question is—will buyers respond? 🛍️ Online vs. Offline Retail: A New Balance E-commerce revolutionized shopping, but physical stores aren’t dying just yet. A PwC survey found that 34% of Indian shoppers still prefer offline stores, compared to 21% who shop exclusively online. The reason? Trust, touch, and personalized service. While quick commerce thrives, local retailers are adapting—blending digital tools with in-store experiences. As India’s retail market heads toward a $1.89 trillion future, the key to success isn’t choosing one model over the other but mastering both. 🎶 AI vs. Music Labels: The Copyright Battle Indian music giants like Saregama, T-Series, and Sony are suing OpenAI, accusing it of training AI models on copyrighted music without permission. Their fear? AI could generate music in an artist’s style, undermining licensing revenues and creative identity. “Labels risk losing control over their assets,” warns IndusLaw’s Bharadwaj Jaishankar. Globally, AI-generated content is sparking legal debates—Drake even faced backlash for using AI to mimic Tupac. As technology challenges traditional copyright laws, the music industry faces a critical question: How do we protect human artistry in an AI-driven world? 🏨 BWH Hotels’ India Expansion BWH Hotels (Best Western, SureStay) is betting big on India, with plans for 21 new hotels in two years—all newly built, signaling a shift from conversions. CEO Larry Cuculic sees secondary markets as key, thanks to better infrastructure and demand for events like weddings. With 28 hotels currently and 54 more signed, BWH aims for 100 properties within seven years. As India’s hotel demand outpaces supply, global players like Marriott and Wyndham are also expanding. With 100,000 branded rooms expected by 2029, Cuculic calls India a “tremendous growth opportunity.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Monday, March 10th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

🚀 Gensol’s Debt Crisis: Can It Survive?

Gensol Engineering, once a rising star in solar and EVs, is now in deep financial trouble. Chairman Anmol Singh Jaggi pledged 85.5% of his stake to fund expansion, but missed loan repayments triggered a credit downgrade. As its stock plummeted 37% in a week, investors asked: Where did the money go? In a bid to stay afloat, Gensol is selling assets worth ₹315 crore, including its US solar tracking unit. If the deals go through, survival is possible—if not, lenders may take over. Jaggi remains optimistic, but can Gensol escape its own debt trap?

⚡ Ultraviolette’s Big Bet on EVs

Ultraviolette Automotive, backed by TVS, Qualcomm, and Zoho, aims to redefine high-performance EVs. With only 1,000 motorcycles on the road, it just unveiled two new models—the Tesseract EV scooter and the Shockwave enduro bike—hoping for mass adoption and profitability within 18 months. But analysts are skeptical, citing price-sensitive buyers and Ola Electric’s recent struggles. Still, Ultraviolette is expanding across India and Europe while slashing early-bird prices to attract customers. CEO Narayan Subramaniam insists, “We are prioritizing access.” The question is—will buyers respond?

🛍️ Online vs. Offline Retail: A New Balance

E-commerce revolutionized shopping, but physical stores aren’t dying just yet. A PwC survey found that 34% of Indian shoppers still prefer offline stores, compared to 21% who shop exclusively online. The reason? Trust, touch, and personalized service. While quick commerce thrives, local retailers are adapting—blending digital tools with in-store experiences. As India’s retail market heads toward a $1.89 trillion future, the key to success isn’t choosing one model over the other but mastering both.

🎶 AI vs. Music Labels: The Copyright Battle

Indian music giants like Saregama, T-Series, and Sony are suing OpenAI, accusing it of training AI models on copyrighted music without permission. Their fear? AI could generate music in an artist’s style, undermining licensing revenues and creative identity. “Labels risk losing control over their assets,” warns IndusLaw’s Bharadwaj Jaishankar. Globally, AI-generated content is sparking legal debates—Drake even faced backlash for using AI to mimic Tupac. As technology challenges traditional copyright laws, the music industry faces a critical question: How do we protect human artistry in an AI-driven world?

🏨 BWH Hotels’ India Expansion

BWH Hotels (Best Western, SureStay) is betting big on India, with plans for 21 new hotels in two years—all newly built, signaling a shift from conversions. CEO Larry Cuculic sees secondary markets as key, thanks to better infrastructure and demand for events like weddings. With 28 hotels currently and 54 more signed, BWH aims for 100 properties within seven years. As India’s hotel demand outpaces supply, global players like Marriott and Wyndham are also expanding. With 100,000 branded rooms expected by 2029, Cuculic calls India a “tremendous growth opportunity.”



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 528 Nifty’s Slide: Is the Worst Over? | Razorpay Goes Global https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Friday, March 7th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Market Turmoil & Potential Rebound The Nifty 50 has plunged 14% from its September peak, making it one of 2025’s worst-performing global indices. However, India’s steep valuations have cooled, with MSCI India’s forward P/E ratio dropping to 17.93x. Analysts suggest the correction may be nearing its end, as similar past downturns have led to rebounds. While Jefferies India sees potential for outperformance, uncertainty remains due to delayed tax cuts, RBI policy shifts, and global trade tensions. Investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data (March 12), RBI’s April rate decision, and the U.S. Fed’s March 18-19 meeting for liquidity signals. The road ahead remains volatile, but history hints at a turnaround. Razorpay Expands to Singapore Fintech giant Razorpay is entering Singapore, its second Southeast Asian market after Malaysia, aiming to simplify payments and cut cross-border transaction fees by up to 40%. “Singapore is the ideal market for our next phase of growth,” said co-founder Shashank Kumar. With digital payments projected to hit $180 billion by 2029 and near-total cashless adoption, the expansion is strategic. Razorpay’s payment gateway Curlec, which launched in Malaysia, is already seeing 30% month-on-month growth. Backed by investors like Tiger Global and Peak XV, Razorpay reported ₹2,501 crore in FY24 revenue, with net profits at ₹34 crore. While expanding globally, the India-born firm is also preparing for a domestic listing. Mudra Yojana’s Impact on Small Businesses For years, small business owners in India struggled to access credit due to collateral requirements and complex banking norms. In 2015, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to provide collateral-free loans. Since then, ₹31.85 trillion has been disbursed, with Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka receiving the highest amounts. Over 516 million loans have been sanctioned, fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and financial inclusion. Q3 FY25 saw a record ₹3.39 trillion disbursed, reflecting strong demand. In response, the government raised the loan limit to ₹20 lakh, effective October 2024. Meanwhile, non-performing assets (NPAs) under the scheme have improved, dropping to 3.4% in FY24. The U.S.-China Quantum Computing Race Quantum computing, a technology capable of solving problems in minutes that would take today’s supercomputers billions of years, has sparked a fierce U.S.-China rivalry. In Hefei, a Chinese startup displayed a rare quantum machine, while American giants like Google and IBM pushed the field’s limits. China’s state-backed model has advanced quantum communications, sensing, and cooling technology, while America’s private-sector-led innovation faces investor pressure. The U.S. imposed strict export controls, fearing China’s rapid progress. With China leading in ultra-secure quantum communications and America holding a wide lead in quantum computing, the race for dominance remains heated, with global power at stake. Nestlé’s Nespresso Bets Big on India’s Coffee Boom India has long been a tea-drinking nation, but a new wave of young, affluent consumers is driving a coffee boom—one Nespresso wants to tap into. The brand launched its first boutique in Delhi’s Nexus CityWalk mall, catering to consumers eager to recreate café-quality coffee at home. “Young consumers are exposed to coffee trends through social media and cafés. Now, they want that experience at home,” says Nespresso CEO Philipp Navratil. With machines starting at ₹16,500 and coffee pods at ₹95 each, Nespresso is targeting the premium market. The company is also eyeing India’s growing hospitality sector, supplying five-star hotels, offices, and corporate lounges. With the café market growing at 8.1% annually, Nestlé is making a long-term play to redefine India’s coffee culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Mudra Yojana’s Impact on Small Businesses | Nestlé Bets Big on India’s Coffee Boom It's Friday, March 7th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Market Turmoil & Potential Rebound The Nifty 50 has plunged 14% from its September peak, making it one of 2025’s worst-performing global indices. However, India’s steep valuations have cooled, with MSCI India’s forward P/E ratio dropping to 17.93x. Analysts suggest the correction may be nearing its end, as similar past downturns have led to rebounds. While Jefferies India sees potential for outperformance, uncertainty remains due to delayed tax cuts, RBI policy shifts, and global trade tensions. Investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data (March 12), RBI’s April rate decision, and the U.S. Fed’s March 18-19 meeting for liquidity signals. The road ahead remains volatile, but history hints at a turnaround. Razorpay Expands to Singapore Fintech giant Razorpay is entering Singapore, its second Southeast Asian market after Malaysia, aiming to simplify payments and cut cross-border transaction fees by up to 40%. “Singapore is the ideal market for our next phase of growth,” said co-founder Shashank Kumar. With digital payments projected to hit $180 billion by 2029 and near-total cashless adoption, the expansion is strategic. Razorpay’s payment gateway Curlec, which launched in Malaysia, is already seeing 30% month-on-month growth. Backed by investors like Tiger Global and Peak XV, Razorpay reported ₹2,501 crore in FY24 revenue, with net profits at ₹34 crore. While expanding globally, the India-born firm is also preparing for a domestic listing. Mudra Yojana’s Impact on Small Businesses For years, small business owners in India struggled to access credit due to collateral requirements and complex banking norms. In 2015, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to provide collateral-free loans. Since then, ₹31.85 trillion has been disbursed, with Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka receiving the highest amounts. Over 516 million loans have been sanctioned, fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and financial inclusion. Q3 FY25 saw a record ₹3.39 trillion disbursed, reflecting strong demand. In response, the government raised the loan limit to ₹20 lakh, effective October 2024. Meanwhile, non-performing assets (NPAs) under the scheme have improved, dropping to 3.4% in FY24. The U.S.-China Quantum Computing Race Quantum computing, a technology capable of solving problems in minutes that would take today’s supercomputers billions of years, has sparked a fierce U.S.-China rivalry. In Hefei, a Chinese startup displayed a rare quantum machine, while American giants like Google and IBM pushed the field’s limits. China’s state-backed model has advanced quantum communications, sensing, and cooling technology, while America’s private-sector-led innovation faces investor pressure. The U.S. imposed strict export controls, fearing China’s rapid progress. With China leading in ultra-secure quantum communications and America holding a wide lead in quantum computing, the race for dominance remains heated, with global power at stake. Nestlé’s Nespresso Bets Big on India’s Coffee Boom India has long been a tea-drinking nation, but a new wave of young, affluent consumers is driving a coffee boom—one Nespresso wants to tap into. The brand launched its first boutique in Delhi’s Nexus CityWalk mall, catering to consumers eager to recreate café-quality coffee at home. “Young consumers are exposed to coffee trends through social media and cafés. Now, they want that experience at home,” says Nespresso CEO Philipp Navratil. With machines starting at ₹16,500 and coffee pods at ₹95 each, Nespresso is targeting the premium market. The company is also eyeing India’s growing hospitality sector, supplying five-star hotels, offices, and corporate lounges. With the café market growing at 8.1% annually, Nestlé is making a long-term play to redefine India’s coffee culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Friday, March 7th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

India’s Market Turmoil & Potential Rebound

The Nifty 50 has plunged 14% from its September peak, making it one of 2025’s worst-performing global indices. However, India’s steep valuations have cooled, with MSCI India’s forward P/E ratio dropping to 17.93x. Analysts suggest the correction may be nearing its end, as similar past downturns have led to rebounds. While Jefferies India sees potential for outperformance, uncertainty remains due to delayed tax cuts, RBI policy shifts, and global trade tensions. Investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data (March 12), RBI’s April rate decision, and the U.S. Fed’s March 18-19 meeting for liquidity signals. The road ahead remains volatile, but history hints at a turnaround.

Razorpay Expands to Singapore

Fintech giant Razorpay is entering Singapore, its second Southeast Asian market after Malaysia, aiming to simplify payments and cut cross-border transaction fees by up to 40%. “Singapore is the ideal market for our next phase of growth,” said co-founder Shashank Kumar. With digital payments projected to hit $180 billion by 2029 and near-total cashless adoption, the expansion is strategic. Razorpay’s payment gateway Curlec, which launched in Malaysia, is already seeing 30% month-on-month growth. Backed by investors like Tiger Global and Peak XV, Razorpay reported ₹2,501 crore in FY24 revenue, with net profits at ₹34 crore. While expanding globally, the India-born firm is also preparing for a domestic listing.

Mudra Yojana’s Impact on Small Businesses

For years, small business owners in India struggled to access credit due to collateral requirements and complex banking norms. In 2015, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to provide collateral-free loans. Since then, ₹31.85 trillion has been disbursed, with Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka receiving the highest amounts. Over 516 million loans have been sanctioned, fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and financial inclusion. Q3 FY25 saw a record ₹3.39 trillion disbursed, reflecting strong demand. In response, the government raised the loan limit to ₹20 lakh, effective October 2024. Meanwhile, non-performing assets (NPAs) under the scheme have improved, dropping to 3.4% in FY24.

The U.S.-China Quantum Computing Race

Quantum computing, a technology capable of solving problems in minutes that would take today’s supercomputers billions of years, has sparked a fierce U.S.-China rivalry. In Hefei, a Chinese startup displayed a rare quantum machine, while American giants like Google and IBM pushed the field’s limits. China’s state-backed model has advanced quantum communications, sensing, and cooling technology, while America’s private-sector-led innovation faces investor pressure. The U.S. imposed strict export controls, fearing China’s rapid progress. With China leading in ultra-secure quantum communications and America holding a wide lead in quantum computing, the race for dominance remains heated, with global power at stake.

Nestlé’s Nespresso Bets Big on India’s Coffee Boom

India has long been a tea-drinking nation, but a new wave of young, affluent consumers is driving a coffee boom—one Nespresso wants to tap into. The brand launched its first boutique in Delhi’s Nexus CityWalk mall, catering to consumers eager to recreate café-quality coffee at home. “Young consumers are exposed to coffee trends through social media and cafés. Now, they want that experience at home,” says Nespresso CEO Philipp Navratil. With machines starting at ₹16,500 and coffee pods at ₹95 each, Nespresso is targeting the premium market. The company is also eyeing India’s growing hospitality sector, supplying five-star hotels, offices, and corporate lounges. With the café market growing at 8.1% annually, Nestlé is making a long-term play to redefine India’s coffee culture.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 496 Cancer Drug Prices Set to Fall | Coforge’s Record-Breaking Deal | ITC Hotels’ Rough Debut https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Thursday, March 6th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  ITC Hotels’ Rough Debut January 29 was supposed to be a landmark day for ITC Hotels as it began trading independently. However, shares debuted nearly 30% below the implied price, dampening initial enthusiasm. Despite this, analysts remain bullish, valuing the company between ₹42,500-₹62,000 crore. ITC Hotels aims to expand to 200 hotels with 18,000 rooms in five years, relying on managed properties. However, investors worry about its limited owned-hotel pipeline. As competitors like IHCL and Marriott ramp up expansion, ITC Hotels must carve out its niche in a booming industry. Coforge’s Record-Breaking Deal Coforge Ltd soared 8% after securing a record 13-year, $1.56 billion deal with US travel tech giant Sabre Corp. This long-term contract ensures strong revenue visibility for FY26, even as tech budgets shrink. Coforge also acquired Rythmos Inc. for $48.7 million and TMLabs for $12.5 million, further expanding its portfolio. A 1:5 stock split was announced to boost liquidity. However, Sabre’s $5.1 billion debt raises cash collection concerns. Despite this, Coforge has outperformed peers, with its December order book reaching $1.4 billion—up 40% YoY. Tesla, Tariffs & Trump India’s sky-high auto tariffs—up to 110%—have kept foreign automakers like Tesla out, despite Elon Musk’s repeated attempts to enter the market. Now, US President Donald Trump has joined the fight, slamming India’s “unfair” tariffs and threatening retaliatory action. As trade negotiations intensify, India has begun cutting duties on luxury vehicles—a possible opening for Tesla. With Trade Minister Piyush Goyal in the US for talks, the world watches to see if India will open its doors to global carmakers or protect its domestic industry. Cancer Drug Prices Set to Fall Cancer treatment in India is notoriously expensive, with some drugs costing up to ₹2 lakh per month. That’s changing, thanks to domestic production under the government’s PLI scheme. Leading pharma firms like Sun Pharma, Cipla, and Biocon are now manufacturing key cancer drugs, significantly cutting prices. For example, Trastuzumab, once ₹70,000 per month, now costs ₹12,000. More price reductions are expected as local production scales up. The initiative not only benefits Indian patients but also strengthens India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world,” with exports to South America and Africa. Rupee Rises Amid Market Rally The rupee strengthened by 19 paise to close at 87.00 against the US dollar, supported by a rally in domestic equities, a weaker dollar, and falling crude oil prices. Volatility remained high, with the currency fluctuating between 86.93 and 87.20. Meanwhile, the dollar index slipped 0.79% amid Trump’s escalating tariff moves. Brent crude also declined 0.75% to $70.51 per barrel. Markets responded positively, with the Sensex surging 740 points to 73,730 and the Nifty rising 255 points to 22,337. However, FII outflows and ongoing trade uncertainties could limit further rupee gains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Tesla, Tariffs & Trump | Rupee Rises Amid Market Rally It's Thursday, March 6th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  ITC Hotels’ Rough Debut January 29 was supposed to be a landmark day for ITC Hotels as it began trading independently. However, shares debuted nearly 30% below the implied price, dampening initial enthusiasm. Despite this, analysts remain bullish, valuing the company between ₹42,500-₹62,000 crore. ITC Hotels aims to expand to 200 hotels with 18,000 rooms in five years, relying on managed properties. However, investors worry about its limited owned-hotel pipeline. As competitors like IHCL and Marriott ramp up expansion, ITC Hotels must carve out its niche in a booming industry. Coforge’s Record-Breaking Deal Coforge Ltd soared 8% after securing a record 13-year, $1.56 billion deal with US travel tech giant Sabre Corp. This long-term contract ensures strong revenue visibility for FY26, even as tech budgets shrink. Coforge also acquired Rythmos Inc. for $48.7 million and TMLabs for $12.5 million, further expanding its portfolio. A 1:5 stock split was announced to boost liquidity. However, Sabre’s $5.1 billion debt raises cash collection concerns. Despite this, Coforge has outperformed peers, with its December order book reaching $1.4 billion—up 40% YoY. Tesla, Tariffs & Trump India’s sky-high auto tariffs—up to 110%—have kept foreign automakers like Tesla out, despite Elon Musk’s repeated attempts to enter the market. Now, US President Donald Trump has joined the fight, slamming India’s “unfair” tariffs and threatening retaliatory action. As trade negotiations intensify, India has begun cutting duties on luxury vehicles—a possible opening for Tesla. With Trade Minister Piyush Goyal in the US for talks, the world watches to see if India will open its doors to global carmakers or protect its domestic industry. Cancer Drug Prices Set to Fall Cancer treatment in India is notoriously expensive, with some drugs costing up to ₹2 lakh per month. That’s changing, thanks to domestic production under the government’s PLI scheme. Leading pharma firms like Sun Pharma, Cipla, and Biocon are now manufacturing key cancer drugs, significantly cutting prices. For example, Trastuzumab, once ₹70,000 per month, now costs ₹12,000. More price reductions are expected as local production scales up. The initiative not only benefits Indian patients but also strengthens India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world,” with exports to South America and Africa. Rupee Rises Amid Market Rally The rupee strengthened by 19 paise to close at 87.00 against the US dollar, supported by a rally in domestic equities, a weaker dollar, and falling crude oil prices. Volatility remained high, with the currency fluctuating between 86.93 and 87.20. Meanwhile, the dollar index slipped 0.79% amid Trump’s escalating tariff moves. Brent crude also declined 0.75% to $70.51 per barrel. Markets responded positively, with the Sensex surging 740 points to 73,730 and the Nifty rising 255 points to 22,337. However, FII outflows and ongoing trade uncertainties could limit further rupee gains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Thursday, March 6th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

ITC Hotels’ Rough Debut

January 29 was supposed to be a landmark day for ITC Hotels as it began trading independently. However, shares debuted nearly 30% below the implied price, dampening initial enthusiasm. Despite this, analysts remain bullish, valuing the company between ₹42,500-₹62,000 crore. ITC Hotels aims to expand to 200 hotels with 18,000 rooms in five years, relying on managed properties. However, investors worry about its limited owned-hotel pipeline. As competitors like IHCL and Marriott ramp up expansion, ITC Hotels must carve out its niche in a booming industry.

Coforge’s Record-Breaking Deal

Coforge Ltd soared 8% after securing a record 13-year, $1.56 billion deal with US travel tech giant Sabre Corp. This long-term contract ensures strong revenue visibility for FY26, even as tech budgets shrink. Coforge also acquired Rythmos Inc. for $48.7 million and TMLabs for $12.5 million, further expanding its portfolio. A 1:5 stock split was announced to boost liquidity. However, Sabre’s $5.1 billion debt raises cash collection concerns. Despite this, Coforge has outperformed peers, with its December order book reaching $1.4 billion—up 40% YoY.

Tesla, Tariffs & Trump

India’s sky-high auto tariffs—up to 110%—have kept foreign automakers like Tesla out, despite Elon Musk’s repeated attempts to enter the market. Now, US President Donald Trump has joined the fight, slamming India’s “unfair” tariffs and threatening retaliatory action. As trade negotiations intensify, India has begun cutting duties on luxury vehicles—a possible opening for Tesla. With Trade Minister Piyush Goyal in the US for talks, the world watches to see if India will open its doors to global carmakers or protect its domestic industry.

Cancer Drug Prices Set to Fall

Cancer treatment in India is notoriously expensive, with some drugs costing up to ₹2 lakh per month. That’s changing, thanks to domestic production under the government’s PLI scheme. Leading pharma firms like Sun Pharma, Cipla, and Biocon are now manufacturing key cancer drugs, significantly cutting prices. For example, Trastuzumab, once ₹70,000 per month, now costs ₹12,000. More price reductions are expected as local production scales up. The initiative not only benefits Indian patients but also strengthens India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world,” with exports to South America and Africa.

Rupee Rises Amid Market Rally

The rupee strengthened by 19 paise to close at 87.00 against the US dollar, supported by a rally in domestic equities, a weaker dollar, and falling crude oil prices. Volatility remained high, with the currency fluctuating between 86.93 and 87.20. Meanwhile, the dollar index slipped 0.79% amid Trump’s escalating tariff moves. Brent crude also declined 0.75% to $70.51 per barrel. Markets responded positively, with the Sensex surging 740 points to 73,730 and the Nifty rising 255 points to 22,337. However, FII outflows and ongoing trade uncertainties could limit further rupee gains.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 501 SEBI’s ‘Mitra’ Helps Investors | India’s Steel Industry Faces Tariff Fallout https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Steel Industry Faces Tariff Fallout India’s steel industry was on a growth path—until US tariffs disrupted global trade flows. With Washington slapping 25% tariffs on steel from Mexico and Canada and doubling duties on Chinese imports, China’s steel exports to the US have become unviable. This surplus steel now threatens to flood India, driving prices down and squeezing margins. “India becomes the natural target for Chinese steel at the worst possible time,” warns Karan Pahuja of ISSDA. While some see opportunity—like Abhyuday Jindal of Jindal Stainless, who notes that Indian exports to the US may gain—others worry that surplus steel from Korea and Japan could also hit domestic markets. The industry is now looking to the Indian government for protective measures. BSE Stock Tumbles Amid SEBI Proposal—But Is Panic Justified? BSE shares plunged 20% after SEBI’s February 24 consultation paper raised concerns over trading volumes. At issue is SEBI’s plan to change how open interest is calculated in index derivatives, shifting to a delta-based method to reduce systemic risks. But fears may be overblown—SEBI’s own data shows that in 89% of cases last November, the proposed limits wouldn’t have been breached. Additionally, SEBI’s move to restrict derivatives to broader indices aims to prevent manipulation, but exchanges could tweak index compositions to comply. With single-stock derivatives also facing new limits, analysts believe only low-liquidity stocks will be affected. After four days of declines, BSE shares rebounded 2%, signaling investors are reassessing the panic. SEBI’s ‘Mitra’ Helps Investors Recover Forgotten Mutual Funds Millions of old mutual fund investments remain unclaimed, particularly those opened before PAN was mandatory in 2006. SEBI’s new digital assistant, Mitra, developed by KFin Technologies and CAMS, aims to fix this. Investors can visit MFcentral.com, enter their details (beyond just PAN), and track down inactive folios. While verification remains a challenge for accounts with outdated contact details, experts see Mitra as a game-changer. “It’s a much-needed tool to consolidate scattered investments,” says Abhishek Kumar of SahajMoney. Still in beta, Mitra marks SEBI’s latest effort to safeguard investor wealth and modernize financial tracking. Adani Wilmar Expands Into Packaged Foods With ₹603 Crore Deal Adani Wilmar, known for its Fortune and Kohinoor brands, is strengthening its foothold in Indian kitchens. The company is acquiring G.D. Foods—makers of Tops ketchup and noodles—for ₹603 crore as part of its ₹1,000 crore push into packaged foods. The deal gives Adani Wilmar access to a range of processed products and a retail presence in 150,000 stores across North India. MD Angshu Mallick emphasized their commitment to scaling Tops, positioning it alongside FMCG giants like Marico, ITC, and Tata Consumer. With this acquisition, Adani Wilmar aims to turn Tops into a household staple. India’s IT Giants Face Growth Uncertainty Amid US Banking Slowdown India’s IT heavyweights—TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—are entering uncertain territory. US banks, their largest clients, are pausing tech investments due to inflation worries and trade tensions. JM Financial’s Abhishek Kumar warns, “Uncertainty has crept in… Trade war seems imminent.” Banking contributes nearly a third of revenues for these IT firms, meaning any spending cuts could hit growth. Adding to concerns, Capgemini forecasts zero organic growth this year, signaling global headwinds. Kotak analysts expect FY26 to be marginally better than FY25 but still below pre-pandemic levels, with weak discretionary spending and AI-driven pricing pressures weighing on the sector. Nasscom predicts IT revenue will cross $300 billion next year, but analysts caution that achieving this won’t be easy amid economic challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast BSE Stock Tumbles—But Is Panic Justified? | Adani Wilmar 603cr expansion deal It's Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.  India’s Steel Industry Faces Tariff Fallout India’s steel industry was on a growth path—until US tariffs disrupted global trade flows. With Washington slapping 25% tariffs on steel from Mexico and Canada and doubling duties on Chinese imports, China’s steel exports to the US have become unviable. This surplus steel now threatens to flood India, driving prices down and squeezing margins. “India becomes the natural target for Chinese steel at the worst possible time,” warns Karan Pahuja of ISSDA. While some see opportunity—like Abhyuday Jindal of Jindal Stainless, who notes that Indian exports to the US may gain—others worry that surplus steel from Korea and Japan could also hit domestic markets. The industry is now looking to the Indian government for protective measures. BSE Stock Tumbles Amid SEBI Proposal—But Is Panic Justified? BSE shares plunged 20% after SEBI’s February 24 consultation paper raised concerns over trading volumes. At issue is SEBI’s plan to change how open interest is calculated in index derivatives, shifting to a delta-based method to reduce systemic risks. But fears may be overblown—SEBI’s own data shows that in 89% of cases last November, the proposed limits wouldn’t have been breached. Additionally, SEBI’s move to restrict derivatives to broader indices aims to prevent manipulation, but exchanges could tweak index compositions to comply. With single-stock derivatives also facing new limits, analysts believe only low-liquidity stocks will be affected. After four days of declines, BSE shares rebounded 2%, signaling investors are reassessing the panic. SEBI’s ‘Mitra’ Helps Investors Recover Forgotten Mutual Funds Millions of old mutual fund investments remain unclaimed, particularly those opened before PAN was mandatory in 2006. SEBI’s new digital assistant, Mitra, developed by KFin Technologies and CAMS, aims to fix this. Investors can visit MFcentral.com, enter their details (beyond just PAN), and track down inactive folios. While verification remains a challenge for accounts with outdated contact details, experts see Mitra as a game-changer. “It’s a much-needed tool to consolidate scattered investments,” says Abhishek Kumar of SahajMoney. Still in beta, Mitra marks SEBI’s latest effort to safeguard investor wealth and modernize financial tracking. Adani Wilmar Expands Into Packaged Foods With ₹603 Crore Deal Adani Wilmar, known for its Fortune and Kohinoor brands, is strengthening its foothold in Indian kitchens. The company is acquiring G.D. Foods—makers of Tops ketchup and noodles—for ₹603 crore as part of its ₹1,000 crore push into packaged foods. The deal gives Adani Wilmar access to a range of processed products and a retail presence in 150,000 stores across North India. MD Angshu Mallick emphasized their commitment to scaling Tops, positioning it alongside FMCG giants like Marico, ITC, and Tata Consumer. With this acquisition, Adani Wilmar aims to turn Tops into a household staple. India’s IT Giants Face Growth Uncertainty Amid US Banking Slowdown India’s IT heavyweights—TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—are entering uncertain territory. US banks, their largest clients, are pausing tech investments due to inflation worries and trade tensions. JM Financial’s Abhishek Kumar warns, “Uncertainty has crept in… Trade war seems imminent.” Banking contributes nearly a third of revenues for these IT firms, meaning any spending cuts could hit growth. Adding to concerns, Capgemini forecasts zero organic growth this year, signaling global headwinds. Kotak analysts expect FY26 to be marginally better than FY25 but still below pre-pandemic levels, with weak discretionary spending and AI-driven pricing pressures weighing on the sector. Nasscom predicts IT revenue will cross $300 billion next year, but analysts caution that achieving this won’t be easy amid economic challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

India’s Steel Industry Faces Tariff Fallout

India’s steel industry was on a growth path—until US tariffs disrupted global trade flows. With Washington slapping 25% tariffs on steel from Mexico and Canada and doubling duties on Chinese imports, China’s steel exports to the US have become unviable. This surplus steel now threatens to flood India, driving prices down and squeezing margins. “India becomes the natural target for Chinese steel at the worst possible time,” warns Karan Pahuja of ISSDA. While some see opportunity—like Abhyuday Jindal of Jindal Stainless, who notes that Indian exports to the US may gain—others worry that surplus steel from Korea and Japan could also hit domestic markets. The industry is now looking to the Indian government for protective measures.

BSE Stock Tumbles Amid SEBI Proposal—But Is Panic Justified?

BSE shares plunged 20% after SEBI’s February 24 consultation paper raised concerns over trading volumes. At issue is SEBI’s plan to change how open interest is calculated in index derivatives, shifting to a delta-based method to reduce systemic risks. But fears may be overblown—SEBI’s own data shows that in 89% of cases last November, the proposed limits wouldn’t have been breached. Additionally, SEBI’s move to restrict derivatives to broader indices aims to prevent manipulation, but exchanges could tweak index compositions to comply. With single-stock derivatives also facing new limits, analysts believe only low-liquidity stocks will be affected. After four days of declines, BSE shares rebounded 2%, signaling investors are reassessing the panic.

SEBI’s ‘Mitra’ Helps Investors Recover Forgotten Mutual Funds

Millions of old mutual fund investments remain unclaimed, particularly those opened before PAN was mandatory in 2006. SEBI’s new digital assistant, Mitra, developed by KFin Technologies and CAMS, aims to fix this. Investors can visit MFcentral.com, enter their details (beyond just PAN), and track down inactive folios. While verification remains a challenge for accounts with outdated contact details, experts see Mitra as a game-changer. “It’s a much-needed tool to consolidate scattered investments,” says Abhishek Kumar of SahajMoney. Still in beta, Mitra marks SEBI’s latest effort to safeguard investor wealth and modernize financial tracking.

Adani Wilmar Expands Into Packaged Foods With ₹603 Crore Deal

Adani Wilmar, known for its Fortune and Kohinoor brands, is strengthening its foothold in Indian kitchens. The company is acquiring G.D. Foods—makers of Tops ketchup and noodles—for ₹603 crore as part of its ₹1,000 crore push into packaged foods. The deal gives Adani Wilmar access to a range of processed products and a retail presence in 150,000 stores across North India. MD Angshu Mallick emphasized their commitment to scaling Tops, positioning it alongside FMCG giants like Marico, ITC, and Tata Consumer. With this acquisition, Adani Wilmar aims to turn Tops into a household staple.

India’s IT Giants Face Growth Uncertainty Amid US Banking Slowdown

India’s IT heavyweights—TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra—are entering uncertain territory. US banks, their largest clients, are pausing tech investments due to inflation worries and trade tensions. JM Financial’s Abhishek Kumar warns, “Uncertainty has crept in… Trade war seems imminent.” Banking contributes nearly a third of revenues for these IT firms, meaning any spending cuts could hit growth. Adding to concerns, Capgemini forecasts zero organic growth this year, signaling global headwinds. Kotak analysts expect FY26 to be marginally better than FY25 but still below pre-pandemic levels, with weak discretionary spending and AI-driven pricing pressures weighing on the sector. Nasscom predicts IT revenue will cross $300 billion next year, but analysts caution that achieving this won’t be easy amid economic challenges.

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]]> 572 Paytm’s ₹611 Crore Regulatory Setback https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India’s Motor Insurance Crisis For years, third-party motor insurance in India was a predictable business, but premium rates have been frozen for nearly three years, even as claims and inflation surged. As a result, underwriting losses are mounting. While some experts call for a 20% premium hike, others argue for better provisioning. With insurers struggling and India’s “Insurance for All” vision at stake, the big question is—will regulators step in before insurers pull back? Paytm’s ₹611 Crore Regulatory Setback Once a fintech darling, Paytm now faces a regulatory storm. The Enforcement Directorate has issued a ₹611 crore FEMA violation notice, alleging improper foreign investments between 2015-2019. Paytm disputes the claims, saying it didn’t own the subsidiaries in question at the time. While its stock dipped 4%, it rebounded by close. Can Paytm navigate this crisis, or is more turbulence ahead? IDBI Bank’s $143.7 Million Legal Victory IDBI Bank won a UK court ruling over a $67 million loan default tied to former Aircel promoter C. Sivasankaran. The court deemed a “letter of comfort” legally binding, but enforcing the judgment in India could prove challenging. With potential delays from appeals and insolvency proceedings, IDBI may need to explore aggressive legal options to recover its dues. India’s Shift from Two-Wheelers to Used Cars As incomes rise, more Indians are moving from two-wheelers to cars—but many are choosing second-hand vehicles. Used car sales are booming, fueled by certified pre-owned programs and easier financing. Passenger vehicles now make up 17.7% of total vehicle sales, up from 12.9% in 2018-19. By 2028, the used car market is expected to double to $80 billion. Google & HP’s 3D Video Revolution Tired of lifeless video calls? Google and HP’s Project Starline promises hyper-realistic 3D meetings—no headsets required. Using AI, lightfield displays, and six-camera setups, it makes virtual interactions feel physical. Research shows users are more engaged and less fatigued. While scaling the tech affordably remains a challenge, Starline is redefining remote collaboration. The question is—how soon will it reach the masses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast IDBI Bank’s $143.7 Million Legal Victory | India’s Motor Insurance Crisis It's Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India’s Motor Insurance Crisis For years, third-party motor insurance in India was a predictable business, but premium rates have been frozen for nearly three years, even as claims and inflation surged. As a result, underwriting losses are mounting. While some experts call for a 20% premium hike, others argue for better provisioning. With insurers struggling and India’s “Insurance for All” vision at stake, the big question is—will regulators step in before insurers pull back? Paytm’s ₹611 Crore Regulatory Setback Once a fintech darling, Paytm now faces a regulatory storm. The Enforcement Directorate has issued a ₹611 crore FEMA violation notice, alleging improper foreign investments between 2015-2019. Paytm disputes the claims, saying it didn’t own the subsidiaries in question at the time. While its stock dipped 4%, it rebounded by close. Can Paytm navigate this crisis, or is more turbulence ahead? IDBI Bank’s $143.7 Million Legal Victory IDBI Bank won a UK court ruling over a $67 million loan default tied to former Aircel promoter C. Sivasankaran. The court deemed a “letter of comfort” legally binding, but enforcing the judgment in India could prove challenging. With potential delays from appeals and insolvency proceedings, IDBI may need to explore aggressive legal options to recover its dues. India’s Shift from Two-Wheelers to Used Cars As incomes rise, more Indians are moving from two-wheelers to cars—but many are choosing second-hand vehicles. Used car sales are booming, fueled by certified pre-owned programs and easier financing. Passenger vehicles now make up 17.7% of total vehicle sales, up from 12.9% in 2018-19. By 2028, the used car market is expected to double to $80 billion. Google & HP’s 3D Video Revolution Tired of lifeless video calls? Google and HP’s Project Starline promises hyper-realistic 3D meetings—no headsets required. Using AI, lightfield displays, and six-camera setups, it makes virtual interactions feel physical. Research shows users are more engaged and less fatigued. While scaling the tech affordably remains a challenge, Starline is redefining remote collaboration. The question is—how soon will it reach the masses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


It's Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


India’s Motor Insurance Crisis

For years, third-party motor insurance in India was a predictable business, but premium rates have been frozen for nearly three years, even as claims and inflation surged. As a result, underwriting losses are mounting. While some experts call for a 20% premium hike, others argue for better provisioning. With insurers struggling and India’s “Insurance for All” vision at stake, the big question is—will regulators step in before insurers pull back?


Paytm’s ₹611 Crore Regulatory Setback

Once a fintech darling, Paytm now faces a regulatory storm. The Enforcement Directorate has issued a ₹611 crore FEMA violation notice, alleging improper foreign investments between 2015-2019. Paytm disputes the claims, saying it didn’t own the subsidiaries in question at the time. While its stock dipped 4%, it rebounded by close. Can Paytm navigate this crisis, or is more turbulence ahead?


IDBI Bank’s $143.7 Million Legal Victory

IDBI Bank won a UK court ruling over a $67 million loan default tied to former Aircel promoter C. Sivasankaran. The court deemed a “letter of comfort” legally binding, but enforcing the judgment in India could prove challenging. With potential delays from appeals and insolvency proceedings, IDBI may need to explore aggressive legal options to recover its dues.


India’s Shift from Two-Wheelers to Used Cars

As incomes rise, more Indians are moving from two-wheelers to cars—but many are choosing second-hand vehicles. Used car sales are booming, fueled by certified pre-owned programs and easier financing. Passenger vehicles now make up 17.7% of total vehicle sales, up from 12.9% in 2018-19. By 2028, the used car market is expected to double to $80 billion.


Google & HP’s 3D Video Revolution

Tired of lifeless video calls? Google and HP’s Project Starline promises hyper-realistic 3D meetings—no headsets required. Using AI, lightfield displays, and six-camera setups, it makes virtual interactions feel physical. Research shows users are more engaged and less fatigued. While scaling the tech affordably remains a challenge, Starline is redefining remote collaboration. The question is—how soon will it reach the masses?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 489 Bitcoin vs. Gold: A Tale of Two Assets https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f Tech Leaders Push Longer Workweeks: Brin Advocates 60-Hour Grind for AI Race Google co-founder Sergey Brin is urging employees to work 60-hour weeks, believing it’s crucial for winning the race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). His stance aligns with Infosys’ Narayana Murthy, who suggested 70-hour workweeks for young Indians, and L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan, who went even further with 90-hour weeks. In an internal memo, Brin stressed that with OpenAI and Microsoft closing in, Google must double down on effort. He encouraged engineers to use the company’s AI models for coding efficiency, reinforcing the message that AI’s future won’t wait. But will employees embrace this relentless work culture? Adani Eyes U.S. Expansion Amid Legal Woes Despite bribery allegations, Adani Group is reviving plans to invest in U.S. infrastructure, including nuclear power, utilities, and an East Coast port. Founder Gautam Adani faces accusations of bribing Indian officials to secure power deals, while the U.S. SEC is investigating a $265 million fraud scheme involving his nephew, Sagar Adani. The group denies the charges and is exploring legal options. Adani has pledged $10 billion toward U.S. energy security, potentially creating 15,000 jobs, banking on Trump’s pro-energy policies. This isn’t its first U.S. venture—the group previously considered Texas petrochemical investments. However, with mounting legal scrutiny, its American ambitions face uncertainty. India’s Semiconductor Push: A Slow Climb Up the Value Chain India’s $10 billion semiconductor Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2021, signals a long-term ambition to build a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem. Semiconductor manufacturing is capital-intensive, with a single fab costing up to $20 billion. Countries like Taiwan and South Korea dominate through subsidies, tech transfers, and strategic alliances—tactics India has been slower to adopt. So far, India has focused on the assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) segment, with actual payouts totaling just $2 billion since 2023. Meanwhile, semiconductor imports have shifted away from China, with Taiwan and South Korea now supplying nearly a third of India’s chips. With the U.S. restricting tech transfers to China, India has a unique opportunity to move up the value chain. But will global players bet big on India? That remains the billion-dollar question. Bitcoin vs. Gold: One Soars, the Other Stumbles Bitcoin and gold, often compared as stores of value, are charting very different paths. Since peaking at $109,000 in January, Bitcoin has plunged 24%, while gold has climbed nearly 8%. The reason? Market sentiment. Bitcoin behaves like a speculative asset, swayed by AI spending trends, tariffs, and Trump’s unpredictable policies, which have triggered a broader market pullback. In contrast, gold benefits from central bank purchases and geopolitical instability. Analyst Eric Wallerstein predicts gold could reach $4,000 by the decade’s end. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains volatile—BlackRock estimates its annual price swings at 50%, far above gold’s 15%. As uncertainty looms, investors are opting for the stability of gold, leaving Bitcoin in pursuit of reliability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Google’s 60-Hour Sprint for AI Supremacy | Adani’s American Gamble Tech Leaders Push Longer Workweeks: Brin Advocates 60-Hour Grind for AI Race Google co-founder Sergey Brin is urging employees to work 60-hour weeks, believing it’s crucial for winning the race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). His stance aligns with Infosys’ Narayana Murthy, who suggested 70-hour workweeks for young Indians, and L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan, who went even further with 90-hour weeks. In an internal memo, Brin stressed that with OpenAI and Microsoft closing in, Google must double down on effort. He encouraged engineers to use the company’s AI models for coding efficiency, reinforcing the message that AI’s future won’t wait. But will employees embrace this relentless work culture? Adani Eyes U.S. Expansion Amid Legal Woes Despite bribery allegations, Adani Group is reviving plans to invest in U.S. infrastructure, including nuclear power, utilities, and an East Coast port. Founder Gautam Adani faces accusations of bribing Indian officials to secure power deals, while the U.S. SEC is investigating a $265 million fraud scheme involving his nephew, Sagar Adani. The group denies the charges and is exploring legal options. Adani has pledged $10 billion toward U.S. energy security, potentially creating 15,000 jobs, banking on Trump’s pro-energy policies. This isn’t its first U.S. venture—the group previously considered Texas petrochemical investments. However, with mounting legal scrutiny, its American ambitions face uncertainty. India’s Semiconductor Push: A Slow Climb Up the Value Chain India’s $10 billion semiconductor Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2021, signals a long-term ambition to build a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem. Semiconductor manufacturing is capital-intensive, with a single fab costing up to $20 billion. Countries like Taiwan and South Korea dominate through subsidies, tech transfers, and strategic alliances—tactics India has been slower to adopt. So far, India has focused on the assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) segment, with actual payouts totaling just $2 billion since 2023. Meanwhile, semiconductor imports have shifted away from China, with Taiwan and South Korea now supplying nearly a third of India’s chips. With the U.S. restricting tech transfers to China, India has a unique opportunity to move up the value chain. But will global players bet big on India? That remains the billion-dollar question. Bitcoin vs. Gold: One Soars, the Other Stumbles Bitcoin and gold, often compared as stores of value, are charting very different paths. Since peaking at $109,000 in January, Bitcoin has plunged 24%, while gold has climbed nearly 8%. The reason? Market sentiment. Bitcoin behaves like a speculative asset, swayed by AI spending trends, tariffs, and Trump’s unpredictable policies, which have triggered a broader market pullback. In contrast, gold benefits from central bank purchases and geopolitical instability. Analyst Eric Wallerstein predicts gold could reach $4,000 by the decade’s end. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains volatile—BlackRock estimates its annual price swings at 50%, far above gold’s 15%. As uncertainty looms, investors are opting for the stability of gold, leaving Bitcoin in pursuit of reliability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tech Leaders Push Longer Workweeks: Brin Advocates 60-Hour Grind for AI Race

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is urging employees to work 60-hour weeks, believing it’s crucial for winning the race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). His stance aligns with Infosys’ Narayana Murthy, who suggested 70-hour workweeks for young Indians, and L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan, who went even further with 90-hour weeks. In an internal memo, Brin stressed that with OpenAI and Microsoft closing in, Google must double down on effort. He encouraged engineers to use the company’s AI models for coding efficiency, reinforcing the message that AI’s future won’t wait. But will employees embrace this relentless work culture?

Adani Eyes U.S. Expansion Amid Legal Woes

Despite bribery allegations, Adani Group is reviving plans to invest in U.S. infrastructure, including nuclear power, utilities, and an East Coast port. Founder Gautam Adani faces accusations of bribing Indian officials to secure power deals, while the U.S. SEC is investigating a $265 million fraud scheme involving his nephew, Sagar Adani. The group denies the charges and is exploring legal options. Adani has pledged $10 billion toward U.S. energy security, potentially creating 15,000 jobs, banking on Trump’s pro-energy policies. This isn’t its first U.S. venture—the group previously considered Texas petrochemical investments. However, with mounting legal scrutiny, its American ambitions face uncertainty.

India’s Semiconductor Push: A Slow Climb Up the Value Chain

India’s $10 billion semiconductor Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2021, signals a long-term ambition to build a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem. Semiconductor manufacturing is capital-intensive, with a single fab costing up to $20 billion. Countries like Taiwan and South Korea dominate through subsidies, tech transfers, and strategic alliances—tactics India has been slower to adopt. So far, India has focused on the assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) segment, with actual payouts totaling just $2 billion since 2023. Meanwhile, semiconductor imports have shifted away from China, with Taiwan and South Korea now supplying nearly a third of India’s chips. With the U.S. restricting tech transfers to China, India has a unique opportunity to move up the value chain. But will global players bet big on India? That remains the billion-dollar question.

Bitcoin vs. Gold: One Soars, the Other Stumbles

Bitcoin and gold, often compared as stores of value, are charting very different paths. Since peaking at $109,000 in January, Bitcoin has plunged 24%, while gold has climbed nearly 8%. The reason? Market sentiment. Bitcoin behaves like a speculative asset, swayed by AI spending trends, tariffs, and Trump’s unpredictable policies, which have triggered a broader market pullback. In contrast, gold benefits from central bank purchases and geopolitical instability. Analyst Eric Wallerstein predicts gold could reach $4,000 by the decade’s end. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains volatile—BlackRock estimates its annual price swings at 50%, far above gold’s 15%. As uncertainty looms, investors are opting for the stability of gold, leaving Bitcoin in pursuit of reliability.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 523 UltraTech Cement’s foray into C&W rattles sector https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f NBFCs Get a Boost from RBI Policy Shift India’s non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are set to benefit from RBI’s decision to lower risk-weights on bank lending to NBFCs from 125% to 100% starting April 1. This makes funding cheaper and more accessible, easing liquidity constraints that had slowed bank lending to NBFCs to 6.7% in Dec 2024 (half the previous year’s rate). Key beneficiaries include M&M Financial and Cholamandalam Investment, which rely on banks for nearly 50% of their borrowings. Meanwhile, Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance (less dependent on banks) may see a smaller impact. However, asset quality remains a concern. M&M Financial’s bad loans rose to 2% in Q3FY25, pushing its stock down 3% over the past year, while Cholamandalam, with stronger financials (21.6% RoE), saw its stock rise 30%. Investors remain cautious—Cholamandalam trades at 3.9x FY26 book value, while M&M Financial lags at 1.6x. The big question: Will NBFCs pass on the cost benefits to customers, and will this policy shift be enough to revive growth? UltraTech Cement’s C&W Entry Rattles the Market UltraTech Cement’s ₹1,800 crore foray into the cables & wires (C&W) industry has triggered sharp stock declines in Polycab, KEI, Havells, RR Kabel, and Finolex Cables (5-20%). The move draws parallels with Grasim’s entry into paints, which eroded valuations of incumbents. Unlike paints (an oligopoly), C&W is fragmented, making market share gains difficult. UltraTech lacks a strong distribution network, adding to execution challenges. With existing players already expanding capacity, overcapacity risks loom. If UltraTech pursues aggressive pricing, margins could suffer. Analysts estimate UltraTech could capture 5-7% of the market by FY29 (projected industry size: ₹1.3 trillion). Interestingly, UltraTech’s own stock fell 5%, as investors question its capital allocation strategy—cement or diversification? Amazon Unveils First Quantum Computing Chip, Ocelot Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Ocelot, its first quantum computing chip, aimed at reducing error rates by 90%. This marks a key step toward practical quantum computing, a field dominated by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Microsoft recently claimed a breakthrough in quantum matter, while Google’s Willow chip tackled error correction in December. Amazon’s approach mirrors Google’s focus on superconducting quantum circuits, while Microsoft takes a different route. Ocelot is still a prototype, not a full system. While quantum computers promise massive computational power for applications like drug discovery and cybersecurity, commercial viability remains years—if not a decade—away. Analysts call this an advancement, not a breakthrough, but note that Amazon’s new method for error correction could help it catch up. Beyond hardware, Amazon is also expanding its quantum services, including its Braket cloud platform and business advisory programs. The road to quantum supremacy remains long, but Amazon is moving closer. Lodha Family Feud Intensifies Over Brand Name Manju Lodha, matriarch of the Lodha real estate empire, has intervened in the legal battle between brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha, stating that neither can claim rights over the other’s business. The dispute stems from a 2017 family agreement that split the empire. Abhishek leads Macrotech Developers (₹1.19 trillion market cap), while Abhinandan launched The House of Abhinandan Lodha after exiting the family business in 2015. Macrotech took legal action in January to prevent Abhinandan from using the Lodha name, citing brand confusion. With the next Bombay High Court hearing on March 21, the battle over legacy and business identity continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast RBI Boosts NBFC | Amazon Unveils ‘Ocelot’. NBFCs Get a Boost from RBI Policy Shift India’s non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are set to benefit from RBI’s decision to lower risk-weights on bank lending to NBFCs from 125% to 100% starting April 1. This makes funding cheaper and more accessible, easing liquidity constraints that had slowed bank lending to NBFCs to 6.7% in Dec 2024 (half the previous year’s rate). Key beneficiaries include M&M Financial and Cholamandalam Investment, which rely on banks for nearly 50% of their borrowings. Meanwhile, Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance (less dependent on banks) may see a smaller impact. However, asset quality remains a concern. M&M Financial’s bad loans rose to 2% in Q3FY25, pushing its stock down 3% over the past year, while Cholamandalam, with stronger financials (21.6% RoE), saw its stock rise 30%. Investors remain cautious—Cholamandalam trades at 3.9x FY26 book value, while M&M Financial lags at 1.6x. The big question: Will NBFCs pass on the cost benefits to customers, and will this policy shift be enough to revive growth? UltraTech Cement’s C&W Entry Rattles the Market UltraTech Cement’s ₹1,800 crore foray into the cables & wires (C&W) industry has triggered sharp stock declines in Polycab, KEI, Havells, RR Kabel, and Finolex Cables (5-20%). The move draws parallels with Grasim’s entry into paints, which eroded valuations of incumbents. Unlike paints (an oligopoly), C&W is fragmented, making market share gains difficult. UltraTech lacks a strong distribution network, adding to execution challenges. With existing players already expanding capacity, overcapacity risks loom. If UltraTech pursues aggressive pricing, margins could suffer. Analysts estimate UltraTech could capture 5-7% of the market by FY29 (projected industry size: ₹1.3 trillion). Interestingly, UltraTech’s own stock fell 5%, as investors question its capital allocation strategy—cement or diversification? Amazon Unveils First Quantum Computing Chip, Ocelot Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Ocelot, its first quantum computing chip, aimed at reducing error rates by 90%. This marks a key step toward practical quantum computing, a field dominated by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Microsoft recently claimed a breakthrough in quantum matter, while Google’s Willow chip tackled error correction in December. Amazon’s approach mirrors Google’s focus on superconducting quantum circuits, while Microsoft takes a different route. Ocelot is still a prototype, not a full system. While quantum computers promise massive computational power for applications like drug discovery and cybersecurity, commercial viability remains years—if not a decade—away. Analysts call this an advancement, not a breakthrough, but note that Amazon’s new method for error correction could help it catch up. Beyond hardware, Amazon is also expanding its quantum services, including its Braket cloud platform and business advisory programs. The road to quantum supremacy remains long, but Amazon is moving closer. Lodha Family Feud Intensifies Over Brand Name Manju Lodha, matriarch of the Lodha real estate empire, has intervened in the legal battle between brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha, stating that neither can claim rights over the other’s business. The dispute stems from a 2017 family agreement that split the empire. Abhishek leads Macrotech Developers (₹1.19 trillion market cap), while Abhinandan launched The House of Abhinandan Lodha after exiting the family business in 2015. Macrotech took legal action in January to prevent Abhinandan from using the Lodha name, citing brand confusion. With the next Bombay High Court hearing on March 21, the battle over legacy and business identity continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices NBFCs Get a Boost from RBI Policy Shift

India’s non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are set to benefit from RBI’s decision to lower risk-weights on bank lending to NBFCs from 125% to 100% starting April 1. This makes funding cheaper and more accessible, easing liquidity constraints that had slowed bank lending to NBFCs to 6.7% in Dec 2024 (half the previous year’s rate).

Key beneficiaries include M&M Financial and Cholamandalam Investment, which rely on banks for nearly 50% of their borrowings. Meanwhile, Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance (less dependent on banks) may see a smaller impact.

However, asset quality remains a concern. M&M Financial’s bad loans rose to 2% in Q3FY25, pushing its stock down 3% over the past year, while Cholamandalam, with stronger financials (21.6% RoE), saw its stock rise 30%. Investors remain cautious—Cholamandalam trades at 3.9x FY26 book value, while M&M Financial lags at 1.6x.

The big question: Will NBFCs pass on the cost benefits to customers, and will this policy shift be enough to revive growth?

UltraTech Cement’s C&W Entry Rattles the Market

UltraTech Cement’s ₹1,800 crore foray into the cables & wires (C&W) industry has triggered sharp stock declines in Polycab, KEI, Havells, RR Kabel, and Finolex Cables (5-20%).

The move draws parallels with Grasim’s entry into paints, which eroded valuations of incumbents. Unlike paints (an oligopoly), C&W is fragmented, making market share gains difficult. UltraTech lacks a strong distribution network, adding to execution challenges.

With existing players already expanding capacity, overcapacity risks loom. If UltraTech pursues aggressive pricing, margins could suffer. Analysts estimate UltraTech could capture 5-7% of the market by FY29 (projected industry size: ₹1.3 trillion).

Interestingly, UltraTech’s own stock fell 5%, as investors question its capital allocation strategy—cement or diversification?

Amazon Unveils First Quantum Computing Chip, Ocelot

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Ocelot, its first quantum computing chip, aimed at reducing error rates by 90%. This marks a key step toward practical quantum computing, a field dominated by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Microsoft recently claimed a breakthrough in quantum matter, while Google’s Willow chip tackled error correction in December. Amazon’s approach mirrors Google’s focus on superconducting quantum circuits, while Microsoft takes a different route.

Ocelot is still a prototype, not a full system. While quantum computers promise massive computational power for applications like drug discovery and cybersecurity, commercial viability remains years—if not a decade—away. Analysts call this an advancement, not a breakthrough, but note that Amazon’s new method for error correction could help it catch up.

Beyond hardware, Amazon is also expanding its quantum services, including its Braket cloud platform and business advisory programs. The road to quantum supremacy remains long, but Amazon is moving closer.

Lodha Family Feud Intensifies Over Brand Name

Manju Lodha, matriarch of the Lodha real estate empire, has intervened in the legal battle between brothers Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha, stating that neither can claim rights over the other’s business.

The dispute stems from a 2017 family agreement that split the empire. Abhishek leads Macrotech Developers (₹1.19 trillion market cap), while Abhinandan launched The House of Abhinandan Lodha after exiting the family business in 2015.

Macrotech took legal action in January to prevent Abhinandan from using the Lodha name, citing brand confusion. With the next Bombay High Court hearing on March 21, the battle over legacy and business identity continues.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 636 India’s Investment Summit Rush: Big Promises, But What’s the Reality? https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Thursday, February 27th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India is in a fierce race to attract investments, with at least 10 states holding investor summits in the past three months. Rajasthan leads with ₹35 trillion in MoUs, followed by Odisha at ₹16.73 trillion and Karnataka at ₹10.27 trillion. Even states with weaker industrial bases, like Bihar and Kerala, secured commitments worth ₹1.81 trillion and ₹1.53 trillion, respectively. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, several states pitched for global investments, contributing to India’s reported ₹20 trillion haul. The real challenge? Converting these commitments into actual investments. Even a 50% realization rate would be a success, experts say. Some states have set up tracking committees, but concerns remain that these summits merely shift investments between states rather than drawing fresh capital. Ultimately, execution—through regulatory ease, infrastructure, and political stability—will determine the success of India’s investment push. The tobacco industry is grappling with rising leaf prices, squeezing margins for cigarette makers like ITC, which saw a 211 basis-point drop in cigarette EBITDA margin in Q3 FY25. While cigarette sales remain stable, illicit trade still holds 25% of the market. Godfrey Phillips, aided by Marlboro’s rising popularity, defied trends with a 440 basis-point increase in operating profit margin to 22.6%. However, speculation of a GST hike to 40% raises concerns of a shift back to illicit trade. With the compensation cess ending in 2026, the government may adjust taxes, keeping tobacco firms on edge. India’s small-cap mutual funds are facing liquidity risks as redemption periods stretch. SEBI stress tests reveal that top funds now need over 50 days to liquidate half their portfolios, up from just 10-15 days a year ago. Larger fund sizes and rapid inflows are forcing managers to diversify into mid- and large-cap stocks. Many funds have adopted ‘soft close’ strategies to limit new inflows. Despite concerns, investor enthusiasm remains strong, but analysts caution against overexposure to small caps due to heightened market risks. Vedanta Ltd. has secured approval for its demerger into five independent companies, aiming to unlock value for investors. The restructuring, expected by Q1 FY26, includes: • Vedanta Aluminium – A global aluminum player • Vedanta Oil & Gas – India’s top private crude oil producer • Vedanta Power – A major electricity generator • Vedanta Iron & Steel – Focused on ferrous products • Vedanta Ltd. – Retaining zinc, silver, and emerging ventures Shareholders will receive stakes in each new entity. Vedanta posted strong Q3 FY24 results, with revenue up 10% YoY to ₹385.3 billion and net profit surging 76% to ₹35.5 billion. The demerger aims to streamline operations and attract sector-focused investors. India is pushing beyond generics to become a pharma innovation hub, launching a ₹5,000 crore fund under the PRIP scheme to boost R&D in drug discovery, medtech, and stem cell therapy. Expressions of interest will open in March, with bids invited in April. The government has allocated ₹4,250 crore for industrial research, offering startups up to ₹1 crore and larger firms ₹100-125 crore per project. With India’s R&D spend at just $3 billion annually—far behind the U.S. ($50-60 billion) and China ($15-20 billion)—this initiative aims to bridge the gap. The plan includes Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across seven pharma institutes, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, stem cell therapies, and antimicrobial resistance. Experts say while funding is crucial, regulatory reforms and stronger public-private collaboration will be key to India’s success in pharma innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast Vedanta’s Demerger Plan Gets Green Light | Fueling Pharma Innovation: ₹5,000 Cr Push It's Thursday, February 27th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India is in a fierce race to attract investments, with at least 10 states holding investor summits in the past three months. Rajasthan leads with ₹35 trillion in MoUs, followed by Odisha at ₹16.73 trillion and Karnataka at ₹10.27 trillion. Even states with weaker industrial bases, like Bihar and Kerala, secured commitments worth ₹1.81 trillion and ₹1.53 trillion, respectively. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, several states pitched for global investments, contributing to India’s reported ₹20 trillion haul. The real challenge? Converting these commitments into actual investments. Even a 50% realization rate would be a success, experts say. Some states have set up tracking committees, but concerns remain that these summits merely shift investments between states rather than drawing fresh capital. Ultimately, execution—through regulatory ease, infrastructure, and political stability—will determine the success of India’s investment push. The tobacco industry is grappling with rising leaf prices, squeezing margins for cigarette makers like ITC, which saw a 211 basis-point drop in cigarette EBITDA margin in Q3 FY25. While cigarette sales remain stable, illicit trade still holds 25% of the market. Godfrey Phillips, aided by Marlboro’s rising popularity, defied trends with a 440 basis-point increase in operating profit margin to 22.6%. However, speculation of a GST hike to 40% raises concerns of a shift back to illicit trade. With the compensation cess ending in 2026, the government may adjust taxes, keeping tobacco firms on edge. India’s small-cap mutual funds are facing liquidity risks as redemption periods stretch. SEBI stress tests reveal that top funds now need over 50 days to liquidate half their portfolios, up from just 10-15 days a year ago. Larger fund sizes and rapid inflows are forcing managers to diversify into mid- and large-cap stocks. Many funds have adopted ‘soft close’ strategies to limit new inflows. Despite concerns, investor enthusiasm remains strong, but analysts caution against overexposure to small caps due to heightened market risks. Vedanta Ltd. has secured approval for its demerger into five independent companies, aiming to unlock value for investors. The restructuring, expected by Q1 FY26, includes: • Vedanta Aluminium – A global aluminum player • Vedanta Oil & Gas – India’s top private crude oil producer • Vedanta Power – A major electricity generator • Vedanta Iron & Steel – Focused on ferrous products • Vedanta Ltd. – Retaining zinc, silver, and emerging ventures Shareholders will receive stakes in each new entity. Vedanta posted strong Q3 FY24 results, with revenue up 10% YoY to ₹385.3 billion and net profit surging 76% to ₹35.5 billion. The demerger aims to streamline operations and attract sector-focused investors. India is pushing beyond generics to become a pharma innovation hub, launching a ₹5,000 crore fund under the PRIP scheme to boost R&D in drug discovery, medtech, and stem cell therapy. Expressions of interest will open in March, with bids invited in April. The government has allocated ₹4,250 crore for industrial research, offering startups up to ₹1 crore and larger firms ₹100-125 crore per project. With India’s R&D spend at just $3 billion annually—far behind the U.S. ($50-60 billion) and China ($15-20 billion)—this initiative aims to bridge the gap. The plan includes Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across seven pharma institutes, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, stem cell therapies, and antimicrobial resistance. Experts say while funding is crucial, regulatory reforms and stronger public-private collaboration will be key to India’s success in pharma innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Thursday, February 27th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


India is in a fierce race to attract investments, with at least 10 states holding investor summits in the past three months. Rajasthan leads with ₹35 trillion in MoUs, followed by Odisha at ₹16.73 trillion and Karnataka at ₹10.27 trillion. Even states with weaker industrial bases, like Bihar and Kerala, secured commitments worth ₹1.81 trillion and ₹1.53 trillion, respectively. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, several states pitched for global investments, contributing to India’s reported ₹20 trillion haul. The real challenge? Converting these commitments into actual investments. Even a 50% realization rate would be a success, experts say. Some states have set up tracking committees, but concerns remain that these summits merely shift investments between states rather than drawing fresh capital. Ultimately, execution—through regulatory ease, infrastructure, and political stability—will determine the success of India’s investment push.


The tobacco industry is grappling with rising leaf prices, squeezing margins for cigarette makers like ITC, which saw a 211 basis-point drop in cigarette EBITDA margin in Q3 FY25. While cigarette sales remain stable, illicit trade still holds 25% of the market. Godfrey Phillips, aided by Marlboro’s rising popularity, defied trends with a 440 basis-point increase in operating profit margin to 22.6%. However, speculation of a GST hike to 40% raises concerns of a shift back to illicit trade. With the compensation cess ending in 2026, the government may adjust taxes, keeping tobacco firms on edge.


India’s small-cap mutual funds are facing liquidity risks as redemption periods stretch. SEBI stress tests reveal that top funds now need over 50 days to liquidate half their portfolios, up from just 10-15 days a year ago. Larger fund sizes and rapid inflows are forcing managers to diversify into mid- and large-cap stocks. Many funds have adopted ‘soft close’ strategies to limit new inflows. Despite concerns, investor enthusiasm remains strong, but analysts caution against overexposure to small caps due to heightened market risks.


Vedanta Ltd. has secured approval for its demerger into five independent companies, aiming to unlock value for investors. The restructuring, expected by Q1 FY26, includes:

• Vedanta Aluminium – A global aluminum player

• Vedanta Oil & Gas – India’s top private crude oil producer

• Vedanta Power – A major electricity generator

• Vedanta Iron & Steel – Focused on ferrous products

• Vedanta Ltd. – Retaining zinc, silver, and emerging ventures

Shareholders will receive stakes in each new entity. Vedanta posted strong Q3 FY24 results, with revenue up 10% YoY to ₹385.3 billion and net profit surging 76% to ₹35.5 billion. The demerger aims to streamline operations and attract sector-focused investors.


India is pushing beyond generics to become a pharma innovation hub, launching a ₹5,000 crore fund under the PRIP scheme to boost R&D in drug discovery, medtech, and stem cell therapy. Expressions of interest will open in March, with bids invited in April. The government has allocated ₹4,250 crore for industrial research, offering startups up to ₹1 crore and larger firms ₹100-125 crore per project. With India’s R&D spend at just $3 billion annually—far behind the U.S. ($50-60 billion) and China ($15-20 billion)—this initiative aims to bridge the gap. The plan includes Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across seven pharma institutes, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, stem cell therapies, and antimicrobial resistance. Experts say while funding is crucial, regulatory reforms and stronger public-private collaboration will be key to India’s success in pharma innovation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 698 Nvidia Investors Remain Unshaken Despite Volatility https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f CIE Automotive India Faces European Slowdown CIE Automotive India is struggling with weak European sales, which dragged down its Q4 FY24 EBITDA margin by 43 basis points to 14.2%. European revenue fell 22%, hit by a 37.5% drop in commercial vehicle sales and 10% decline in light vehicles. Cost-cutting measures have been implemented, but a turnaround is expected only in H2 2025. Meanwhile, India operations grew 2%, with a focus on high-margin businesses like AEL and Billforge. CIE holds a ₹1,000 crore order book, with 25% linked to EV components. However, the stock is down 16% in 2025, and analysts have trimmed earnings forecasts due to weak demand. Larisa Hotels Expands Post-Merger After merging with AM Hotel Kollection, Larisa Hotels is expanding into metro, tier-II, and religious tourism markets under three brands. Recent deals include a 90-room hotel in Tirupati and another in Vrindavan. With 26 properties and ₹100 crore revenue, Larisa is shifting to professional hotel management and eyeing international expansion. India’s branded hotel inventory is set to cross 300,000 rooms by 2029, driven by business travel and religious tourism. Nvidia’s Rollercoaster Start to 2025 Despite a $600 billion market wipeout in January, Nvidia has rebounded, down just 3% YTD. Retail investors remain bullish, pumping $5.7 billion into the stock this year. Traders are betting on a 9% post-earnings swing, with analysts expecting 59% profit growth and 72% revenue jump. Nvidia remains a key AI stock, reinforcing investor confidence. UPI Goes Global India’s UPI payments system is expanding internationally, allowing users to pay abroad seamlessly. Countries like UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and Nepal have integrated UPI, removing the need for forex cards or conversion charges. This move benefits both Indian travelers and foreign businesses, positioning UPI as a game-changer in global payments. Bengaluru Parents Struggle with Rising School Fees Private school fees in Bengaluru are surging 10-15% annually, with some schools hiking fees by 30%. Parents are struggling with rising tuition, textbook, and transport costs, while salary increments lag at just 2-3%. Karnataka’s Education Minister admits limited control, but parents are demanding tighter regulations to curb excessive hikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast UPI Goes Global | Bengaluru Parents Hit Breaking Point Over Skyrocketing School Fees CIE Automotive India Faces European Slowdown CIE Automotive India is struggling with weak European sales, which dragged down its Q4 FY24 EBITDA margin by 43 basis points to 14.2%. European revenue fell 22%, hit by a 37.5% drop in commercial vehicle sales and 10% decline in light vehicles. Cost-cutting measures have been implemented, but a turnaround is expected only in H2 2025. Meanwhile, India operations grew 2%, with a focus on high-margin businesses like AEL and Billforge. CIE holds a ₹1,000 crore order book, with 25% linked to EV components. However, the stock is down 16% in 2025, and analysts have trimmed earnings forecasts due to weak demand. Larisa Hotels Expands Post-Merger After merging with AM Hotel Kollection, Larisa Hotels is expanding into metro, tier-II, and religious tourism markets under three brands. Recent deals include a 90-room hotel in Tirupati and another in Vrindavan. With 26 properties and ₹100 crore revenue, Larisa is shifting to professional hotel management and eyeing international expansion. India’s branded hotel inventory is set to cross 300,000 rooms by 2029, driven by business travel and religious tourism. Nvidia’s Rollercoaster Start to 2025 Despite a $600 billion market wipeout in January, Nvidia has rebounded, down just 3% YTD. Retail investors remain bullish, pumping $5.7 billion into the stock this year. Traders are betting on a 9% post-earnings swing, with analysts expecting 59% profit growth and 72% revenue jump. Nvidia remains a key AI stock, reinforcing investor confidence. UPI Goes Global India’s UPI payments system is expanding internationally, allowing users to pay abroad seamlessly. Countries like UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and Nepal have integrated UPI, removing the need for forex cards or conversion charges. This move benefits both Indian travelers and foreign businesses, positioning UPI as a game-changer in global payments. Bengaluru Parents Struggle with Rising School Fees Private school fees in Bengaluru are surging 10-15% annually, with some schools hiking fees by 30%. Parents are struggling with rising tuition, textbook, and transport costs, while salary increments lag at just 2-3%. Karnataka’s Education Minister admits limited control, but parents are demanding tighter regulations to curb excessive hikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices CIE Automotive India Faces European Slowdown

CIE Automotive India is struggling with weak European sales, which dragged down its Q4 FY24 EBITDA margin by 43 basis points to 14.2%. European revenue fell 22%, hit by a 37.5% drop in commercial vehicle sales and 10% decline in light vehicles. Cost-cutting measures have been implemented, but a turnaround is expected only in H2 2025. Meanwhile, India operations grew 2%, with a focus on high-margin businesses like AEL and Billforge. CIE holds a ₹1,000 crore order book, with 25% linked to EV components. However, the stock is down 16% in 2025, and analysts have trimmed earnings forecasts due to weak demand.

Larisa Hotels Expands Post-Merger

After merging with AM Hotel Kollection, Larisa Hotels is expanding into metro, tier-II, and religious tourism markets under three brands. Recent deals include a 90-room hotel in Tirupati and another in Vrindavan. With 26 properties and ₹100 crore revenue, Larisa is shifting to professional hotel management and eyeing international expansion. India’s branded hotel inventory is set to cross 300,000 rooms by 2029, driven by business travel and religious tourism.

Nvidia’s Rollercoaster Start to 2025

Despite a $600 billion market wipeout in January, Nvidia has rebounded, down just 3% YTD. Retail investors remain bullish, pumping $5.7 billion into the stock this year. Traders are betting on a 9% post-earnings swing, with analysts expecting 59% profit growth and 72% revenue jump. Nvidia remains a key AI stock, reinforcing investor confidence.

UPI Goes Global

India’s UPI payments system is expanding internationally, allowing users to pay abroad seamlessly. Countries like UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and Nepal have integrated UPI, removing the need for forex cards or conversion charges. This move benefits both Indian travelers and foreign businesses, positioning UPI as a game-changer in global payments.

Bengaluru Parents Struggle with Rising School Fees

Private school fees in Bengaluru are surging 10-15% annually, with some schools hiking fees by 30%. Parents are struggling with rising tuition, textbook, and transport costs, while salary increments lag at just 2-3%. Karnataka’s Education Minister admits limited control, but parents are demanding tighter regulations to curb excessive hikes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 545 Apple’s Game Changer- $500B Investment Reshapes U.S. Tech https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f Apple’s $500 Billion U.S. Investment Apple is making its largest financial commitment, pledging over $500 billion in the U.S. over four years to boost AI, silicon engineering, software, and R&D, creating 20,000 jobs. A key project is a Houston manufacturing facility assembling AI servers, set to open in 2026. Apple is also launching a Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to advance production techniques. This move follows Donald Trump’s claim that Apple planned a major U.S. investment. With a supply chain spanning 24 silicon facilities across 12 states, Apple’s investment solidifies its role in shaping American tech innovation. Mankind Pharma’s Obesity Drug Bet Mankind Pharma is set to enter the $100 billion anti-obesity drug market, eyeing Semaglutide—the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—whose patent expires in 2026. It joins Dr. Reddy’s, Natco Pharma, and Sun Pharma in the race to launch generic GLP-1 drugs. Given the complexity of development, Indian firms, including Mankind, will likely rely on third-party collaborations while leveraging strong branding. Mankind is expanding into chronic and specialty therapies, growing its chronic segment from 20.4% in FY15 to 35.5% in FY24. As competition intensifies, the company aims to carve out a space in the lucrative weight-loss segment. Infosys-Daimler AI Deal Extension Infosys is advancing discussions to extend and expand its $3 billion contract with Daimler, originally signed in 2020, adding AI tools to enhance IT services. The deal, covering network, security, SAP, and data centers, currently generates $400 million annually for Infosys. The extension, from 2028 to 2029, aligns with Infosys CEO Salil Parekh’s strategy of securing high-value, AI-driven contracts. The company’s manufacturing sector revenue has surged from $1.3 billion in FY20 to $2.8 billion in FY24. With businesses prioritizing AI, Infosys’s early renewal signals a broader shift toward AI-powered IT services. NTPC-EDF Green Energy Partnership State-run NTPC Ltd and EDF India, a subsidiary of France’s EDF, have signed a non-binding agreement for a 50:50 joint venture in pumped storage, hydro, and renewable projects across India and neighboring countries. NTPC, India’s largest power producer, is targeting 60GW renewable capacity by 2032. The company recently listed NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) to accelerate green hydrogen, methanol, and SAF investments. In January, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation for India’s first green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh, part of a ₹1.85 trillion investment plan under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. RBI Eases Withdrawal Limits for New India Cooperative Bank The RBI has allowed depositors of New India Cooperative Bank to withdraw up to ₹25,000 per account after dissolving its board over supervisory concerns. More than 50% of depositors can now withdraw their full balances, while others can access up to ₹25,000 via branches and ATMs from February 27, 2025. The bank held ₹2,436.4 crore in deposits as of March 2024, with a declining loan book and capital adequacy ratio (9.1%) below the required 10% for two years. RBI assured depositors it is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast New India Co-op Bank Depositors Get ₹25K Access | Mankind Pharma Eyes ₹100B Anti-Obesity Drug Market Apple’s $500 Billion U.S. Investment Apple is making its largest financial commitment, pledging over $500 billion in the U.S. over four years to boost AI, silicon engineering, software, and R&D, creating 20,000 jobs. A key project is a Houston manufacturing facility assembling AI servers, set to open in 2026. Apple is also launching a Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to advance production techniques. This move follows Donald Trump’s claim that Apple planned a major U.S. investment. With a supply chain spanning 24 silicon facilities across 12 states, Apple’s investment solidifies its role in shaping American tech innovation. Mankind Pharma’s Obesity Drug Bet Mankind Pharma is set to enter the $100 billion anti-obesity drug market, eyeing Semaglutide—the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—whose patent expires in 2026. It joins Dr. Reddy’s, Natco Pharma, and Sun Pharma in the race to launch generic GLP-1 drugs. Given the complexity of development, Indian firms, including Mankind, will likely rely on third-party collaborations while leveraging strong branding. Mankind is expanding into chronic and specialty therapies, growing its chronic segment from 20.4% in FY15 to 35.5% in FY24. As competition intensifies, the company aims to carve out a space in the lucrative weight-loss segment. Infosys-Daimler AI Deal Extension Infosys is advancing discussions to extend and expand its $3 billion contract with Daimler, originally signed in 2020, adding AI tools to enhance IT services. The deal, covering network, security, SAP, and data centers, currently generates $400 million annually for Infosys. The extension, from 2028 to 2029, aligns with Infosys CEO Salil Parekh’s strategy of securing high-value, AI-driven contracts. The company’s manufacturing sector revenue has surged from $1.3 billion in FY20 to $2.8 billion in FY24. With businesses prioritizing AI, Infosys’s early renewal signals a broader shift toward AI-powered IT services. NTPC-EDF Green Energy Partnership State-run NTPC Ltd and EDF India, a subsidiary of France’s EDF, have signed a non-binding agreement for a 50:50 joint venture in pumped storage, hydro, and renewable projects across India and neighboring countries. NTPC, India’s largest power producer, is targeting 60GW renewable capacity by 2032. The company recently listed NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) to accelerate green hydrogen, methanol, and SAF investments. In January, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation for India’s first green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh, part of a ₹1.85 trillion investment plan under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. RBI Eases Withdrawal Limits for New India Cooperative Bank The RBI has allowed depositors of New India Cooperative Bank to withdraw up to ₹25,000 per account after dissolving its board over supervisory concerns. More than 50% of depositors can now withdraw their full balances, while others can access up to ₹25,000 via branches and ATMs from February 27, 2025. The bank held ₹2,436.4 crore in deposits as of March 2024, with a declining loan book and capital adequacy ratio (9.1%) below the required 10% for two years. RBI assured depositors it is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Apple’s $500 Billion U.S. Investment

Apple is making its largest financial commitment, pledging over $500 billion in the U.S. over four years to boost AI, silicon engineering, software, and R&D, creating 20,000 jobs. A key project is a Houston manufacturing facility assembling AI servers, set to open in 2026. Apple is also launching a Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to advance production techniques. This move follows Donald Trump’s claim that Apple planned a major U.S. investment. With a supply chain spanning 24 silicon facilities across 12 states, Apple’s investment solidifies its role in shaping American tech innovation.

Mankind Pharma’s Obesity Drug Bet

Mankind Pharma is set to enter the $100 billion anti-obesity drug market, eyeing Semaglutide—the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—whose patent expires in 2026. It joins Dr. Reddy’s, Natco Pharma, and Sun Pharma in the race to launch generic GLP-1 drugs. Given the complexity of development, Indian firms, including Mankind, will likely rely on third-party collaborations while leveraging strong branding. Mankind is expanding into chronic and specialty therapies, growing its chronic segment from 20.4% in FY15 to 35.5% in FY24. As competition intensifies, the company aims to carve out a space in the lucrative weight-loss segment.

Infosys-Daimler AI Deal Extension

Infosys is advancing discussions to extend and expand its $3 billion contract with Daimler, originally signed in 2020, adding AI tools to enhance IT services. The deal, covering network, security, SAP, and data centers, currently generates $400 million annually for Infosys. The extension, from 2028 to 2029, aligns with Infosys CEO Salil Parekh’s strategy of securing high-value, AI-driven contracts. The company’s manufacturing sector revenue has surged from $1.3 billion in FY20 to $2.8 billion in FY24. With businesses prioritizing AI, Infosys’s early renewal signals a broader shift toward AI-powered IT services.

NTPC-EDF Green Energy Partnership

State-run NTPC Ltd and EDF India, a subsidiary of France’s EDF, have signed a non-binding agreement for a 50:50 joint venture in pumped storage, hydro, and renewable projects across India and neighboring countries. NTPC, India’s largest power producer, is targeting 60GW renewable capacity by 2032. The company recently listed NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) to accelerate green hydrogen, methanol, and SAF investments. In January, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation for India’s first green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh, part of a ₹1.85 trillion investment plan under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

RBI Eases Withdrawal Limits for New India Cooperative Bank

The RBI has allowed depositors of New India Cooperative Bank to withdraw up to ₹25,000 per account after dissolving its board over supervisory concerns. More than 50% of depositors can now withdraw their full balances, while others can access up to ₹25,000 via branches and ATMs from February 27, 2025. The bank held ₹2,436.4 crore in deposits as of March 2024, with a declining loan book and capital adequacy ratio (9.1%) below the required 10% for two years. RBI assured depositors it is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 614 no Berkshire’s Cash Pile Soars—Will Buffett Finally Spend? https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=4Qo044_R2UAESI5f It's Monday, February 24th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. IndoBevs Bets Big on Innovation IndoBevs, the maker of Bro Code wine coolers, aims to double its revenue to ₹700 crore by FY26. The company is banking on innovation, launching a herbal liqueur, Bonga Bonga, made with 40 herbs and botanicals, along with new whisky brands. IndoBevs, which started as a distributor in 2007, now has 15 in-house brands and exports to the UAE. It’s expanding whisky offerings with Enso, a Japanese whisky bottled locally, and Wingman, a premium blended malt launching in March 2025. With India’s alcohol market growing at 3.5% annually, IndoBevs is ramping up production, eyeing 2.5 million cases in sales by FY27. Buffett’s Record Cash Pile Sparks Speculation Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway hit a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves by 2024, marking 10 straight quarters of growth. While some wonder if Buffett is struggling to find good deals, he remains patient, selling stocks like Apple amid high valuations. The firm has also paused stock buybacks, letting its cash earn billions in interest. Some see this as preparation for Greg Abel’s succession, but shareholders remain confident, hoping for a major investment. Buffett reassured investors that equities remain the firm’s priority, even as Berkshire’s publicly traded holdings dropped from $354 billion to $272 billion last year, while its private businesses gained value. Agentic AI: The Next Big Bet for Indian VCs Indian venture capitalists are betting on Agentic AI, a self-learning technology that automates tasks with minimal human input. Unlike generative AI, which needs human prompts, Agentic AI adapts independently, making it attractive for industries like healthcare and finance. Startups like Innovaccer, CoRover.ai, and Atomicwork are leading the charge, backed by investors like Accel and Peak XV. The market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion today to $47.1 billion by 2030. While concerns remain over AI errors limiting adoption, businesses are increasingly shifting budgets toward automation, making AI agents a potential game-changer in enterprise operations. Indian Bank CEO’s Bold Shift to MSMEs One month into his tenure, Indian Bank CEO Binod Kumar is refocusing the lender’s strategy—expanding MSME loans while scaling back personal lending. He aims to increase MSME loans from 17% to 20% of the bank’s ₹5.2 trillion loan book in the next 2-3 years, boosting overall yield, which stood at 8.92% in Q3. While agriculture and retail loans have traditionally dominated, MSME loan growth picked up to 8.2% in Q3 from 7% a year earlier, while personal loan growth plunged 14%. The bank is prioritizing home and auto loans, with auto lending surging 48% YoY. Analysts see this as a smart risk-management move, reflected in Indian Bank’s improved net NPA ratio of 0.21%. Kumar projects 11-13% credit growth in FY25, with a continued push toward high-yielding MSME loans. India’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions India is well-positioned to lead in green hydrogen, but high production costs remain a challenge. Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, says round-the-clock renewable power is key to making hydrogen competitive. With costs currently at $5/kg, adoption has been slow, despite government incentives. However, Gentari sees massive potential, given India’s abundant renewable resources and policy support. The company is developing 200 kilotonnes per annum of green hydrogen projects and holds a stake in AM Green, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. With 6 GW of renewable energy capacity in India, Gentari is also setting up a 650 MW round-the-clock green power project to support ammonia production. As costs drop, India’s hydrogen economy could take off, reshaping industries like steel, refining, and shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0000 full Mint - HT Smartcast India’s Green Hydrogen Push - The Race to Lower Costs | Indian Bank’s New Chief Eyes MSMEs for Growth It's Monday, February 24th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. IndoBevs Bets Big on Innovation IndoBevs, the maker of Bro Code wine coolers, aims to double its revenue to ₹700 crore by FY26. The company is banking on innovation, launching a herbal liqueur, Bonga Bonga, made with 40 herbs and botanicals, along with new whisky brands. IndoBevs, which started as a distributor in 2007, now has 15 in-house brands and exports to the UAE. It’s expanding whisky offerings with Enso, a Japanese whisky bottled locally, and Wingman, a premium blended malt launching in March 2025. With India’s alcohol market growing at 3.5% annually, IndoBevs is ramping up production, eyeing 2.5 million cases in sales by FY27. Buffett’s Record Cash Pile Sparks Speculation Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway hit a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves by 2024, marking 10 straight quarters of growth. While some wonder if Buffett is struggling to find good deals, he remains patient, selling stocks like Apple amid high valuations. The firm has also paused stock buybacks, letting its cash earn billions in interest. Some see this as preparation for Greg Abel’s succession, but shareholders remain confident, hoping for a major investment. Buffett reassured investors that equities remain the firm’s priority, even as Berkshire’s publicly traded holdings dropped from $354 billion to $272 billion last year, while its private businesses gained value. Agentic AI: The Next Big Bet for Indian VCs Indian venture capitalists are betting on Agentic AI, a self-learning technology that automates tasks with minimal human input. Unlike generative AI, which needs human prompts, Agentic AI adapts independently, making it attractive for industries like healthcare and finance. Startups like Innovaccer, CoRover.ai, and Atomicwork are leading the charge, backed by investors like Accel and Peak XV. The market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion today to $47.1 billion by 2030. While concerns remain over AI errors limiting adoption, businesses are increasingly shifting budgets toward automation, making AI agents a potential game-changer in enterprise operations. Indian Bank CEO’s Bold Shift to MSMEs One month into his tenure, Indian Bank CEO Binod Kumar is refocusing the lender’s strategy—expanding MSME loans while scaling back personal lending. He aims to increase MSME loans from 17% to 20% of the bank’s ₹5.2 trillion loan book in the next 2-3 years, boosting overall yield, which stood at 8.92% in Q3. While agriculture and retail loans have traditionally dominated, MSME loan growth picked up to 8.2% in Q3 from 7% a year earlier, while personal loan growth plunged 14%. The bank is prioritizing home and auto loans, with auto lending surging 48% YoY. Analysts see this as a smart risk-management move, reflected in Indian Bank’s improved net NPA ratio of 0.21%. Kumar projects 11-13% credit growth in FY25, with a continued push toward high-yielding MSME loans. India’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions India is well-positioned to lead in green hydrogen, but high production costs remain a challenge. Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, says round-the-clock renewable power is key to making hydrogen competitive. With costs currently at $5/kg, adoption has been slow, despite government incentives. However, Gentari sees massive potential, given India’s abundant renewable resources and policy support. The company is developing 200 kilotonnes per annum of green hydrogen projects and holds a stake in AM Green, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. With 6 GW of renewable energy capacity in India, Gentari is also setting up a 650 MW round-the-clock green power project to support ammonia production. As costs drop, India’s hydrogen economy could take off, reshaping industries like steel, refining, and shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Monday, February 24th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

IndoBevs Bets Big on Innovation

IndoBevs, the maker of Bro Code wine coolers, aims to double its revenue to ₹700 crore by FY26. The company is banking on innovation, launching a herbal liqueur, Bonga Bonga, made with 40 herbs and botanicals, along with new whisky brands. IndoBevs, which started as a distributor in 2007, now has 15 in-house brands and exports to the UAE. It’s expanding whisky offerings with Enso, a Japanese whisky bottled locally, and Wingman, a premium blended malt launching in March 2025. With India’s alcohol market growing at 3.5% annually, IndoBevs is ramping up production, eyeing 2.5 million cases in sales by FY27.

Buffett’s Record Cash Pile Sparks Speculation

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway hit a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves by 2024, marking 10 straight quarters of growth. While some wonder if Buffett is struggling to find good deals, he remains patient, selling stocks like Apple amid high valuations. The firm has also paused stock buybacks, letting its cash earn billions in interest. Some see this as preparation for Greg Abel’s succession, but shareholders remain confident, hoping for a major investment. Buffett reassured investors that equities remain the firm’s priority, even as Berkshire’s publicly traded holdings dropped from $354 billion to $272 billion last year, while its private businesses gained value.

Agentic AI: The Next Big Bet for Indian VCs

Indian venture capitalists are betting on Agentic AI, a self-learning technology that automates tasks with minimal human input. Unlike generative AI, which needs human prompts, Agentic AI adapts independently, making it attractive for industries like healthcare and finance. Startups like Innovaccer, CoRover.ai, and Atomicwork are leading the charge, backed by investors like Accel and Peak XV. The market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion today to $47.1 billion by 2030. While concerns remain over AI errors limiting adoption, businesses are increasingly shifting budgets toward automation, making AI agents a potential game-changer in enterprise operations.

Indian Bank CEO’s Bold Shift to MSMEs

One month into his tenure, Indian Bank CEO Binod Kumar is refocusing the lender’s strategy—expanding MSME loans while scaling back personal lending. He aims to increase MSME loans from 17% to 20% of the bank’s ₹5.2 trillion loan book in the next 2-3 years, boosting overall yield, which stood at 8.92% in Q3. While agriculture and retail loans have traditionally dominated, MSME loan growth picked up to 8.2% in Q3 from 7% a year earlier, while personal loan growth plunged 14%. The bank is prioritizing home and auto loans, with auto lending surging 48% YoY. Analysts see this as a smart risk-management move, reflected in Indian Bank’s improved net NPA ratio of 0.21%. Kumar projects 11-13% credit growth in FY25, with a continued push toward high-yielding MSME loans.

India’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions

India is well-positioned to lead in green hydrogen, but high production costs remain a challenge. Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, says round-the-clock renewable power is key to making hydrogen competitive. With costs currently at $5/kg, adoption has been slow, despite government incentives. However, Gentari sees massive potential, given India’s abundant renewable resources and policy support. The company is developing 200 kilotonnes per annum of green hydrogen projects and holds a stake in AM Green, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. With 6 GW of renewable energy capacity in India, Gentari is also setting up a 650 MW round-the-clock green power project to support ammonia production. As costs drop, India’s hydrogen economy could take off, reshaping industries like steel, refining, and shipping.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 613 Your pension could be stuck in limbo. Here’s how to prevent it https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prKj5U2oKXAcUM7sQAMT5MF&si=ZGI7zCRMqfpQVgZC Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, February 21st, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Your daily cup of coffee is set to become more expensive. Global coffee prices have surged due to supply shortages in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Brazil faces its worst drought in over four decades, severely impacting coffee yields. Similarly, Vietnam has been hit by typhoons and erratic rainfall, disrupting harvests and lowering bean quality. These challenges have pushed Robusta futures to a record high of $5,849 per tonne, with Arabica prices rising about 70% in 2024. In India, coffee consumption is steadily rising, making price hikes more impactful than ever, reports Suneera Tandon. Specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai have already increased prices and may implement further hikes. Packaged coffee brands are also feeling the squeeze, with the Indian Coffee Roasters’ Association announcing a ₹200 per kilo hike in powdered Arabica and Robusta. Major brands like Nestlé, which sells Nescafé, acknowledge the impact of skyrocketing coffee costs, with coffee prices up 75% year-on-year. While some chains strive to avoid passing the burden onto consumers, the sustained rise in global coffee prices makes it challenging to absorb the increased costs. As a result, your morning brew is likely to see a price increase in the near future. Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, (MayoRANA) a breakthrough quantum chip that could bring industrial-scale quantum computing within years, not decades. Built with an innovative material called a topoconductor, this chip is designed to scale up to a million qubits on a single processor—potentially transforming computing as we know it. Unlike classical computers, which process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers leverage qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This enables them to perform complex calculations exponentially faster, with potential applications in AI, financial modeling, drug discovery, and climate research. Microsoft’s approach relies on Majorana particles, a unique type of theoretical particle that could make quantum computing more stable and scalable. While tech giants like Google and IBM have also made strides in quantum computing, Microsoft’s announcement signals that commercial quantum applications could be closer than anticipated. With this breakthrough, the race to harness quantum power is accelerating, bringing us one step closer to solving problems beyond the reach of today’s computers. When switching jobs, you probably focus on transferring or withdrawing your provident fund (PF), assuming all your savings are covered. But what if part of your money was stuck—unclaimed and inaccessible? That’s what happened to Mr. A. While he successfully withdrew his PF, his Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) contributions remained unmerged. Without linking past EPS accounts, his withdrawal request was denied. Unlike PF, EPS doesn’t transfer automatically—it requires an extra step that many employees overlook. Here’s the rule: Employers contribute 8.33% of your salary to EPS. If you’ve worked with both private PF trusts (exempt) and EPFO-managed (non-exempt) employers, your pension funds could be scattered. To withdraw or claim benefits, EPS must be transferred and merged. If you’ve worked for less than 10 years, you can withdraw your EPS—but only if it’s properly linked. Cross the 10-year mark, and withdrawal isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll need a pension scheme certificate to claim benefits at retirement. To avoid complications, always transfer EPS when changing jobs. Staying proactive ensures you don’t lose your hard-earned pension savings! Read Aparajita Sharma’s detailed report on this in today’s Mint Money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Feb 2025 04:23:00 -0000 Your pension could be stuck in limbo | Falling Rupee, Rising Profits— “IT’s” Sweet Spot | Quantum’s Tipping Point? Microsoft Thinks So full Mint - HT Smartcast Coffee prices are surging as supply shortages hit Brazil and Vietnam, pushing up costs for consumers. Meanwhile, Google plans its first retail stores in India to expand its Pixel market share. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 quantum chip could accelerate industrial-scale quantum computing. The Indian IT sector is benefiting from the rupee’s record low of 87.57/USD, boosting export revenues. However, uncertainties remain. In personal finance, unmerged EPS contributions can block withdrawals, making it crucial to transfer EPS when switching jobs. Failing to do so may lead to pension complications. Stay informed to navigate these shifts in business, tech, and finance! Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, February 21st, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Your daily cup of coffee is set to become more expensive. Global coffee prices have surged due to supply shortages in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Brazil faces its worst drought in over four decades, severely impacting coffee yields. Similarly, Vietnam has been hit by typhoons and erratic rainfall, disrupting harvests and lowering bean quality. These challenges have pushed Robusta futures to a record high of $5,849 per tonne, with Arabica prices rising about 70% in 2024. In India, coffee consumption is steadily rising, making price hikes more impactful than ever, reports Suneera Tandon. Specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai have already increased prices and may implement further hikes. Packaged coffee brands are also feeling the squeeze, with the Indian Coffee Roasters’ Association announcing a ₹200 per kilo hike in powdered Arabica and Robusta. Major brands like Nestlé, which sells Nescafé, acknowledge the impact of skyrocketing coffee costs, with coffee prices up 75% year-on-year. While some chains strive to avoid passing the burden onto consumers, the sustained rise in global coffee prices makes it challenging to absorb the increased costs. As a result, your morning brew is likely to see a price increase in the near future. Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, (MayoRANA) a breakthrough quantum chip that could bring industrial-scale quantum computing within years, not decades. Built with an innovative material called a topoconductor, this chip is designed to scale up to a million qubits on a single processor—potentially transforming computing as we know it. Unlike classical computers, which process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers leverage qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This enables them to perform complex calculations exponentially faster, with potential applications in AI, financial modeling, drug discovery, and climate research. Microsoft’s approach relies on Majorana particles, a unique type of theoretical particle that could make quantum computing more stable and scalable. While tech giants like Google and IBM have also made strides in quantum computing, Microsoft’s announcement signals that commercial quantum applications could be closer than anticipated. With this breakthrough, the race to harness quantum power is accelerating, bringing us one step closer to solving problems beyond the reach of today’s computers. When switching jobs, you probably focus on transferring or withdrawing your provident fund (PF), assuming all your savings are covered. But what if part of your money was stuck—unclaimed and inaccessible? That’s what happened to Mr. A. While he successfully withdrew his PF, his Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) contributions remained unmerged. Without linking past EPS accounts, his withdrawal request was denied. Unlike PF, EPS doesn’t transfer automatically—it requires an extra step that many employees overlook. Here’s the rule: Employers contribute 8.33% of your salary to EPS. If you’ve worked with both private PF trusts (exempt) and EPFO-managed (non-exempt) employers, your pension funds could be scattered. To withdraw or claim benefits, EPS must be transferred and merged. If you’ve worked for less than 10 years, you can withdraw your EPS—but only if it’s properly linked. Cross the 10-year mark, and withdrawal isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll need a pension scheme certificate to claim benefits at retirement. To avoid complications, always transfer EPS when changing jobs. Staying proactive ensures you don’t lose your hard-earned pension savings! Read Aparajita Sharma’s detailed report on this in today’s Mint Money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business.


It's Friday, February 21st, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


Your daily cup of coffee is set to become more expensive. Global coffee prices have surged due to supply shortages in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Brazil faces its worst drought in over four decades, severely impacting coffee yields. Similarly, Vietnam has been hit by typhoons and erratic rainfall, disrupting harvests and lowering bean quality. These challenges have pushed Robusta futures to a record high of $5,849 per tonne, with Arabica prices rising about 70% in 2024. In India, coffee consumption is steadily rising, making price hikes more impactful than ever, reports Suneera Tandon. Specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai have already increased prices and may implement further hikes. Packaged coffee brands are also feeling the squeeze, with the Indian Coffee Roasters’ Association announcing a ₹200 per kilo hike in powdered Arabica and Robusta. Major brands like Nestlé, which sells Nescafé, acknowledge the impact of skyrocketing coffee costs, with coffee prices up 75% year-on-year. While some chains strive to avoid passing the burden onto consumers, the sustained rise in global coffee prices makes it challenging to absorb the increased costs. As a result, your morning brew is likely to see a price increase in the near future.


Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, (MayoRANA) a breakthrough quantum chip that could bring industrial-scale quantum computing within years, not decades. Built with an innovative material called a topoconductor, this chip is designed to scale up to a million qubits on a single processor—potentially transforming computing as we know it. Unlike classical computers, which process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers leverage qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This enables them to perform complex calculations exponentially faster, with potential applications in AI, financial modeling, drug discovery, and climate research. Microsoft’s approach relies on Majorana particles, a unique type of theoretical particle that could make quantum computing more stable and scalable. While tech giants like Google and IBM have also made strides in quantum computing, Microsoft’s announcement signals that commercial quantum applications could be closer than anticipated. With this breakthrough, the race to harness quantum power is accelerating, bringing us one step closer to solving problems beyond the reach of today’s computers.

When switching jobs, you probably focus on transferring or withdrawing your provident fund (PF), assuming all your savings are covered. But what if part of your money was stuck—unclaimed and inaccessible? That’s what happened to Mr. A. While he successfully withdrew his PF, his Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) contributions remained unmerged. Without linking past EPS accounts, his withdrawal request was denied. Unlike PF, EPS doesn’t transfer automatically—it requires an extra step that many employees overlook. Here’s the rule: Employers contribute 8.33% of your salary to EPS. If you’ve worked with both private PF trusts (exempt) and EPFO-managed (non-exempt) employers, your pension funds could be scattered. To withdraw or claim benefits, EPS must be transferred and merged. If you’ve worked for less than 10 years, you can withdraw your EPS—but only if it’s properly linked. Cross the 10-year mark, and withdrawal isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll need a pension scheme certificate to claim benefits at retirement. To avoid complications, always transfer EPS when changing jobs. Staying proactive ensures you don’t lose your hard-earned pension savings! Read Aparajita Sharma’s detailed report on this in today’s Mint Money.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 534 Key takeaways from the RBI’s monetary policy committee conference https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/key-takeaways-from-the-rbis-monetary-policy-committee-conference-mvEXfHbb Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Air traffic is booming in India. Manufacturers are actively seeking deals at the Aero India exhibition, highlighting the country's potential. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to hold its annual general meeting in June in New Delhi, a testament to India's growing market influence.   According to Airbus India's Remi Maillard, “ India is now the third-largest air market globally, after the U.S. and China”. Boeing's Salil Gupte echoed this sentiment, calling India the most dynamic and exciting market. The civil aviation ministry claims a meteoric rise in the sector, with traffic growth projected over seven percent annually until 2043.   Although rail travel remains popular, it's often slow and chaotic. Boeing estimates that converting just two percent of daily train users to air travel could double the air market, given the current low per capita air travel of 0.12 compared to 0.46 in China. Going by these statistics, the Indian market will need at least 2,835 new aircraft in the next 20 years, and all major players like Indigo, Airbus and Air India are gunning for the Next big leap in the airline sector.    Ola Electric will need to consistently sell 50,000 units every month in order to achieve profitability, says founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal.  To be sure, Ola Electric has faced considerable criticism due to widespread customer complaints about poor service centre experience. In September last year, Mint reported that Ola’s service centre backlogs had risen to 80,000 customer complaints per month. Speaking to an analyst, Aggarwal claimed that the company had recaptured its market leadership in terms of volumes with 25,000 units sold in January. The company has consistently been under pressure, with Ola Electric’s shares losing about 2% on Friday alone to settle at ₹70 apiece on the BSE—only 8% off its all-time low.  The company has suffered a quarterly net loss of ₹564 crore in the last quarter of 2024. Aggarwal, however, claimed that the company “maintained a steady industry leadership with a market share of over 25%.”     The recent deportation of 104 illegal migrants to India by the US government has sparked controversy in the Indian Parliament. In the midst of this debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States from February 12 to 13, where he will engage in discussions with President Donald Trump, as quoted by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Earlier, on January 27, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a conversation focused on immigration matters and the importance of India purchasing more American-made security equipment. The United States is India's largest trading partner, with two-way trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023/24, and India recording a trade surplus of $32 billion. As a strategic partner of the United States, India will aim to enhance trade relations, simplify access to skilled worker visas and review import tariffs on over 30 items, including luxury cars, and solar cells, potentially boosting imports from the US amid rising global trade tensions. 4) The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee (MPC) on Friday cut the key policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% to support growth. At a post-policy press conference, new RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra spoke on a range of issues such as implementation of the proposed guidelines on liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), working with the government on various recommendations, geopolitical developments, and the cost of policy actions on regulated entities.  It is not only about stability, the implementation of LCR norms comes at a cost. It requires a strict impact analysis and enough time to be implemented.  While the Rupee depreciation puts pressure on inflation, a higher worry is how global uncertainties would pan out.  5)  Religare Enterprises Ltd chairperson Rashmi Saluja informed shareholders at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday that she was not retiring as a director, a move that stumped shareholders and proxy advisory firms. However, a third of Religare's investors told Mint that they had voted against Saluja’s reappointment as director. Manendra Singh, partner at law firm Economic Laws Practice revealed that "Under the Companies Act, 2013, the chairman can regulate the manner in which voting is conducted, but cannot take away the voting rights of its members.” The Burman family, which owns a little over 25% of Religare, got approvals from all regulatory agencies and offered to buy up to 26% shares from minority investors via an open offer that opened on 27 January. Following the hearing on Gaekwad's appeal, the Supreme Court said the Burmans' open offer cannot be closed until the Sebi decides on the legality of Gaekwad's competing offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Key takeaways from the RBI’s monetary policy committee conference full 755 Mint - HT Smartcast Religare Enterprises Ltd chairperson Rashmi Saluja stumped shareholders at AGM , Aero India 2025, airplane makers look to score big Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Air traffic is booming in India. Manufacturers are actively seeking deals at the Aero India exhibition, highlighting the country's potential. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to hold its annual general meeting in June in New Delhi, a testament to India's growing market influence.   According to Airbus India's Remi Maillard, “ India is now the third-largest air market globally, after the U.S. and China”. Boeing's Salil Gupte echoed this sentiment, calling India the most dynamic and exciting market. The civil aviation ministry claims a meteoric rise in the sector, with traffic growth projected over seven percent annually until 2043.   Although rail travel remains popular, it's often slow and chaotic. Boeing estimates that converting just two percent of daily train users to air travel could double the air market, given the current low per capita air travel of 0.12 compared to 0.46 in China. Going by these statistics, the Indian market will need at least 2,835 new aircraft in the next 20 years, and all major players like Indigo, Airbus and Air India are gunning for the Next big leap in the airline sector.    Ola Electric will need to consistently sell 50,000 units every month in order to achieve profitability, says founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal.  To be sure, Ola Electric has faced considerable criticism due to widespread customer complaints about poor service centre experience. In September last year, Mint reported that Ola’s service centre backlogs had risen to 80,000 customer complaints per month. Speaking to an analyst, Aggarwal claimed that the company had recaptured its market leadership in terms of volumes with 25,000 units sold in January. The company has consistently been under pressure, with Ola Electric’s shares losing about 2% on Friday alone to settle at ₹70 apiece on the BSE—only 8% off its all-time low.  The company has suffered a quarterly net loss of ₹564 crore in the last quarter of 2024. Aggarwal, however, claimed that the company “maintained a steady industry leadership with a market share of over 25%.”     The recent deportation of 104 illegal migrants to India by the US government has sparked controversy in the Indian Parliament. In the midst of this debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States from February 12 to 13, where he will engage in discussions with President Donald Trump, as quoted by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Earlier, on January 27, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a conversation focused on immigration matters and the importance of India purchasing more American-made security equipment. The United States is India's largest trading partner, with two-way trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023/24, and India recording a trade surplus of $32 billion. As a strategic partner of the United States, India will aim to enhance trade relations, simplify access to skilled worker visas and review import tariffs on over 30 items, including luxury cars, and solar cells, potentially boosting imports from the US amid rising global trade tensions. 4) The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee (MPC) on Friday cut the key policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% to support growth. At a post-policy press conference, new RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra spoke on a range of issues such as implementation of the proposed guidelines on liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), working with the government on various recommendations, geopolitical developments, and the cost of policy actions on regulated entities.  It is not only about stability, the implementation of LCR norms comes at a cost. It requires a strict impact analysis and enough time to be implemented.  While the Rupee depreciation puts pressure on inflation, a higher worry is how global uncertainties would pan out.  5)  Religare Enterprises Ltd chairperson Rashmi Saluja informed shareholders at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday that she was not retiring as a director, a move that stumped shareholders and proxy advisory firms. However, a third of Religare's investors told Mint that they had voted against Saluja’s reappointment as director. Manendra Singh, partner at law firm Economic Laws Practice revealed that "Under the Companies Act, 2013, the chairman can regulate the manner in which voting is conducted, but cannot take away the voting rights of its members.” The Burman family, which owns a little over 25% of Religare, got approvals from all regulatory agencies and offered to buy up to 26% shares from minority investors via an open offer that opened on 27 January. Following the hearing on Gaekwad's appeal, the Supreme Court said the Burmans' open offer cannot be closed until the Sebi decides on the legality of Gaekwad's competing offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Air traffic is booming in India. Manufacturers are actively seeking deals at the Aero India exhibition, highlighting the country's potential. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to hold its annual general meeting in June in New Delhi, a testament to India's growing market influence.


 

According to Airbus India's Remi Maillard, “ India is now the third-largest air market globally, after the U.S. and China”. Boeing's Salil Gupte echoed this sentiment, calling India the most dynamic and exciting market. The civil aviation ministry claims a meteoric rise in the sector, with traffic growth projected over seven percent annually until 2043.


 

Although rail travel remains popular, it's often slow and chaotic. Boeing estimates that converting just two percent of daily train users to air travel could double the air market, given the current low per capita air travel of 0.12 compared to 0.46 in China.

Going by these statistics, the Indian market will need at least 2,835 new aircraft in the next 20 years, and all major players like Indigo, Airbus and Air India are gunning for the Next big leap in the airline sector. 


  1.  

Ola Electric will need to consistently sell 50,000 units every month in order to achieve profitability, says founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal. 

To be sure, Ola Electric has faced considerable criticism due to widespread customer complaints about poor service centre experience. In September last year, Mint reported that Ola’s service centre backlogs had risen to 80,000 customer complaints per month.

Speaking to an analyst, Aggarwal claimed that the company had recaptured its market leadership in terms of volumes with 25,000 units sold in January.

The company has consistently been under pressure, with Ola Electric’s shares losing about 2% on Friday alone to settle at ₹70 apiece on the BSE—only 8% off its all-time low.  The company has suffered a quarterly net loss of ₹564 crore in the last quarter of 2024.

Aggarwal, however, claimed that the company “maintained a steady industry leadership with a market share of over 25%.”


 


  1.  

The recent deportation of 104 illegal migrants to India by the US government has sparked controversy in the Indian Parliament. In the midst of this debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States from February 12 to 13, where he will engage in discussions with President Donald Trump, as quoted by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Earlier, on January 27, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a conversation focused on immigration matters and the importance of India purchasing more American-made security equipment.

The United States is India's largest trading partner, with two-way trade surpassing $118 billion in 2023/24, and India recording a trade surplus of $32 billion.

As a strategic partner of the United States, India will aim to enhance trade relations, simplify access to skilled worker visas and review import tariffs on over 30 items, including luxury cars, and solar cells, potentially boosting imports from the US amid rising global trade tensions.

4)

The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee (MPC) on Friday cut the key policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% to support growth. At a post-policy press conference, new RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra spoke on a range of issues such as implementation of the proposed guidelines on liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), working with the government on various recommendations, geopolitical developments, and the cost of policy actions on regulated entities. 

It is not only about stability, the implementation of LCR norms comes at a cost. It requires a strict impact analysis and enough time to be implemented. 

While the Rupee depreciation puts pressure on inflation, a higher worry is how global uncertainties would pan out. 

5) 

Religare Enterprises Ltd chairperson Rashmi Saluja informed shareholders at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday that she was not retiring as a director, a move that stumped shareholders and proxy advisory firms. However, a third of Religare's investors told Mint that they had voted against Saluja’s reappointment as director. Manendra Singh, partner at law firm Economic Laws Practice revealed that "Under the Companies Act, 2013, the chairman can regulate the manner in which voting is conducted, but cannot take away the voting rights of its members.” The Burman family, which owns a little over 25% of Religare, got approvals from all regulatory agencies and offered to buy up to 26% shares from minority investors via an open offer that opened on 27 January. Following the hearing on Gaekwad's appeal, the Supreme Court said the Burmans' open offer cannot be closed until the Sebi decides on the legality of Gaekwad's competing offer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 444 no SBI chairman on Q3 results https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-chairman-on-q3-results-UqWz1L_k Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, February 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   State Bank of India (SBI) posted a net profit of ₹16,891 crore for Q3 FY25, an 84.3% year-on-year surge. Chairman C.S. Setty highlighted a pickup in private capital expenditure, though sectors like steel remain sluggish, report Anshika Kayastha and Gopika Gopakumar. Despite these headwinds, SBI's corporate loan pipeline remains solid, with ₹4.8 trillion in sanctioned or under-process loans as of December-end. Setty is confident about meeting the bank’s 14-16% credit growth target for FY25, supported by budget measures aimed at boosting disposable income and consumption, which are expected to fuel credit demand.   Global private equity giant Blackstone is exploring a potential sale of its majority stake in Bengaluru-based digital learning platform Simplilearn, report Mansi Verma and Sneha Shah. This comes more than three years after its initial $250 million investment. A Simplilearn spokesperson, however, has denied any plans for an exit or the appointment of investment bankers.Since acquiring over 60% of Simplilearn in 2021, Blackstone has seen the company recalibrate its strategy amid a broader slowdown in the edtech sector. Once focused on rapid expansion, Simplilearn has pivoted toward profitability, cutting its FY24 Ebitda losses by 75% by discontinuing select programs and doubling down on core offerings. This shift reflects the broader challenges in edtech, where reduced funding and the return of physical classes post-COVID have pushed many firms to prioritize sustainability over aggressive growth.   Employees expecting bigger pay hikes this year may be in for a disappointment, as salary increments are set to be lower than last year’s, which were already the smallest in nearly a decade. Consultants and firms Devina Sengupta and Samiksha Goel spoke to cited slower corporate earnings and economic growth as key reasons for tighter budgets and more conservative raises. According to Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2023-24, the average salary hike stood at 9.3% in 2024, down from 9.7% in 2023. The outlook for 2025 is even softer, with Mercer forecasting an average increase of 9.4%, a sharp decline from the peak of 10.6% in 2022. With companies shifting focus from aggressive hiring to retaining top talent, some are offering unique perks—such as exclusive credit cards—to keep key employees engaged. However, only a select group of high performers is likely to see significant pay bumps.   In a high-profile insider trading case, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred two former IT executives, Keyur Maniar and Ramit Chaudhri, from the securities market for a year. Maniar, a former senior vice president at Wipro, and Chaudhri, previously with Infosys, were found guilty of trading on confidential information about Infosys’ $1.89 billion deal with Vanguard before its public announcement on July 14, 2020. Sebi’s investigation revealed that Chaudhri shared details of the deal with Maniar, who then made ₹2.6 crore in profits from trading Infosys shares. The regulator’s surveillance system flagged unusual trading activity around the announcement, leading to a probe that confirmed the misuse of unpublished price-sensitive information. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood  take a deep dive into the Sebi probe and how the case unfolded. Recent hits like Singham Again, Animal, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reveal a trend where most box office earnings are concentrated in the first week of release. Over 60% of a film's total revenue often comes within its opening days, signalling a shift towards shorter theatre runs. Lata Jha speaks with Rahul Puri of Mukta Arts, who notes that films now face immense pressure to perform immediately, especially with the quick transition to streaming platforms. For movies relying on word-of-mouth to gain traction, this presents a unique challenge. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis India emphasizes that while the opening weekend is key, sustaining positive reviews is crucial for a film’s long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 SBI chairman on Q3 results full 754 Mint - HT Smartcast India Inc’s increment woes; Two friends, two rivals, a mega deal and insider trading Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, February 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   State Bank of India (SBI) posted a net profit of ₹16,891 crore for Q3 FY25, an 84.3% year-on-year surge. Chairman C.S. Setty highlighted a pickup in private capital expenditure, though sectors like steel remain sluggish, report Anshika Kayastha and Gopika Gopakumar. Despite these headwinds, SBI's corporate loan pipeline remains solid, with ₹4.8 trillion in sanctioned or under-process loans as of December-end. Setty is confident about meeting the bank’s 14-16% credit growth target for FY25, supported by budget measures aimed at boosting disposable income and consumption, which are expected to fuel credit demand.   Global private equity giant Blackstone is exploring a potential sale of its majority stake in Bengaluru-based digital learning platform Simplilearn, report Mansi Verma and Sneha Shah. This comes more than three years after its initial $250 million investment. A Simplilearn spokesperson, however, has denied any plans for an exit or the appointment of investment bankers.Since acquiring over 60% of Simplilearn in 2021, Blackstone has seen the company recalibrate its strategy amid a broader slowdown in the edtech sector. Once focused on rapid expansion, Simplilearn has pivoted toward profitability, cutting its FY24 Ebitda losses by 75% by discontinuing select programs and doubling down on core offerings. This shift reflects the broader challenges in edtech, where reduced funding and the return of physical classes post-COVID have pushed many firms to prioritize sustainability over aggressive growth.   Employees expecting bigger pay hikes this year may be in for a disappointment, as salary increments are set to be lower than last year’s, which were already the smallest in nearly a decade. Consultants and firms Devina Sengupta and Samiksha Goel spoke to cited slower corporate earnings and economic growth as key reasons for tighter budgets and more conservative raises. According to Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2023-24, the average salary hike stood at 9.3% in 2024, down from 9.7% in 2023. The outlook for 2025 is even softer, with Mercer forecasting an average increase of 9.4%, a sharp decline from the peak of 10.6% in 2022. With companies shifting focus from aggressive hiring to retaining top talent, some are offering unique perks—such as exclusive credit cards—to keep key employees engaged. However, only a select group of high performers is likely to see significant pay bumps.   In a high-profile insider trading case, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred two former IT executives, Keyur Maniar and Ramit Chaudhri, from the securities market for a year. Maniar, a former senior vice president at Wipro, and Chaudhri, previously with Infosys, were found guilty of trading on confidential information about Infosys’ $1.89 billion deal with Vanguard before its public announcement on July 14, 2020. Sebi’s investigation revealed that Chaudhri shared details of the deal with Maniar, who then made ₹2.6 crore in profits from trading Infosys shares. The regulator’s surveillance system flagged unusual trading activity around the announcement, leading to a probe that confirmed the misuse of unpublished price-sensitive information. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood  take a deep dive into the Sebi probe and how the case unfolded. Recent hits like Singham Again, Animal, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reveal a trend where most box office earnings are concentrated in the first week of release. Over 60% of a film's total revenue often comes within its opening days, signalling a shift towards shorter theatre runs. Lata Jha speaks with Rahul Puri of Mukta Arts, who notes that films now face immense pressure to perform immediately, especially with the quick transition to streaming platforms. For movies relying on word-of-mouth to gain traction, this presents a unique challenge. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis India emphasizes that while the opening weekend is key, sustaining positive reviews is crucial for a film’s long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, February 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

State Bank of India (SBI) posted a net profit of ₹16,891 crore for Q3 FY25, an 84.3% year-on-year surge. Chairman C.S. Setty highlighted a pickup in private capital expenditure, though sectors like steel remain sluggish, report Anshika Kayastha and Gopika Gopakumar. Despite these headwinds, SBI's corporate loan pipeline remains solid, with ₹4.8 trillion in sanctioned or under-process loans as of December-end. Setty is confident about meeting the bank’s 14-16% credit growth target for FY25, supported by budget measures aimed at boosting disposable income and consumption, which are expected to fuel credit demand.


 

Global private equity giant Blackstone is exploring a potential sale of its majority stake in Bengaluru-based digital learning platform Simplilearn, report Mansi Verma and Sneha Shah. This comes more than three years after its initial $250 million investment. A Simplilearn spokesperson, however, has denied any plans for an exit or the appointment of investment bankers.Since acquiring over 60% of Simplilearn in 2021, Blackstone has seen the company recalibrate its strategy amid a broader slowdown in the edtech sector. Once focused on rapid expansion, Simplilearn has pivoted toward profitability, cutting its FY24 Ebitda losses by 75% by discontinuing select programs and doubling down on core offerings. This shift reflects the broader challenges in edtech, where reduced funding and the return of physical classes post-COVID have pushed many firms to prioritize sustainability over aggressive growth.


 

Employees expecting bigger pay hikes this year may be in for a disappointment, as salary increments are set to be lower than last year’s, which were already the smallest in nearly a decade. Consultants and firms Devina Sengupta and Samiksha Goel spoke to cited slower corporate earnings and economic growth as key reasons for tighter budgets and more conservative raises. According to Aon's Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2023-24, the average salary hike stood at 9.3% in 2024, down from 9.7% in 2023. The outlook for 2025 is even softer, with Mercer forecasting an average increase of 9.4%, a sharp decline from the peak of 10.6% in 2022. With companies shifting focus from aggressive hiring to retaining top talent, some are offering unique perks—such as exclusive credit cards—to keep key employees engaged. However, only a select group of high performers is likely to see significant pay bumps.


 

In a high-profile insider trading case, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred two former IT executives, Keyur Maniar and Ramit Chaudhri, from the securities market for a year. Maniar, a former senior vice president at Wipro, and Chaudhri, previously with Infosys, were found guilty of trading on confidential information about Infosys’ $1.89 billion deal with Vanguard before its public announcement on July 14, 2020. Sebi’s investigation revealed that Chaudhri shared details of the deal with Maniar, who then made ₹2.6 crore in profits from trading Infosys shares. The regulator’s surveillance system flagged unusual trading activity around the announcement, leading to a probe that confirmed the misuse of unpublished price-sensitive information. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood  take a deep dive into the Sebi probe and how the case unfolded.

Recent hits like Singham Again, Animal, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reveal a trend where most box office earnings are concentrated in the first week of release. Over 60% of a film's total revenue often comes within its opening days, signalling a shift towards shorter theatre runs. Lata Jha speaks with Rahul Puri of Mukta Arts, who notes that films now face immense pressure to perform immediately, especially with the quick transition to streaming platforms. For movies relying on word-of-mouth to gain traction, this presents a unique challenge. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis India emphasizes that while the opening weekend is key, sustaining positive reviews is crucial for a film’s long-term success.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 398 no An interview with Sam Altman https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/an-interview-with-sam-altman-sYbzhsPt Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 6, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   In January, Prime Minister Modi introduced Mission Mausam, a significant climate forecasting initiative, receiving ₹1,329 crore in funding for FY26. But is this sufficient? Soumya Gupta explores. The mission, overseen by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to enhance India's climate change predictions and track extreme weather with new technologies, including AI-enhanced models and advanced satellites. Initially funded with ₹2,000 crore, its budget includes ₹671 crore for FY25 and the remainder for FY26. India's climate strategy extends beyond Mission Mausam. The Ministry has integrated four programs into its PRITHVI scheme, focusing on climate research in critical regions like the Arctic and Himalayas, with a budget exceeding ₹2,500 crore through FY26. Overall, India plans to allocate over ₹50,000 crore in FY25 and nearly ₹62,000 crore in FY26 to combat climate change. Despite these investments, they account for just 1.2% of the total budget for FY26, far from the ₹57 trillion pledged through 2030 for comprehensive climate change measures.   OpenAI CEO Sam Altman advocates a full-stack approach for India's AI development, contrasting with his 2023 stance where he deemed competing in AI training as "hopeless." He discussed this shift in an interview with Hindustan Times’ editor-in-chief R Sukumar on Wednesday before reiterating his opinion at a discussion with IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw the same morning. Altman points to a drastic cost reduction in AI, which now surpasses the rate predicted by Moore's Law, stating costs drop tenfold annually. This change supports more expansive AI initiatives, including foundational models which underpin technologies like ChatGPT. At his discussion with Altman later, IT minister Vaishnaw emphasized India's comprehensive strategy, from chip design to application development, drawing parallels to India's cost-effective space missions. He noted promising developments from six Indian entities poised to unveil foundational AI models within the year. In discussions with tech leaders and investors, Altman remarked on the immediate potential of AI to enhance scientific research and development significantly but tempered expectations about its current capabilities, such as curing diseases. India's services sector saw its slowest growth in over two years this January, with the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reading dropping to 56.5 from December's 59.3, according to S&P Global. Despite this slowdown, the sector remains in expansion territory, above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction. Rhik Kundu reports that the dip is attributed to decreased customer numbers and a softer rise in sales and output. HSBC's chief India economist, Pranjul Bhandari, noted that both business activity and new business indices have not been this low since November 2022. However, the new export business has provided some cushion, reflecting a rebound in services exports as of December 2024. Simultaneously, India's manufacturing sector showed improvement, with the Manufacturing PMI climbing to a six-month high of 57.7 in January, driven by an increase in new export orders.   India is currently experiencing two rare events: the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, occurring once every 144 years, and an unexpectedly cheerful middle class following the Union Budget 2025-26. This year’s budget has infused ₹1 trillion into the economy via tax rebates to middle-income earners, marking a significant shift in fiscal policy that could ripple through the economy and the equity markets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced substantial tax breaks that not only increase disposable income but are set to initiate a beneficial economic cycle through the Marginal Propensity to Consume. For instance, an extra ₹50,000 in a taxpayer's pocket could lead to additional spending of ₹30,000, benefiting various sectors of the economy. This increased consumption is projected to generate an economic impact of ₹2.5 trillion, based on an MPC of 0.7, indicating a significant boost to economic activity. Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how equity investors can ride the post-budget wave in today’s Long Story.    Two former SpiceJet pilots have petitioned the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Delhi to declare the airline bankrupt over ₹3 crore in unpaid dues. The pilots, Sameer Breja and Karan Gupta, claim SpiceJet didn't pay salary arrears and other dues since 2020, exacerbated by the pandemic-induced salary cuts and new payment terms tied to operational benchmarks not initially agreed upon. SpiceJet dismisses the claims as "baseless and frivolous," stating that settlements are complete pending documentation from the pilots, Dhirendra Kumar and Daanish Anand report. The NCLT suggested the plea might be a pressure tactic and adjourned the case without issuing a notice to the airline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 An interview with Sam Altman full 753 Mint - HT Smartcast s India investing enough in the Climate Change fight? Equity investors ride the post-budget wave Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 6, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   In January, Prime Minister Modi introduced Mission Mausam, a significant climate forecasting initiative, receiving ₹1,329 crore in funding for FY26. But is this sufficient? Soumya Gupta explores. The mission, overseen by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to enhance India's climate change predictions and track extreme weather with new technologies, including AI-enhanced models and advanced satellites. Initially funded with ₹2,000 crore, its budget includes ₹671 crore for FY25 and the remainder for FY26. India's climate strategy extends beyond Mission Mausam. The Ministry has integrated four programs into its PRITHVI scheme, focusing on climate research in critical regions like the Arctic and Himalayas, with a budget exceeding ₹2,500 crore through FY26. Overall, India plans to allocate over ₹50,000 crore in FY25 and nearly ₹62,000 crore in FY26 to combat climate change. Despite these investments, they account for just 1.2% of the total budget for FY26, far from the ₹57 trillion pledged through 2030 for comprehensive climate change measures.   OpenAI CEO Sam Altman advocates a full-stack approach for India's AI development, contrasting with his 2023 stance where he deemed competing in AI training as "hopeless." He discussed this shift in an interview with Hindustan Times’ editor-in-chief R Sukumar on Wednesday before reiterating his opinion at a discussion with IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw the same morning. Altman points to a drastic cost reduction in AI, which now surpasses the rate predicted by Moore's Law, stating costs drop tenfold annually. This change supports more expansive AI initiatives, including foundational models which underpin technologies like ChatGPT. At his discussion with Altman later, IT minister Vaishnaw emphasized India's comprehensive strategy, from chip design to application development, drawing parallels to India's cost-effective space missions. He noted promising developments from six Indian entities poised to unveil foundational AI models within the year. In discussions with tech leaders and investors, Altman remarked on the immediate potential of AI to enhance scientific research and development significantly but tempered expectations about its current capabilities, such as curing diseases. India's services sector saw its slowest growth in over two years this January, with the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reading dropping to 56.5 from December's 59.3, according to S&P Global. Despite this slowdown, the sector remains in expansion territory, above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction. Rhik Kundu reports that the dip is attributed to decreased customer numbers and a softer rise in sales and output. HSBC's chief India economist, Pranjul Bhandari, noted that both business activity and new business indices have not been this low since November 2022. However, the new export business has provided some cushion, reflecting a rebound in services exports as of December 2024. Simultaneously, India's manufacturing sector showed improvement, with the Manufacturing PMI climbing to a six-month high of 57.7 in January, driven by an increase in new export orders.   India is currently experiencing two rare events: the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, occurring once every 144 years, and an unexpectedly cheerful middle class following the Union Budget 2025-26. This year’s budget has infused ₹1 trillion into the economy via tax rebates to middle-income earners, marking a significant shift in fiscal policy that could ripple through the economy and the equity markets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced substantial tax breaks that not only increase disposable income but are set to initiate a beneficial economic cycle through the Marginal Propensity to Consume. For instance, an extra ₹50,000 in a taxpayer's pocket could lead to additional spending of ₹30,000, benefiting various sectors of the economy. This increased consumption is projected to generate an economic impact of ₹2.5 trillion, based on an MPC of 0.7, indicating a significant boost to economic activity. Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how equity investors can ride the post-budget wave in today’s Long Story.    Two former SpiceJet pilots have petitioned the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Delhi to declare the airline bankrupt over ₹3 crore in unpaid dues. The pilots, Sameer Breja and Karan Gupta, claim SpiceJet didn't pay salary arrears and other dues since 2020, exacerbated by the pandemic-induced salary cuts and new payment terms tied to operational benchmarks not initially agreed upon. SpiceJet dismisses the claims as "baseless and frivolous," stating that settlements are complete pending documentation from the pilots, Dhirendra Kumar and Daanish Anand report. The NCLT suggested the plea might be a pressure tactic and adjourned the case without issuing a notice to the airline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 6, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

In January, Prime Minister Modi introduced Mission Mausam, a significant climate forecasting initiative, receiving ₹1,329 crore in funding for FY26. But is this sufficient? Soumya Gupta explores. The mission, overseen by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to enhance India's climate change predictions and track extreme weather with new technologies, including AI-enhanced models and advanced satellites. Initially funded with ₹2,000 crore, its budget includes ₹671 crore for FY25 and the remainder for FY26. India's climate strategy extends beyond Mission Mausam. The Ministry has integrated four programs into its PRITHVI scheme, focusing on climate research in critical regions like the Arctic and Himalayas, with a budget exceeding ₹2,500 crore through FY26. Overall, India plans to allocate over ₹50,000 crore in FY25 and nearly ₹62,000 crore in FY26 to combat climate change. Despite these investments, they account for just 1.2% of the total budget for FY26, far from the ₹57 trillion pledged through 2030 for comprehensive climate change measures.


 

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman advocates a full-stack approach for India's AI development, contrasting with his 2023 stance where he deemed competing in AI training as "hopeless." He discussed this shift in an interview with Hindustan Times’ editor-in-chief R Sukumar on Wednesday before reiterating his opinion at a discussion with IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw the same morning. Altman points to a drastic cost reduction in AI, which now surpasses the rate predicted by Moore's Law, stating costs drop tenfold annually. This change supports more expansive AI initiatives, including foundational models which underpin technologies like ChatGPT. At his discussion with Altman later, IT minister Vaishnaw emphasized India's comprehensive strategy, from chip design to application development, drawing parallels to India's cost-effective space missions. He noted promising developments from six Indian entities poised to unveil foundational AI models within the year. In discussions with tech leaders and investors, Altman remarked on the immediate potential of AI to enhance scientific research and development significantly but tempered expectations about its current capabilities, such as curing diseases.

India's services sector saw its slowest growth in over two years this January, with the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reading dropping to 56.5 from December's 59.3, according to S&P Global. Despite this slowdown, the sector remains in expansion territory, above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction. Rhik Kundu reports that the dip is attributed to decreased customer numbers and a softer rise in sales and output. HSBC's chief India economist, Pranjul Bhandari, noted that both business activity and new business indices have not been this low since November 2022. However, the new export business has provided some cushion, reflecting a rebound in services exports as of December 2024. Simultaneously, India's manufacturing sector showed improvement, with the Manufacturing PMI climbing to a six-month high of 57.7 in January, driven by an increase in new export orders.


 

India is currently experiencing two rare events: the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, occurring once every 144 years, and an unexpectedly cheerful middle class following the Union Budget 2025-26. This year’s budget has infused ₹1 trillion into the economy via tax rebates to middle-income earners, marking a significant shift in fiscal policy that could ripple through the economy and the equity markets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced substantial tax breaks that not only increase disposable income but are set to initiate a beneficial economic cycle through the Marginal Propensity to Consume. For instance, an extra ₹50,000 in a taxpayer's pocket could lead to additional spending of ₹30,000, benefiting various sectors of the economy. This increased consumption is projected to generate an economic impact of ₹2.5 trillion, based on an MPC of 0.7, indicating a significant boost to economic activity. Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how equity investors can ride the post-budget wave in today’s Long Story. 


 

Two former SpiceJet pilots have petitioned the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Delhi to declare the airline bankrupt over ₹3 crore in unpaid dues. The pilots, Sameer Breja and Karan Gupta, claim SpiceJet didn't pay salary arrears and other dues since 2020, exacerbated by the pandemic-induced salary cuts and new payment terms tied to operational benchmarks not initially agreed upon. SpiceJet dismisses the claims as "baseless and frivolous," stating that settlements are complete pending documentation from the pilots, Dhirendra Kumar and Daanish Anand report. The NCLT suggested the plea might be a pressure tactic and adjourned the case without issuing a notice to the airline.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 459 no Can Rashmi Saluja hang on to Religare? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/can-rashmi-saluja-hang-on-to-religare-aYN84H3J Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, February 5, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Despite India's solid track record of fiscal discipline and a narrowing fiscal deficit, international rating agencies like Moody's and Fitch remain cautious about upgrading India's sovereign rating. Currently, Fitch Ratings assigns India a 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, which is the lowest investment grade, suggesting good credit quality but vulnerability to adverse conditions. Similarly, Moody's and S&P rate India at 'Baa3' and 'BBB-', respectively. This contrasts with China's 'A+' and the US's 'AA+', indicating higher credit qualities and lower default risks. The hesitation to upgrade India’s rating affects the cost of borrowing and investment attractiveness, crucial for economic growth, N Madhavan reports. Critics, including UNCTAD, argue that international rating agencies may be biased against emerging economies. Despite significant growth, robust financial systems, and strong foreign investor interest, India's rating has remained unchanged for two decades.    India is set to develop its own AI chip, aiming to enhance its technological independence and global competitiveness. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-Dac) and the National e-Governance Division, focuses on creating a chip using the open-source 'Risc-V' architecture. The goal is to support academic researchers and startups in building foundational AI models, Shouvik Das reports. High-level discussions have involved not only Indian experts but also US Big Tech firms and Taiwan's TSMC, to craft a chip fully made in India by 2027, leveraging local talents and resources. This move is part of a broader strategy under the India AI Mission, aiming to establish a domestic chip production capability that reduces reliance on foreign technology, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted by US restrictions. Rashmi Saluja's tenure as chairperson at Religare Enterprises may be nearing an end amid a contentious takeover battle. Despite efforts to stabilize the company post-bankruptcy, about one-third of its investors have voted against her reappointment ahead of the upcoming AGM on February 7th. The Delhi High Court has also declined Saluja any interim relief to halt the AGM proceedings. Investors, including the Burman family who owns 25.1% of Religare, have expressed a desire for new management to steer the company towards growth. With 31.85% of shareholders, including financial firms and mutual funds, voting against her, Saluja’s reappointment seems unlikely unless there is an unexpectedly high turnout in her favour from smaller shareholders.    The National Medical Commission (NMC) is gearing up to elevate India's postgraduate medical education to global standards by forming Specialty Expert Committees (SEC) for each speciality. Priyanka Sharma spoke to Dr B. Srinivas, secretary at the NMC, who said that these committees will develop model curriculums, assess educational institutions, and address academic needs, aiming to standardize and improve the quality of speciality courses across the country. This initiative, highlighted in a letter to medical colleges reviewed by Mint, also involves these expert committees in handling student grievances and other speciality-specific requirements. The NMC has called for nominations of faculty members ready to join this effort, with a deadline for submissions set for within 15 days. The move comes as part of a broader effort to address the disproportionate doctor-patient ratios in India by boosting both graduate and postgraduate medical manpower.   Wingify, started in 2009 in Delhi, has grown significantly, boasting a global customer base and robust revenue growth, reaching ₹288.61 crore in 2023-24. This bootstrapped startup's success caught private equity firm Everstone's eye, especially Wingify’s self-sufficient growth and strong technology base. This acquisition aligns with Everstone’s focus on technology-driven firms, following a similar investment in MediaMint, Shadma Shaikh reports. The deal not only marks a significant phase for Wingify but also stands out as a successful bootstrapped venture in the SaaS space, showcasing that startups can achieve substantial growth without external funding. This event is seen as a boost for the Indian SaaS ecosystem, reflecting a mature, profitable company making a significant impact globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Can Rashmi Saluja hang on to Religare? full 752 Mint - HT Smartcast India’s sovereign bond ratings; Wingify’s bootstrapped success Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, February 5, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Despite India's solid track record of fiscal discipline and a narrowing fiscal deficit, international rating agencies like Moody's and Fitch remain cautious about upgrading India's sovereign rating. Currently, Fitch Ratings assigns India a 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, which is the lowest investment grade, suggesting good credit quality but vulnerability to adverse conditions. Similarly, Moody's and S&P rate India at 'Baa3' and 'BBB-', respectively. This contrasts with China's 'A+' and the US's 'AA+', indicating higher credit qualities and lower default risks. The hesitation to upgrade India’s rating affects the cost of borrowing and investment attractiveness, crucial for economic growth, N Madhavan reports. Critics, including UNCTAD, argue that international rating agencies may be biased against emerging economies. Despite significant growth, robust financial systems, and strong foreign investor interest, India's rating has remained unchanged for two decades.    India is set to develop its own AI chip, aiming to enhance its technological independence and global competitiveness. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-Dac) and the National e-Governance Division, focuses on creating a chip using the open-source 'Risc-V' architecture. The goal is to support academic researchers and startups in building foundational AI models, Shouvik Das reports. High-level discussions have involved not only Indian experts but also US Big Tech firms and Taiwan's TSMC, to craft a chip fully made in India by 2027, leveraging local talents and resources. This move is part of a broader strategy under the India AI Mission, aiming to establish a domestic chip production capability that reduces reliance on foreign technology, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted by US restrictions. Rashmi Saluja's tenure as chairperson at Religare Enterprises may be nearing an end amid a contentious takeover battle. Despite efforts to stabilize the company post-bankruptcy, about one-third of its investors have voted against her reappointment ahead of the upcoming AGM on February 7th. The Delhi High Court has also declined Saluja any interim relief to halt the AGM proceedings. Investors, including the Burman family who owns 25.1% of Religare, have expressed a desire for new management to steer the company towards growth. With 31.85% of shareholders, including financial firms and mutual funds, voting against her, Saluja’s reappointment seems unlikely unless there is an unexpectedly high turnout in her favour from smaller shareholders.    The National Medical Commission (NMC) is gearing up to elevate India's postgraduate medical education to global standards by forming Specialty Expert Committees (SEC) for each speciality. Priyanka Sharma spoke to Dr B. Srinivas, secretary at the NMC, who said that these committees will develop model curriculums, assess educational institutions, and address academic needs, aiming to standardize and improve the quality of speciality courses across the country. This initiative, highlighted in a letter to medical colleges reviewed by Mint, also involves these expert committees in handling student grievances and other speciality-specific requirements. The NMC has called for nominations of faculty members ready to join this effort, with a deadline for submissions set for within 15 days. The move comes as part of a broader effort to address the disproportionate doctor-patient ratios in India by boosting both graduate and postgraduate medical manpower.   Wingify, started in 2009 in Delhi, has grown significantly, boasting a global customer base and robust revenue growth, reaching ₹288.61 crore in 2023-24. This bootstrapped startup's success caught private equity firm Everstone's eye, especially Wingify’s self-sufficient growth and strong technology base. This acquisition aligns with Everstone’s focus on technology-driven firms, following a similar investment in MediaMint, Shadma Shaikh reports. The deal not only marks a significant phase for Wingify but also stands out as a successful bootstrapped venture in the SaaS space, showcasing that startups can achieve substantial growth without external funding. This event is seen as a boost for the Indian SaaS ecosystem, reflecting a mature, profitable company making a significant impact globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, February 5, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Despite India's solid track record of fiscal discipline and a narrowing fiscal deficit, international rating agencies like Moody's and Fitch remain cautious about upgrading India's sovereign rating. Currently, Fitch Ratings assigns India a 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, which is the lowest investment grade, suggesting good credit quality but vulnerability to adverse conditions. Similarly, Moody's and S&P rate India at 'Baa3' and 'BBB-', respectively. This contrasts with China's 'A+' and the US's 'AA+', indicating higher credit qualities and lower default risks. The hesitation to upgrade India’s rating affects the cost of borrowing and investment attractiveness, crucial for economic growth, N Madhavan reports. Critics, including UNCTAD, argue that international rating agencies may be biased against emerging economies. Despite significant growth, robust financial systems, and strong foreign investor interest, India's rating has remained unchanged for two decades. 


 

India is set to develop its own AI chip, aiming to enhance its technological independence and global competitiveness. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-Dac) and the National e-Governance Division, focuses on creating a chip using the open-source 'Risc-V' architecture. The goal is to support academic researchers and startups in building foundational AI models, Shouvik Das reports. High-level discussions have involved not only Indian experts but also US Big Tech firms and Taiwan's TSMC, to craft a chip fully made in India by 2027, leveraging local talents and resources. This move is part of a broader strategy under the India AI Mission, aiming to establish a domestic chip production capability that reduces reliance on foreign technology, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted by US restrictions.

Rashmi Saluja's tenure as chairperson at Religare Enterprises may be nearing an end amid a contentious takeover battle. Despite efforts to stabilize the company post-bankruptcy, about one-third of its investors have voted against her reappointment ahead of the upcoming AGM on February 7th. The Delhi High Court has also declined Saluja any interim relief to halt the AGM proceedings. Investors, including the Burman family who owns 25.1% of Religare, have expressed a desire for new management to steer the company towards growth. With 31.85% of shareholders, including financial firms and mutual funds, voting against her, Saluja’s reappointment seems unlikely unless there is an unexpectedly high turnout in her favour from smaller shareholders. 


 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is gearing up to elevate India's postgraduate medical education to global standards by forming Specialty Expert Committees (SEC) for each speciality. Priyanka Sharma spoke to Dr B. Srinivas, secretary at the NMC, who said that these committees will develop model curriculums, assess educational institutions, and address academic needs, aiming to standardize and improve the quality of speciality courses across the country. This initiative, highlighted in a letter to medical colleges reviewed by Mint, also involves these expert committees in handling student grievances and other speciality-specific requirements. The NMC has called for nominations of faculty members ready to join this effort, with a deadline for submissions set for within 15 days. The move comes as part of a broader effort to address the disproportionate doctor-patient ratios in India by boosting both graduate and postgraduate medical manpower.


 

Wingify, started in 2009 in Delhi, has grown significantly, boasting a global customer base and robust revenue growth, reaching ₹288.61 crore in 2023-24. This bootstrapped startup's success caught private equity firm Everstone's eye, especially Wingify’s self-sufficient growth and strong technology base. This acquisition aligns with Everstone’s focus on technology-driven firms, following a similar investment in MediaMint, Shadma Shaikh reports. The deal not only marks a significant phase for Wingify but also stands out as a successful bootstrapped venture in the SaaS space, showcasing that startups can achieve substantial growth without external funding. This event is seen as a boost for the Indian SaaS ecosystem, reflecting a mature, profitable company making a significant impact globally.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 437 no Inside the political landscape of poll-bound Delhi https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-the-political-landscape-of-poll-bound-delhi-u4YVdl1I Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Budget has introduced several agricultural schemes to boost crop productivity and improve credit access, particularly in 100 underperforming districts. However, its real impact may be limited, as many initiatives are underfunded and rely on existing programmes. For instance, despite growing climate risks, funding for the crucial crop insurance scheme has been slashed by ₹3,600 crore, while research funding has seen only a marginal increase. The budget’s approach could yield mixed results for farm incomes. While the government has promised to procure pulses at minimum support price, the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain, given only a modest rise in the PM-AASHA scheme’s budget, which ensures farm-gate prices. At the same time, rising agricultural employment has put pressure on farm wages and productivity, adding to income stress. Sayantan Bera examines whether the Budget’s proposals can truly uplift rural India in today's Primer.   The Indian government is considering scrapping the requirement for National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval in mergers of local listed companies, aiming to streamline the process and ease the judiciary’s burden. The move, currently under discussion among multiple ministries, could significantly reshape India’s mergers and acquisitions landscape by reducing bureaucratic delays, Anirudh Laskar reports. Introduced in 2016, fast-track mergers allowed certain companies to bypass lengthy NCLT approvals, which can take up to 10 months. The proposed change would extend this streamlined approach, enabling more mergers to proceed with just regulatory and shareholder consent, eliminating the need for court intervention. While the NCLT ensures fairness in mergers, experts argue that its involvement often causes unnecessary delays, exposing companies to market volatility and potential manipulation. Removing this step could accelerate deal-making and allow the NCLT to focus on critical cases like insolvency.   India is moving to initiate formal trade discussions with the United States to secure protection against potential future tariffs. While the country avoided the initial round of tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, Indian officials are keen on negotiating a formal exemption with the US Trade Representative, Dhirendra Kumar reports. These talks will emphasize India’s role as a key trade partner, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, and leather, which are integral to US supply chains. The decision to engage follows President Donald Trump’s recent tariff moves, which have heightened global trade concerns. With a $35-billion trade surplus with the US, India managed to steer clear of the first wave of tariffs, aided by its diversified export portfolio, which includes engineering goods, jewellery, and textiles. These exports are not only critical to India’s economy but also to US businesses, reinforcing the mutual benefits of their trade relationship.   Small-town restaurants in India are undergoing a digital transformation as food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy expand their reach. To stay competitive, these eateries are adopting restaurant management software such as DotPe, UrbanPiper, and PetPooja to streamline billing, inventory, customer relations, and payroll. India’s food services market—including online orders and dining out—is poised to nearly double to $152 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by the growing popularity of food and grocery delivery platforms, which are reshaping consumption patterns in tier-II and III cities to resemble those of larger metros. Sowmya Ramasubramanian explores how the rise of food delivery services is accelerating the modernization of small-town restaurants.   Delhi’s political landscape is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks a return to state power after 27 years. Despite its dominance in Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has struggled in state polls, where Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remains a formidable force. Without a chief ministerial face, the BJP is relying on Narendra Modi’s appeal, framing the contest as a direct face-off between Modi and Kejriwal. For the AAP, this election is a fight for survival. Despite corruption scandals and key leaders behind bars, its voter base remains loyal, drawn to its free public services and infrastructure improvements in healthcare, education, and electricity. Meanwhile, Congress, once Delhi’s dominant force, is a distant third, attempting to revive its relevance with promises mirroring AAP’s welfare model. Ruhi Tewari explores the high-stakes political battle in poll-bound Delhi in today’s Long Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Inside the political landscape of poll-bound Delhi full 751 Mint - HT Smartcast Big changes for small town eateries; What the budget has in store for rural India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Budget has introduced several agricultural schemes to boost crop productivity and improve credit access, particularly in 100 underperforming districts. However, its real impact may be limited, as many initiatives are underfunded and rely on existing programmes. For instance, despite growing climate risks, funding for the crucial crop insurance scheme has been slashed by ₹3,600 crore, while research funding has seen only a marginal increase. The budget’s approach could yield mixed results for farm incomes. While the government has promised to procure pulses at minimum support price, the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain, given only a modest rise in the PM-AASHA scheme’s budget, which ensures farm-gate prices. At the same time, rising agricultural employment has put pressure on farm wages and productivity, adding to income stress. Sayantan Bera examines whether the Budget’s proposals can truly uplift rural India in today's Primer.   The Indian government is considering scrapping the requirement for National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval in mergers of local listed companies, aiming to streamline the process and ease the judiciary’s burden. The move, currently under discussion among multiple ministries, could significantly reshape India’s mergers and acquisitions landscape by reducing bureaucratic delays, Anirudh Laskar reports. Introduced in 2016, fast-track mergers allowed certain companies to bypass lengthy NCLT approvals, which can take up to 10 months. The proposed change would extend this streamlined approach, enabling more mergers to proceed with just regulatory and shareholder consent, eliminating the need for court intervention. While the NCLT ensures fairness in mergers, experts argue that its involvement often causes unnecessary delays, exposing companies to market volatility and potential manipulation. Removing this step could accelerate deal-making and allow the NCLT to focus on critical cases like insolvency.   India is moving to initiate formal trade discussions with the United States to secure protection against potential future tariffs. While the country avoided the initial round of tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, Indian officials are keen on negotiating a formal exemption with the US Trade Representative, Dhirendra Kumar reports. These talks will emphasize India’s role as a key trade partner, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, and leather, which are integral to US supply chains. The decision to engage follows President Donald Trump’s recent tariff moves, which have heightened global trade concerns. With a $35-billion trade surplus with the US, India managed to steer clear of the first wave of tariffs, aided by its diversified export portfolio, which includes engineering goods, jewellery, and textiles. These exports are not only critical to India’s economy but also to US businesses, reinforcing the mutual benefits of their trade relationship.   Small-town restaurants in India are undergoing a digital transformation as food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy expand their reach. To stay competitive, these eateries are adopting restaurant management software such as DotPe, UrbanPiper, and PetPooja to streamline billing, inventory, customer relations, and payroll. India’s food services market—including online orders and dining out—is poised to nearly double to $152 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by the growing popularity of food and grocery delivery platforms, which are reshaping consumption patterns in tier-II and III cities to resemble those of larger metros. Sowmya Ramasubramanian explores how the rise of food delivery services is accelerating the modernization of small-town restaurants.   Delhi’s political landscape is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks a return to state power after 27 years. Despite its dominance in Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has struggled in state polls, where Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remains a formidable force. Without a chief ministerial face, the BJP is relying on Narendra Modi’s appeal, framing the contest as a direct face-off between Modi and Kejriwal. For the AAP, this election is a fight for survival. Despite corruption scandals and key leaders behind bars, its voter base remains loyal, drawn to its free public services and infrastructure improvements in healthcare, education, and electricity. Meanwhile, Congress, once Delhi’s dominant force, is a distant third, attempting to revive its relevance with promises mirroring AAP’s welfare model. Ruhi Tewari explores the high-stakes political battle in poll-bound Delhi in today’s Long Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Budget has introduced several agricultural schemes to boost crop productivity and improve credit access, particularly in 100 underperforming districts. However, its real impact may be limited, as many initiatives are underfunded and rely on existing programmes. For instance, despite growing climate risks, funding for the crucial crop insurance scheme has been slashed by ₹3,600 crore, while research funding has seen only a marginal increase. The budget’s approach could yield mixed results for farm incomes. While the government has promised to procure pulses at minimum support price, the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain, given only a modest rise in the PM-AASHA scheme’s budget, which ensures farm-gate prices. At the same time, rising agricultural employment has put pressure on farm wages and productivity, adding to income stress. Sayantan Bera examines whether the Budget’s proposals can truly uplift rural India in today's Primer.


 

The Indian government is considering scrapping the requirement for National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval in mergers of local listed companies, aiming to streamline the process and ease the judiciary’s burden. The move, currently under discussion among multiple ministries, could significantly reshape India’s mergers and acquisitions landscape by reducing bureaucratic delays, Anirudh Laskar reports. Introduced in 2016, fast-track mergers allowed certain companies to bypass lengthy NCLT approvals, which can take up to 10 months. The proposed change would extend this streamlined approach, enabling more mergers to proceed with just regulatory and shareholder consent, eliminating the need for court intervention. While the NCLT ensures fairness in mergers, experts argue that its involvement often causes unnecessary delays, exposing companies to market volatility and potential manipulation. Removing this step could accelerate deal-making and allow the NCLT to focus on critical cases like insolvency.


 

India is moving to initiate formal trade discussions with the United States to secure protection against potential future tariffs. While the country avoided the initial round of tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, Indian officials are keen on negotiating a formal exemption with the US Trade Representative, Dhirendra Kumar reports. These talks will emphasize India’s role as a key trade partner, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, and leather, which are integral to US supply chains. The decision to engage follows President Donald Trump’s recent tariff moves, which have heightened global trade concerns. With a $35-billion trade surplus with the US, India managed to steer clear of the first wave of tariffs, aided by its diversified export portfolio, which includes engineering goods, jewellery, and textiles. These exports are not only critical to India’s economy but also to US businesses, reinforcing the mutual benefits of their trade relationship.


 

Small-town restaurants in India are undergoing a digital transformation as food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy expand their reach. To stay competitive, these eateries are adopting restaurant management software such as DotPe, UrbanPiper, and PetPooja to streamline billing, inventory, customer relations, and payroll. India’s food services market—including online orders and dining out—is poised to nearly double to $152 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by the growing popularity of food and grocery delivery platforms, which are reshaping consumption patterns in tier-II and III cities to resemble those of larger metros. Sowmya Ramasubramanian explores how the rise of food delivery services is accelerating the modernization of small-town restaurants.


 

Delhi’s political landscape is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks a return to state power after 27 years. Despite its dominance in Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has struggled in state polls, where Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remains a formidable force. Without a chief ministerial face, the BJP is relying on Narendra Modi’s appeal, framing the contest as a direct face-off between Modi and Kejriwal. For the AAP, this election is a fight for survival. Despite corruption scandals and key leaders behind bars, its voter base remains loyal, drawn to its free public services and infrastructure improvements in healthcare, education, and electricity. Meanwhile, Congress, once Delhi’s dominant force, is a distant third, attempting to revive its relevance with promises mirroring AAP’s welfare model. Ruhi Tewari explores the high-stakes political battle in poll-bound Delhi in today’s Long Story.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 430 no How Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico affect India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-affect-india-HtJTeoPc Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 3, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   US President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing a national emergency related to drug trafficking. Starting February 4, imports from Canada and Mexico will face a 25% tariff, except for Canadian oil which will see a 10% duty. Chinese imports will incur an additional 10% tariff. These tariffs are expected to increase prices in the US, potentially driving up inflation and slowing economic growth globally. In response, Canada has already slapped a 25% tariff on US imports worth Canadian $155 billion. Mexico and China have also promised retaliatory measures. The move has sparked concerns of a potential trade war, with Trump suggesting he might extend tariffs to other countries, including India. This could fundamentally alter global trade dynamics. Read N Madhavan’s primer on Trump’s latest decision to impose the tariffs and how it could affect India.    Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, is expanding his steel empire globally, setting up a network of mines and steel plants across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He's a contender to acquire Italy's largest steel plant, Acciaierie d’Italia, potentially adding significant capacity to his operations. His privately-owned ventures, distinct from the publicly-listed JSPL, could match the scale of his Indian operations by 2028. Jindal's strategy includes developing end-to-end operations from mining in Mozambique and Cameroon to steel production in Oman and processing in the Czech Republic. This expansion has raised corporate governance concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest with JSPL. However, Jindal has taken steps to mitigate these concerns, such as resigning from an executive role and ensuring his private companies do not transact with JSPL, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Critics still question why these expansions are not under JSPL’s umbrella, suggesting that it could protect the listed company from potential risks associated with international ventures. Foreign portfolio investors were notably absent from India's markets during the special budget session, setting the stage for what analysts anticipate could be a negative reaction in the markets. This comes amid concerns about a global trade war and ahead of a critical monetary policy announcement. Analysts Ram Sahgal spoke to, suggest that the government's focus on boosting consumption over capital expenditure and fears of an expanding global trade war might have spurred FPIs to adopt a cautious approach. FPIs have been net sellers in the Indian cash market since October, offloading shares worth ₹2.38 trillion through the end of January. They have also increased their bearish bets by shorting index futures and selling index call options—moves that reflect a heightened sense of caution and concern over India's corporate profitability and economic growth prospects amid global uncertainties. On the eve of the budget, FPIs significantly increased their short positions in Nifty and Bank Nifty call options, indicating a strong bearish stance.   Recruiters are sceptical about the Union budget's plan to reduce migration by boosting job opportunities in rural areas and tier-II and -III cities. Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who argue that unless there's significant development in these areas, the pull towards India's 30 biggest cities will continue due to better employment opportunities and higher wages. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized in her budget speech that the aim is to create enough jobs in rural areas to make migration unnecessary. However, recruiters like Aditya Narayan Mishra of CIEL HR Services point out that economic growth remains uneven across the country, with specific industries concentrated in certain states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This makes migration inevitable as job seekers move towards these hubs for better prospects. While the government plans to develop Global Capability Centres in smaller cities to ease the strain on major urban areas, recruiters call for more concrete plans on how these and other job creation initiatives will be implemented.  Robust personal income tax revenue, showing strong buoyancy, facilitated substantial tax relief in the FY26 budget, Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey highlighted. In a post-budget interview with Rhik Kundu and Gireesh Chandra Prasad, he explained that this would help counterbalance the effects of the recent tax cuts. The government is also pushing for mandatory deregulation reforms. These are required for states to access part of the Centre's 50-year interest-free loans for capital expenditure. Additionally, the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, is set to guide state governments on reducing their debt, aiming to lower the central government's debt-GDP ratio to 50% by 2031 from the current 57.1%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0000 How Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico affect India full 750 Mint - HT Smartcast FPIs bearish post budget; India’s migration problem Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 3, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   US President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing a national emergency related to drug trafficking. Starting February 4, imports from Canada and Mexico will face a 25% tariff, except for Canadian oil which will see a 10% duty. Chinese imports will incur an additional 10% tariff. These tariffs are expected to increase prices in the US, potentially driving up inflation and slowing economic growth globally. In response, Canada has already slapped a 25% tariff on US imports worth Canadian $155 billion. Mexico and China have also promised retaliatory measures. The move has sparked concerns of a potential trade war, with Trump suggesting he might extend tariffs to other countries, including India. This could fundamentally alter global trade dynamics. Read N Madhavan’s primer on Trump’s latest decision to impose the tariffs and how it could affect India.    Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, is expanding his steel empire globally, setting up a network of mines and steel plants across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He's a contender to acquire Italy's largest steel plant, Acciaierie d’Italia, potentially adding significant capacity to his operations. His privately-owned ventures, distinct from the publicly-listed JSPL, could match the scale of his Indian operations by 2028. Jindal's strategy includes developing end-to-end operations from mining in Mozambique and Cameroon to steel production in Oman and processing in the Czech Republic. This expansion has raised corporate governance concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest with JSPL. However, Jindal has taken steps to mitigate these concerns, such as resigning from an executive role and ensuring his private companies do not transact with JSPL, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Critics still question why these expansions are not under JSPL’s umbrella, suggesting that it could protect the listed company from potential risks associated with international ventures. Foreign portfolio investors were notably absent from India's markets during the special budget session, setting the stage for what analysts anticipate could be a negative reaction in the markets. This comes amid concerns about a global trade war and ahead of a critical monetary policy announcement. Analysts Ram Sahgal spoke to, suggest that the government's focus on boosting consumption over capital expenditure and fears of an expanding global trade war might have spurred FPIs to adopt a cautious approach. FPIs have been net sellers in the Indian cash market since October, offloading shares worth ₹2.38 trillion through the end of January. They have also increased their bearish bets by shorting index futures and selling index call options—moves that reflect a heightened sense of caution and concern over India's corporate profitability and economic growth prospects amid global uncertainties. On the eve of the budget, FPIs significantly increased their short positions in Nifty and Bank Nifty call options, indicating a strong bearish stance.   Recruiters are sceptical about the Union budget's plan to reduce migration by boosting job opportunities in rural areas and tier-II and -III cities. Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who argue that unless there's significant development in these areas, the pull towards India's 30 biggest cities will continue due to better employment opportunities and higher wages. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized in her budget speech that the aim is to create enough jobs in rural areas to make migration unnecessary. However, recruiters like Aditya Narayan Mishra of CIEL HR Services point out that economic growth remains uneven across the country, with specific industries concentrated in certain states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This makes migration inevitable as job seekers move towards these hubs for better prospects. While the government plans to develop Global Capability Centres in smaller cities to ease the strain on major urban areas, recruiters call for more concrete plans on how these and other job creation initiatives will be implemented.  Robust personal income tax revenue, showing strong buoyancy, facilitated substantial tax relief in the FY26 budget, Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey highlighted. In a post-budget interview with Rhik Kundu and Gireesh Chandra Prasad, he explained that this would help counterbalance the effects of the recent tax cuts. The government is also pushing for mandatory deregulation reforms. These are required for states to access part of the Centre's 50-year interest-free loans for capital expenditure. Additionally, the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, is set to guide state governments on reducing their debt, aiming to lower the central government's debt-GDP ratio to 50% by 2031 from the current 57.1%. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, February 3, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

US President Donald Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing a national emergency related to drug trafficking. Starting February 4, imports from Canada and Mexico will face a 25% tariff, except for Canadian oil which will see a 10% duty. Chinese imports will incur an additional 10% tariff. These tariffs are expected to increase prices in the US, potentially driving up inflation and slowing economic growth globally. In response, Canada has already slapped a 25% tariff on US imports worth Canadian $155 billion. Mexico and China have also promised retaliatory measures. The move has sparked concerns of a potential trade war, with Trump suggesting he might extend tariffs to other countries, including India. This could fundamentally alter global trade dynamics. Read N Madhavan’s primer on Trump’s latest decision to impose the tariffs and how it could affect India. 


 

Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, is expanding his steel empire globally, setting up a network of mines and steel plants across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He's a contender to acquire Italy's largest steel plant, Acciaierie d’Italia, potentially adding significant capacity to his operations. His privately-owned ventures, distinct from the publicly-listed JSPL, could match the scale of his Indian operations by 2028. Jindal's strategy includes developing end-to-end operations from mining in Mozambique and Cameroon to steel production in Oman and processing in the Czech Republic. This expansion has raised corporate governance concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest with JSPL. However, Jindal has taken steps to mitigate these concerns, such as resigning from an executive role and ensuring his private companies do not transact with JSPL, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Critics still question why these expansions are not under JSPL’s umbrella, suggesting that it could protect the listed company from potential risks associated with international ventures.

Foreign portfolio investors were notably absent from India's markets during the special budget session, setting the stage for what analysts anticipate could be a negative reaction in the markets. This comes amid concerns about a global trade war and ahead of a critical monetary policy announcement. Analysts Ram Sahgal spoke to, suggest that the government's focus on boosting consumption over capital expenditure and fears of an expanding global trade war might have spurred FPIs to adopt a cautious approach. FPIs have been net sellers in the Indian cash market since October, offloading shares worth ₹2.38 trillion through the end of January. They have also increased their bearish bets by shorting index futures and selling index call options—moves that reflect a heightened sense of caution and concern over India's corporate profitability and economic growth prospects amid global uncertainties. On the eve of the budget, FPIs significantly increased their short positions in Nifty and Bank Nifty call options, indicating a strong bearish stance.


 

Recruiters are sceptical about the Union budget's plan to reduce migration by boosting job opportunities in rural areas and tier-II and -III cities. Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who argue that unless there's significant development in these areas, the pull towards India's 30 biggest cities will continue due to better employment opportunities and higher wages. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized in her budget speech that the aim is to create enough jobs in rural areas to make migration unnecessary. However, recruiters like Aditya Narayan Mishra of CIEL HR Services point out that economic growth remains uneven across the country, with specific industries concentrated in certain states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This makes migration inevitable as job seekers move towards these hubs for better prospects. While the government plans to develop Global Capability Centres in smaller cities to ease the strain on major urban areas, recruiters call for more concrete plans on how these and other job creation initiatives will be implemented. 

Robust personal income tax revenue, showing strong buoyancy, facilitated substantial tax relief in the FY26 budget, Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey highlighted. In a post-budget interview with Rhik Kundu and Gireesh Chandra Prasad, he explained that this would help counterbalance the effects of the recent tax cuts. The government is also pushing for mandatory deregulation reforms. These are required for states to access part of the Centre's 50-year interest-free loans for capital expenditure. Additionally, the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, is set to guide state governments on reducing their debt, aiming to lower the central government's debt-GDP ratio to 50% by 2031 from the current 57.1%.

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]]> 456 no Will the FM deliver a fiscal bazooka? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-the-fm-deliver-a-fiscal-bazooka-c5Hoh6_Q Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 31, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's affluent are reviving their investment in IPOs, evident from the significant funds they've poured into the market in 2024. High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), with assets over ₹5 crore, have shown a notable increase in IPO subscriptions, reaching a three-year high. The bullish sentiment among these investors is fueled by the substantial listing gains observed post-pandemic, enhancing their risk appetite, Dipti Sharma writes. This trend aligns with a broader surge in equity investments, reflecting heightened investor confidence and a robust appetite for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. The resurgence in IPO investments among India's wealthy is part of a broader narrative of rising affluence and entrepreneurship within the country, contributing to its dynamic economic landscape.   DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab, made headlines by developing its R1 model using less costly hardware and a fraction of the budget traditionally used by heavyweights like OpenAI and Google. This model, built for under $6 million, demonstrates that advanced AI can be achieved without immense financial outlay or extensive infrastructure, challenging the dominance of major tech giants. The controversy surrounding DeepSeek involves allegations from OpenAI, suggesting that DeepSeek might have used data or techniques from OpenAI's models without authorization, potentially breaching intellectual property rights. This issue of data 'distillation'—where a complex model's output is used to train another model—brings up serious ethical and legal implications, especially if done without proper licensing. Leslie D’Monte explains the controversy around DeepSeek and the allegations on it.    India is stepping up its game in the global AI race, aiming to develop its own foundational AI models similar to prominent models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and DeepSeek's R1. The initiative, led by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focuses on creating AI solutions that reflect India's linguistic and cultural diversity, promising more affordable and quicker development than current global standards. To facilitate this ambitious project, the government plans to launch a common compute facility equipped with 18,693 GPUs supplied by major domestic companies, Gulveen Aulakh reports. This facility will be accessible to startups, researchers, and developers through an online portal, ensuring broad participation and fostering innovation at various levels. This move is strategically positioned not just to foster technological advancement but also to accommodate geopolitical and economic considerations. The Good Glamm Group, previously welcomed into the unicorn club in 2021, is now facing significant financial distress as it prepares for a crucial restructuring. Expected to drastically lower its valuation, this restructuring is similar to Pharmeasy's experience in 2020 and involves raising new capital, likely at terms unfavourable to current shareholders. With existing investors like Prosus and Warburg Pincus unlikely to participate, this move could result in their stakes being wiped out completely from the company's cap table, Ranjani Raghavan writes. Amid this turmoil, three investor directors from prominent venture firms resigned last year, indicating deeper concerns about the firm's direction and the potential impacts on their reputations and other investments.    As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman finalizes her speech for the upcoming budget presentation on February 1, concerns linger over India’s economic trajectory despite its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy post-covid. After an impressive average growth of over 8% for three years, India's GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in Q2 of FY 2024-25. This deceleration, according to Sitharaman, is temporary, with expectations of recovery in upcoming quarters, although advance indicators and the RBI's revised forecast suggest a growth of just 6.6% for the year. The Modi government’s strategy has focused on public capex to stimulate growth and attract private investment, avoiding direct fiscal stimuli to prevent inflation and fiscal issues experienced post-2008 financial crisis. Yet, private investment remains sluggish, and there's debate over whether India should adjust its economic strategy. The upcoming budget may include a modest stimulus to boost consumer spending while continuing with fiscal consolidation, targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.5% by FY 2025-26. So, will the finance minister deliver a fiscal bazooka on Feb 1? N Madhavan tackles that question in today’s Long Story.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Will the FM deliver a fiscal bazooka? full 749 Mint - HT Smartcast Explained: allegations on DeepSeek; HNIs eye IPOs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 31, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's affluent are reviving their investment in IPOs, evident from the significant funds they've poured into the market in 2024. High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), with assets over ₹5 crore, have shown a notable increase in IPO subscriptions, reaching a three-year high. The bullish sentiment among these investors is fueled by the substantial listing gains observed post-pandemic, enhancing their risk appetite, Dipti Sharma writes. This trend aligns with a broader surge in equity investments, reflecting heightened investor confidence and a robust appetite for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. The resurgence in IPO investments among India's wealthy is part of a broader narrative of rising affluence and entrepreneurship within the country, contributing to its dynamic economic landscape.   DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab, made headlines by developing its R1 model using less costly hardware and a fraction of the budget traditionally used by heavyweights like OpenAI and Google. This model, built for under $6 million, demonstrates that advanced AI can be achieved without immense financial outlay or extensive infrastructure, challenging the dominance of major tech giants. The controversy surrounding DeepSeek involves allegations from OpenAI, suggesting that DeepSeek might have used data or techniques from OpenAI's models without authorization, potentially breaching intellectual property rights. This issue of data 'distillation'—where a complex model's output is used to train another model—brings up serious ethical and legal implications, especially if done without proper licensing. Leslie D’Monte explains the controversy around DeepSeek and the allegations on it.    India is stepping up its game in the global AI race, aiming to develop its own foundational AI models similar to prominent models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and DeepSeek's R1. The initiative, led by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focuses on creating AI solutions that reflect India's linguistic and cultural diversity, promising more affordable and quicker development than current global standards. To facilitate this ambitious project, the government plans to launch a common compute facility equipped with 18,693 GPUs supplied by major domestic companies, Gulveen Aulakh reports. This facility will be accessible to startups, researchers, and developers through an online portal, ensuring broad participation and fostering innovation at various levels. This move is strategically positioned not just to foster technological advancement but also to accommodate geopolitical and economic considerations. The Good Glamm Group, previously welcomed into the unicorn club in 2021, is now facing significant financial distress as it prepares for a crucial restructuring. Expected to drastically lower its valuation, this restructuring is similar to Pharmeasy's experience in 2020 and involves raising new capital, likely at terms unfavourable to current shareholders. With existing investors like Prosus and Warburg Pincus unlikely to participate, this move could result in their stakes being wiped out completely from the company's cap table, Ranjani Raghavan writes. Amid this turmoil, three investor directors from prominent venture firms resigned last year, indicating deeper concerns about the firm's direction and the potential impacts on their reputations and other investments.    As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman finalizes her speech for the upcoming budget presentation on February 1, concerns linger over India’s economic trajectory despite its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy post-covid. After an impressive average growth of over 8% for three years, India's GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in Q2 of FY 2024-25. This deceleration, according to Sitharaman, is temporary, with expectations of recovery in upcoming quarters, although advance indicators and the RBI's revised forecast suggest a growth of just 6.6% for the year. The Modi government’s strategy has focused on public capex to stimulate growth and attract private investment, avoiding direct fiscal stimuli to prevent inflation and fiscal issues experienced post-2008 financial crisis. Yet, private investment remains sluggish, and there's debate over whether India should adjust its economic strategy. The upcoming budget may include a modest stimulus to boost consumer spending while continuing with fiscal consolidation, targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.5% by FY 2025-26. So, will the finance minister deliver a fiscal bazooka on Feb 1? N Madhavan tackles that question in today’s Long Story.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 31, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

India's affluent are reviving their investment in IPOs, evident from the significant funds they've poured into the market in 2024. High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), with assets over ₹5 crore, have shown a notable increase in IPO subscriptions, reaching a three-year high. The bullish sentiment among these investors is fueled by the substantial listing gains observed post-pandemic, enhancing their risk appetite, Dipti Sharma writes. This trend aligns with a broader surge in equity investments, reflecting heightened investor confidence and a robust appetite for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. The resurgence in IPO investments among India's wealthy is part of a broader narrative of rising affluence and entrepreneurship within the country, contributing to its dynamic economic landscape.


 

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab, made headlines by developing its R1 model using less costly hardware and a fraction of the budget traditionally used by heavyweights like OpenAI and Google. This model, built for under $6 million, demonstrates that advanced AI can be achieved without immense financial outlay or extensive infrastructure, challenging the dominance of major tech giants. The controversy surrounding DeepSeek involves allegations from OpenAI, suggesting that DeepSeek might have used data or techniques from OpenAI's models without authorization, potentially breaching intellectual property rights. This issue of data 'distillation'—where a complex model's output is used to train another model—brings up serious ethical and legal implications, especially if done without proper licensing. Leslie D’Monte explains the controversy around DeepSeek and the allegations on it. 


 

India is stepping up its game in the global AI race, aiming to develop its own foundational AI models similar to prominent models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and DeepSeek's R1. The initiative, led by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focuses on creating AI solutions that reflect India's linguistic and cultural diversity, promising more affordable and quicker development than current global standards. To facilitate this ambitious project, the government plans to launch a common compute facility equipped with 18,693 GPUs supplied by major domestic companies, Gulveen Aulakh reports. This facility will be accessible to startups, researchers, and developers through an online portal, ensuring broad participation and fostering innovation at various levels. This move is strategically positioned not just to foster technological advancement but also to accommodate geopolitical and economic considerations.

The Good Glamm Group, previously welcomed into the unicorn club in 2021, is now facing significant financial distress as it prepares for a crucial restructuring. Expected to drastically lower its valuation, this restructuring is similar to Pharmeasy's experience in 2020 and involves raising new capital, likely at terms unfavourable to current shareholders. With existing investors like Prosus and Warburg Pincus unlikely to participate, this move could result in their stakes being wiped out completely from the company's cap table, Ranjani Raghavan writes. Amid this turmoil, three investor directors from prominent venture firms resigned last year, indicating deeper concerns about the firm's direction and the potential impacts on their reputations and other investments. 


 

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman finalizes her speech for the upcoming budget presentation on February 1, concerns linger over India’s economic trajectory despite its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy post-covid. After an impressive average growth of over 8% for three years, India's GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in Q2 of FY 2024-25. This deceleration, according to Sitharaman, is temporary, with expectations of recovery in upcoming quarters, although advance indicators and the RBI's revised forecast suggest a growth of just 6.6% for the year. The Modi government’s strategy has focused on public capex to stimulate growth and attract private investment, avoiding direct fiscal stimuli to prevent inflation and fiscal issues experienced post-2008 financial crisis. Yet, private investment remains sluggish, and there's debate over whether India should adjust its economic strategy. The upcoming budget may include a modest stimulus to boost consumer spending while continuing with fiscal consolidation, targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.5% by FY 2025-26. So, will the finance minister deliver a fiscal bazooka on Feb 1? N Madhavan tackles that question in today’s Long Story. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 439 no Why Indian AI firms are taking a beating https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-indian-ai-firms-are-taking-a-beating-Jh7CuqDW Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 30, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Last week, Wingify, a SaaS company, was acquired by Everstone Capital for $200 million, and Minimalist, a skincare brand, was bought by Hindustan Unilever Ltd for nearly ₹3,000 crore. These significant acquisitions highlight that Indian startups can indeed generate substantial wealth, not just through IPOs but also as targets for major acquisitions. Soumya Gupta writes. Notably, Wingify's founder retained a major stake of 84%, allowing him to benefit greatly from the sale, similar to Minimalist’s founders, who owned over 61%. The common narrative in the Indian startup ecosystem often involves founders diluting their equity to raise capital from venture capitalists and private equity firms to fuel growth, leading to reduced ownership. However, these two cases illustrate that substantial ownership can lead to lucrative exits. Companies like Zoho and Zerodha showcase that bootstrapping, or growing without external capital, allows founders to maintain control and potentially lead to high profitability without the pressures from external investors.   Indian companies are increasingly implementing strategies to retain junior employees for at least a year to ensure their investment in training isn't lost to high turnover rates. Instead of using the term 'bond', which has legal limitations, firms are incorporating 'commitment periods' into employment contracts. These stipulate that employees must reimburse the company for training and development costs if they leave within a year. Law firms Devina Sengupta spoke to, note that these contracts don't prevent employees from joining other companies but do require them to pay back training costs if they leave prematurely. This method is seen as a more legally tenable and employee-friendly approach than traditional bonds. Training costs, which can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on the industry, are now more frequently detailed in contracts to avoid disputes. Sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, financial services, aviation, and telecom are observing shorter commitment periods, now typically one year instead of two, to adapt to the high churn rates among junior staff.   Netweb Technologies, an AI cloud services firm based in Delhi, has been in the news lately after its stock price took a sharp 48% hit. The company quickly reached out to investors, explaining that this drop was just a temporary setback and emphasized their readiness to capitalize on the latest AI developments, especially with China’s DeepSeek shaking up the market. Their investor note, though lacking specific growth details, seemed to do the trick, reports Shouvik Das. The stock price rebounded, hitting a 10% upper circuit early in the trading session following the note’s release. The reaction from the industry has been a bit of a mixed bag. Some experts are optimistic, pointing out that while current global policy changes and market disruptions present challenges, they also open doors for Indian AI firms to innovate and grow. However, others are more cautious, noting that Indian companies are heavily dependent on technologies like Nvidia's processors. This makes them vulnerable if access to these critical technologies is restricted.   2024 turned out to be a strong year for soybean yields in India, with significant improvements in production due to favourable weather conditions. Despite this, India continues to face challenges with cooking oil shortages. The government has attempted to boost local oilseed production by increasing import duties by 22% to encourage more domestic farming and reduce dependency on imported oils, particularly palm oil, which has seen prices surge due to international market dynamics. India imports about 65% of its cooking oil needs, with palm oil making up over half of this due to its lower costs historically. However, international issues like Indonesia diverting palm oil to biodiesel production have driven up prices, impacting both consumers and industries reliant on these oils. Sayantan Bera examines India’s cooking oil woes, in today’s Long Story.   The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dealt a major blow to Byju's by reinstating Glas Trust Co. Llc and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd as financial creditors, giving them significant influence over the company's insolvency proceedings. This move came after the tribunal found Byju’s interim resolution professional, Pankaj Srivastava, unfit for his role and directed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) to initiate disciplinary action against him. The NCLT also dismissed the newly formed Committee of Creditors (CoC) and reinstated the previous one from August 21, 2024, which will now appoint a new resolution professional. This decision stemmed from allegations of fraudulent creditor classification by Byju's lenders, US-based Glas Trust Company and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd. They argued that they were wrongly classified, impacting their rights and the integrity of the insolvency process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Why Indian AI firms are taking a beating full 748 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside India’s cooking oil woes; lates on Byju’s insolvency Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 30, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Last week, Wingify, a SaaS company, was acquired by Everstone Capital for $200 million, and Minimalist, a skincare brand, was bought by Hindustan Unilever Ltd for nearly ₹3,000 crore. These significant acquisitions highlight that Indian startups can indeed generate substantial wealth, not just through IPOs but also as targets for major acquisitions. Soumya Gupta writes. Notably, Wingify's founder retained a major stake of 84%, allowing him to benefit greatly from the sale, similar to Minimalist’s founders, who owned over 61%. The common narrative in the Indian startup ecosystem often involves founders diluting their equity to raise capital from venture capitalists and private equity firms to fuel growth, leading to reduced ownership. However, these two cases illustrate that substantial ownership can lead to lucrative exits. Companies like Zoho and Zerodha showcase that bootstrapping, or growing without external capital, allows founders to maintain control and potentially lead to high profitability without the pressures from external investors.   Indian companies are increasingly implementing strategies to retain junior employees for at least a year to ensure their investment in training isn't lost to high turnover rates. Instead of using the term 'bond', which has legal limitations, firms are incorporating 'commitment periods' into employment contracts. These stipulate that employees must reimburse the company for training and development costs if they leave within a year. Law firms Devina Sengupta spoke to, note that these contracts don't prevent employees from joining other companies but do require them to pay back training costs if they leave prematurely. This method is seen as a more legally tenable and employee-friendly approach than traditional bonds. Training costs, which can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on the industry, are now more frequently detailed in contracts to avoid disputes. Sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, financial services, aviation, and telecom are observing shorter commitment periods, now typically one year instead of two, to adapt to the high churn rates among junior staff.   Netweb Technologies, an AI cloud services firm based in Delhi, has been in the news lately after its stock price took a sharp 48% hit. The company quickly reached out to investors, explaining that this drop was just a temporary setback and emphasized their readiness to capitalize on the latest AI developments, especially with China’s DeepSeek shaking up the market. Their investor note, though lacking specific growth details, seemed to do the trick, reports Shouvik Das. The stock price rebounded, hitting a 10% upper circuit early in the trading session following the note’s release. The reaction from the industry has been a bit of a mixed bag. Some experts are optimistic, pointing out that while current global policy changes and market disruptions present challenges, they also open doors for Indian AI firms to innovate and grow. However, others are more cautious, noting that Indian companies are heavily dependent on technologies like Nvidia's processors. This makes them vulnerable if access to these critical technologies is restricted.   2024 turned out to be a strong year for soybean yields in India, with significant improvements in production due to favourable weather conditions. Despite this, India continues to face challenges with cooking oil shortages. The government has attempted to boost local oilseed production by increasing import duties by 22% to encourage more domestic farming and reduce dependency on imported oils, particularly palm oil, which has seen prices surge due to international market dynamics. India imports about 65% of its cooking oil needs, with palm oil making up over half of this due to its lower costs historically. However, international issues like Indonesia diverting palm oil to biodiesel production have driven up prices, impacting both consumers and industries reliant on these oils. Sayantan Bera examines India’s cooking oil woes, in today’s Long Story.   The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dealt a major blow to Byju's by reinstating Glas Trust Co. Llc and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd as financial creditors, giving them significant influence over the company's insolvency proceedings. This move came after the tribunal found Byju’s interim resolution professional, Pankaj Srivastava, unfit for his role and directed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) to initiate disciplinary action against him. The NCLT also dismissed the newly formed Committee of Creditors (CoC) and reinstated the previous one from August 21, 2024, which will now appoint a new resolution professional. This decision stemmed from allegations of fraudulent creditor classification by Byju's lenders, US-based Glas Trust Company and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd. They argued that they were wrongly classified, impacting their rights and the integrity of the insolvency process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 30, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Last week, Wingify, a SaaS company, was acquired by Everstone Capital for $200 million, and Minimalist, a skincare brand, was bought by Hindustan Unilever Ltd for nearly ₹3,000 crore. These significant acquisitions highlight that Indian startups can indeed generate substantial wealth, not just through IPOs but also as targets for major acquisitions. Soumya Gupta writes. Notably, Wingify's founder retained a major stake of 84%, allowing him to benefit greatly from the sale, similar to Minimalist’s founders, who owned over 61%. The common narrative in the Indian startup ecosystem often involves founders diluting their equity to raise capital from venture capitalists and private equity firms to fuel growth, leading to reduced ownership. However, these two cases illustrate that substantial ownership can lead to lucrative exits. Companies like Zoho and Zerodha showcase that bootstrapping, or growing without external capital, allows founders to maintain control and potentially lead to high profitability without the pressures from external investors.


 

Indian companies are increasingly implementing strategies to retain junior employees for at least a year to ensure their investment in training isn't lost to high turnover rates. Instead of using the term 'bond', which has legal limitations, firms are incorporating 'commitment periods' into employment contracts. These stipulate that employees must reimburse the company for training and development costs if they leave within a year. Law firms Devina Sengupta spoke to, note that these contracts don't prevent employees from joining other companies but do require them to pay back training costs if they leave prematurely. This method is seen as a more legally tenable and employee-friendly approach than traditional bonds. Training costs, which can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on the industry, are now more frequently detailed in contracts to avoid disputes. Sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, financial services, aviation, and telecom are observing shorter commitment periods, now typically one year instead of two, to adapt to the high churn rates among junior staff.


 

Netweb Technologies, an AI cloud services firm based in Delhi, has been in the news lately after its stock price took a sharp 48% hit. The company quickly reached out to investors, explaining that this drop was just a temporary setback and emphasized their readiness to capitalize on the latest AI developments, especially with China’s DeepSeek shaking up the market. Their investor note, though lacking specific growth details, seemed to do the trick, reports Shouvik Das. The stock price rebounded, hitting a 10% upper circuit early in the trading session following the note’s release. The reaction from the industry has been a bit of a mixed bag. Some experts are optimistic, pointing out that while current global policy changes and market disruptions present challenges, they also open doors for Indian AI firms to innovate and grow. However, others are more cautious, noting that Indian companies are heavily dependent on technologies like Nvidia's processors. This makes them vulnerable if access to these critical technologies is restricted.


 

2024 turned out to be a strong year for soybean yields in India, with significant improvements in production due to favourable weather conditions. Despite this, India continues to face challenges with cooking oil shortages. The government has attempted to boost local oilseed production by increasing import duties by 22% to encourage more domestic farming and reduce dependency on imported oils, particularly palm oil, which has seen prices surge due to international market dynamics. India imports about 65% of its cooking oil needs, with palm oil making up over half of this due to its lower costs historically. However, international issues like Indonesia diverting palm oil to biodiesel production have driven up prices, impacting both consumers and industries reliant on these oils. Sayantan Bera examines India’s cooking oil woes, in today’s Long Story.


 

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dealt a major blow to Byju's by reinstating Glas Trust Co. Llc and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd as financial creditors, giving them significant influence over the company's insolvency proceedings. This move came after the tribunal found Byju’s interim resolution professional, Pankaj Srivastava, unfit for his role and directed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) to initiate disciplinary action against him. The NCLT also dismissed the newly formed Committee of Creditors (CoC) and reinstated the previous one from August 21, 2024, which will now appoint a new resolution professional. This decision stemmed from allegations of fraudulent creditor classification by Byju's lenders, US-based Glas Trust Company and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd. They argued that they were wrongly classified, impacting their rights and the integrity of the insolvency process.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 452 no RBI’s liquidity measures explained https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbis-liquidity-measures-explained-iOYGuDAw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 29, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Reserve Bank of India has announced a trio of measures aimed at injecting ₹1.5 trillion into the financial system, responding to increasing demands for liquidity from bankers and market participants. The RBI plans to purchase ₹60,000 crore in government securities through open market operations across three sessions, conduct a 56-day variable rate repo auction for ₹50,000 crore, and execute a dollar-rupee sell swap auction of $5 billion. These actions are intended to address a liquidity deficit that has persisted since mid-December 2024, which peaked at over ₹3 trillion. While the RBI's previous interventions have included secondary market operations and adjustments to the cash reserve ratio, these new measures are more comprehensive, offering both immediate relief and setting the stage for potential interest rate adjustments in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting in February 2025. However, despite these efforts, challenges such as persistent inflation and currency depreciation may influence the timing and nature of further rate cuts. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains RBI’s recent measures.  The Indian government is escalating its efforts to clear out older, more polluting vehicles by potentially implementing a ban on all vehicles meeting BS I emission standards. Even with valid fitness certificates, these vehicles could soon face mandatory scrapping unless owners take advantage of doubled incentives to upgrade to cleaner BS VI-compliant models. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also deliberating over increasing incentives for BS II vehicles, primarily affecting medium and heavy vehicles, to encourage owners to voluntarily scrap these older models, Subhash Narayan reports. If these increased incentives do not prove effective, a ban on BS II vehicles may also be enacted. These stringent measures are part of India’s broader strategy to tackle vehicular pollution and enhance road safety by removing outdated vehicles from the roads. With BS I vehicles introduced before 2005, this move could affect only a small fraction of the estimated 35-40 crore vehicles in India, yet it marks a significant step towards achieving cleaner air and reducing carbon emissions across the country.   Despite growing momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government may not grant 'infrastructure industry' status to the EV charging infrastructure sector in the upcoming budget. This status would allow stakeholders to secure credit at more favourable interest rates. However, insiders told Manas Pimpalkhare that this is unlikely as the sector already benefits from substantial support under the PM E-drive scheme, launched in October 2024, which dedicates ₹2,000 crore to establishing public charging stations over two years. Additionally, public sector oil marketing companies are significantly investing in EV charging, with plans to spend ₹20,000 crore on infrastructure expansion. This rapid development aligns with India's ambitious goal to have 30% of vehicles electric by 2030, addressing the crucial issue of range anxiety among potential EV buyers.   The AI sector is witnessing rapid evolution, and DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup, is notably challenging established norms with its cost-effective, open-source AI model. This model is shaking up traditional dependencies on expensive GPUs and massive data centers, proving that efficient AI can be developed more economically. DeepSeek utilized less expensive Nvidia H800 chips for its DeepSeek-V3 model, managing to slash development costs to under $6 million. This is in stark contrast to the billions reportedly spent by OpenAI for similar capabilities. The implications for India are significant, as DeepSeek’s approach could be a game-changer for startups and research institutions that often operate under financial constraints. By adopting similar cost-effective methodologies, India could foster its own AI innovations without hefty investments, leading to sustainable developments in AI that cater to local and global standards.   The shift from satellite to digital platforms has fundamentally changed film financing, making OTT partnerships essential before production begins. This shift comes as producers face heightened risks at the box office, prompting many to pause or shelve projects without secured streaming deals. Films lacking OTT partners often struggle post-theatrical release, highlighting the industry's increasing reliance on digital revenues amidst fluctuating box office returns. OTT platforms have become more cautious, backing out of deals when films underperform, leading to a more selective acquisition strategy. This caution is reflected in the changing dynamics of the OTT market, with fewer players willing to invest in high-budget Hindi films due to previous financial burns and slow subscription growth. Lata Jha writes about how two American companies - Netflix and Prime Video, are the ones calling the shots in Bollywood.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 RBI’s liquidity measures explained full 747 Mint - HT Smartcast Bollywood’s new bosses; Deepseek’s lean AI and India’s future Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 29, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Reserve Bank of India has announced a trio of measures aimed at injecting ₹1.5 trillion into the financial system, responding to increasing demands for liquidity from bankers and market participants. The RBI plans to purchase ₹60,000 crore in government securities through open market operations across three sessions, conduct a 56-day variable rate repo auction for ₹50,000 crore, and execute a dollar-rupee sell swap auction of $5 billion. These actions are intended to address a liquidity deficit that has persisted since mid-December 2024, which peaked at over ₹3 trillion. While the RBI's previous interventions have included secondary market operations and adjustments to the cash reserve ratio, these new measures are more comprehensive, offering both immediate relief and setting the stage for potential interest rate adjustments in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting in February 2025. However, despite these efforts, challenges such as persistent inflation and currency depreciation may influence the timing and nature of further rate cuts. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains RBI’s recent measures.  The Indian government is escalating its efforts to clear out older, more polluting vehicles by potentially implementing a ban on all vehicles meeting BS I emission standards. Even with valid fitness certificates, these vehicles could soon face mandatory scrapping unless owners take advantage of doubled incentives to upgrade to cleaner BS VI-compliant models. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also deliberating over increasing incentives for BS II vehicles, primarily affecting medium and heavy vehicles, to encourage owners to voluntarily scrap these older models, Subhash Narayan reports. If these increased incentives do not prove effective, a ban on BS II vehicles may also be enacted. These stringent measures are part of India’s broader strategy to tackle vehicular pollution and enhance road safety by removing outdated vehicles from the roads. With BS I vehicles introduced before 2005, this move could affect only a small fraction of the estimated 35-40 crore vehicles in India, yet it marks a significant step towards achieving cleaner air and reducing carbon emissions across the country.   Despite growing momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government may not grant 'infrastructure industry' status to the EV charging infrastructure sector in the upcoming budget. This status would allow stakeholders to secure credit at more favourable interest rates. However, insiders told Manas Pimpalkhare that this is unlikely as the sector already benefits from substantial support under the PM E-drive scheme, launched in October 2024, which dedicates ₹2,000 crore to establishing public charging stations over two years. Additionally, public sector oil marketing companies are significantly investing in EV charging, with plans to spend ₹20,000 crore on infrastructure expansion. This rapid development aligns with India's ambitious goal to have 30% of vehicles electric by 2030, addressing the crucial issue of range anxiety among potential EV buyers.   The AI sector is witnessing rapid evolution, and DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup, is notably challenging established norms with its cost-effective, open-source AI model. This model is shaking up traditional dependencies on expensive GPUs and massive data centers, proving that efficient AI can be developed more economically. DeepSeek utilized less expensive Nvidia H800 chips for its DeepSeek-V3 model, managing to slash development costs to under $6 million. This is in stark contrast to the billions reportedly spent by OpenAI for similar capabilities. The implications for India are significant, as DeepSeek’s approach could be a game-changer for startups and research institutions that often operate under financial constraints. By adopting similar cost-effective methodologies, India could foster its own AI innovations without hefty investments, leading to sustainable developments in AI that cater to local and global standards.   The shift from satellite to digital platforms has fundamentally changed film financing, making OTT partnerships essential before production begins. This shift comes as producers face heightened risks at the box office, prompting many to pause or shelve projects without secured streaming deals. Films lacking OTT partners often struggle post-theatrical release, highlighting the industry's increasing reliance on digital revenues amidst fluctuating box office returns. OTT platforms have become more cautious, backing out of deals when films underperform, leading to a more selective acquisition strategy. This caution is reflected in the changing dynamics of the OTT market, with fewer players willing to invest in high-budget Hindi films due to previous financial burns and slow subscription growth. Lata Jha writes about how two American companies - Netflix and Prime Video, are the ones calling the shots in Bollywood.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 29, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a trio of measures aimed at injecting ₹1.5 trillion into the financial system, responding to increasing demands for liquidity from bankers and market participants. The RBI plans to purchase ₹60,000 crore in government securities through open market operations across three sessions, conduct a 56-day variable rate repo auction for ₹50,000 crore, and execute a dollar-rupee sell swap auction of $5 billion. These actions are intended to address a liquidity deficit that has persisted since mid-December 2024, which peaked at over ₹3 trillion. While the RBI's previous interventions have included secondary market operations and adjustments to the cash reserve ratio, these new measures are more comprehensive, offering both immediate relief and setting the stage for potential interest rate adjustments in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting in February 2025. However, despite these efforts, challenges such as persistent inflation and currency depreciation may influence the timing and nature of further rate cuts. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains RBI’s recent measures. 

The Indian government is escalating its efforts to clear out older, more polluting vehicles by potentially implementing a ban on all vehicles meeting BS I emission standards. Even with valid fitness certificates, these vehicles could soon face mandatory scrapping unless owners take advantage of doubled incentives to upgrade to cleaner BS VI-compliant models. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also deliberating over increasing incentives for BS II vehicles, primarily affecting medium and heavy vehicles, to encourage owners to voluntarily scrap these older models, Subhash Narayan reports. If these increased incentives do not prove effective, a ban on BS II vehicles may also be enacted. These stringent measures are part of India’s broader strategy to tackle vehicular pollution and enhance road safety by removing outdated vehicles from the roads. With BS I vehicles introduced before 2005, this move could affect only a small fraction of the estimated 35-40 crore vehicles in India, yet it marks a significant step towards achieving cleaner air and reducing carbon emissions across the country.


 

Despite growing momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government may not grant 'infrastructure industry' status to the EV charging infrastructure sector in the upcoming budget. This status would allow stakeholders to secure credit at more favourable interest rates. However, insiders told Manas Pimpalkhare that this is unlikely as the sector already benefits from substantial support under the PM E-drive scheme, launched in October 2024, which dedicates ₹2,000 crore to establishing public charging stations over two years. Additionally, public sector oil marketing companies are significantly investing in EV charging, with plans to spend ₹20,000 crore on infrastructure expansion. This rapid development aligns with India's ambitious goal to have 30% of vehicles electric by 2030, addressing the crucial issue of range anxiety among potential EV buyers.


 

The AI sector is witnessing rapid evolution, and DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup, is notably challenging established norms with its cost-effective, open-source AI model. This model is shaking up traditional dependencies on expensive GPUs and massive data centers, proving that efficient AI can be developed more economically. DeepSeek utilized less expensive Nvidia H800 chips for its DeepSeek-V3 model, managing to slash development costs to under $6 million. This is in stark contrast to the billions reportedly spent by OpenAI for similar capabilities. The implications for India are significant, as DeepSeek’s approach could be a game-changer for startups and research institutions that often operate under financial constraints. By adopting similar cost-effective methodologies, India could foster its own AI innovations without hefty investments, leading to sustainable developments in AI that cater to local and global standards.


 

The shift from satellite to digital platforms has fundamentally changed film financing, making OTT partnerships essential before production begins. This shift comes as producers face heightened risks at the box office, prompting many to pause or shelve projects without secured streaming deals. Films lacking OTT partners often struggle post-theatrical release, highlighting the industry's increasing reliance on digital revenues amidst fluctuating box office returns. OTT platforms have become more cautious, backing out of deals when films underperform, leading to a more selective acquisition strategy. This caution is reflected in the changing dynamics of the OTT market, with fewer players willing to invest in high-budget Hindi films due to previous financial burns and slow subscription growth. Lata Jha writes about how two American companies - Netflix and Prime Video, are the ones calling the shots in Bollywood. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 474 no How social media is pushing young Indians deep into debt https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-social-media-is-pushing-young-indians-deep-into-debt-hmDWAxCi Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is stirring concerns in Maharashtra, with over 100 cases reported and a suspected death. This rare autoimmune disorder attacks the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis and severe respiratory issues. It's not contagious but typically follows infections or surgeries. Immediate hospitalization is often necessary for those severely affected. While there's no foolproof prevention due to its unclear causes, maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle helps mitigate risks. In India, GBS has been noted before, especially as a post-COVID complication, highlighting its potential severity. To tackle the current outbreak, the Central government has sent a specialist team to assist Maharashtra. The state is ramping up efforts to educate the public on maintaining hygiene and seeking prompt medical care for symptoms like muscle weakness. This proactive response aims to control the spread and provide necessary care to those affected. Priyanka Sharma explains what the GBS is, what are its symptoms and how to prevent it, in today’s Primer.    Infosys is contesting allegations from Cognizant that it stole trade secrets, arguing that the information Cognizant claims as proprietary is publicly accessible and widely known. The dispute, currently unfolding in a U.S. court, has forced Cognizant to clarify what specific trade secrets Infosys allegedly misappropriated. Infosys, in a motion filed this January, challenged Cognizant to specify its claims, highlighting that many workers in the healthcare and IT sectors are familiar with the software at issue. The conflict began when Cognizant accused Infosys of using confidential information related to its QNXT and Facets software products—acquired through its 2014 takeover of TriZetto—to enhance Infosys’s own software solutions. Infosys has responded robustly, seeking to compel Cognizant to detail the supposed trade secrets and arguing that Cognizant's claims are overly broad and not legally tenable. Jas Bardia reports on the ongoing conflict.    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's approach to the annual budget speeches since 2022 has evolved to focus more on a futuristic vision rather than literary embellishments. Unlike her predecessors, Sitharaman has opted out of quoting poets like Rabindra Nath Tagore and Shakespeare, shifting instead to a clear and direct style that reflects the developmental goals of the NDA government. This year, as she prepares for her eighth budget presentation on February 1, expectations are high for a speech that underscores India's aspirations to become the world's third-largest economy while addressing immediate challenges like inflation and unemployment. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes about how, over the years, Sitharaman has refrained from quoting historical figures in her budget speeches and how it is likely to be the case this year as well.    Young adults across Indian metros are increasingly shaping their spending habits to enhance their social media presence, often at significant financial cost. Mint’s Shadma Shaikh spoke to 20 people in the 22 to 33 age group, all of whom acknowledged that their spending habits were largely aimed at raising their social media game. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, it's becoming clear that a lot of young folks are tweaking their spending habits to boost their social media profiles. Take, for instance, a tech marketer from Bengaluru who splurged ₹19,000 on a Bryan Adams concert just for social media, even though he’s not much of a traveler or a big music buff. It’s all about crafting that perfect online image—even if it means racking up some debt. This trend isn’t just about personal choices; it’s shaping major business strategies too. A hefty slice of marketing budgets now fuels influencer campaigns that promise hefty growth, thanks to their ability to make anything from a beach vacation to the latest gadget seem essential. What’s worrying is how this is playing out financially for the younger crowd. Financial advisors are seeing a shift: more young people are swiping their credit cards not for emergencies or investments but for that next big social media splash. From music festivals to designer gadgets, the urge to splurge is often amplified by clever marketing and the fear of missing out.   The Indian government has announced plans to synchronize all clocks across the nation to the Indian Standard Time (IST), using locally developed atomic clocks for millisecond to nanosecond precision. This initiative, named 'One Nation, One Time,' aims to enhance the uniformity and accuracy of timekeeping, which is crucial for various sectors such as navigation, telecommunications, power grids, and banking. Historically, many of India’s timekeeping systems have depended on U.S.-based Network Time Protocol servers. However, under the new rules drafted by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), all software will need to be synchronized with India’s own atomic clocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 How social media is pushing young Indians deep into debt full 746 Mint - HT Smartcast Infosys vs Cognizant in US courts; What is GBS? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is stirring concerns in Maharashtra, with over 100 cases reported and a suspected death. This rare autoimmune disorder attacks the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis and severe respiratory issues. It's not contagious but typically follows infections or surgeries. Immediate hospitalization is often necessary for those severely affected. While there's no foolproof prevention due to its unclear causes, maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle helps mitigate risks. In India, GBS has been noted before, especially as a post-COVID complication, highlighting its potential severity. To tackle the current outbreak, the Central government has sent a specialist team to assist Maharashtra. The state is ramping up efforts to educate the public on maintaining hygiene and seeking prompt medical care for symptoms like muscle weakness. This proactive response aims to control the spread and provide necessary care to those affected. Priyanka Sharma explains what the GBS is, what are its symptoms and how to prevent it, in today’s Primer.    Infosys is contesting allegations from Cognizant that it stole trade secrets, arguing that the information Cognizant claims as proprietary is publicly accessible and widely known. The dispute, currently unfolding in a U.S. court, has forced Cognizant to clarify what specific trade secrets Infosys allegedly misappropriated. Infosys, in a motion filed this January, challenged Cognizant to specify its claims, highlighting that many workers in the healthcare and IT sectors are familiar with the software at issue. The conflict began when Cognizant accused Infosys of using confidential information related to its QNXT and Facets software products—acquired through its 2014 takeover of TriZetto—to enhance Infosys’s own software solutions. Infosys has responded robustly, seeking to compel Cognizant to detail the supposed trade secrets and arguing that Cognizant's claims are overly broad and not legally tenable. Jas Bardia reports on the ongoing conflict.    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's approach to the annual budget speeches since 2022 has evolved to focus more on a futuristic vision rather than literary embellishments. Unlike her predecessors, Sitharaman has opted out of quoting poets like Rabindra Nath Tagore and Shakespeare, shifting instead to a clear and direct style that reflects the developmental goals of the NDA government. This year, as she prepares for her eighth budget presentation on February 1, expectations are high for a speech that underscores India's aspirations to become the world's third-largest economy while addressing immediate challenges like inflation and unemployment. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes about how, over the years, Sitharaman has refrained from quoting historical figures in her budget speeches and how it is likely to be the case this year as well.    Young adults across Indian metros are increasingly shaping their spending habits to enhance their social media presence, often at significant financial cost. Mint’s Shadma Shaikh spoke to 20 people in the 22 to 33 age group, all of whom acknowledged that their spending habits were largely aimed at raising their social media game. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, it's becoming clear that a lot of young folks are tweaking their spending habits to boost their social media profiles. Take, for instance, a tech marketer from Bengaluru who splurged ₹19,000 on a Bryan Adams concert just for social media, even though he’s not much of a traveler or a big music buff. It’s all about crafting that perfect online image—even if it means racking up some debt. This trend isn’t just about personal choices; it’s shaping major business strategies too. A hefty slice of marketing budgets now fuels influencer campaigns that promise hefty growth, thanks to their ability to make anything from a beach vacation to the latest gadget seem essential. What’s worrying is how this is playing out financially for the younger crowd. Financial advisors are seeing a shift: more young people are swiping their credit cards not for emergencies or investments but for that next big social media splash. From music festivals to designer gadgets, the urge to splurge is often amplified by clever marketing and the fear of missing out.   The Indian government has announced plans to synchronize all clocks across the nation to the Indian Standard Time (IST), using locally developed atomic clocks for millisecond to nanosecond precision. This initiative, named 'One Nation, One Time,' aims to enhance the uniformity and accuracy of timekeeping, which is crucial for various sectors such as navigation, telecommunications, power grids, and banking. Historically, many of India’s timekeeping systems have depended on U.S.-based Network Time Protocol servers. However, under the new rules drafted by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), all software will need to be synchronized with India’s own atomic clocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 28, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is stirring concerns in Maharashtra, with over 100 cases reported and a suspected death. This rare autoimmune disorder attacks the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis and severe respiratory issues. It's not contagious but typically follows infections or surgeries. Immediate hospitalization is often necessary for those severely affected. While there's no foolproof prevention due to its unclear causes, maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle helps mitigate risks. In India, GBS has been noted before, especially as a post-COVID complication, highlighting its potential severity. To tackle the current outbreak, the Central government has sent a specialist team to assist Maharashtra. The state is ramping up efforts to educate the public on maintaining hygiene and seeking prompt medical care for symptoms like muscle weakness. This proactive response aims to control the spread and provide necessary care to those affected. Priyanka Sharma explains what the GBS is, what are its symptoms and how to prevent it, in today’s Primer. 


 

Infosys is contesting allegations from Cognizant that it stole trade secrets, arguing that the information Cognizant claims as proprietary is publicly accessible and widely known. The dispute, currently unfolding in a U.S. court, has forced Cognizant to clarify what specific trade secrets Infosys allegedly misappropriated. Infosys, in a motion filed this January, challenged Cognizant to specify its claims, highlighting that many workers in the healthcare and IT sectors are familiar with the software at issue. The conflict began when Cognizant accused Infosys of using confidential information related to its QNXT and Facets software products—acquired through its 2014 takeover of TriZetto—to enhance Infosys’s own software solutions. Infosys has responded robustly, seeking to compel Cognizant to detail the supposed trade secrets and arguing that Cognizant's claims are overly broad and not legally tenable. Jas Bardia reports on the ongoing conflict. 


 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's approach to the annual budget speeches since 2022 has evolved to focus more on a futuristic vision rather than literary embellishments. Unlike her predecessors, Sitharaman has opted out of quoting poets like Rabindra Nath Tagore and Shakespeare, shifting instead to a clear and direct style that reflects the developmental goals of the NDA government. This year, as she prepares for her eighth budget presentation on February 1, expectations are high for a speech that underscores India's aspirations to become the world's third-largest economy while addressing immediate challenges like inflation and unemployment. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes about how, over the years, Sitharaman has refrained from quoting historical figures in her budget speeches and how it is likely to be the case this year as well. 


 

Young adults across Indian metros are increasingly shaping their spending habits to enhance their social media presence, often at significant financial cost. Mint’s Shadma Shaikh spoke to 20 people in the 22 to 33 age group, all of whom acknowledged that their spending habits were largely aimed at raising their social media game. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, it's becoming clear that a lot of young folks are tweaking their spending habits to boost their social media profiles. Take, for instance, a tech marketer from Bengaluru who splurged ₹19,000 on a Bryan Adams concert just for social media, even though he’s not much of a traveler or a big music buff. It’s all about crafting that perfect online image—even if it means racking up some debt. This trend isn’t just about personal choices; it’s shaping major business strategies too. A hefty slice of marketing budgets now fuels influencer campaigns that promise hefty growth, thanks to their ability to make anything from a beach vacation to the latest gadget seem essential. What’s worrying is how this is playing out financially for the younger crowd. Financial advisors are seeing a shift: more young people are swiping their credit cards not for emergencies or investments but for that next big social media splash. From music festivals to designer gadgets, the urge to splurge is often amplified by clever marketing and the fear of missing out.


 

The Indian government has announced plans to synchronize all clocks across the nation to the Indian Standard Time (IST), using locally developed atomic clocks for millisecond to nanosecond precision. This initiative, named 'One Nation, One Time,' aims to enhance the uniformity and accuracy of timekeeping, which is crucial for various sectors such as navigation, telecommunications, power grids, and banking. Historically, many of India’s timekeeping systems have depended on U.S.-based Network Time Protocol servers. However, under the new rules drafted by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), all software will need to be synchronized with India’s own atomic clocks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 467 no Want to buy fuel? You may need third-party insurance soon https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/want-to-buy-fuel-you-may-need-third-party-insurance-soon-5guYxj0c Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 27, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   US President Donald Trump's "Make in America" initiative aims to revitalize American manufacturing by encouraging companies to establish operations in the US or face higher tariffs on exports. Trump proposes incentives like a low 15% corporate tax rate for domestic manufacturing. This move challenges the existing global manufacturing hubs in Asia, like China and Vietnam, known for their lower costs and extensive supply chains. The impact of Trump's policy could be significant, as it encourages high-tech and sophisticated manufacturing to return to the US. For India, this is a wake-up call to enhance its manufacturing competitiveness. Key issues include outdated technology, high logistics costs, and regulatory complexities. Despite the government's efforts through policies like the productivity-linked incentive scheme, progress is slow. India's investment in R&D is also minimal compared to global standards, affecting innovation. Shelley Singh writes about how Trump’s “Make in America” approach will impact India.    Indian-American businessman Digvijay Danny Gaekwad's bid to acquire a significant stake in Religare Enterprises for ₹5,000 crore might hit a regulatory snag. Anirudh Laskar reports that Gaekwad's offer, priced at ₹275 per share, is more competitive than the Burman family's offer of ₹235 per share but could violate SEBI's takeover norms due to its timing and the size of the stake sought. SEBI’s rules also require a counteroffer to involve more shares than the initial bid. Moreover, there are concerns about the conditions attached to Gaekwad’s offer and the clarity around his funding sources. The battle for control is really about Religare’s profitable health insurance arm, Care Health Insurance. Religare’s chair, Rashmi Saluja, has been resisting the Burmans' attempts to take over the company since the Dabur owners first showed interest in the financial services company in September 2023. Now, with Gaekwad's sudden move, things might get even more tangled. India plans to tighten enforcement on third-party vehicle insurance by linking it to everyday vehicle-related activities. The Union finance ministry is considering measures such as mandatory insurance checks when buying fuel, obtaining FASTags, or renewing driving licenses and pollution control certificates, Subhash Narayan reports. This push comes amid concerns that over half of the vehicles on Indian roads lack third-party insurance, despite the legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates such coverage and prescribes severe penalties for non-compliance. The proposed changes, which are still being finalized, aim to ensure that more vehicles are insured by integrating insurance checks with regular vehicle-related transactions.   Motilal Oswal Group is considering selling its housing finance arm, Motilal Oswal Home Finance, which began as Aspire Home Finance Corp in 2014. Currently, the group holds a 97.49% stake in the subsidiary, which has a loan book of Rs 4,098 crore. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry valuations suggest the unit could be worth between Rs 3,612 crore to Rs 5,031 crore, based on its March-end net worth of Rs 1,290 crore. Despite initial asset quality issues, with gross non-performing assets peaking at 9.2% in FY19, the situation has improved significantly, with a gross NPA ratio of 0.86% as of March 2024.    The Union budget for FY26 is likely to significantly boost funding for R&D of high-yield hybrid seeds for essential crops like pulses, edible oils, and cotton, to address shortages and reduce import dependency. This move aims to develop climate-resilient seed varieties to increase productivity and improve farmers' incomes. The planned increase in budget allocation reflects a broader effort to improve agricultural outputs amid challenges such as climate change. For instance, cotton imports are expected to rise by 42% this financial year due to falling exports and domestic production issues. Currently, funding for agricultural education is set to rise by 8% in FY25, emphasizing the government's focus on enhancing agricultural capabilities through education and research. Additionally, the government has initiated the release of 109 high-yield crop varieties, expected to reach farmers in three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Want to buy fuel? You may need third-party insurance soon full 745 Mint - HT Smartcast How “Make in America” will impact India; Motilal Oswal Home Finance up for sale Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 27, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   US President Donald Trump's "Make in America" initiative aims to revitalize American manufacturing by encouraging companies to establish operations in the US or face higher tariffs on exports. Trump proposes incentives like a low 15% corporate tax rate for domestic manufacturing. This move challenges the existing global manufacturing hubs in Asia, like China and Vietnam, known for their lower costs and extensive supply chains. The impact of Trump's policy could be significant, as it encourages high-tech and sophisticated manufacturing to return to the US. For India, this is a wake-up call to enhance its manufacturing competitiveness. Key issues include outdated technology, high logistics costs, and regulatory complexities. Despite the government's efforts through policies like the productivity-linked incentive scheme, progress is slow. India's investment in R&D is also minimal compared to global standards, affecting innovation. Shelley Singh writes about how Trump’s “Make in America” approach will impact India.    Indian-American businessman Digvijay Danny Gaekwad's bid to acquire a significant stake in Religare Enterprises for ₹5,000 crore might hit a regulatory snag. Anirudh Laskar reports that Gaekwad's offer, priced at ₹275 per share, is more competitive than the Burman family's offer of ₹235 per share but could violate SEBI's takeover norms due to its timing and the size of the stake sought. SEBI’s rules also require a counteroffer to involve more shares than the initial bid. Moreover, there are concerns about the conditions attached to Gaekwad’s offer and the clarity around his funding sources. The battle for control is really about Religare’s profitable health insurance arm, Care Health Insurance. Religare’s chair, Rashmi Saluja, has been resisting the Burmans' attempts to take over the company since the Dabur owners first showed interest in the financial services company in September 2023. Now, with Gaekwad's sudden move, things might get even more tangled. India plans to tighten enforcement on third-party vehicle insurance by linking it to everyday vehicle-related activities. The Union finance ministry is considering measures such as mandatory insurance checks when buying fuel, obtaining FASTags, or renewing driving licenses and pollution control certificates, Subhash Narayan reports. This push comes amid concerns that over half of the vehicles on Indian roads lack third-party insurance, despite the legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates such coverage and prescribes severe penalties for non-compliance. The proposed changes, which are still being finalized, aim to ensure that more vehicles are insured by integrating insurance checks with regular vehicle-related transactions.   Motilal Oswal Group is considering selling its housing finance arm, Motilal Oswal Home Finance, which began as Aspire Home Finance Corp in 2014. Currently, the group holds a 97.49% stake in the subsidiary, which has a loan book of Rs 4,098 crore. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry valuations suggest the unit could be worth between Rs 3,612 crore to Rs 5,031 crore, based on its March-end net worth of Rs 1,290 crore. Despite initial asset quality issues, with gross non-performing assets peaking at 9.2% in FY19, the situation has improved significantly, with a gross NPA ratio of 0.86% as of March 2024.    The Union budget for FY26 is likely to significantly boost funding for R&D of high-yield hybrid seeds for essential crops like pulses, edible oils, and cotton, to address shortages and reduce import dependency. This move aims to develop climate-resilient seed varieties to increase productivity and improve farmers' incomes. The planned increase in budget allocation reflects a broader effort to improve agricultural outputs amid challenges such as climate change. For instance, cotton imports are expected to rise by 42% this financial year due to falling exports and domestic production issues. Currently, funding for agricultural education is set to rise by 8% in FY25, emphasizing the government's focus on enhancing agricultural capabilities through education and research. Additionally, the government has initiated the release of 109 high-yield crop varieties, expected to reach farmers in three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 27, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

US President Donald Trump's "Make in America" initiative aims to revitalize American manufacturing by encouraging companies to establish operations in the US or face higher tariffs on exports. Trump proposes incentives like a low 15% corporate tax rate for domestic manufacturing. This move challenges the existing global manufacturing hubs in Asia, like China and Vietnam, known for their lower costs and extensive supply chains. The impact of Trump's policy could be significant, as it encourages high-tech and sophisticated manufacturing to return to the US. For India, this is a wake-up call to enhance its manufacturing competitiveness. Key issues include outdated technology, high logistics costs, and regulatory complexities. Despite the government's efforts through policies like the productivity-linked incentive scheme, progress is slow. India's investment in R&D is also minimal compared to global standards, affecting innovation. Shelley Singh writes about how Trump’s “Make in America” approach will impact India. 


 

Indian-American businessman Digvijay Danny Gaekwad's bid to acquire a significant stake in Religare Enterprises for ₹5,000 crore might hit a regulatory snag. Anirudh Laskar reports that Gaekwad's offer, priced at ₹275 per share, is more competitive than the Burman family's offer of ₹235 per share but could violate SEBI's takeover norms due to its timing and the size of the stake sought. SEBI’s rules also require a counteroffer to involve more shares than the initial bid. Moreover, there are concerns about the conditions attached to Gaekwad’s offer and the clarity around his funding sources. The battle for control is really about Religare’s profitable health insurance arm, Care Health Insurance. Religare’s chair, Rashmi Saluja, has been resisting the Burmans' attempts to take over the company since the Dabur owners first showed interest in the financial services company in September 2023. Now, with Gaekwad's sudden move, things might get even more tangled.

India plans to tighten enforcement on third-party vehicle insurance by linking it to everyday vehicle-related activities. The Union finance ministry is considering measures such as mandatory insurance checks when buying fuel, obtaining FASTags, or renewing driving licenses and pollution control certificates, Subhash Narayan reports. This push comes amid concerns that over half of the vehicles on Indian roads lack third-party insurance, despite the legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates such coverage and prescribes severe penalties for non-compliance. The proposed changes, which are still being finalized, aim to ensure that more vehicles are insured by integrating insurance checks with regular vehicle-related transactions.


 

Motilal Oswal Group is considering selling its housing finance arm, Motilal Oswal Home Finance, which began as Aspire Home Finance Corp in 2014. Currently, the group holds a 97.49% stake in the subsidiary, which has a loan book of Rs 4,098 crore. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry valuations suggest the unit could be worth between Rs 3,612 crore to Rs 5,031 crore, based on its March-end net worth of Rs 1,290 crore. Despite initial asset quality issues, with gross non-performing assets peaking at 9.2% in FY19, the situation has improved significantly, with a gross NPA ratio of 0.86% as of March 2024. 


 

The Union budget for FY26 is likely to significantly boost funding for R&D of high-yield hybrid seeds for essential crops like pulses, edible oils, and cotton, to address shortages and reduce import dependency. This move aims to develop climate-resilient seed varieties to increase productivity and improve farmers' incomes. The planned increase in budget allocation reflects a broader effort to improve agricultural outputs amid challenges such as climate change. For instance, cotton imports are expected to rise by 42% this financial year due to falling exports and domestic production issues. Currently, funding for agricultural education is set to rise by 8% in FY25, emphasizing the government's focus on enhancing agricultural capabilities through education and research. Additionally, the government has initiated the release of 109 high-yield crop varieties, expected to reach farmers in three years.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 430 no Inside the seismic shift in the world of namkeens https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-the-seismic-shift-in-the-world-of-namkeens-lTvyefTr Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 24, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Delhi's liquor policy has been marred by controversy, leading to significant disputes and changes over the years. In November 2021, the Delhi government privatized liquor sales, aiming to boost revenue. However, by August 2022 this policy was reversed following a CAG report that highlighted alleged undue advantages given to licensees, which purportedly led to losses exceeding ₹2,000 crore for the exchequer. This reversal resulted in the shutdown of more than 400 private liquor stores, returning control to four government agencies. The latest controversy, Varuni Khosla explains, arose from a meeting on 10 January involving government agencies and alcohol distributors. They discussed implementing a 'fixed-ordering' system aimed at diversifying the range of affordable liquors available, particularly whiskeys, and curbing the promotion of lesser-known brands. This initiative, which was launched despite the election code of conduct, specifically targeted certain Punjab-made whiskey brands accused of being disproportionately promoted.   Since the covid-19 pandemic, there's been a big shift in India's snacking habits, with a growing focus on healthier choices. This change has sparked a surge in the popularity of products such as protein bars, makhana, quinoa puffs, oats bhujia and ragi chips, thanks to new-age companies such as Farmley, Happilo, Evolve Snacks and Open Secret. These brands are tapping a market that was once considered niche but is now going mainstream. Companies such as Happilo and Farmley are seeing impressive growth, with revenues skyrocketing as they cater to the health-conscious. This shift has even caught the attention of big FMCG players such as ITC, Marico and Tata Consumer, which are now acquiring startups in this space. However, creating snacks that are healthy, tasty and affordable remains a challenge, writes Samiksha Goel, as ingredients that boost health credentials are often more expensive. Yet, the industry is striving to balance these factors to keep these snacks appealing and affordable.   Indian companies are revamping retirement benefits to address the inadequacy of traditional statutory plans such as provident funds and gratuities. More firms are now opting for the corporate National Pension System (NPS) and exploring private insurance investment options to enhance retirement benefits and retain employees longer, Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write. WTW's 2024 study highlights a significant shift towards corporate NPS, with over half of Indian employers planning to introduce it soon. These include major corporations such as Tata Motors, which is considering converting superannuation funds to corporate NPS to offer market-linked returns and allow employees to choose their pension fund managers. The shift to NPS, which was introduced by the government for its employees in 2004, offers tax benefits and is seen as more flexible and cost-effective. Companies such as Coca-Cola India have already adopted NPS, aligning it with their overall employee well-being strategies.   India is steadfast in not granting unilateral trade concessions to the US under Trump's 'America First' policy but is open to discussions on market access for American products in exchange for no new trade barriers against Indian goods. Amid potential trade talks, India is focused on enhancing access for U.S. products in healthcare, automotive and agriculture, possibly increasing imports such as crude oil and specific agricultural goods. Despite historical trade friendliness, India is cautious about committing without reciprocal benefits, especially concerning higher U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. The country remains open to discussions that could include facilitating market access for U.S. firms in satellite communications and reducing barriers for U.S.-made electric vehicles and motorcycles. Both nations aim to balance trade interests with strategic economic cooperation.   India's government is considering changing its initial plan to merge three struggling general insurers—National Insurance, United India Insurance, and Oriental India Insurance—into a single entity. Instead, it may now select one of these insurers for privatization this fiscal year while bolstering the others with additional capital to strengthen their balance sheets. The decision will be informed by an upcoming assessment of their financial performance. Previously, a merger and public listing of the three insurers had been proposed in the 2018-19 Union budget, but progress has been slow. NITI Aayog had suggested privatizing United India Insurance, but this plan has yet to materialize. As of the last quarter, the solvency ratios of the three insurers were significantly below the regulatory minimum of 1.5, indicating financial instability. However, New India Assurance, the market leader, maintained a healthy solvency ratio and is not being considered for privatization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Inside the seismic shift in the world of namkeens full 744 Mint - HT Smartcast Delhi’s liquor policy stirs up another controversy; general insurer to be privatised Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 24, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Delhi's liquor policy has been marred by controversy, leading to significant disputes and changes over the years. In November 2021, the Delhi government privatized liquor sales, aiming to boost revenue. However, by August 2022 this policy was reversed following a CAG report that highlighted alleged undue advantages given to licensees, which purportedly led to losses exceeding ₹2,000 crore for the exchequer. This reversal resulted in the shutdown of more than 400 private liquor stores, returning control to four government agencies. The latest controversy, Varuni Khosla explains, arose from a meeting on 10 January involving government agencies and alcohol distributors. They discussed implementing a 'fixed-ordering' system aimed at diversifying the range of affordable liquors available, particularly whiskeys, and curbing the promotion of lesser-known brands. This initiative, which was launched despite the election code of conduct, specifically targeted certain Punjab-made whiskey brands accused of being disproportionately promoted.   Since the covid-19 pandemic, there's been a big shift in India's snacking habits, with a growing focus on healthier choices. This change has sparked a surge in the popularity of products such as protein bars, makhana, quinoa puffs, oats bhujia and ragi chips, thanks to new-age companies such as Farmley, Happilo, Evolve Snacks and Open Secret. These brands are tapping a market that was once considered niche but is now going mainstream. Companies such as Happilo and Farmley are seeing impressive growth, with revenues skyrocketing as they cater to the health-conscious. This shift has even caught the attention of big FMCG players such as ITC, Marico and Tata Consumer, which are now acquiring startups in this space. However, creating snacks that are healthy, tasty and affordable remains a challenge, writes Samiksha Goel, as ingredients that boost health credentials are often more expensive. Yet, the industry is striving to balance these factors to keep these snacks appealing and affordable.   Indian companies are revamping retirement benefits to address the inadequacy of traditional statutory plans such as provident funds and gratuities. More firms are now opting for the corporate National Pension System (NPS) and exploring private insurance investment options to enhance retirement benefits and retain employees longer, Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write. WTW's 2024 study highlights a significant shift towards corporate NPS, with over half of Indian employers planning to introduce it soon. These include major corporations such as Tata Motors, which is considering converting superannuation funds to corporate NPS to offer market-linked returns and allow employees to choose their pension fund managers. The shift to NPS, which was introduced by the government for its employees in 2004, offers tax benefits and is seen as more flexible and cost-effective. Companies such as Coca-Cola India have already adopted NPS, aligning it with their overall employee well-being strategies.   India is steadfast in not granting unilateral trade concessions to the US under Trump's 'America First' policy but is open to discussions on market access for American products in exchange for no new trade barriers against Indian goods. Amid potential trade talks, India is focused on enhancing access for U.S. products in healthcare, automotive and agriculture, possibly increasing imports such as crude oil and specific agricultural goods. Despite historical trade friendliness, India is cautious about committing without reciprocal benefits, especially concerning higher U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. The country remains open to discussions that could include facilitating market access for U.S. firms in satellite communications and reducing barriers for U.S.-made electric vehicles and motorcycles. Both nations aim to balance trade interests with strategic economic cooperation.   India's government is considering changing its initial plan to merge three struggling general insurers—National Insurance, United India Insurance, and Oriental India Insurance—into a single entity. Instead, it may now select one of these insurers for privatization this fiscal year while bolstering the others with additional capital to strengthen their balance sheets. The decision will be informed by an upcoming assessment of their financial performance. Previously, a merger and public listing of the three insurers had been proposed in the 2018-19 Union budget, but progress has been slow. NITI Aayog had suggested privatizing United India Insurance, but this plan has yet to materialize. As of the last quarter, the solvency ratios of the three insurers were significantly below the regulatory minimum of 1.5, indicating financial instability. However, New India Assurance, the market leader, maintained a healthy solvency ratio and is not being considered for privatization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 24, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Delhi's liquor policy has been marred by controversy, leading to significant disputes and changes over the years. In November 2021, the Delhi government privatized liquor sales, aiming to boost revenue. However, by August 2022 this policy was reversed following a CAG report that highlighted alleged undue advantages given to licensees, which purportedly led to losses exceeding ₹2,000 crore for the exchequer. This reversal resulted in the shutdown of more than 400 private liquor stores, returning control to four government agencies. The latest controversy, Varuni Khosla explains, arose from a meeting on 10 January involving government agencies and alcohol distributors. They discussed implementing a 'fixed-ordering' system aimed at diversifying the range of affordable liquors available, particularly whiskeys, and curbing the promotion of lesser-known brands. This initiative, which was launched despite the election code of conduct, specifically targeted certain Punjab-made whiskey brands accused of being disproportionately promoted.


 

Since the covid-19 pandemic, there's been a big shift in India's snacking habits, with a growing focus on healthier choices. This change has sparked a surge in the popularity of products such as protein bars, makhana, quinoa puffs, oats bhujia and ragi chips, thanks to new-age companies such as Farmley, Happilo, Evolve Snacks and Open Secret. These brands are tapping a market that was once considered niche but is now going mainstream. Companies such as Happilo and Farmley are seeing impressive growth, with revenues skyrocketing as they cater to the health-conscious. This shift has even caught the attention of big FMCG players such as ITC, Marico and Tata Consumer, which are now acquiring startups in this space. However, creating snacks that are healthy, tasty and affordable remains a challenge, writes Samiksha Goel, as ingredients that boost health credentials are often more expensive. Yet, the industry is striving to balance these factors to keep these snacks appealing and affordable.


 

Indian companies are revamping retirement benefits to address the inadequacy of traditional statutory plans such as provident funds and gratuities. More firms are now opting for the corporate National Pension System (NPS) and exploring private insurance investment options to enhance retirement benefits and retain employees longer, Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write. WTW's 2024 study highlights a significant shift towards corporate NPS, with over half of Indian employers planning to introduce it soon. These include major corporations such as Tata Motors, which is considering converting superannuation funds to corporate NPS to offer market-linked returns and allow employees to choose their pension fund managers. The shift to NPS, which was introduced by the government for its employees in 2004, offers tax benefits and is seen as more flexible and cost-effective. Companies such as Coca-Cola India have already adopted NPS, aligning it with their overall employee well-being strategies.


 

India is steadfast in not granting unilateral trade concessions to the US under Trump's 'America First' policy but is open to discussions on market access for American products in exchange for no new trade barriers against Indian goods. Amid potential trade talks, India is focused on enhancing access for U.S. products in healthcare, automotive and agriculture, possibly increasing imports such as crude oil and specific agricultural goods. Despite historical trade friendliness, India is cautious about committing without reciprocal benefits, especially concerning higher U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. The country remains open to discussions that could include facilitating market access for U.S. firms in satellite communications and reducing barriers for U.S.-made electric vehicles and motorcycles. Both nations aim to balance trade interests with strategic economic cooperation.


 

India's government is considering changing its initial plan to merge three struggling general insurers—National Insurance, United India Insurance, and Oriental India Insurance—into a single entity. Instead, it may now select one of these insurers for privatization this fiscal year while bolstering the others with additional capital to strengthen their balance sheets. The decision will be informed by an upcoming assessment of their financial performance. Previously, a merger and public listing of the three insurers had been proposed in the 2018-19 Union budget, but progress has been slow. NITI Aayog had suggested privatizing United India Insurance, but this plan has yet to materialize. As of the last quarter, the solvency ratios of the three insurers were significantly below the regulatory minimum of 1.5, indicating financial instability. However, New India Assurance, the market leader, maintained a healthy solvency ratio and is not being considered for privatization.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 455 no UPI will now let you pay for friends and family https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/upi-will-now-let-you-pay-for-friends-and-family-VQzc2fYW   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 23, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Geopolitics is reshaping global tech strategies, with the US’s Stargate Project a prime example. Spearheaded by President Trump, this initiative involves a consortium including OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX committing $500 billion to develop AI data centres across the US. This move aims to bolster America's AI infrastructure, create 100,000 jobs, and enhance its competitive edge against China in AI technologies. China, despite trailing behind the U.S. in AI, continues its rapid advancement, highlighted by innovations such as DeepSeek's new open-source AI model. This model promises to deliver high-level AI functionalities at a fraction of the cost of current leading technologies, posing a direct challenge to America’s dominance. India is also not far behind, and is aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure. New initiatives and investments, such as Microsoft's $3 billion expansion and major semiconductor projects, are set to significantly boost India's capabilities in AI and chip manufacturing, aiming to make it a pivotal player in the global tech landscape. So, will the Stargate Project help the US trump China? Leslie D’Monte explains.  The division of real estate magnate Mangal Prabhat Lodha's empire aimed to prevent family conflict but has led to a legal battle between his sons Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha. Despite an initial settlement that divided the business, including a payout to Abhinandan, disagreements over the use of the Lodha name have surfaced. Abhishek's company, Macrotech Developers, has sued to stop Abhinandan’s business from using the name, claiming it confuses customers and dilutes the brand. This dispute has become public, hampering Macrotech's stock and highlighting the complexities of family business transitions and brand management. Nehal Chaliawala and Varun Sood take a deep dive into the conflict in the Lodha family.  UPI Circle, a feature on the BHIM app, allows a primary user to authorize a secondary user to handle transactions from their bank account. This setup is ideal for helping those who may struggle with digital payments, and offers both full and partial delegation options. In full delegation, secondary users can process transactions up to ₹15,000 per day without further approval. Partial delegation, however, requires the primary user’s confirmation for each transaction, adding a layer of security. The service is available through the BHIM app, and is supported by major banks such as SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, but it's not yet live on the most popular UPI platforms such as PhonePe or Google Pay.   The rapid expansion of quick commerce in India has led to a surge in demand for dark store workers, vital for operations of businesses such as Zomato's Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart. These workers are essential for picking, packing, and loading goods quickly to meet the quick-delivery promises. With Zomato planning to double its dark stores and Zepto aiming for significant growth, the sector sees high churn rates and competition for workers, pushing companies to offer better salaries and incentives. Industry specialists note that dark store workers typically earn between ₹15,000-18,000 a month, with potential bonuses that could add another ₹6,000. However, attrition rates are around 12-15% a month – much higher than in other sectors. This high turnover means companies such as Zepto and Blinkit could see their entire workforce change over the course of a year, which drives up hiring costs, Mansi Verma reports.   The upcoming Union Budget for FY26 may include financial support for green hydrogen initiatives targeting major polluting industries such as steel, cement and power. This move is being considered to speed up the adoption of green technologies, which has been slower than expected because of high costs. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed incentives for adopting green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage, recognizing that fiscal support is crucial to meet India's energy transition goals. Currently, under the ₹19,700 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government provides ₹17,490 crore for green hydrogen and electrolyzer production under the SIGHT scheme, Rituraj Baruah reports. The goal is to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, leveraging India's renewable energy capabilities to make it a significant player in the global market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 UPI will now let you pay for friends and family full 743 Mint - HT Smartcast Green hydrogen push likely for polluting sectors; Inside Lodha vs Lodha   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 23, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Geopolitics is reshaping global tech strategies, with the US’s Stargate Project a prime example. Spearheaded by President Trump, this initiative involves a consortium including OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX committing $500 billion to develop AI data centres across the US. This move aims to bolster America's AI infrastructure, create 100,000 jobs, and enhance its competitive edge against China in AI technologies. China, despite trailing behind the U.S. in AI, continues its rapid advancement, highlighted by innovations such as DeepSeek's new open-source AI model. This model promises to deliver high-level AI functionalities at a fraction of the cost of current leading technologies, posing a direct challenge to America’s dominance. India is also not far behind, and is aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure. New initiatives and investments, such as Microsoft's $3 billion expansion and major semiconductor projects, are set to significantly boost India's capabilities in AI and chip manufacturing, aiming to make it a pivotal player in the global tech landscape. So, will the Stargate Project help the US trump China? Leslie D’Monte explains.  The division of real estate magnate Mangal Prabhat Lodha's empire aimed to prevent family conflict but has led to a legal battle between his sons Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha. Despite an initial settlement that divided the business, including a payout to Abhinandan, disagreements over the use of the Lodha name have surfaced. Abhishek's company, Macrotech Developers, has sued to stop Abhinandan’s business from using the name, claiming it confuses customers and dilutes the brand. This dispute has become public, hampering Macrotech's stock and highlighting the complexities of family business transitions and brand management. Nehal Chaliawala and Varun Sood take a deep dive into the conflict in the Lodha family.  UPI Circle, a feature on the BHIM app, allows a primary user to authorize a secondary user to handle transactions from their bank account. This setup is ideal for helping those who may struggle with digital payments, and offers both full and partial delegation options. In full delegation, secondary users can process transactions up to ₹15,000 per day without further approval. Partial delegation, however, requires the primary user’s confirmation for each transaction, adding a layer of security. The service is available through the BHIM app, and is supported by major banks such as SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, but it's not yet live on the most popular UPI platforms such as PhonePe or Google Pay.   The rapid expansion of quick commerce in India has led to a surge in demand for dark store workers, vital for operations of businesses such as Zomato's Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart. These workers are essential for picking, packing, and loading goods quickly to meet the quick-delivery promises. With Zomato planning to double its dark stores and Zepto aiming for significant growth, the sector sees high churn rates and competition for workers, pushing companies to offer better salaries and incentives. Industry specialists note that dark store workers typically earn between ₹15,000-18,000 a month, with potential bonuses that could add another ₹6,000. However, attrition rates are around 12-15% a month – much higher than in other sectors. This high turnover means companies such as Zepto and Blinkit could see their entire workforce change over the course of a year, which drives up hiring costs, Mansi Verma reports.   The upcoming Union Budget for FY26 may include financial support for green hydrogen initiatives targeting major polluting industries such as steel, cement and power. This move is being considered to speed up the adoption of green technologies, which has been slower than expected because of high costs. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed incentives for adopting green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage, recognizing that fiscal support is crucial to meet India's energy transition goals. Currently, under the ₹19,700 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government provides ₹17,490 crore for green hydrogen and electrolyzer production under the SIGHT scheme, Rituraj Baruah reports. The goal is to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, leveraging India's renewable energy capabilities to make it a significant player in the global market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 23, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Geopolitics is reshaping global tech strategies, with the US’s Stargate Project a prime example. Spearheaded by President Trump, this initiative involves a consortium including OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX committing $500 billion to develop AI data centres across the US. This move aims to bolster America's AI infrastructure, create 100,000 jobs, and enhance its competitive edge against China in AI technologies. China, despite trailing behind the U.S. in AI, continues its rapid advancement, highlighted by innovations such as DeepSeek's new open-source AI model. This model promises to deliver high-level AI functionalities at a fraction of the cost of current leading technologies, posing a direct challenge to America’s dominance. India is also not far behind, and is aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure. New initiatives and investments, such as Microsoft's $3 billion expansion and major semiconductor projects, are set to significantly boost India's capabilities in AI and chip manufacturing, aiming to make it a pivotal player in the global tech landscape. So, will the Stargate Project help the US trump China? Leslie D’Monte explains. 

The division of real estate magnate Mangal Prabhat Lodha's empire aimed to prevent family conflict but has led to a legal battle between his sons Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha. Despite an initial settlement that divided the business, including a payout to Abhinandan, disagreements over the use of the Lodha name have surfaced. Abhishek's company, Macrotech Developers, has sued to stop Abhinandan’s business from using the name, claiming it confuses customers and dilutes the brand. This dispute has become public, hampering Macrotech's stock and highlighting the complexities of family business transitions and brand management. Nehal Chaliawala and Varun Sood take a deep dive into the conflict in the Lodha family. 

UPI Circle, a feature on the BHIM app, allows a primary user to authorize a secondary user to handle transactions from their bank account. This setup is ideal for helping those who may struggle with digital payments, and offers both full and partial delegation options. In full delegation, secondary users can process transactions up to ₹15,000 per day without further approval. Partial delegation, however, requires the primary user’s confirmation for each transaction, adding a layer of security. The service is available through the BHIM app, and is supported by major banks such as SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, but it's not yet live on the most popular UPI platforms such as PhonePe or Google Pay.


 

The rapid expansion of quick commerce in India has led to a surge in demand for dark store workers, vital for operations of businesses such as Zomato's Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart. These workers are essential for picking, packing, and loading goods quickly to meet the quick-delivery promises. With Zomato planning to double its dark stores and Zepto aiming for significant growth, the sector sees high churn rates and competition for workers, pushing companies to offer better salaries and incentives. Industry specialists note that dark store workers typically earn between ₹15,000-18,000 a month, with potential bonuses that could add another ₹6,000. However, attrition rates are around 12-15% a month – much higher than in other sectors. This high turnover means companies such as Zepto and Blinkit could see their entire workforce change over the course of a year, which drives up hiring costs, Mansi Verma reports.


 

The upcoming Union Budget for FY26 may include financial support for green hydrogen initiatives targeting major polluting industries such as steel, cement and power. This move is being considered to speed up the adoption of green technologies, which has been slower than expected because of high costs. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed incentives for adopting green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage, recognizing that fiscal support is crucial to meet India's energy transition goals. Currently, under the ₹19,700 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government provides ₹17,490 crore for green hydrogen and electrolyzer production under the SIGHT scheme, Rituraj Baruah reports. The goal is to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, leveraging India's renewable energy capabilities to make it a significant player in the global market.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 432 no Inside the $30 billion Maha Kumbh economy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-the-30-billion-maha-kumbh-economy-x51zZWiw   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Reserve Bank of India is making strides towards making the rupee and international currency by allowing non-residents to open rupee accounts in the overseas branches of authorized Indian banks. This move, part of a broader effort to encourage cross-border transactions in the rupee, follows the RBI's consultation with the central government and builds on recommendations from a 2022 RBI committee aimed at integrating the rupee into the global financial system more effectively. Now, non-residents can manage both current and capital transactions with Indian residents through these accounts and also use them to invest in rupee assets, Gopika Gopakumar reports. For example, a non-resident Indian in the U.S. can hold rupees received from exports to India and use them for various payments, including imports back into India. This flexibility could significantly streamline the management of trade finances. However, bankers are cautiously optimistic, noting that the rupee's non-convertible nature might slow its adoption for international transactions.   The Union Budget for FY26 is expected to significantly increase financial support for startups and small businesses, which are crucial to India’s economy, accounting for nearly one-third of its GDP. The government plans to bolster working capital, trade finance, and growth funding through favourable terms under various schemes managed by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Ministry of MSMEs. These sectors are particularly important as they employ over 247 million people amidst India’s ongoing job-creation challenges. Expected initiatives include more robust financial backing under existing DPIIT and MSME schemes.    India's top IT firms are charting different courses in their AI journeys. Companies such as Infosys and Tech Mahindra are crafting small AI models that are perfect for specific, cost-sensitive tasks. These smaller models use less data, making them quicker and cheaper to operate. For instance, Infosys has created distinct models for industries such as banking and cybersecurity by combining their rich internal data with some carefully selected external datasets. Meanwhile, other players such as Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and HCL Technologies are choosing to expand on existing, broad-scope AI tools known as large language models (LLMs). Jas Bardia writes that this highlights a fundamental choice in AI development between specialisation and scalability. Smaller models offer precise solutions at lower costs, while larger models deliver extensive capabilities but come with higher operational expenses and risks. At Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering attracting over 400 million visitors this year, businesses are seizing the opportunity to cater to the massive influx. The festival, held once every 12 years, not only promises spiritual fulfilment but has also turned into a bustling economic hub. According to Sprout Research, the event is expected to generate financial transactions worth around $30 billion. Amidst this, social media influencers are earning significant sums by promoting everything from local businesses to spiritual activities. They look to capture the festival's essence through videos and posts, and charge up to ₹30,000 for a single post. Local tour operators are also capitalizing on the event, offering packages that include holy dips with sadhus for anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Even large corporations and banks such as the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Baroda are using the event to promote digital privacy, cybersecurity and digital payments. Advertising has spiked, with costs for promotional spaces significantly higher than in previous years. Read Devina Sengupta’s detailed report on India’s unique mela economy from the grounds of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.   India's bullet train network is set to expand, with the government planning to create new high-speed rail corridors across the country. According to railway minister Ashwini Vaishaw, this expansion will harness indigenous technology developed in collaboration with Japanese experts, building on the experience gained from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd has already identified seven additional corridors, with detailed project reports for most of them submitted or scheduled for completion soon. This initiative aims to connect major cities via a golden quadrilateral of bullet trains, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times significantly. The government is also focusing on increasing the indigenization of high-speed rail technology to reduce costs and promote local manufacturing. There are also plans to upgrade the domestically produced Vande Bharat trains to higher speeds to complement the bullet train services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Inside the $30 billion Maha Kumbh economy full 742 Mint - HT Smartcast How RBI plans to internationalise rupee; bullet train project to be expanded   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Reserve Bank of India is making strides towards making the rupee and international currency by allowing non-residents to open rupee accounts in the overseas branches of authorized Indian banks. This move, part of a broader effort to encourage cross-border transactions in the rupee, follows the RBI's consultation with the central government and builds on recommendations from a 2022 RBI committee aimed at integrating the rupee into the global financial system more effectively. Now, non-residents can manage both current and capital transactions with Indian residents through these accounts and also use them to invest in rupee assets, Gopika Gopakumar reports. For example, a non-resident Indian in the U.S. can hold rupees received from exports to India and use them for various payments, including imports back into India. This flexibility could significantly streamline the management of trade finances. However, bankers are cautiously optimistic, noting that the rupee's non-convertible nature might slow its adoption for international transactions.   The Union Budget for FY26 is expected to significantly increase financial support for startups and small businesses, which are crucial to India’s economy, accounting for nearly one-third of its GDP. The government plans to bolster working capital, trade finance, and growth funding through favourable terms under various schemes managed by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Ministry of MSMEs. These sectors are particularly important as they employ over 247 million people amidst India’s ongoing job-creation challenges. Expected initiatives include more robust financial backing under existing DPIIT and MSME schemes.    India's top IT firms are charting different courses in their AI journeys. Companies such as Infosys and Tech Mahindra are crafting small AI models that are perfect for specific, cost-sensitive tasks. These smaller models use less data, making them quicker and cheaper to operate. For instance, Infosys has created distinct models for industries such as banking and cybersecurity by combining their rich internal data with some carefully selected external datasets. Meanwhile, other players such as Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and HCL Technologies are choosing to expand on existing, broad-scope AI tools known as large language models (LLMs). Jas Bardia writes that this highlights a fundamental choice in AI development between specialisation and scalability. Smaller models offer precise solutions at lower costs, while larger models deliver extensive capabilities but come with higher operational expenses and risks. At Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering attracting over 400 million visitors this year, businesses are seizing the opportunity to cater to the massive influx. The festival, held once every 12 years, not only promises spiritual fulfilment but has also turned into a bustling economic hub. According to Sprout Research, the event is expected to generate financial transactions worth around $30 billion. Amidst this, social media influencers are earning significant sums by promoting everything from local businesses to spiritual activities. They look to capture the festival's essence through videos and posts, and charge up to ₹30,000 for a single post. Local tour operators are also capitalizing on the event, offering packages that include holy dips with sadhus for anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Even large corporations and banks such as the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Baroda are using the event to promote digital privacy, cybersecurity and digital payments. Advertising has spiked, with costs for promotional spaces significantly higher than in previous years. Read Devina Sengupta’s detailed report on India’s unique mela economy from the grounds of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.   India's bullet train network is set to expand, with the government planning to create new high-speed rail corridors across the country. According to railway minister Ashwini Vaishaw, this expansion will harness indigenous technology developed in collaboration with Japanese experts, building on the experience gained from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd has already identified seven additional corridors, with detailed project reports for most of them submitted or scheduled for completion soon. This initiative aims to connect major cities via a golden quadrilateral of bullet trains, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times significantly. The government is also focusing on increasing the indigenization of high-speed rail technology to reduce costs and promote local manufacturing. There are also plans to upgrade the domestically produced Vande Bharat trains to higher speeds to complement the bullet train services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Reserve Bank of India is making strides towards making the rupee and international currency by allowing non-residents to open rupee accounts in the overseas branches of authorized Indian banks. This move, part of a broader effort to encourage cross-border transactions in the rupee, follows the RBI's consultation with the central government and builds on recommendations from a 2022 RBI committee aimed at integrating the rupee into the global financial system more effectively. Now, non-residents can manage both current and capital transactions with Indian residents through these accounts and also use them to invest in rupee assets, Gopika Gopakumar reports. For example, a non-resident Indian in the U.S. can hold rupees received from exports to India and use them for various payments, including imports back into India. This flexibility could significantly streamline the management of trade finances. However, bankers are cautiously optimistic, noting that the rupee's non-convertible nature might slow its adoption for international transactions.


 

The Union Budget for FY26 is expected to significantly increase financial support for startups and small businesses, which are crucial to India’s economy, accounting for nearly one-third of its GDP. The government plans to bolster working capital, trade finance, and growth funding through favourable terms under various schemes managed by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Ministry of MSMEs. These sectors are particularly important as they employ over 247 million people amidst India’s ongoing job-creation challenges. Expected initiatives include more robust financial backing under existing DPIIT and MSME schemes. 


 

India's top IT firms are charting different courses in their AI journeys. Companies such as Infosys and Tech Mahindra are crafting small AI models that are perfect for specific, cost-sensitive tasks. These smaller models use less data, making them quicker and cheaper to operate. For instance, Infosys has created distinct models for industries such as banking and cybersecurity by combining their rich internal data with some carefully selected external datasets. Meanwhile, other players such as Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and HCL Technologies are choosing to expand on existing, broad-scope AI tools known as large language models (LLMs). Jas Bardia writes that this highlights a fundamental choice in AI development between specialisation and scalability. Smaller models offer precise solutions at lower costs, while larger models deliver extensive capabilities but come with higher operational expenses and risks.

At Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand spiritual gathering attracting over 400 million visitors this year, businesses are seizing the opportunity to cater to the massive influx. The festival, held once every 12 years, not only promises spiritual fulfilment but has also turned into a bustling economic hub. According to Sprout Research, the event is expected to generate financial transactions worth around $30 billion. Amidst this, social media influencers are earning significant sums by promoting everything from local businesses to spiritual activities. They look to capture the festival's essence through videos and posts, and charge up to ₹30,000 for a single post. Local tour operators are also capitalizing on the event, offering packages that include holy dips with sadhus for anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Even large corporations and banks such as the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Baroda are using the event to promote digital privacy, cybersecurity and digital payments. Advertising has spiked, with costs for promotional spaces significantly higher than in previous years. Read Devina Sengupta’s detailed report on India’s unique mela economy from the grounds of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.


 

India's bullet train network is set to expand, with the government planning to create new high-speed rail corridors across the country. According to railway minister Ashwini Vaishaw, this expansion will harness indigenous technology developed in collaboration with Japanese experts, building on the experience gained from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd has already identified seven additional corridors, with detailed project reports for most of them submitted or scheduled for completion soon. This initiative aims to connect major cities via a golden quadrilateral of bullet trains, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times significantly. The government is also focusing on increasing the indigenization of high-speed rail technology to reduce costs and promote local manufacturing. There are also plans to upgrade the domestically produced Vande Bharat trains to higher speeds to complement the bullet train services.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 456 no Trump 2.0: What’s in store for India? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/trump-20-whats-in-store-for-india-33L3L168 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   As Donald Trump begins his second term as US President, there’s a lot of speculation about how his policies might unfold, especially when it comes to India. With control over both the House and the Senate, Trump is well-positioned to push through his agenda, which remains as unpredictable as ever. His priorities? Slapping hefty tariffs on imports to boost American manufacturing, cutting taxes, and taking tough measures on immigration, writes N Madhavan. Right off the bat, Trump plans to sign around 100 executive orders that could reshape U.S. policies on everything from immigration to trade. These moves could have a big ripple effect globally. For India, things look relatively positive, as ties between the two countries were pretty solid during Trump's first term, thanks to strong personal chemistry between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there are potential challenges. Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods could spark a trade war, slowing down the global economy and affecting Indian exports. Plus, there's the issue with H1B visas, crucial for India's tech industry, which are caught in a tug-of-war within Trump’s support base.   The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently fined Meta Platforms Inc. ₹ 213 crore for alleged abuse of dominance related to Meta-owned WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update. This decision has sparked discussions about the potential conflict between CCI and sectoral regulators. This is particularly relevant with the new Digital Data Protection Act of 2023, which allows data processing with informed consent. CCI's ruling stops WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta entities for advertising for five years. This raises concerns about alignment with future regulations from the Data Protection Board of India, which will oversee data usage based on user consent. This situation highlights the tension between protecting competition and fostering innovation and user autonomy in the digital economy, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad.       India's market regulator, SEBI, is intensifying its surveillance on penny stocks and micro-cap companies that show unusually high gains, which could indicate speculative trading. This move aims to safeguard retail investors, especially the millions of new traders who joined the market during the pandemic. The concern is that these stocks might not have earnings that justify their soaring prices, despite the Nifty Microcap Index rising by 21.7% in the past year. SEBI's strategy includes educational efforts to help investors recognize the risks associated with these investments and avoid falling for unverified tips on social media, Neha Joshi reports. India's PM Internship Scheme, initially aimed at providing 10 million internships through the top 500 corporations by CSR spending, may soon include MSMEs. This inclusion aims to enhance employment opportunities as micro, small and medium enterprises are vital to the Indian economy, employing over 216 million people. The scheme offers a 12-month internship with a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month—Rs 4,500 funded by the government and Rs 500 by the industry—plus a one-time payment of Rs 6,000 upon securing an internship. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that discussions are ongoing about integrating MSMEs that are part of the supply chain of larger corporations into this scheme. This move is expected to be announced in the upcoming union budget.   The pandemic paradoxically sparked a boom for India's PVC and steel manufacturers, with disrupted global supply chains causing a sharp increase in domestic prices. However, this high was short-lived as China's stringent covid policies in 2022 led to an influx of low-priced Chinese imports, significantly impacting Indian industries. As Donald Trump threatens to increase the tariffs on Chinese goods, there is rising concern that such a move could redirect an increased volume of Chinese products to India. This shift could exacerbate challenges for Indian manufacturers, who are already grappling with the influx of low-priced imports that undercut local production. This situation poses a significant threat to India’s industrial sectors, particularly in steel and PVC manufacturing, as these struggle to compete with cheaper, imported goods. N Madhavan writes about how India can escape a dumping flood from China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Trump 2.0: What’s in store for India? full 741 Mint - HT Smartcast Microcaps under Sebi lens; MSMEs in PM internship scheme Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   As Donald Trump begins his second term as US President, there’s a lot of speculation about how his policies might unfold, especially when it comes to India. With control over both the House and the Senate, Trump is well-positioned to push through his agenda, which remains as unpredictable as ever. His priorities? Slapping hefty tariffs on imports to boost American manufacturing, cutting taxes, and taking tough measures on immigration, writes N Madhavan. Right off the bat, Trump plans to sign around 100 executive orders that could reshape U.S. policies on everything from immigration to trade. These moves could have a big ripple effect globally. For India, things look relatively positive, as ties between the two countries were pretty solid during Trump's first term, thanks to strong personal chemistry between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there are potential challenges. Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods could spark a trade war, slowing down the global economy and affecting Indian exports. Plus, there's the issue with H1B visas, crucial for India's tech industry, which are caught in a tug-of-war within Trump’s support base.   The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently fined Meta Platforms Inc. ₹ 213 crore for alleged abuse of dominance related to Meta-owned WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update. This decision has sparked discussions about the potential conflict between CCI and sectoral regulators. This is particularly relevant with the new Digital Data Protection Act of 2023, which allows data processing with informed consent. CCI's ruling stops WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta entities for advertising for five years. This raises concerns about alignment with future regulations from the Data Protection Board of India, which will oversee data usage based on user consent. This situation highlights the tension between protecting competition and fostering innovation and user autonomy in the digital economy, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad.       India's market regulator, SEBI, is intensifying its surveillance on penny stocks and micro-cap companies that show unusually high gains, which could indicate speculative trading. This move aims to safeguard retail investors, especially the millions of new traders who joined the market during the pandemic. The concern is that these stocks might not have earnings that justify their soaring prices, despite the Nifty Microcap Index rising by 21.7% in the past year. SEBI's strategy includes educational efforts to help investors recognize the risks associated with these investments and avoid falling for unverified tips on social media, Neha Joshi reports. India's PM Internship Scheme, initially aimed at providing 10 million internships through the top 500 corporations by CSR spending, may soon include MSMEs. This inclusion aims to enhance employment opportunities as micro, small and medium enterprises are vital to the Indian economy, employing over 216 million people. The scheme offers a 12-month internship with a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month—Rs 4,500 funded by the government and Rs 500 by the industry—plus a one-time payment of Rs 6,000 upon securing an internship. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that discussions are ongoing about integrating MSMEs that are part of the supply chain of larger corporations into this scheme. This move is expected to be announced in the upcoming union budget.   The pandemic paradoxically sparked a boom for India's PVC and steel manufacturers, with disrupted global supply chains causing a sharp increase in domestic prices. However, this high was short-lived as China's stringent covid policies in 2022 led to an influx of low-priced Chinese imports, significantly impacting Indian industries. As Donald Trump threatens to increase the tariffs on Chinese goods, there is rising concern that such a move could redirect an increased volume of Chinese products to India. This shift could exacerbate challenges for Indian manufacturers, who are already grappling with the influx of low-priced imports that undercut local production. This situation poses a significant threat to India’s industrial sectors, particularly in steel and PVC manufacturing, as these struggle to compete with cheaper, imported goods. N Madhavan writes about how India can escape a dumping flood from China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

As Donald Trump begins his second term as US President, there’s a lot of speculation about how his policies might unfold, especially when it comes to India. With control over both the House and the Senate, Trump is well-positioned to push through his agenda, which remains as unpredictable as ever. His priorities? Slapping hefty tariffs on imports to boost American manufacturing, cutting taxes, and taking tough measures on immigration, writes N Madhavan. Right off the bat, Trump plans to sign around 100 executive orders that could reshape U.S. policies on everything from immigration to trade. These moves could have a big ripple effect globally. For India, things look relatively positive, as ties between the two countries were pretty solid during Trump's first term, thanks to strong personal chemistry between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there are potential challenges. Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods could spark a trade war, slowing down the global economy and affecting Indian exports. Plus, there's the issue with H1B visas, crucial for India's tech industry, which are caught in a tug-of-war within Trump’s support base.


 

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently fined Meta Platforms Inc. ₹ 213 crore for alleged abuse of dominance related to Meta-owned WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update. This decision has sparked discussions about the potential conflict between CCI and sectoral regulators. This is particularly relevant with the new Digital Data Protection Act of 2023, which allows data processing with informed consent. CCI's ruling stops WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta entities for advertising for five years. This raises concerns about alignment with future regulations from the Data Protection Board of India, which will oversee data usage based on user consent. This situation highlights the tension between protecting competition and fostering innovation and user autonomy in the digital economy, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad.


 


 


 

India's market regulator, SEBI, is intensifying its surveillance on penny stocks and micro-cap companies that show unusually high gains, which could indicate speculative trading. This move aims to safeguard retail investors, especially the millions of new traders who joined the market during the pandemic. The concern is that these stocks might not have earnings that justify their soaring prices, despite the Nifty Microcap Index rising by 21.7% in the past year. SEBI's strategy includes educational efforts to help investors recognize the risks associated with these investments and avoid falling for unverified tips on social media, Neha Joshi reports.

India's PM Internship Scheme, initially aimed at providing 10 million internships through the top 500 corporations by CSR spending, may soon include MSMEs. This inclusion aims to enhance employment opportunities as micro, small and medium enterprises are vital to the Indian economy, employing over 216 million people. The scheme offers a 12-month internship with a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month—Rs 4,500 funded by the government and Rs 500 by the industry—plus a one-time payment of Rs 6,000 upon securing an internship. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that discussions are ongoing about integrating MSMEs that are part of the supply chain of larger corporations into this scheme. This move is expected to be announced in the upcoming union budget.


 

The pandemic paradoxically sparked a boom for India's PVC and steel manufacturers, with disrupted global supply chains causing a sharp increase in domestic prices. However, this high was short-lived as China's stringent covid policies in 2022 led to an influx of low-priced Chinese imports, significantly impacting Indian industries. As Donald Trump threatens to increase the tariffs on Chinese goods, there is rising concern that such a move could redirect an increased volume of Chinese products to India. This shift could exacerbate challenges for Indian manufacturers, who are already grappling with the influx of low-priced imports that undercut local production. This situation poses a significant threat to India’s industrial sectors, particularly in steel and PVC manufacturing, as these struggle to compete with cheaper, imported goods. N Madhavan writes about how India can escape a dumping flood from China.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 418 no Budget 2025: Better tax breaks in the works? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/budget-2025-better-tax-breaks-in-the-works-JDyU7R9J Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 20, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, robotics really stole the show. Imagine robots mowing lawns, cleaning floors, and even mixing drinks—sounds like sci-fi, right? Well, it's becoming a reality. Standouts included 'Adam,' a robotic bartender from Richtech Robotics, and 'Mirumi,' a robot designed for social interactions. There was also 'Looi' by Tangible Future, a personal assistant powered by ChatGPT, and 'Mirokai,' a programmable humanoid that feels almost like talking to another person. These bots range in price from the more affordable 'Mirumi' at $70 to the hefty $60,000 for the home assistant R2D3. What's really exciting is how interactive these robots have become. Thanks to advancements in AI, they're not just functional machines anymore; they can actually interact with you in a way that feels natural. So, are these home robots ready for people to be used? Shouvik Das answers that question in today’s Primer.    As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States, India’s stock market braces for potential volatility. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are notably apprehensive, having net sold ₹44,396 crore worth of shares up to January 16 and significantly increasing their bearish bets on Indian futures. This cautious stance reflects concerns over Trump's unpredictable policies, which could include high tariffs and strict immigration rules, writes Ram Sahgal. Despite these worries, India's position in the global market has shifted, now trailing behind Taiwan in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index due to recent market corrections.   Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is considering offering more attractive income tax breaks in the upcoming FY26 budget to boost household spending amid economic challenges. Sources told Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the discussions are focused on increasing the standard deduction beyond ₹75,000 and raising the basic tax exemption limit from ₹3 lakh. Also, on reconfiguring the tax brackets up to ₹15 lakh to provide broader relief. These proposed changes aim to stimulate consumption by adjusting the personal income tax structure, particularly targeting those earning between ₹3 and ₹15 lakh. With economic growth expected to slow to 6.4%, these fiscal measures, alongside maintaining elevated capital expenditure, are seen as crucial steps to invigorate the economy. The government is also looking to balance these tax cuts with fiscal responsibility, aiming to keep the deficit within 4.5% of GDP next year. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) might just dodge the divestment bullet as the government mulls labelling it as a "strategic" public sector unit. That's a big nod to BHEL's role in key sectors like renewable energy and defence. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare write that a parliamentary committee has also thrown its weight behind this idea. The committee recommended that BHEL be deemed strategic, which could mean no more talk of selling off government stakes in the company. BHEL's been making moves into electric mobility and renewable power, and it’s been paying off with a revival in large thermal power and railway equipment orders. With the government holding a 63.17% stake, BHEL's market value recently stood strong at close to ₹74,500 crore. So, what’s next? BHEL's packed order book, which includes everything from Vande Bharat trains to power projects, points to its crucial role in supporting India's strategic industrial ambitions. Coldplay is back in India, hitting stages in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as part of their Music of The Spheres world tour. Despite the high ticket prices, fans across generations are eager to experience their music live, spending big on tickets, travel, and accommodations. Interestingly, Coldplay’s fan base isn’t just limited to those who grew up listening to them. A lot of their younger fans weren’t even born when the band started in 1997 but are just as enthusiastic, drawn by the band's ability to blend their classic hits with modern vibes that resonate across age groups. Soumya Gupta takes a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Coldplay and how a millennial band is charming Gen Z audience. Anil Makhija from BookMyShow notes the band’s broad appeal, “Their music captures the hearts of both older audiences and the younger generation, making their concerts a rich, multi-generational gathering.” This pattern isn’t just unique to India. Globally, older bands like Coldplay continue to draw crowds with their timeless music, proving that good tunes know no age. With their music finding new fans through social media and their ability to adapt to contemporary sounds, Coldplay manages to keep their legacy alive and kicking, captivating listeners across the spectrum. Whether it's the nostalgia for the older fans or the discovery of new hits for the younger ones, Coldplay's tours are more than just concerts—they're a celebration of enduring music that crosses generational divides.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Budget 2025: Better tax breaks in the works? full 740 Mint - HT Smartcast A millennial band’s Gen Z connection; FPIs bearish on Trump’s inauguration Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 20, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, robotics really stole the show. Imagine robots mowing lawns, cleaning floors, and even mixing drinks—sounds like sci-fi, right? Well, it's becoming a reality. Standouts included 'Adam,' a robotic bartender from Richtech Robotics, and 'Mirumi,' a robot designed for social interactions. There was also 'Looi' by Tangible Future, a personal assistant powered by ChatGPT, and 'Mirokai,' a programmable humanoid that feels almost like talking to another person. These bots range in price from the more affordable 'Mirumi' at $70 to the hefty $60,000 for the home assistant R2D3. What's really exciting is how interactive these robots have become. Thanks to advancements in AI, they're not just functional machines anymore; they can actually interact with you in a way that feels natural. So, are these home robots ready for people to be used? Shouvik Das answers that question in today’s Primer.    As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States, India’s stock market braces for potential volatility. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are notably apprehensive, having net sold ₹44,396 crore worth of shares up to January 16 and significantly increasing their bearish bets on Indian futures. This cautious stance reflects concerns over Trump's unpredictable policies, which could include high tariffs and strict immigration rules, writes Ram Sahgal. Despite these worries, India's position in the global market has shifted, now trailing behind Taiwan in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index due to recent market corrections.   Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is considering offering more attractive income tax breaks in the upcoming FY26 budget to boost household spending amid economic challenges. Sources told Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the discussions are focused on increasing the standard deduction beyond ₹75,000 and raising the basic tax exemption limit from ₹3 lakh. Also, on reconfiguring the tax brackets up to ₹15 lakh to provide broader relief. These proposed changes aim to stimulate consumption by adjusting the personal income tax structure, particularly targeting those earning between ₹3 and ₹15 lakh. With economic growth expected to slow to 6.4%, these fiscal measures, alongside maintaining elevated capital expenditure, are seen as crucial steps to invigorate the economy. The government is also looking to balance these tax cuts with fiscal responsibility, aiming to keep the deficit within 4.5% of GDP next year. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) might just dodge the divestment bullet as the government mulls labelling it as a "strategic" public sector unit. That's a big nod to BHEL's role in key sectors like renewable energy and defence. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare write that a parliamentary committee has also thrown its weight behind this idea. The committee recommended that BHEL be deemed strategic, which could mean no more talk of selling off government stakes in the company. BHEL's been making moves into electric mobility and renewable power, and it’s been paying off with a revival in large thermal power and railway equipment orders. With the government holding a 63.17% stake, BHEL's market value recently stood strong at close to ₹74,500 crore. So, what’s next? BHEL's packed order book, which includes everything from Vande Bharat trains to power projects, points to its crucial role in supporting India's strategic industrial ambitions. Coldplay is back in India, hitting stages in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as part of their Music of The Spheres world tour. Despite the high ticket prices, fans across generations are eager to experience their music live, spending big on tickets, travel, and accommodations. Interestingly, Coldplay’s fan base isn’t just limited to those who grew up listening to them. A lot of their younger fans weren’t even born when the band started in 1997 but are just as enthusiastic, drawn by the band's ability to blend their classic hits with modern vibes that resonate across age groups. Soumya Gupta takes a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Coldplay and how a millennial band is charming Gen Z audience. Anil Makhija from BookMyShow notes the band’s broad appeal, “Their music captures the hearts of both older audiences and the younger generation, making their concerts a rich, multi-generational gathering.” This pattern isn’t just unique to India. Globally, older bands like Coldplay continue to draw crowds with their timeless music, proving that good tunes know no age. With their music finding new fans through social media and their ability to adapt to contemporary sounds, Coldplay manages to keep their legacy alive and kicking, captivating listeners across the spectrum. Whether it's the nostalgia for the older fans or the discovery of new hits for the younger ones, Coldplay's tours are more than just concerts—they're a celebration of enduring music that crosses generational divides.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 20, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, robotics really stole the show. Imagine robots mowing lawns, cleaning floors, and even mixing drinks—sounds like sci-fi, right? Well, it's becoming a reality. Standouts included 'Adam,' a robotic bartender from Richtech Robotics, and 'Mirumi,' a robot designed for social interactions. There was also 'Looi' by Tangible Future, a personal assistant powered by ChatGPT, and 'Mirokai,' a programmable humanoid that feels almost like talking to another person. These bots range in price from the more affordable 'Mirumi' at $70 to the hefty $60,000 for the home assistant R2D3. What's really exciting is how interactive these robots have become. Thanks to advancements in AI, they're not just functional machines anymore; they can actually interact with you in a way that feels natural. So, are these home robots ready for people to be used? Shouvik Das answers that question in today’s Primer. 


 

As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States, India’s stock market braces for potential volatility. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are notably apprehensive, having net sold ₹44,396 crore worth of shares up to January 16 and significantly increasing their bearish bets on Indian futures. This cautious stance reflects concerns over Trump's unpredictable policies, which could include high tariffs and strict immigration rules, writes Ram Sahgal. Despite these worries, India's position in the global market has shifted, now trailing behind Taiwan in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index due to recent market corrections.


 

Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is considering offering more attractive income tax breaks in the upcoming FY26 budget to boost household spending amid economic challenges. Sources told Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the discussions are focused on increasing the standard deduction beyond ₹75,000 and raising the basic tax exemption limit from ₹3 lakh. Also, on reconfiguring the tax brackets up to ₹15 lakh to provide broader relief. These proposed changes aim to stimulate consumption by adjusting the personal income tax structure, particularly targeting those earning between ₹3 and ₹15 lakh. With economic growth expected to slow to 6.4%, these fiscal measures, alongside maintaining elevated capital expenditure, are seen as crucial steps to invigorate the economy. The government is also looking to balance these tax cuts with fiscal responsibility, aiming to keep the deficit within 4.5% of GDP next year.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) might just dodge the divestment bullet as the government mulls labelling it as a "strategic" public sector unit. That's a big nod to BHEL's role in key sectors like renewable energy and defence. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare write that a parliamentary committee has also thrown its weight behind this idea. The committee recommended that BHEL be deemed strategic, which could mean no more talk of selling off government stakes in the company. BHEL's been making moves into electric mobility and renewable power, and it’s been paying off with a revival in large thermal power and railway equipment orders. With the government holding a 63.17% stake, BHEL's market value recently stood strong at close to ₹74,500 crore. So, what’s next? BHEL's packed order book, which includes everything from Vande Bharat trains to power projects, points to its crucial role in supporting India's strategic industrial ambitions.

Coldplay is back in India, hitting stages in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as part of their Music of The Spheres world tour. Despite the high ticket prices, fans across generations are eager to experience their music live, spending big on tickets, travel, and accommodations. Interestingly, Coldplay’s fan base isn’t just limited to those who grew up listening to them. A lot of their younger fans weren’t even born when the band started in 1997 but are just as enthusiastic, drawn by the band's ability to blend their classic hits with modern vibes that resonate across age groups. Soumya Gupta takes a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon that is Coldplay and how a millennial band is charming Gen Z audience. Anil Makhija from BookMyShow notes the band’s broad appeal, “Their music captures the hearts of both older audiences and the younger generation, making their concerts a rich, multi-generational gathering.” This pattern isn’t just unique to India. Globally, older bands like Coldplay continue to draw crowds with their timeless music, proving that good tunes know no age. With their music finding new fans through social media and their ability to adapt to contemporary sounds, Coldplay manages to keep their legacy alive and kicking, captivating listeners across the spectrum. Whether it's the nostalgia for the older fans or the discovery of new hits for the younger ones, Coldplay's tours are more than just concerts—they're a celebration of enduring music that crosses generational divides. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 471 no Adani tormentor Hindenburg shuts down https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-tormentor-hindenburg-shuts-down-0ZzMqkKA Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 17, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The upcoming Union budget for 2025-26 is set to focus heavily on agriculture, small businesses, boosting household spending, and creating more jobs, Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad report. The plan is to introduce farmer incentives, support for MSMEs, and measures to increase consumer spending. Expect the budget to zoom in on promoting high-value agriculture—things like fruits, vegetables, and animal farming—to help small farmers grow their incomes. This will be backed by investments in technology and better marketing strategies. For MSMEs, the budget might offer easier credit options and ensure they get paid on time by larger companies. There could also be incentives for making industries like rice milling more energy-efficient, aligning with the nation’s renewable energy targets.   This week equity markets were hit hard, with investors losing over ₹12 trillion on Monday. A strong dollar and worries about fewer US rate cuts have drained liquidity and led to massive sell-offs globally. As the dollar index has climbed 9% since October, betting on a robust US economy and sustained inflation, riskier assets like emerging market equities have lost their lustre. Higher US treasury yields suggest that fewer rate cuts might be in store for 2025, further dampening the mood. In India, the economic outlook isn’t too rosy either. Reduced government spending, cooling credit, stubborn inflation, and sluggish demand are hurting corporate profits, making it difficult for Indian stocks to justify their high valuations. Abhinaba Saha writes about what could be expected from the market in the coming weeks.  This month marks a big leap for connectivity in Kashmir with the launch of the first-ever train service linking Srinagar to the rest of the country. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Project (USBRL), will travel over 800 kilometers from New Delhi to Srinagar. This line not only promises faster travel times but also aims to boost the local economy by enhancing sectors like tourism and agriculture. Plus, it offers a reliable alternative to the often-blocked Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. While there’s excitement about the potential for growth and better connectivity, there are also worries about the environmental impact and the economic effects on Jammu’s local businesses. Irfan Amin Malik examines how Kashmir’s first rail link with the rest of India will impact its key sectors. Hindenburg Research, the American short-seller famous for shaking up the corporate world, is closing its doors. Nathan Anderson, the founder, announced the shutdown without spilling the beans on why, only mentioning that he's ending on a high note. Hindenburg shot to fame in India after it lobbed serious fraud accusations at the Adani Group in January 2023, wiping billions from their market value overnight. Though Adani later recouped most of these losses, the impact was unforgettable. Adani’s CFO even threw a bit of shade on social media, hinting at outlasting their critics. This closure isn't just big news for Hindenburg; it’s a turning point for the world of short-sellers, who’ve been facing scrutiny and regulatory challenges across the world. Reliance Industries Ltd announced on Thursday a 7.4% increase in its net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 18,540 crore, up from Rs 17,265 crore during the same period last year. The earnings per share also rose to Rs 13.70 from Rs 12.76. This growth comes as the company saw a strong performance in its retail business and an increase in telecom earnings. Sequentially, the profit rose from Rs 16,563 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue from operations also increased, hitting Rs 2.43 trillion compared to Rs 2.27 trillion in the October-December 2023 quarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Adani tormentor Hindenburg shuts down full 739 Mint - HT Smartcast Reliance’s Q3 results; Vande Bharat reaches Kashmir Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 17, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The upcoming Union budget for 2025-26 is set to focus heavily on agriculture, small businesses, boosting household spending, and creating more jobs, Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad report. The plan is to introduce farmer incentives, support for MSMEs, and measures to increase consumer spending. Expect the budget to zoom in on promoting high-value agriculture—things like fruits, vegetables, and animal farming—to help small farmers grow their incomes. This will be backed by investments in technology and better marketing strategies. For MSMEs, the budget might offer easier credit options and ensure they get paid on time by larger companies. There could also be incentives for making industries like rice milling more energy-efficient, aligning with the nation’s renewable energy targets.   This week equity markets were hit hard, with investors losing over ₹12 trillion on Monday. A strong dollar and worries about fewer US rate cuts have drained liquidity and led to massive sell-offs globally. As the dollar index has climbed 9% since October, betting on a robust US economy and sustained inflation, riskier assets like emerging market equities have lost their lustre. Higher US treasury yields suggest that fewer rate cuts might be in store for 2025, further dampening the mood. In India, the economic outlook isn’t too rosy either. Reduced government spending, cooling credit, stubborn inflation, and sluggish demand are hurting corporate profits, making it difficult for Indian stocks to justify their high valuations. Abhinaba Saha writes about what could be expected from the market in the coming weeks.  This month marks a big leap for connectivity in Kashmir with the launch of the first-ever train service linking Srinagar to the rest of the country. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Project (USBRL), will travel over 800 kilometers from New Delhi to Srinagar. This line not only promises faster travel times but also aims to boost the local economy by enhancing sectors like tourism and agriculture. Plus, it offers a reliable alternative to the often-blocked Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. While there’s excitement about the potential for growth and better connectivity, there are also worries about the environmental impact and the economic effects on Jammu’s local businesses. Irfan Amin Malik examines how Kashmir’s first rail link with the rest of India will impact its key sectors. Hindenburg Research, the American short-seller famous for shaking up the corporate world, is closing its doors. Nathan Anderson, the founder, announced the shutdown without spilling the beans on why, only mentioning that he's ending on a high note. Hindenburg shot to fame in India after it lobbed serious fraud accusations at the Adani Group in January 2023, wiping billions from their market value overnight. Though Adani later recouped most of these losses, the impact was unforgettable. Adani’s CFO even threw a bit of shade on social media, hinting at outlasting their critics. This closure isn't just big news for Hindenburg; it’s a turning point for the world of short-sellers, who’ve been facing scrutiny and regulatory challenges across the world. Reliance Industries Ltd announced on Thursday a 7.4% increase in its net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 18,540 crore, up from Rs 17,265 crore during the same period last year. The earnings per share also rose to Rs 13.70 from Rs 12.76. This growth comes as the company saw a strong performance in its retail business and an increase in telecom earnings. Sequentially, the profit rose from Rs 16,563 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue from operations also increased, hitting Rs 2.43 trillion compared to Rs 2.27 trillion in the October-December 2023 quarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 17, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The upcoming Union budget for 2025-26 is set to focus heavily on agriculture, small businesses, boosting household spending, and creating more jobs, Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad report. The plan is to introduce farmer incentives, support for MSMEs, and measures to increase consumer spending. Expect the budget to zoom in on promoting high-value agriculture—things like fruits, vegetables, and animal farming—to help small farmers grow their incomes. This will be backed by investments in technology and better marketing strategies. For MSMEs, the budget might offer easier credit options and ensure they get paid on time by larger companies. There could also be incentives for making industries like rice milling more energy-efficient, aligning with the nation’s renewable energy targets.


 

This week equity markets were hit hard, with investors losing over ₹12 trillion on Monday. A strong dollar and worries about fewer US rate cuts have drained liquidity and led to massive sell-offs globally. As the dollar index has climbed 9% since October, betting on a robust US economy and sustained inflation, riskier assets like emerging market equities have lost their lustre. Higher US treasury yields suggest that fewer rate cuts might be in store for 2025, further dampening the mood. In India, the economic outlook isn’t too rosy either. Reduced government spending, cooling credit, stubborn inflation, and sluggish demand are hurting corporate profits, making it difficult for Indian stocks to justify their high valuations. Abhinaba Saha writes about what could be expected from the market in the coming weeks. 

This month marks a big leap for connectivity in Kashmir with the launch of the first-ever train service linking Srinagar to the rest of the country. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Project (USBRL), will travel over 800 kilometers from New Delhi to Srinagar. This line not only promises faster travel times but also aims to boost the local economy by enhancing sectors like tourism and agriculture. Plus, it offers a reliable alternative to the often-blocked Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. While there’s excitement about the potential for growth and better connectivity, there are also worries about the environmental impact and the economic effects on Jammu’s local businesses. Irfan Amin Malik examines how Kashmir’s first rail link with the rest of India will impact its key sectors.

Hindenburg Research, the American short-seller famous for shaking up the corporate world, is closing its doors. Nathan Anderson, the founder, announced the shutdown without spilling the beans on why, only mentioning that he's ending on a high note. Hindenburg shot to fame in India after it lobbed serious fraud accusations at the Adani Group in January 2023, wiping billions from their market value overnight. Though Adani later recouped most of these losses, the impact was unforgettable. Adani’s CFO even threw a bit of shade on social media, hinting at outlasting their critics. This closure isn't just big news for Hindenburg; it’s a turning point for the world of short-sellers, who’ve been facing scrutiny and regulatory challenges across the world.

Reliance Industries Ltd announced on Thursday a 7.4% increase in its net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 18,540 crore, up from Rs 17,265 crore during the same period last year. The earnings per share also rose to Rs 13.70 from Rs 12.76. This growth comes as the company saw a strong performance in its retail business and an increase in telecom earnings. Sequentially, the profit rose from Rs 16,563 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue from operations also increased, hitting Rs 2.43 trillion compared to Rs 2.27 trillion in the October-December 2023 quarter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 380 no Will the government raise customs duties in the Budget? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-the-government-raise-customs-duties-in-the-budget-3x1PGqur Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 16, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   A group of prominent investors, including Switzerland's Partners Group AG, Canada's Brookfield Asset Management, and KKR, are eyeing a stake in Indian internet services provider Excitel Broadband. They're part of a $200 million equity deal and have signed non-disclosure agreements as part of the process managed by Avendus Capital. Other potential investors like Macquarie Group, Apax Partners, and Actis Llp are also in the mix, reflecting strong interest in the company, which was founded in 2015 and now serves 1 million subscribers across 55 cities. Utpa Bhaskar reports on the potential acquisition of Excitel.    The Indian government is considering a revision of customs duties and procedures in specific sectors for the FY26 Union budget. This initiative aims to make it more appealing for manufacturers of finished goods to also produce components or semi-finished products, thereby enhancing trade ease and export competitiveness. Particularly, the electronics and consumer goods segments, including air conditioners and washing machines, might see duty revisions to encourage domestic production of components, according to Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Dhirendra Kumar's report. This strategy follows the successful model used in the mobile phone industry, where increased customs duty on finished products spurred local component manufacturing.   Travel companies are buzzing with excitement as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is expected to draw a staggering 400 million visitors over the next six weeks. This year's festival is extra special, marking a 144-year cycle milestone, and it's triggered a massive demand spike for travel and accommodation. Responding swiftly, Air India has launched daily flights from Delhi to meet the soaring demand, with airfare prices shooting up significantly. Hotels are also seeing a tenfold booking increase, with costs rising across nearby cities like Varanasi, reports Varuni Khosla. Travel agencies, including giants like Thomas Cook, are capitalizing on the surge, rolling out extensive packages that range from basic stays to luxury spiritual retreats. The festival's economic impact is immense, with an expected generation of Rs 2 trillion in revenue, benefiting not just the travel sector but also local businesses across a spectrum of industries. In the chilly fog of the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, a renewed farmer protest simmers along National Highway 52. Thousands of farmers have braved the elements since February of last year, their resolve unshaken by winter's bite, this time demanding legal backing for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. These protests, although less vibrant than the massive gatherings at Delhi’s borders in 2020, are deeply rooted in concerns over crop pricing. The government does set MSPs annually for 23 crops, but in reality, consistent purchases at these prices are mostly limited to wheat and rice. Farmers argue this system fails to protect them against market volatility, particularly for crops like groundnuts, soybeans, and moong, where they often receive less than the promised MSP. So, is there an end in sight to these protests? Sayantan Bera tackles that question as he takes a deep dive into the ongoing farmers' protests in today’s Long Story.  The upcoming Union budget is set to show Indian Railways' operating ratio at its best in five years for FY26, thanks to higher freight revenue and increased government funding. This key efficiency metric, which indicates how much the Railways spend to earn ₹100, is expected to dip below 98% for the first time since FY21, signalling stronger financial health and more room for capital expenditure. This improvement follows a few tough years where the operating ratio often exceeded 98%, highlighting financial strains mainly due to heavy pension liabilities, writes Subhash Narayan. However, from FY23 onwards, a rebound in freight and passenger revenues has bolstered the Railways' finances, suggesting a sustainable recovery is in the cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Will the government raise customs duties in the Budget? full 738 Mint - HT Smartcast Farmer protest 2.0; Railways in Budget ‘25 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 16, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   A group of prominent investors, including Switzerland's Partners Group AG, Canada's Brookfield Asset Management, and KKR, are eyeing a stake in Indian internet services provider Excitel Broadband. They're part of a $200 million equity deal and have signed non-disclosure agreements as part of the process managed by Avendus Capital. Other potential investors like Macquarie Group, Apax Partners, and Actis Llp are also in the mix, reflecting strong interest in the company, which was founded in 2015 and now serves 1 million subscribers across 55 cities. Utpa Bhaskar reports on the potential acquisition of Excitel.    The Indian government is considering a revision of customs duties and procedures in specific sectors for the FY26 Union budget. This initiative aims to make it more appealing for manufacturers of finished goods to also produce components or semi-finished products, thereby enhancing trade ease and export competitiveness. Particularly, the electronics and consumer goods segments, including air conditioners and washing machines, might see duty revisions to encourage domestic production of components, according to Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Dhirendra Kumar's report. This strategy follows the successful model used in the mobile phone industry, where increased customs duty on finished products spurred local component manufacturing.   Travel companies are buzzing with excitement as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is expected to draw a staggering 400 million visitors over the next six weeks. This year's festival is extra special, marking a 144-year cycle milestone, and it's triggered a massive demand spike for travel and accommodation. Responding swiftly, Air India has launched daily flights from Delhi to meet the soaring demand, with airfare prices shooting up significantly. Hotels are also seeing a tenfold booking increase, with costs rising across nearby cities like Varanasi, reports Varuni Khosla. Travel agencies, including giants like Thomas Cook, are capitalizing on the surge, rolling out extensive packages that range from basic stays to luxury spiritual retreats. The festival's economic impact is immense, with an expected generation of Rs 2 trillion in revenue, benefiting not just the travel sector but also local businesses across a spectrum of industries. In the chilly fog of the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, a renewed farmer protest simmers along National Highway 52. Thousands of farmers have braved the elements since February of last year, their resolve unshaken by winter's bite, this time demanding legal backing for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. These protests, although less vibrant than the massive gatherings at Delhi’s borders in 2020, are deeply rooted in concerns over crop pricing. The government does set MSPs annually for 23 crops, but in reality, consistent purchases at these prices are mostly limited to wheat and rice. Farmers argue this system fails to protect them against market volatility, particularly for crops like groundnuts, soybeans, and moong, where they often receive less than the promised MSP. So, is there an end in sight to these protests? Sayantan Bera tackles that question as he takes a deep dive into the ongoing farmers' protests in today’s Long Story.  The upcoming Union budget is set to show Indian Railways' operating ratio at its best in five years for FY26, thanks to higher freight revenue and increased government funding. This key efficiency metric, which indicates how much the Railways spend to earn ₹100, is expected to dip below 98% for the first time since FY21, signalling stronger financial health and more room for capital expenditure. This improvement follows a few tough years where the operating ratio often exceeded 98%, highlighting financial strains mainly due to heavy pension liabilities, writes Subhash Narayan. However, from FY23 onwards, a rebound in freight and passenger revenues has bolstered the Railways' finances, suggesting a sustainable recovery is in the cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 16, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

A group of prominent investors, including Switzerland's Partners Group AG, Canada's Brookfield Asset Management, and KKR, are eyeing a stake in Indian internet services provider Excitel Broadband. They're part of a $200 million equity deal and have signed non-disclosure agreements as part of the process managed by Avendus Capital. Other potential investors like Macquarie Group, Apax Partners, and Actis Llp are also in the mix, reflecting strong interest in the company, which was founded in 2015 and now serves 1 million subscribers across 55 cities. Utpa Bhaskar reports on the potential acquisition of Excitel. 


 

The Indian government is considering a revision of customs duties and procedures in specific sectors for the FY26 Union budget. This initiative aims to make it more appealing for manufacturers of finished goods to also produce components or semi-finished products, thereby enhancing trade ease and export competitiveness. Particularly, the electronics and consumer goods segments, including air conditioners and washing machines, might see duty revisions to encourage domestic production of components, according to Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Dhirendra Kumar's report. This strategy follows the successful model used in the mobile phone industry, where increased customs duty on finished products spurred local component manufacturing.


 

Travel companies are buzzing with excitement as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is expected to draw a staggering 400 million visitors over the next six weeks. This year's festival is extra special, marking a 144-year cycle milestone, and it's triggered a massive demand spike for travel and accommodation. Responding swiftly, Air India has launched daily flights from Delhi to meet the soaring demand, with airfare prices shooting up significantly. Hotels are also seeing a tenfold booking increase, with costs rising across nearby cities like Varanasi, reports Varuni Khosla. Travel agencies, including giants like Thomas Cook, are capitalizing on the surge, rolling out extensive packages that range from basic stays to luxury spiritual retreats. The festival's economic impact is immense, with an expected generation of Rs 2 trillion in revenue, benefiting not just the travel sector but also local businesses across a spectrum of industries.

In the chilly fog of the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, a renewed farmer protest simmers along National Highway 52. Thousands of farmers have braved the elements since February of last year, their resolve unshaken by winter's bite, this time demanding legal backing for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. These protests, although less vibrant than the massive gatherings at Delhi’s borders in 2020, are deeply rooted in concerns over crop pricing. The government does set MSPs annually for 23 crops, but in reality, consistent purchases at these prices are mostly limited to wheat and rice. Farmers argue this system fails to protect them against market volatility, particularly for crops like groundnuts, soybeans, and moong, where they often receive less than the promised MSP. So, is there an end in sight to these protests? Sayantan Bera tackles that question as he takes a deep dive into the ongoing farmers' protests in today’s Long Story. 

The upcoming Union budget is set to show Indian Railways' operating ratio at its best in five years for FY26, thanks to higher freight revenue and increased government funding. This key efficiency metric, which indicates how much the Railways spend to earn ₹100, is expected to dip below 98% for the first time since FY21, signalling stronger financial health and more room for capital expenditure. This improvement follows a few tough years where the operating ratio often exceeded 98%, highlighting financial strains mainly due to heavy pension liabilities, writes Subhash Narayan. However, from FY23 onwards, a rebound in freight and passenger revenues has bolstered the Railways' finances, suggesting a sustainable recovery is in the cards.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 382 no Investors lose ₹60 trillion in 100 days https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/investors-lose-60-trillion-in-100-days-djBIIDSN Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Telangana owes roughly ₹3,900 crore to alcohol businesses, a substantial amount of dues that has been accumulating under the administration of Telangana Beverages Corporation Ltd (TGBCL), a state-run entity controlling alcohol sales. This situation stems from TGBCL's static pricing model since 2018-19 and delayed payments, straining suppliers like United Breweries Ltd (UBL), which has even halted beer supplies due to unprofitability. TGBCL's financial woes are due to decreased non-tax revenue, which fell dramatically short of the 2024-25 projections, coupled with high expenditures from recent political commitments. This financial shortfall has led to payment delays, with outstanding dues only partially cleared post-September 2024. Varuni Khosla explains what went wrong with the alcohol industry in Telangana.   The recent heavy selling by foreign portfolio investors has significantly impacted the Indian stock market, wiping out nearly ₹60 trillion in investor wealth over the last three and a half months. This sell-off, primarily fueled by FPIs withdrawing a net ₹1.85 trillion since October, has coincided with a weakening rupee and rising oil prices,reports Ram Sahgal. Market capitalization plummeted from a high of ₹473.84 trillion on September 27, when the Nifty 50 index peaked, to ₹414.23 trillion recently, marking a 12% drop in the benchmark index. Both the Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 150 indices have similarly fallen by 13.5% from their late September highs. The primary drivers for this exodus include the depreciation of the rupee and escalating crude oil prices, influenced by new US sanctions on Russia and anticipated policy shifts as the US transitions from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump.    India is currently in talks with several countries to establish "data embassies" on its soil, a move aimed at allowing these nations to store and control their sovereign data while enhancing India's role as a secure data hub. Particularly advanced are discussions with the UAE to set up its first data embassy in India, Shouvik Das reports. The plan involves creating special zones dedicated to housing these data embassies, similar to how consular sections of embassies operate, ensuring the home country manages all privacy and access controls. The idea, inspired by Estonia's establishment of the world’s first data embassy in Luxembourg following a cyberattack in 2007, could provide India with significant geopolitical leverage. Data embassies could serve as secure storage sites during crises or allow countries to manage data without adhering to local data laws, potentially simplifying international business operations.   The national rural job guarantee scheme, MGNREGS, might see a budget boost in FY26. Although this year's funding isn't expected to change, there's talk of increasing it next year due to potential challenges in the rural economy. Despite some recent improvements in rural consumption thanks to better rainfall, the number of people seeking work under the scheme hit a four-month high in December, reaching 25.73 million. This spike shows there's still a big need for support, Dhirendra Kumar and Rhik Kundu report. A parliamentary committee has even pushed for higher wages in the scheme to keep up with inflation, which would mean more money is needed. So, while FY25's allocation might stay the same, the government is looking to ramp up funding in FY26 to keep supporting those in need.    Kolkata is experiencing a renaissance in its real estate and business sectors, shaking off its old image as a less business-friendly city. Recent developments include major projects like Phoenix Mills Ltd's creation of the city's largest mall in Alipore and Ambuja Neotia Group's expansion into luxury hotels and residential projects. The city is also drawing attention from the IT sector, as highlighted by Infosys opening a major development centre in New Town, which is expected to house 4,000 employees. This move supports the state's ambition to transform the area into a 'New Silicon Valley,' potentially generating 75,000 jobs. Despite these advancements, Kolkata's growth is hampered by outdated land acquisition laws that complicate large-scale development projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. While the state government has acknowledged these issues and promised reforms, progress has been minimal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Investors lose ₹60 trillion in 100 days full 737 Mint - HT Smartcast Telangana’s alcohol problem; India looking for data embassies Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Telangana owes roughly ₹3,900 crore to alcohol businesses, a substantial amount of dues that has been accumulating under the administration of Telangana Beverages Corporation Ltd (TGBCL), a state-run entity controlling alcohol sales. This situation stems from TGBCL's static pricing model since 2018-19 and delayed payments, straining suppliers like United Breweries Ltd (UBL), which has even halted beer supplies due to unprofitability. TGBCL's financial woes are due to decreased non-tax revenue, which fell dramatically short of the 2024-25 projections, coupled with high expenditures from recent political commitments. This financial shortfall has led to payment delays, with outstanding dues only partially cleared post-September 2024. Varuni Khosla explains what went wrong with the alcohol industry in Telangana.   The recent heavy selling by foreign portfolio investors has significantly impacted the Indian stock market, wiping out nearly ₹60 trillion in investor wealth over the last three and a half months. This sell-off, primarily fueled by FPIs withdrawing a net ₹1.85 trillion since October, has coincided with a weakening rupee and rising oil prices,reports Ram Sahgal. Market capitalization plummeted from a high of ₹473.84 trillion on September 27, when the Nifty 50 index peaked, to ₹414.23 trillion recently, marking a 12% drop in the benchmark index. Both the Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 150 indices have similarly fallen by 13.5% from their late September highs. The primary drivers for this exodus include the depreciation of the rupee and escalating crude oil prices, influenced by new US sanctions on Russia and anticipated policy shifts as the US transitions from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump.    India is currently in talks with several countries to establish "data embassies" on its soil, a move aimed at allowing these nations to store and control their sovereign data while enhancing India's role as a secure data hub. Particularly advanced are discussions with the UAE to set up its first data embassy in India, Shouvik Das reports. The plan involves creating special zones dedicated to housing these data embassies, similar to how consular sections of embassies operate, ensuring the home country manages all privacy and access controls. The idea, inspired by Estonia's establishment of the world’s first data embassy in Luxembourg following a cyberattack in 2007, could provide India with significant geopolitical leverage. Data embassies could serve as secure storage sites during crises or allow countries to manage data without adhering to local data laws, potentially simplifying international business operations.   The national rural job guarantee scheme, MGNREGS, might see a budget boost in FY26. Although this year's funding isn't expected to change, there's talk of increasing it next year due to potential challenges in the rural economy. Despite some recent improvements in rural consumption thanks to better rainfall, the number of people seeking work under the scheme hit a four-month high in December, reaching 25.73 million. This spike shows there's still a big need for support, Dhirendra Kumar and Rhik Kundu report. A parliamentary committee has even pushed for higher wages in the scheme to keep up with inflation, which would mean more money is needed. So, while FY25's allocation might stay the same, the government is looking to ramp up funding in FY26 to keep supporting those in need.    Kolkata is experiencing a renaissance in its real estate and business sectors, shaking off its old image as a less business-friendly city. Recent developments include major projects like Phoenix Mills Ltd's creation of the city's largest mall in Alipore and Ambuja Neotia Group's expansion into luxury hotels and residential projects. The city is also drawing attention from the IT sector, as highlighted by Infosys opening a major development centre in New Town, which is expected to house 4,000 employees. This move supports the state's ambition to transform the area into a 'New Silicon Valley,' potentially generating 75,000 jobs. Despite these advancements, Kolkata's growth is hampered by outdated land acquisition laws that complicate large-scale development projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. While the state government has acknowledged these issues and promised reforms, progress has been minimal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Telangana owes roughly ₹3,900 crore to alcohol businesses, a substantial amount of dues that has been accumulating under the administration of Telangana Beverages Corporation Ltd (TGBCL), a state-run entity controlling alcohol sales. This situation stems from TGBCL's static pricing model since 2018-19 and delayed payments, straining suppliers like United Breweries Ltd (UBL), which has even halted beer supplies due to unprofitability. TGBCL's financial woes are due to decreased non-tax revenue, which fell dramatically short of the 2024-25 projections, coupled with high expenditures from recent political commitments. This financial shortfall has led to payment delays, with outstanding dues only partially cleared post-September 2024. Varuni Khosla explains what went wrong with the alcohol industry in Telangana.


 

The recent heavy selling by foreign portfolio investors has significantly impacted the Indian stock market, wiping out nearly ₹60 trillion in investor wealth over the last three and a half months. This sell-off, primarily fueled by FPIs withdrawing a net ₹1.85 trillion since October, has coincided with a weakening rupee and rising oil prices,reports Ram Sahgal. Market capitalization plummeted from a high of ₹473.84 trillion on September 27, when the Nifty 50 index peaked, to ₹414.23 trillion recently, marking a 12% drop in the benchmark index. Both the Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 150 indices have similarly fallen by 13.5% from their late September highs. The primary drivers for this exodus include the depreciation of the rupee and escalating crude oil prices, influenced by new US sanctions on Russia and anticipated policy shifts as the US transitions from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump. 


 

India is currently in talks with several countries to establish "data embassies" on its soil, a move aimed at allowing these nations to store and control their sovereign data while enhancing India's role as a secure data hub. Particularly advanced are discussions with the UAE to set up its first data embassy in India, Shouvik Das reports. The plan involves creating special zones dedicated to housing these data embassies, similar to how consular sections of embassies operate, ensuring the home country manages all privacy and access controls. The idea, inspired by Estonia's establishment of the world’s first data embassy in Luxembourg following a cyberattack in 2007, could provide India with significant geopolitical leverage. Data embassies could serve as secure storage sites during crises or allow countries to manage data without adhering to local data laws, potentially simplifying international business operations.


 

The national rural job guarantee scheme, MGNREGS, might see a budget boost in FY26. Although this year's funding isn't expected to change, there's talk of increasing it next year due to potential challenges in the rural economy. Despite some recent improvements in rural consumption thanks to better rainfall, the number of people seeking work under the scheme hit a four-month high in December, reaching 25.73 million. This spike shows there's still a big need for support, Dhirendra Kumar and Rhik Kundu report. A parliamentary committee has even pushed for higher wages in the scheme to keep up with inflation, which would mean more money is needed. So, while FY25's allocation might stay the same, the government is looking to ramp up funding in FY26 to keep supporting those in need. 


 

Kolkata is experiencing a renaissance in its real estate and business sectors, shaking off its old image as a less business-friendly city. Recent developments include major projects like Phoenix Mills Ltd's creation of the city's largest mall in Alipore and Ambuja Neotia Group's expansion into luxury hotels and residential projects. The city is also drawing attention from the IT sector, as highlighted by Infosys opening a major development centre in New Town, which is expected to house 4,000 employees. This move supports the state's ambition to transform the area into a 'New Silicon Valley,' potentially generating 75,000 jobs. Despite these advancements, Kolkata's growth is hampered by outdated land acquisition laws that complicate large-scale development projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. While the state government has acknowledged these issues and promised reforms, progress has been minimal.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 413 no The (un)importance of fact checking on the Internet https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-unimportance-of-fact-checking-on-the-internet-HgOuBIF3 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta is saying goodbye to independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. Instead, they're rolling out a new system called 'community notes,' similar to what's used on Elon Musk's X. This new setup will rely on users to flag false information through a consensus mechanism. Zuckerberg's big push here is to cut down on automatic post bans and broaden the type of political content allowed, aiming to reduce what he sees as excessive control by automated systems. In India, where Meta deals with a highly complex landscape of 18 languages, they currently work with 11 fact-checking partners. Shouvik Das writes how the transition to community-driven fact-checking might struggle with accuracy, as seen with X's challenges in India, one of the world's biggest online markets. Yet, Meta might fine-tune this approach, possibly reintroducing some human oversight to strike a balance.   Alivaa Hotels, a fledgling hospitality company backed by Ananta Capital, is rapidly expanding with an ambitious plan to manage 50 properties in five years using an asset-light model of leasing rather than owning properties. This trend of leasing properties is gaining traction among new-age hoteliers who see it as a way to reduce capital expenditure and increase agility in the competitive hospitality industry, reports Varuni Khosla. By renting properties and focusing on high-margin room services, companies like Alivaa can streamline operations and focus on profitability. This model is particularly appealing in tier II and III cities, where property ownership costs can be prohibitive.  India is stepping up its game to improve quality standards for consumer products, taking cues from the US and EU. The government is aiming to weed out counterfeits by introducing random testing and focusing on high-risk items like electronics and toys, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shake-up, managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards along with other bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority for food items, is a response to concerns about nearly a third of the market's goods being fake. With stricter checks and a focus on transparency, India hopes to boost consumer confidence and ensure safety, paving the way for a thriving market that's projected to boom and create numerous jobs by 2030.   The podcast industry in India, which boomed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, is now evolving from audio-only formats to include visual content, primarily on platforms like YouTube. This shift is attracting a broader audience and making it easier to secure advertising and sponsorships. However, the increased production costs pose a challenge to profitable monetization. Amit Doshi of IVM Podcasts-Pratilipi told Lata Jha that while viewership has skyrocketed with the addition of video, the higher drop-out rates on YouTube compared to audio-only formats suggest that engagement levels may vary. Industry insights suggest a diverse range of popular genres, from horror to self-help, are thriving, particularly on Spotify. Yet, there's a concern about the passive consumption of podcasts in public spaces, which might inflate viewership figures without reflecting genuine engagement.   The landscape of consumer engagement is rapidly changing with the emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These companies are bypassing traditional retail pathways to connect directly with consumers, addressing niche markets often overlooked by larger corporations. Whether it’s specialized hair care products or innovative mattresses, D2C brands are carving out significant spaces for themselves, writes Suneera Tandon. This shift is prompting major industry players to adapt. Giants such as Hindustan Unilever and P&G are responding by either acquiring these nimble startups or launching their own D2C initiatives to stay competitive. It's an exciting era for both consumers and marketers as this new wave of personalization and direct engagement reshapes purchasing behaviours and product offerings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 The (un)importance of fact checking on the Internet full 736 Mint - HT Smartcast New trend in the hospitality industry; D2C brands creating their own niche Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta is saying goodbye to independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. Instead, they're rolling out a new system called 'community notes,' similar to what's used on Elon Musk's X. This new setup will rely on users to flag false information through a consensus mechanism. Zuckerberg's big push here is to cut down on automatic post bans and broaden the type of political content allowed, aiming to reduce what he sees as excessive control by automated systems. In India, where Meta deals with a highly complex landscape of 18 languages, they currently work with 11 fact-checking partners. Shouvik Das writes how the transition to community-driven fact-checking might struggle with accuracy, as seen with X's challenges in India, one of the world's biggest online markets. Yet, Meta might fine-tune this approach, possibly reintroducing some human oversight to strike a balance.   Alivaa Hotels, a fledgling hospitality company backed by Ananta Capital, is rapidly expanding with an ambitious plan to manage 50 properties in five years using an asset-light model of leasing rather than owning properties. This trend of leasing properties is gaining traction among new-age hoteliers who see it as a way to reduce capital expenditure and increase agility in the competitive hospitality industry, reports Varuni Khosla. By renting properties and focusing on high-margin room services, companies like Alivaa can streamline operations and focus on profitability. This model is particularly appealing in tier II and III cities, where property ownership costs can be prohibitive.  India is stepping up its game to improve quality standards for consumer products, taking cues from the US and EU. The government is aiming to weed out counterfeits by introducing random testing and focusing on high-risk items like electronics and toys, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shake-up, managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards along with other bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority for food items, is a response to concerns about nearly a third of the market's goods being fake. With stricter checks and a focus on transparency, India hopes to boost consumer confidence and ensure safety, paving the way for a thriving market that's projected to boom and create numerous jobs by 2030.   The podcast industry in India, which boomed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, is now evolving from audio-only formats to include visual content, primarily on platforms like YouTube. This shift is attracting a broader audience and making it easier to secure advertising and sponsorships. However, the increased production costs pose a challenge to profitable monetization. Amit Doshi of IVM Podcasts-Pratilipi told Lata Jha that while viewership has skyrocketed with the addition of video, the higher drop-out rates on YouTube compared to audio-only formats suggest that engagement levels may vary. Industry insights suggest a diverse range of popular genres, from horror to self-help, are thriving, particularly on Spotify. Yet, there's a concern about the passive consumption of podcasts in public spaces, which might inflate viewership figures without reflecting genuine engagement.   The landscape of consumer engagement is rapidly changing with the emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These companies are bypassing traditional retail pathways to connect directly with consumers, addressing niche markets often overlooked by larger corporations. Whether it’s specialized hair care products or innovative mattresses, D2C brands are carving out significant spaces for themselves, writes Suneera Tandon. This shift is prompting major industry players to adapt. Giants such as Hindustan Unilever and P&G are responding by either acquiring these nimble startups or launching their own D2C initiatives to stay competitive. It's an exciting era for both consumers and marketers as this new wave of personalization and direct engagement reshapes purchasing behaviours and product offerings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta is saying goodbye to independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. Instead, they're rolling out a new system called 'community notes,' similar to what's used on Elon Musk's X. This new setup will rely on users to flag false information through a consensus mechanism. Zuckerberg's big push here is to cut down on automatic post bans and broaden the type of political content allowed, aiming to reduce what he sees as excessive control by automated systems. In India, where Meta deals with a highly complex landscape of 18 languages, they currently work with 11 fact-checking partners. Shouvik Das writes how the transition to community-driven fact-checking might struggle with accuracy, as seen with X's challenges in India, one of the world's biggest online markets. Yet, Meta might fine-tune this approach, possibly reintroducing some human oversight to strike a balance.


 

Alivaa Hotels, a fledgling hospitality company backed by Ananta Capital, is rapidly expanding with an ambitious plan to manage 50 properties in five years using an asset-light model of leasing rather than owning properties. This trend of leasing properties is gaining traction among new-age hoteliers who see it as a way to reduce capital expenditure and increase agility in the competitive hospitality industry, reports Varuni Khosla. By renting properties and focusing on high-margin room services, companies like Alivaa can streamline operations and focus on profitability. This model is particularly appealing in tier II and III cities, where property ownership costs can be prohibitive. 

India is stepping up its game to improve quality standards for consumer products, taking cues from the US and EU. The government is aiming to weed out counterfeits by introducing random testing and focusing on high-risk items like electronics and toys, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shake-up, managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards along with other bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority for food items, is a response to concerns about nearly a third of the market's goods being fake. With stricter checks and a focus on transparency, India hopes to boost consumer confidence and ensure safety, paving the way for a thriving market that's projected to boom and create numerous jobs by 2030.


 

The podcast industry in India, which boomed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, is now evolving from audio-only formats to include visual content, primarily on platforms like YouTube. This shift is attracting a broader audience and making it easier to secure advertising and sponsorships. However, the increased production costs pose a challenge to profitable monetization. Amit Doshi of IVM Podcasts-Pratilipi told Lata Jha that while viewership has skyrocketed with the addition of video, the higher drop-out rates on YouTube compared to audio-only formats suggest that engagement levels may vary. Industry insights suggest a diverse range of popular genres, from horror to self-help, are thriving, particularly on Spotify. Yet, there's a concern about the passive consumption of podcasts in public spaces, which might inflate viewership figures without reflecting genuine engagement.


 

The landscape of consumer engagement is rapidly changing with the emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These companies are bypassing traditional retail pathways to connect directly with consumers, addressing niche markets often overlooked by larger corporations. Whether it’s specialized hair care products or innovative mattresses, D2C brands are carving out significant spaces for themselves, writes Suneera Tandon. This shift is prompting major industry players to adapt. Giants such as Hindustan Unilever and P&G are responding by either acquiring these nimble startups or launching their own D2C initiatives to stay competitive. It's an exciting era for both consumers and marketers as this new wave of personalization and direct engagement reshapes purchasing behaviours and product offerings.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 379 no Mint Budget Poll: Here’s the Verdict https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mint-budget-poll-heres-the-verdict-PO_bRRc_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 13, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Mint recently wrapped up a survey, running from late November to December, to gauge public opinion ahead of the Union Budget. We asked readers about their preferences on government planning and potential budget priorities. The results revealed a clear preference for short-term planning. Most of the 7,051 participants are leaning away from long-term goals, favouring immediate action instead. When it comes to the economy, job creation topped the list of priorities with many expressing dissatisfaction with the current income tax slabs, particularly the salaried folks who are craving more tax breaks. About 73% flagged job creation as crucial, underscoring a general unease about employment opportunities. The survey also highlighted a split opinion on populist budget measures, with about 41% in favour during slow economic times, yet higher earners largely opposed the idea. Schemes favouring women, farmers, and entrepreneurs received strong support, showing a desire for targeted assistance in these areas.    India is set to reduce its fiscal deficit for  2024-25 to between 4.7% and 4.8% of GDP, a bit lower than the initially budgeted 4.9%. Sources in the government told Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan about the move which is a part of the government's ongoing efforts to enforce economic discipline and maintain a trajectory towards fiscal consolidation, with an end goal to bring the deficit down to below 4.5% by 2026. Despite a slowdown in GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the September quarter, the government’s financial health has been buoyed by robust tax collections and a significantly higher-than-expected dividend from the Reserve Bank of India. This fiscal year,  RBI has contributed a whopping ₹2.11 trillion dividend, which has been a major boost. As for the numbers, the government's fiscal deficit target for FY25 is pegged at ₹16.13 trillion. Up to November, it has  managed to keep the deficit at ₹8.47 trillion, which is about 52.5% of the full-year target. This careful management of the budget aims to send reassuring signals to investors, especially crucial at a time when the global economy is slowing. The PM internship scheme, currently being tested, is gearing up for some updates based on feedback from its pilot run and industry inputs. While the monthly stipend of Rs 5,000  and a one-time joining bonus of Rs 6,000 won’t see a hike, other elements are under review to better tailor the program for launch. Since its introduction in early October, the pilot has seen a 621,000 applications for about 127,000 spots, showing there's a massive interest in the initiative. Despite this enthusiastic start, the real challenge lies in scaling up, as the government aims to provide 2 million internships annually over the next five years. The plan is to integrate these internships into academic settings where they can provide real-world experience alongside classroom learning, making students more job-ready upon graduation. How a company's  HR department  is viewed swings depending on the job market. When talent's hard to come by, companies value HR as a strategic ally. But when there are plenty of job seekers, HR might feel like a bit of a drag—nobody likes being told what to do, especially when it doesn’t seem urgent. Peter Cappelli from University of Pennsylvania puts it plainly: HR’s seen as crucial in tough times but might just be the folks planning the office parties when the pressure's off. It's a bit of a sticky situation, really.  In MBA courses, HR gets tagged as a 'soft option', so it doesn’t always attract the top talent. This sticks around, making it tough to find really strong HR leaders who get the business side of things as much as any CFO might. Devina Sengupta examines why HR is the most hated department in any organisation.  For homebuyers tangled in issues like construction delays or misleading sales pitches, there's a new ally on the horizon. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority is gearing up to join forces with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to offer a robust support system for frustrated property buyers, Dhirendra Kumar reports. Whether it's issues with taking possession, shoddy construction, or navigating the maze of home loans, CCPA is setting sights on giving homebuyers a fair shake in a market notorious for its unpredictability. The move is timely. Despite Rera's efforts since 2017 to protect homebuyers, the authority often hits a wall when it comes to enforcing its rulings, especially when developers appeal against its decisions, dragging out disputes. CCPA, established in 2020, plans to intervene when traditional routes falter, ensuring actions like refunds from developers who don’t hold up their end of the deal.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Mint Budget Poll: Here’s the Verdict full 735 Mint - HT Smartcast Govt aims to reduce fiscal deficit; PM internship scheme to be revised Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 13, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Mint recently wrapped up a survey, running from late November to December, to gauge public opinion ahead of the Union Budget. We asked readers about their preferences on government planning and potential budget priorities. The results revealed a clear preference for short-term planning. Most of the 7,051 participants are leaning away from long-term goals, favouring immediate action instead. When it comes to the economy, job creation topped the list of priorities with many expressing dissatisfaction with the current income tax slabs, particularly the salaried folks who are craving more tax breaks. About 73% flagged job creation as crucial, underscoring a general unease about employment opportunities. The survey also highlighted a split opinion on populist budget measures, with about 41% in favour during slow economic times, yet higher earners largely opposed the idea. Schemes favouring women, farmers, and entrepreneurs received strong support, showing a desire for targeted assistance in these areas.    India is set to reduce its fiscal deficit for  2024-25 to between 4.7% and 4.8% of GDP, a bit lower than the initially budgeted 4.9%. Sources in the government told Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan about the move which is a part of the government's ongoing efforts to enforce economic discipline and maintain a trajectory towards fiscal consolidation, with an end goal to bring the deficit down to below 4.5% by 2026. Despite a slowdown in GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the September quarter, the government’s financial health has been buoyed by robust tax collections and a significantly higher-than-expected dividend from the Reserve Bank of India. This fiscal year,  RBI has contributed a whopping ₹2.11 trillion dividend, which has been a major boost. As for the numbers, the government's fiscal deficit target for FY25 is pegged at ₹16.13 trillion. Up to November, it has  managed to keep the deficit at ₹8.47 trillion, which is about 52.5% of the full-year target. This careful management of the budget aims to send reassuring signals to investors, especially crucial at a time when the global economy is slowing. The PM internship scheme, currently being tested, is gearing up for some updates based on feedback from its pilot run and industry inputs. While the monthly stipend of Rs 5,000  and a one-time joining bonus of Rs 6,000 won’t see a hike, other elements are under review to better tailor the program for launch. Since its introduction in early October, the pilot has seen a 621,000 applications for about 127,000 spots, showing there's a massive interest in the initiative. Despite this enthusiastic start, the real challenge lies in scaling up, as the government aims to provide 2 million internships annually over the next five years. The plan is to integrate these internships into academic settings where they can provide real-world experience alongside classroom learning, making students more job-ready upon graduation. How a company's  HR department  is viewed swings depending on the job market. When talent's hard to come by, companies value HR as a strategic ally. But when there are plenty of job seekers, HR might feel like a bit of a drag—nobody likes being told what to do, especially when it doesn’t seem urgent. Peter Cappelli from University of Pennsylvania puts it plainly: HR’s seen as crucial in tough times but might just be the folks planning the office parties when the pressure's off. It's a bit of a sticky situation, really.  In MBA courses, HR gets tagged as a 'soft option', so it doesn’t always attract the top talent. This sticks around, making it tough to find really strong HR leaders who get the business side of things as much as any CFO might. Devina Sengupta examines why HR is the most hated department in any organisation.  For homebuyers tangled in issues like construction delays or misleading sales pitches, there's a new ally on the horizon. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority is gearing up to join forces with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to offer a robust support system for frustrated property buyers, Dhirendra Kumar reports. Whether it's issues with taking possession, shoddy construction, or navigating the maze of home loans, CCPA is setting sights on giving homebuyers a fair shake in a market notorious for its unpredictability. The move is timely. Despite Rera's efforts since 2017 to protect homebuyers, the authority often hits a wall when it comes to enforcing its rulings, especially when developers appeal against its decisions, dragging out disputes. CCPA, established in 2020, plans to intervene when traditional routes falter, ensuring actions like refunds from developers who don’t hold up their end of the deal.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 13, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Mint recently wrapped up a survey, running from late November to December, to gauge public opinion ahead of the Union Budget. We asked readers about their preferences on government planning and potential budget priorities. The results revealed a clear preference for short-term planning. Most of the 7,051 participants are leaning away from long-term goals, favouring immediate action instead. When it comes to the economy, job creation topped the list of priorities with many expressing dissatisfaction with the current income tax slabs, particularly the salaried folks who are craving more tax breaks. About 73% flagged job creation as crucial, underscoring a general unease about employment opportunities. The survey also highlighted a split opinion on populist budget measures, with about 41% in favour during slow economic times, yet higher earners largely opposed the idea. Schemes favouring women, farmers, and entrepreneurs received strong support, showing a desire for targeted assistance in these areas. 


 

India is set to reduce its fiscal deficit for  2024-25 to between 4.7% and 4.8% of GDP, a bit lower than the initially budgeted 4.9%. Sources in the government told Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan about the move which is a part of the government's ongoing efforts to enforce economic discipline and maintain a trajectory towards fiscal consolidation, with an end goal to bring the deficit down to below 4.5% by 2026. Despite a slowdown in GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the September quarter, the government’s financial health has been buoyed by robust tax collections and a significantly higher-than-expected dividend from the Reserve Bank of India. This fiscal year,  RBI has contributed a whopping ₹2.11 trillion dividend, which has been a major boost. As for the numbers, the government's fiscal deficit target for FY25 is pegged at ₹16.13 trillion. Up to November, it has  managed to keep the deficit at ₹8.47 trillion, which is about 52.5% of the full-year target. This careful management of the budget aims to send reassuring signals to investors, especially crucial at a time when the global economy is slowing.

The PM internship scheme, currently being tested, is gearing up for some updates based on feedback from its pilot run and industry inputs. While the monthly stipend of Rs 5,000  and a one-time joining bonus of Rs 6,000 won’t see a hike, other elements are under review to better tailor the program for launch. Since its introduction in early October, the pilot has seen a 621,000 applications for about 127,000 spots, showing there's a massive interest in the initiative. Despite this enthusiastic start, the real challenge lies in scaling up, as the government aims to provide 2 million internships annually over the next five years. The plan is to integrate these internships into academic settings where they can provide real-world experience alongside classroom learning, making students more job-ready upon graduation.

How a company's  HR department  is viewed swings depending on the job market. When talent's hard to come by, companies value HR as a strategic ally. But when there are plenty of job seekers, HR might feel like a bit of a drag—nobody likes being told what to do, especially when it doesn’t seem urgent. Peter Cappelli from University of Pennsylvania puts it plainly: HR’s seen as crucial in tough times but might just be the folks planning the office parties when the pressure's off. It's a bit of a sticky situation, really.  In MBA courses, HR gets tagged as a 'soft option', so it doesn’t always attract the top talent. This sticks around, making it tough to find really strong HR leaders who get the business side of things as much as any CFO might. Devina Sengupta examines why HR is the most hated department in any organisation. 

For homebuyers tangled in issues like construction delays or misleading sales pitches, there's a new ally on the horizon. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority is gearing up to join forces with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to offer a robust support system for frustrated property buyers, Dhirendra Kumar reports. Whether it's issues with taking possession, shoddy construction, or navigating the maze of home loans, CCPA is setting sights on giving homebuyers a fair shake in a market notorious for its unpredictability. The move is timely. Despite Rera's efforts since 2017 to protect homebuyers, the authority often hits a wall when it comes to enforcing its rulings, especially when developers appeal against its decisions, dragging out disputes. CCPA, established in 2020, plans to intervene when traditional routes falter, ensuring actions like refunds from developers who don’t hold up their end of the deal.


 

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]]> 430 no Can AI tell us which sectors to invest in? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/can-ai-tell-us-which-sectors-to-invest-in-nrm9RRsR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   A recent report by the State Bank of India has sparked widespread debate with its claim of a significant reduction in India’s poverty levels. The report suggests rural poverty fell sharply from 25.7% in 2011-12 to just 4.86% in 2023-24, alongside a notable decline in urban poverty. It attributes this dramatic improvement to the success of government initiatives, including direct cash transfers and infrastructure development. However, as Nandita Venkatesan writes, the methodology behind these figures has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the report’s approach—adjusting old poverty lines for inflation to measure current poverty—fails to account for shifts in consumption patterns and changes in survey methodologies over the past decade, potentially skewing the conclusions.   India’s stock market is bracing for heightened volatility as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) adopt their most cautious stance in seven months. As of January 8, FPIs’ combined net short positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures surged to 238,321 contracts, the highest level since June, according to data from IndiaCharts and the NSE. This sharp increase in bearish bets reflects growing concerns over both domestic and global economic uncertainties, reports Ram Sahgal. FPIs have been consistently shorting Indian markets, driven partly by India’s revised economic growth forecast of 6.4% for FY25, a four-year low and slightly below the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.6%. Adding to the unease is the timing, with Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as US President stoking fears of tariff wars and stricter immigration policies—both of which could disrupt the global economic landscape.   As 2025 unfolds, identifying the Indian sectors poised to lead the charge can feel like a guessing game. To cut through the uncertainty, Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee sought insights from three major AI chatbots: OpenAI's ChatGPT, Elon Musk's Grok, and Google's Gemini 2.0. While each emphasized the speculative nature of market predictions—shaped by dynamic factors like economic policies and global events—their perspectives offer intriguing takeaways. Read today’s Long Story to see what these AI models foresee for the markets.   The Maha Kumbh Mela, returning after 144 years and expected to draw millions to Uttar Pradesh, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Experts from Aon, mFilterIt, and Quick Heal warn of a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks aimed at stealing personal and payment information. Scammers are leveraging the event's vast digital footprint, creating fake websites and using platforms like WhatsApp to trick pilgrims into paying for fraudulent services. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government and police are stepping up cybersecurity measures, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. A dedicated cyber police station has been established in Prayagraj, and authorities are closely monitoring and securing online platforms to safeguard attendees from digital threats.   The sudden passing of Amit Banerji, founder of Table Space, from cardiac arrest has sent shockwaves through the startup community, highlighting the toll of intense pressure and poor work-life balance in the industry. Banerji’s death is the second such incident in a month, sparking renewed concern about the health and work habits of startup founders. Industry leaders, including Kunal Bahl of Titan Capital and Snapdeal, are urging a shift toward sustainable work practices, emphasizing that long-term business success depends on prioritizing health, reports Sneha Shah. Recent high-profile cases, such as Rohan Mirchandani of Epigamia and Ambareesh Murty of Pepperfry, who also succumbed to fatal health issues, underscore the risks of high-stress startup leadership. In response, there is a growing call for founders to adopt a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives. Some are turning to therapy, while others are being encouraged by boards and investors to take breaks, pursue hobbies, and focus on downtime to avoid burnout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Can AI tell us which sectors to invest in? full 734 Mint - HT Smartcast FPIs’ bearish bets; Work-life balance in startups Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   A recent report by the State Bank of India has sparked widespread debate with its claim of a significant reduction in India’s poverty levels. The report suggests rural poverty fell sharply from 25.7% in 2011-12 to just 4.86% in 2023-24, alongside a notable decline in urban poverty. It attributes this dramatic improvement to the success of government initiatives, including direct cash transfers and infrastructure development. However, as Nandita Venkatesan writes, the methodology behind these figures has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the report’s approach—adjusting old poverty lines for inflation to measure current poverty—fails to account for shifts in consumption patterns and changes in survey methodologies over the past decade, potentially skewing the conclusions.   India’s stock market is bracing for heightened volatility as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) adopt their most cautious stance in seven months. As of January 8, FPIs’ combined net short positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures surged to 238,321 contracts, the highest level since June, according to data from IndiaCharts and the NSE. This sharp increase in bearish bets reflects growing concerns over both domestic and global economic uncertainties, reports Ram Sahgal. FPIs have been consistently shorting Indian markets, driven partly by India’s revised economic growth forecast of 6.4% for FY25, a four-year low and slightly below the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.6%. Adding to the unease is the timing, with Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as US President stoking fears of tariff wars and stricter immigration policies—both of which could disrupt the global economic landscape.   As 2025 unfolds, identifying the Indian sectors poised to lead the charge can feel like a guessing game. To cut through the uncertainty, Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee sought insights from three major AI chatbots: OpenAI's ChatGPT, Elon Musk's Grok, and Google's Gemini 2.0. While each emphasized the speculative nature of market predictions—shaped by dynamic factors like economic policies and global events—their perspectives offer intriguing takeaways. Read today’s Long Story to see what these AI models foresee for the markets.   The Maha Kumbh Mela, returning after 144 years and expected to draw millions to Uttar Pradesh, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Experts from Aon, mFilterIt, and Quick Heal warn of a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks aimed at stealing personal and payment information. Scammers are leveraging the event's vast digital footprint, creating fake websites and using platforms like WhatsApp to trick pilgrims into paying for fraudulent services. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government and police are stepping up cybersecurity measures, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. A dedicated cyber police station has been established in Prayagraj, and authorities are closely monitoring and securing online platforms to safeguard attendees from digital threats.   The sudden passing of Amit Banerji, founder of Table Space, from cardiac arrest has sent shockwaves through the startup community, highlighting the toll of intense pressure and poor work-life balance in the industry. Banerji’s death is the second such incident in a month, sparking renewed concern about the health and work habits of startup founders. Industry leaders, including Kunal Bahl of Titan Capital and Snapdeal, are urging a shift toward sustainable work practices, emphasizing that long-term business success depends on prioritizing health, reports Sneha Shah. Recent high-profile cases, such as Rohan Mirchandani of Epigamia and Ambareesh Murty of Pepperfry, who also succumbed to fatal health issues, underscore the risks of high-stress startup leadership. In response, there is a growing call for founders to adopt a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives. Some are turning to therapy, while others are being encouraged by boards and investors to take breaks, pursue hobbies, and focus on downtime to avoid burnout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 10, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

A recent report by the State Bank of India has sparked widespread debate with its claim of a significant reduction in India’s poverty levels. The report suggests rural poverty fell sharply from 25.7% in 2011-12 to just 4.86% in 2023-24, alongside a notable decline in urban poverty. It attributes this dramatic improvement to the success of government initiatives, including direct cash transfers and infrastructure development. However, as Nandita Venkatesan writes, the methodology behind these figures has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the report’s approach—adjusting old poverty lines for inflation to measure current poverty—fails to account for shifts in consumption patterns and changes in survey methodologies over the past decade, potentially skewing the conclusions.


 

India’s stock market is bracing for heightened volatility as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) adopt their most cautious stance in seven months. As of January 8, FPIs’ combined net short positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures surged to 238,321 contracts, the highest level since June, according to data from IndiaCharts and the NSE. This sharp increase in bearish bets reflects growing concerns over both domestic and global economic uncertainties, reports Ram Sahgal. FPIs have been consistently shorting Indian markets, driven partly by India’s revised economic growth forecast of 6.4% for FY25, a four-year low and slightly below the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.6%. Adding to the unease is the timing, with Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as US President stoking fears of tariff wars and stricter immigration policies—both of which could disrupt the global economic landscape.


 

As 2025 unfolds, identifying the Indian sectors poised to lead the charge can feel like a guessing game. To cut through the uncertainty, Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee sought insights from three major AI chatbots: OpenAI's ChatGPT, Elon Musk's Grok, and Google's Gemini 2.0. While each emphasized the speculative nature of market predictions—shaped by dynamic factors like economic policies and global events—their perspectives offer intriguing takeaways. Read today’s Long Story to see what these AI models foresee for the markets.


 

The Maha Kumbh Mela, returning after 144 years and expected to draw millions to Uttar Pradesh, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Experts from Aon, mFilterIt, and Quick Heal warn of a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks aimed at stealing personal and payment information. Scammers are leveraging the event's vast digital footprint, creating fake websites and using platforms like WhatsApp to trick pilgrims into paying for fraudulent services. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government and police are stepping up cybersecurity measures, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. A dedicated cyber police station has been established in Prayagraj, and authorities are closely monitoring and securing online platforms to safeguard attendees from digital threats.


 

The sudden passing of Amit Banerji, founder of Table Space, from cardiac arrest has sent shockwaves through the startup community, highlighting the toll of intense pressure and poor work-life balance in the industry. Banerji’s death is the second such incident in a month, sparking renewed concern about the health and work habits of startup founders. Industry leaders, including Kunal Bahl of Titan Capital and Snapdeal, are urging a shift toward sustainable work practices, emphasizing that long-term business success depends on prioritizing health, reports Sneha Shah. Recent high-profile cases, such as Rohan Mirchandani of Epigamia and Ambareesh Murty of Pepperfry, who also succumbed to fatal health issues, underscore the risks of high-stress startup leadership. In response, there is a growing call for founders to adopt a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives. Some are turning to therapy, while others are being encouraged by boards and investors to take breaks, pursue hobbies, and focus on downtime to avoid burnout.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 401 no Why India’s consumption needs a revival https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-indias-consumption-needs-a-revival-IBHXYCx1 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 9, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's manufacturing sector is facing a slowdown, weighing heavily on economic growth. Manufacturing growth slipped to 2.2% in the second quarter of this fiscal year, a sharp decline from 7% in the first quarter. This slump dragged overall industry performance, pulling GDP growth down to 5.4%, compared to 8.1% in the same quarter last year. The primary driver of this slowdown is a significant drop in urban demand. City dwellers, burdened by stagnant wages and rising food prices, are cutting back on spending. While rural demand shows signs of recovery, it’s insufficient to offset the urban slump. Adding to the woes, exports grew at a modest 2.8%, and the heavy monsoon season disrupted power generation and mining activity. The government remains hopeful, though, viewing the slowdown as temporary and expecting a rebound in power and mining post-monsoon. In today’s Primer, N. Madhavan explains why a quick revival in consumer demand is crucial to reignite economic momentum.   India faces a stark water crisis, with some regions grappling with floods while others endure severe droughts. To address this imbalance, the government is adopting a dual strategy—supplementing the traditional inter-state river-linking approach with localized intra-state projects. This aims to redistribute surplus water more effectively to arid regions. Currently, over 60% of India’s districts are categorized as high-risk for climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, according to Puja Das. In response, the central government is encouraging states to develop their own intra-state river-linking proposals. This initiative complements the ongoing Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s flagship inter-state river-linking venture.   Noida-based Astrotalk has skillfully brought the ancient practice of astrology into the digital age, capitalizing on its deep-rooted influence in Indian daily life. The platform connects over 41,000 astrologers with more than 450,000 users. Astrotalk’s financials reflect its success, with revenues soaring to ₹651 crore and profits reaching ₹100 crore in a single fiscal year. The company’s growth has been fuelled by a $30 million venture capital injection, pushing its valuation to $300 million. However, challenges have also emerged. A recent shift in the platform’s revenue-sharing model has sparked discontent among astrologers. While earnings were initially split equally, Astrotalk now retains a larger share of revenue from the initial minutes of consultations, reports Samiksha Goel. This change has left some astrologers feeling like they’re operating in a call center, incentivized to prolong conversations to secure fair payouts. The pressure has strained relationships, with some astrologers walking away, frustrated by what they perceive as a shift from genuine astrological guidance to profit-driven dynamics. The Indian government is rolling out a strategy to transform the northern region into a manufacturing hub, aiming to boost economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office, the initiative focuses on driving significant infrastructure investment and implementing policies to promote regional manufacturing equity. At the heart of the plan is the ₹10,037 crore Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI—2024), a decade-long program designed to incentivize industries across North India. Key regions such as Kanpur, once hailed as the 'Manchester of the East,' and Jammu & Kashmir, known for its rich crafts and agricultural produce, are central to this effort. The initiative seeks to leverage the untapped potential of these regions to address the stark economic divide between northern and southern states—a disparity that has led states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to question the fairness of federal financial allocations. Major players in Indian industry, including Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Enterprises, and the Tata Group, are refocusing on their core business areas. This strategic shift aims to sharpen their competitive edge, reduce debt, and enhance shareholder value. Devarajan Nambakam of Goldman Sachs told Priyamvada C. that high-interest rates and the potential to unlock value from mature investments are key drivers of this trend. He anticipates this focus on core strengths will persist well into 2025 as companies navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape.For example, Adani Enterprises recently divested its stake in a joint FMCG venture, and Bharti Enterprises exited its food business. Such moves allow companies to redirect resources toward their primary operations, where they foresee the greatest growth and stability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Why India’s consumption needs a revival full 733 Mint - HT Smartcast How connecting rivers is a challenge; Companies stick to core biz Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 9, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's manufacturing sector is facing a slowdown, weighing heavily on economic growth. Manufacturing growth slipped to 2.2% in the second quarter of this fiscal year, a sharp decline from 7% in the first quarter. This slump dragged overall industry performance, pulling GDP growth down to 5.4%, compared to 8.1% in the same quarter last year. The primary driver of this slowdown is a significant drop in urban demand. City dwellers, burdened by stagnant wages and rising food prices, are cutting back on spending. While rural demand shows signs of recovery, it’s insufficient to offset the urban slump. Adding to the woes, exports grew at a modest 2.8%, and the heavy monsoon season disrupted power generation and mining activity. The government remains hopeful, though, viewing the slowdown as temporary and expecting a rebound in power and mining post-monsoon. In today’s Primer, N. Madhavan explains why a quick revival in consumer demand is crucial to reignite economic momentum.   India faces a stark water crisis, with some regions grappling with floods while others endure severe droughts. To address this imbalance, the government is adopting a dual strategy—supplementing the traditional inter-state river-linking approach with localized intra-state projects. This aims to redistribute surplus water more effectively to arid regions. Currently, over 60% of India’s districts are categorized as high-risk for climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, according to Puja Das. In response, the central government is encouraging states to develop their own intra-state river-linking proposals. This initiative complements the ongoing Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s flagship inter-state river-linking venture.   Noida-based Astrotalk has skillfully brought the ancient practice of astrology into the digital age, capitalizing on its deep-rooted influence in Indian daily life. The platform connects over 41,000 astrologers with more than 450,000 users. Astrotalk’s financials reflect its success, with revenues soaring to ₹651 crore and profits reaching ₹100 crore in a single fiscal year. The company’s growth has been fuelled by a $30 million venture capital injection, pushing its valuation to $300 million. However, challenges have also emerged. A recent shift in the platform’s revenue-sharing model has sparked discontent among astrologers. While earnings were initially split equally, Astrotalk now retains a larger share of revenue from the initial minutes of consultations, reports Samiksha Goel. This change has left some astrologers feeling like they’re operating in a call center, incentivized to prolong conversations to secure fair payouts. The pressure has strained relationships, with some astrologers walking away, frustrated by what they perceive as a shift from genuine astrological guidance to profit-driven dynamics. The Indian government is rolling out a strategy to transform the northern region into a manufacturing hub, aiming to boost economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office, the initiative focuses on driving significant infrastructure investment and implementing policies to promote regional manufacturing equity. At the heart of the plan is the ₹10,037 crore Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI—2024), a decade-long program designed to incentivize industries across North India. Key regions such as Kanpur, once hailed as the 'Manchester of the East,' and Jammu & Kashmir, known for its rich crafts and agricultural produce, are central to this effort. The initiative seeks to leverage the untapped potential of these regions to address the stark economic divide between northern and southern states—a disparity that has led states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to question the fairness of federal financial allocations. Major players in Indian industry, including Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Enterprises, and the Tata Group, are refocusing on their core business areas. This strategic shift aims to sharpen their competitive edge, reduce debt, and enhance shareholder value. Devarajan Nambakam of Goldman Sachs told Priyamvada C. that high-interest rates and the potential to unlock value from mature investments are key drivers of this trend. He anticipates this focus on core strengths will persist well into 2025 as companies navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape.For example, Adani Enterprises recently divested its stake in a joint FMCG venture, and Bharti Enterprises exited its food business. Such moves allow companies to redirect resources toward their primary operations, where they foresee the greatest growth and stability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 9, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

India's manufacturing sector is facing a slowdown, weighing heavily on economic growth. Manufacturing growth slipped to 2.2% in the second quarter of this fiscal year, a sharp decline from 7% in the first quarter. This slump dragged overall industry performance, pulling GDP growth down to 5.4%, compared to 8.1% in the same quarter last year. The primary driver of this slowdown is a significant drop in urban demand. City dwellers, burdened by stagnant wages and rising food prices, are cutting back on spending. While rural demand shows signs of recovery, it’s insufficient to offset the urban slump. Adding to the woes, exports grew at a modest 2.8%, and the heavy monsoon season disrupted power generation and mining activity.

The government remains hopeful, though, viewing the slowdown as temporary and expecting a rebound in power and mining post-monsoon. In today’s Primer, N. Madhavan explains why a quick revival in consumer demand is crucial to reignite economic momentum.


 

India faces a stark water crisis, with some regions grappling with floods while others endure severe droughts. To address this imbalance, the government is adopting a dual strategy—supplementing the traditional inter-state river-linking approach with localized intra-state projects. This aims to redistribute surplus water more effectively to arid regions. Currently, over 60% of India’s districts are categorized as high-risk for climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, according to Puja Das. In response, the central government is encouraging states to develop their own intra-state river-linking proposals. This initiative complements the ongoing Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s flagship inter-state river-linking venture.


 

Noida-based Astrotalk has skillfully brought the ancient practice of astrology into the digital age, capitalizing on its deep-rooted influence in Indian daily life. The platform connects over 41,000 astrologers with more than 450,000 users. Astrotalk’s financials reflect its success, with revenues soaring to ₹651 crore and profits reaching ₹100 crore in a single fiscal year. The company’s growth has been fuelled by a $30 million venture capital injection, pushing its valuation to $300 million. However, challenges have also emerged. A recent shift in the platform’s revenue-sharing model has sparked discontent among astrologers. While earnings were initially split equally, Astrotalk now retains a larger share of revenue from the initial minutes of consultations, reports Samiksha Goel. This change has left some astrologers feeling like they’re operating in a call center, incentivized to prolong conversations to secure fair payouts. The pressure has strained relationships, with some astrologers walking away, frustrated by what they perceive as a shift from genuine astrological guidance to profit-driven dynamics.

The Indian government is rolling out a strategy to transform the northern region into a manufacturing hub, aiming to boost economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office, the initiative focuses on driving significant infrastructure investment and implementing policies to promote regional manufacturing equity. At the heart of the plan is the ₹10,037 crore Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI—2024), a decade-long program designed to incentivize industries across North India. Key regions such as Kanpur, once hailed as the 'Manchester of the East,' and Jammu & Kashmir, known for its rich crafts and agricultural produce, are central to this effort. The initiative seeks to leverage the untapped potential of these regions to address the stark economic divide between northern and southern states—a disparity that has led states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to question the fairness of federal financial allocations.

Major players in Indian industry, including Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Enterprises, and the Tata Group, are refocusing on their core business areas. This strategic shift aims to sharpen their competitive edge, reduce debt, and enhance shareholder value. Devarajan Nambakam of Goldman Sachs told Priyamvada C. that high-interest rates and the potential to unlock value from mature investments are key drivers of this trend. He anticipates this focus on core strengths will persist well into 2025 as companies navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape.For example, Adani Enterprises recently divested its stake in a joint FMCG venture, and Bharti Enterprises exited its food business. Such moves allow companies to redirect resources toward their primary operations, where they foresee the greatest growth and stability.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 440 no MSMEs to embrace sustainability https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/msmes-to-embrace-sustainability-DOV0aU6v Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian stock market tumbled on Monday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 both plunging over 1.5%, as widespread selling gripped the market. Investor sentiment was rattled by reports of a new virus outbreak in China, fueling fresh concerns.   India's real estate sector is poised for an eventful year. While the office market shows promise, driven by demand from global capability centers and tech companies, challenges loom. A shortage of premium office spaces in key markets like Mumbai and Bengaluru could hamper growth unless new, high-quality projects come online. On the residential front, the momentum seen post-pandemic is slowing. Elevated property prices in several cities are deterring buyers, potentially prompting a shift towards affordable housing as the market undergoes a correction. Madhurima Nandy explores the key factors shaping the outlook for the real estate market this year.   The Indian government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at driving sustainability in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. This initiative will provide financial, technological, and regulatory support to help MSMEs adopt greener practices, aligning with India's net-zero carbon emissions target for 2070. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that a dedicated body under the MSME ministry will oversee this transition, ensuring a smooth shift to sustainable operations. Beyond environmental goals, the policy aims to ease the financial burden on small businesses by offering a robust support system to manage the costs of these changes.   India’s consumer goods companies are bracing for a tough third quarter with expected low single-digit revenue growth and margin contraction. Despite price hikes aimed at combating inflation, weak urban demand and a delayed winter have dampened the sector's performance. Suneera Tandon spoke to Nitin Gupta from Emkay Global, who told her that only a few companies like ITC, Marico, and Bikaji might report double-digit revenue growth. Marico has seen some support from rural markets and has raised prices on products like Parachute coconut oil to cope with rising costs. However, the overall urban demand is expected to remain subdued for a few more quarters, with further price hikes likely as companies grapple with high input costs affecting essentials like soaps and edible oils. After stepping down as managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uday Kotak isn’t hitting the brakes. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into USK Capital, his family office, where he’s focused on investing in businesses with long-term growth potential and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. While no longer in a full-time banking role, Kotak remains actively involved as a non-executive director on the bank’s board. In a recent conversation with Mint’s Satish John and Gopika Gopakumar, he shared insights on topics ranging from privatization and regulatory challenges to Starlink's entry into India’s telecom space. At 65, Kotak remains steadfast in his vision of witnessing India emerge as a global powerhouse within his lifetime.   In 2024, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) took a cautious stance on Indian equities, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) confidently stepped in. Notably, when FIIs recorded their largest sell-off of the year in October, DIIs countered with their highest-ever monthly purchases for the period. This marked the fourth consecutive year where DIIs outpaced FIIs in market investments, according to a report from IIFL Securities. Although FIIs showed signs of a minor comeback in December, it’s still uncertain whether this trend will persist in 2025. Experts at Bajaj Broking suggest that FII caution might continue, driven by global and local economic challenges. Looking ahead, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. If the upcoming budget strikes the right chord with investors, it could pave the way for a stronger FII resurgence, writes Dipti Sharma. India’s core growth fundamentals remain robust, and with favourable global conditions and strategic domestic policies, foreign interest could see a meaningful revival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 MSMEs to embrace sustainability full 732 Mint - HT Smartcast Uday Kotak on India’s future; Q3 FMCG preview Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian stock market tumbled on Monday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 both plunging over 1.5%, as widespread selling gripped the market. Investor sentiment was rattled by reports of a new virus outbreak in China, fueling fresh concerns.   India's real estate sector is poised for an eventful year. While the office market shows promise, driven by demand from global capability centers and tech companies, challenges loom. A shortage of premium office spaces in key markets like Mumbai and Bengaluru could hamper growth unless new, high-quality projects come online. On the residential front, the momentum seen post-pandemic is slowing. Elevated property prices in several cities are deterring buyers, potentially prompting a shift towards affordable housing as the market undergoes a correction. Madhurima Nandy explores the key factors shaping the outlook for the real estate market this year.   The Indian government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at driving sustainability in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. This initiative will provide financial, technological, and regulatory support to help MSMEs adopt greener practices, aligning with India's net-zero carbon emissions target for 2070. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that a dedicated body under the MSME ministry will oversee this transition, ensuring a smooth shift to sustainable operations. Beyond environmental goals, the policy aims to ease the financial burden on small businesses by offering a robust support system to manage the costs of these changes.   India’s consumer goods companies are bracing for a tough third quarter with expected low single-digit revenue growth and margin contraction. Despite price hikes aimed at combating inflation, weak urban demand and a delayed winter have dampened the sector's performance. Suneera Tandon spoke to Nitin Gupta from Emkay Global, who told her that only a few companies like ITC, Marico, and Bikaji might report double-digit revenue growth. Marico has seen some support from rural markets and has raised prices on products like Parachute coconut oil to cope with rising costs. However, the overall urban demand is expected to remain subdued for a few more quarters, with further price hikes likely as companies grapple with high input costs affecting essentials like soaps and edible oils. After stepping down as managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uday Kotak isn’t hitting the brakes. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into USK Capital, his family office, where he’s focused on investing in businesses with long-term growth potential and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. While no longer in a full-time banking role, Kotak remains actively involved as a non-executive director on the bank’s board. In a recent conversation with Mint’s Satish John and Gopika Gopakumar, he shared insights on topics ranging from privatization and regulatory challenges to Starlink's entry into India’s telecom space. At 65, Kotak remains steadfast in his vision of witnessing India emerge as a global powerhouse within his lifetime.   In 2024, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) took a cautious stance on Indian equities, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) confidently stepped in. Notably, when FIIs recorded their largest sell-off of the year in October, DIIs countered with their highest-ever monthly purchases for the period. This marked the fourth consecutive year where DIIs outpaced FIIs in market investments, according to a report from IIFL Securities. Although FIIs showed signs of a minor comeback in December, it’s still uncertain whether this trend will persist in 2025. Experts at Bajaj Broking suggest that FII caution might continue, driven by global and local economic challenges. Looking ahead, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. If the upcoming budget strikes the right chord with investors, it could pave the way for a stronger FII resurgence, writes Dipti Sharma. India’s core growth fundamentals remain robust, and with favourable global conditions and strategic domestic policies, foreign interest could see a meaningful revival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Indian stock market tumbled on Monday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 both plunging over 1.5%, as widespread selling gripped the market. Investor sentiment was rattled by reports of a new virus outbreak in China, fueling fresh concerns.


 

India's real estate sector is poised for an eventful year. While the office market shows promise, driven by demand from global capability centers and tech companies, challenges loom. A shortage of premium office spaces in key markets like Mumbai and Bengaluru could hamper growth unless new, high-quality projects come online. On the residential front, the momentum seen post-pandemic is slowing. Elevated property prices in several cities are deterring buyers, potentially prompting a shift towards affordable housing as the market undergoes a correction. Madhurima Nandy explores the key factors shaping the outlook for the real estate market this year.


 

The Indian government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at driving sustainability in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. This initiative will provide financial, technological, and regulatory support to help MSMEs adopt greener practices, aligning with India's net-zero carbon emissions target for 2070. Rituraj Baruah and Manas Pimpalkhare report that a dedicated body under the MSME ministry will oversee this transition, ensuring a smooth shift to sustainable operations. Beyond environmental goals, the policy aims to ease the financial burden on small businesses by offering a robust support system to manage the costs of these changes.


 

India’s consumer goods companies are bracing for a tough third quarter with expected low single-digit revenue growth and margin contraction. Despite price hikes aimed at combating inflation, weak urban demand and a delayed winter have dampened the sector's performance. Suneera Tandon spoke to Nitin Gupta from Emkay Global, who told her that only a few companies like ITC, Marico, and Bikaji might report double-digit revenue growth. Marico has seen some support from rural markets and has raised prices on products like Parachute coconut oil to cope with rising costs. However, the overall urban demand is expected to remain subdued for a few more quarters, with further price hikes likely as companies grapple with high input costs affecting essentials like soaps and edible oils.

After stepping down as managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uday Kotak isn’t hitting the brakes. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into USK Capital, his family office, where he’s focused on investing in businesses with long-term growth potential and mentoring the next generation of business leaders. While no longer in a full-time banking role, Kotak remains actively involved as a non-executive director on the bank’s board. In a recent conversation with Mint’s Satish John and Gopika Gopakumar, he shared insights on topics ranging from privatization and regulatory challenges to Starlink's entry into India’s telecom space. At 65, Kotak remains steadfast in his vision of witnessing India emerge as a global powerhouse within his lifetime.


 

In 2024, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) took a cautious stance on Indian equities, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) confidently stepped in. Notably, when FIIs recorded their largest sell-off of the year in October, DIIs countered with their highest-ever monthly purchases for the period. This marked the fourth consecutive year where DIIs outpaced FIIs in market investments, according to a report from IIFL Securities. Although FIIs showed signs of a minor comeback in December, it’s still uncertain whether this trend will persist in 2025. Experts at Bajaj Broking suggest that FII caution might continue, driven by global and local economic challenges. Looking ahead, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. If the upcoming budget strikes the right chord with investors, it could pave the way for a stronger FII resurgence, writes Dipti Sharma. India’s core growth fundamentals remain robust, and with favourable global conditions and strategic domestic policies, foreign interest could see a meaningful revival.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 397 no New virus in China; Inside Sebi’s Ketan Parekh probe https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/new-virus-in-china-inside-sebis-ketan-parekh-probe-N9GHn6La Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   China has a new virus! There is a rising concern about respiratory infections in the country, particularly with an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus among children under 14. This virus, part of the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus, has sparked worries due to its symptoms and transmission methods, which are reminiscent of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, however, there's no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, adding to the global health anxieties. The increase in cases, especially noted in northern China, comes during the usual flu season but has raised some eyebrows globally due to fears of a pandemic-like spread, reminiscent of the early COVID-19 days. However, health experts note that HMPV isn't new; it's been around since 2001 and pops up seasonally in places like the US and UK. Jessica Jani explains what the new virus is and how it could affect the human body, in today’s Primer.    Donald Trump's second presidential term has reignited concerns over H-1B visas, critical for India's $250-billion IT services sector. Historically, these visas have been essential for employing highly skilled non-immigrants in the US. However, Indian tech companies are less vulnerable today than in the past due to a strategic shift towards hiring more Americans and reducing dependency on H-1B visas. Jas Bardia spoke to IT industry insiders who told him that IT companies are hiring more locally in the US, which decreases the reliance on H-1B visas. US firms now employ more Americans than H-1B visa holders in these roles. Data shows that major Indian IT firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro, have significantly reduced their H-1B visa applications over the last decade.   2024 marked a significant increase in ultra-luxury real estate transactions in India, with cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru seeing record deals for homes costing over Rs 100 crore. Speaking to Mint’s Khushi Malhotra, Ritesh Mehta of JLL highlighted the growth in this sector, noting high-value transactions on Gurgaon's Golf Course Road and South Mumbai's Malabar Hill. This surge reflects a robust confidence in ultra-luxury real estate as a stable investment. The data from PropEquity revealed 13 such transactions between January and October last year, a slight decrease from 21 in 2023. Anarock Group’s data also shows that 99 ultra-luxury residential deals worth Rs 8,069 crore were closed over the past three years. India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is causing a stir with its latest draft rules, especially around the new requirement for parents to verify their identity when their kids want to use online platforms. This proposal is sparking quite a debate about its practicality and the potential headaches it could cause for both families and companies. The draft rules suggest parents need to prove they’re really the guardians using digital IDs like the Digilocker platform, Souvik Das reports. While this is meant to keep kids safe online, it’s also raising concerns about the extra burden it places on companies that now have to manage this verification process.   Ketan Parekh, once celebrated as a prime mover of India's stock market, found himself implicated in a new scandal. Decades after being banned for a major 2001 market scam, Parekh is accused of using insider information to manipulate trades, profiting ₹38.7 crore. Additionally, a Singapore-based trader linked to him earned ₹27.07 crore in commissions, leading the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to seek a return of ₹65.77 crore from those involved. The investigation, lasting over two and a half years, involved deep dives into financial records, phone data, and digital communications across multiple platforms. Sebi’s detailed probe revealed Parekh’s use of various tactics to disguise his involvement, including using multiple mobile numbers registered under different names and employing pseudonyms. Neha Joshi takes an in-depth look at the 30-month investigation undertaken by the market regulator, which ended up with Parekh’s implication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 New virus in China; Inside Sebi’s Ketan Parekh probe full 731 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside India’s ₹100 crore addresses Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   China has a new virus! There is a rising concern about respiratory infections in the country, particularly with an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus among children under 14. This virus, part of the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus, has sparked worries due to its symptoms and transmission methods, which are reminiscent of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, however, there's no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, adding to the global health anxieties. The increase in cases, especially noted in northern China, comes during the usual flu season but has raised some eyebrows globally due to fears of a pandemic-like spread, reminiscent of the early COVID-19 days. However, health experts note that HMPV isn't new; it's been around since 2001 and pops up seasonally in places like the US and UK. Jessica Jani explains what the new virus is and how it could affect the human body, in today’s Primer.    Donald Trump's second presidential term has reignited concerns over H-1B visas, critical for India's $250-billion IT services sector. Historically, these visas have been essential for employing highly skilled non-immigrants in the US. However, Indian tech companies are less vulnerable today than in the past due to a strategic shift towards hiring more Americans and reducing dependency on H-1B visas. Jas Bardia spoke to IT industry insiders who told him that IT companies are hiring more locally in the US, which decreases the reliance on H-1B visas. US firms now employ more Americans than H-1B visa holders in these roles. Data shows that major Indian IT firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro, have significantly reduced their H-1B visa applications over the last decade.   2024 marked a significant increase in ultra-luxury real estate transactions in India, with cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru seeing record deals for homes costing over Rs 100 crore. Speaking to Mint’s Khushi Malhotra, Ritesh Mehta of JLL highlighted the growth in this sector, noting high-value transactions on Gurgaon's Golf Course Road and South Mumbai's Malabar Hill. This surge reflects a robust confidence in ultra-luxury real estate as a stable investment. The data from PropEquity revealed 13 such transactions between January and October last year, a slight decrease from 21 in 2023. Anarock Group’s data also shows that 99 ultra-luxury residential deals worth Rs 8,069 crore were closed over the past three years. India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is causing a stir with its latest draft rules, especially around the new requirement for parents to verify their identity when their kids want to use online platforms. This proposal is sparking quite a debate about its practicality and the potential headaches it could cause for both families and companies. The draft rules suggest parents need to prove they’re really the guardians using digital IDs like the Digilocker platform, Souvik Das reports. While this is meant to keep kids safe online, it’s also raising concerns about the extra burden it places on companies that now have to manage this verification process.   Ketan Parekh, once celebrated as a prime mover of India's stock market, found himself implicated in a new scandal. Decades after being banned for a major 2001 market scam, Parekh is accused of using insider information to manipulate trades, profiting ₹38.7 crore. Additionally, a Singapore-based trader linked to him earned ₹27.07 crore in commissions, leading the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to seek a return of ₹65.77 crore from those involved. The investigation, lasting over two and a half years, involved deep dives into financial records, phone data, and digital communications across multiple platforms. Sebi’s detailed probe revealed Parekh’s use of various tactics to disguise his involvement, including using multiple mobile numbers registered under different names and employing pseudonyms. Neha Joshi takes an in-depth look at the 30-month investigation undertaken by the market regulator, which ended up with Parekh’s implication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, January 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

China has a new virus! There is a rising concern about respiratory infections in the country, particularly with an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus among children under 14. This virus, part of the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus, has sparked worries due to its symptoms and transmission methods, which are reminiscent of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, however, there's no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, adding to the global health anxieties. The increase in cases, especially noted in northern China, comes during the usual flu season but has raised some eyebrows globally due to fears of a pandemic-like spread, reminiscent of the early COVID-19 days. However, health experts note that HMPV isn't new; it's been around since 2001 and pops up seasonally in places like the US and UK. Jessica Jani explains what the new virus is and how it could affect the human body, in today’s Primer. 


 

Donald Trump's second presidential term has reignited concerns over H-1B visas, critical for India's $250-billion IT services sector. Historically, these visas have been essential for employing highly skilled non-immigrants in the US. However, Indian tech companies are less vulnerable today than in the past due to a strategic shift towards hiring more Americans and reducing dependency on H-1B visas. Jas Bardia spoke to IT industry insiders who told him that IT companies are hiring more locally in the US, which decreases the reliance on H-1B visas. US firms now employ more Americans than H-1B visa holders in these roles. Data shows that major Indian IT firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro, have significantly reduced their H-1B visa applications over the last decade.


 

2024 marked a significant increase in ultra-luxury real estate transactions in India, with cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru seeing record deals for homes costing over Rs 100 crore. Speaking to Mint’s Khushi Malhotra, Ritesh Mehta of JLL highlighted the growth in this sector, noting high-value transactions on Gurgaon's Golf Course Road and South Mumbai's Malabar Hill. This surge reflects a robust confidence in ultra-luxury real estate as a stable investment. The data from PropEquity revealed 13 such transactions between January and October last year, a slight decrease from 21 in 2023. Anarock Group’s data also shows that 99 ultra-luxury residential deals worth Rs 8,069 crore were closed over the past three years.

India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is causing a stir with its latest draft rules, especially around the new requirement for parents to verify their identity when their kids want to use online platforms. This proposal is sparking quite a debate about its practicality and the potential headaches it could cause for both families and companies. The draft rules suggest parents need to prove they’re really the guardians using digital IDs like the Digilocker platform, Souvik Das reports. While this is meant to keep kids safe online, it’s also raising concerns about the extra burden it places on companies that now have to manage this verification process.


 

Ketan Parekh, once celebrated as a prime mover of India's stock market, found himself implicated in a new scandal. Decades after being banned for a major 2001 market scam, Parekh is accused of using insider information to manipulate trades, profiting ₹38.7 crore. Additionally, a Singapore-based trader linked to him earned ₹27.07 crore in commissions, leading the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to seek a return of ₹65.77 crore from those involved. The investigation, lasting over two and a half years, involved deep dives into financial records, phone data, and digital communications across multiple platforms. Sebi’s detailed probe revealed Parekh’s use of various tactics to disguise his involvement, including using multiple mobile numbers registered under different names and employing pseudonyms. Neha Joshi takes an in-depth look at the 30-month investigation undertaken by the market regulator, which ended up with Parekh’s implication.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 416 no Has the stock market bottomed out? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/has-the-stock-market-bottomed-out-KHNwIXho Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The Indian stock market experienced significant volatility in 2024, with the Nifty 50 plunging nearly 11% from its September peak amid heavy foreign investor selling and a weakening rupee. Mayur Bhalerao notes that over 25% of stocks are trading below their peak values, presenting potential buying opportunities. However, elevated valuations, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, continue to be a concern. The government has approved a revamped crop insurance scheme with a financial outlay of ₹69,516 crore for the next financial year. Additionally, ₹825 crore has been allocated to accelerate the adoption of technology in farming. Sayantan Bera reports that part of this fund will support satellite-based crop yield assessments and a network of automatic weather stations. However, challenges remain, including delays in claim settlements and limited state participation. With 87% of India’s districts vulnerable to drought and substantial weather-related economic losses, this scheme is crucial for safeguarding farmers' livelihoods. Traditionally, angel investing—small investments in startups—was dominated by founders of established startups. However, the landscape is shifting as sports stars like MS Dhoni and PV Sindhu enter the early-stage funding scene. Mansi Verma reports that while overall angel funding fell to $213.5 million from $441.1 million and the number of funding rounds halved, over 1,000 first-time angels joined the fray last year. Government-backed incubators are also emerging as key players, creating a diverse and evolving pool of investors. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, hatchbacks continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian car buyers. Maruti Suzuki India reported an impressive 29% year-on-year growth in small car sales for December. With small cars making up half of its portfolio, this uptick is a significant boost for the market leader. Manish Joshi notes that while overall sales remained flat, a 4% price hike is expected to drive profit growth. Additionally, Maruti’s valuation appears reasonable at 22 times its annual earnings, he adds. 2024 wasn't a great year for Bollywood. Established stars like Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar ventured into experimental films that did not work. Lata Jha writes that while such films can enhance an actor's versatility, they also risk alienating wider audiences. For example, Jigra had a budget over ₹80 crore but earned only ₹30.7 crore. Despite the niche focus, stars maintained their high fee structures. That ultimately resulted in costly projects that often underperformed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Has the stock market bottomed out? full 730 Mint - HT Smartcast Changing landscape of angel investing, Bollywood's experiments flounder Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The Indian stock market experienced significant volatility in 2024, with the Nifty 50 plunging nearly 11% from its September peak amid heavy foreign investor selling and a weakening rupee. Mayur Bhalerao notes that over 25% of stocks are trading below their peak values, presenting potential buying opportunities. However, elevated valuations, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, continue to be a concern. The government has approved a revamped crop insurance scheme with a financial outlay of ₹69,516 crore for the next financial year. Additionally, ₹825 crore has been allocated to accelerate the adoption of technology in farming. Sayantan Bera reports that part of this fund will support satellite-based crop yield assessments and a network of automatic weather stations. However, challenges remain, including delays in claim settlements and limited state participation. With 87% of India’s districts vulnerable to drought and substantial weather-related economic losses, this scheme is crucial for safeguarding farmers' livelihoods. Traditionally, angel investing—small investments in startups—was dominated by founders of established startups. However, the landscape is shifting as sports stars like MS Dhoni and PV Sindhu enter the early-stage funding scene. Mansi Verma reports that while overall angel funding fell to $213.5 million from $441.1 million and the number of funding rounds halved, over 1,000 first-time angels joined the fray last year. Government-backed incubators are also emerging as key players, creating a diverse and evolving pool of investors. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, hatchbacks continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian car buyers. Maruti Suzuki India reported an impressive 29% year-on-year growth in small car sales for December. With small cars making up half of its portfolio, this uptick is a significant boost for the market leader. Manish Joshi notes that while overall sales remained flat, a 4% price hike is expected to drive profit growth. Additionally, Maruti’s valuation appears reasonable at 22 times its annual earnings, he adds. 2024 wasn't a great year for Bollywood. Established stars like Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar ventured into experimental films that did not work. Lata Jha writes that while such films can enhance an actor's versatility, they also risk alienating wider audiences. For example, Jigra had a budget over ₹80 crore but earned only ₹30.7 crore. Despite the niche focus, stars maintained their high fee structures. That ultimately resulted in costly projects that often underperformed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, January 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

The Indian stock market experienced significant volatility in 2024, with the Nifty 50 plunging nearly 11% from its September peak amid heavy foreign investor selling and a weakening rupee. Mayur Bhalerao notes that over 25% of stocks are trading below their peak values, presenting potential buying opportunities. However, elevated valuations, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, continue to be a concern.

The government has approved a revamped crop insurance scheme with a financial outlay of ₹69,516 crore for the next financial year. Additionally, ₹825 crore has been allocated to accelerate the adoption of technology in farming. Sayantan Bera reports that part of this fund will support satellite-based crop yield assessments and a network of automatic weather stations. However, challenges remain, including delays in claim settlements and limited state participation. With 87% of India’s districts vulnerable to drought and substantial weather-related economic losses, this scheme is crucial for safeguarding farmers' livelihoods.

Traditionally, angel investing—small investments in startups—was dominated by founders of established startups. However, the landscape is shifting as sports stars like MS Dhoni and PV Sindhu enter the early-stage funding scene. Mansi Verma reports that while overall angel funding fell to $213.5 million from $441.1 million and the number of funding rounds halved, over 1,000 first-time angels joined the fray last year. Government-backed incubators are also emerging as key players, creating a diverse and evolving pool of investors.

Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, hatchbacks continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian car buyers. Maruti Suzuki India reported an impressive 29% year-on-year growth in small car sales for December. With small cars making up half of its portfolio, this uptick is a significant boost for the market leader. Manish Joshi notes that while overall sales remained flat, a 4% price hike is expected to drive profit growth. Additionally, Maruti’s valuation appears reasonable at 22 times its annual earnings, he adds.

2024 wasn't a great year for Bollywood. Established stars like Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar ventured into experimental films that did not work. Lata Jha writes that while such films can enhance an actor's versatility, they also risk alienating wider audiences. For example, Jigra had a budget over ₹80 crore but earned only ₹30.7 crore. Despite the niche focus, stars maintained their high fee structures. That ultimately resulted in costly projects that often underperformed. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 295 no What to expect from Nifty 50 in 2025 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-to-expect-from-nifty-50-in-2025-E_TfZLMA Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   All said and done, Nifty 50's returns of 9% in 2024 were about average. Expectations for the new year are understandably moderate. Abhinaba Saha writes that despite these forecasts, one sector that is likely to do well is real estate. Consumer durables will also be aided by strong demand and government support. Additionally, banks that will capitalise on the upcoming credit cycle are also likely to fare well, Abhinaba writes.   Diamonds might be forever, but their returns are certainly not. Anil Poste spoke to experts, who said that asset classes like diamonds can stagnate for years. Diamonds prices had plateaued for two decades, and are now falling — thanks to lab-grown diamonds. Unlike equities that tend to grow in value through innovation and profitability, diamonds lack a reliable resale market. Jewellers often only offer exchanges, instead of buying it back for cash. Experts caution you to treat diamonds as luxury purchases rather than dependable investments, unlike gold.   India's overburdened legal system is the recipient of many jokes. However, the tide turned in 2024: district courts disposed of more cases than were pending. This is the first time in our country's history that the number of resolved cases exceeded pending ones. Manas Pimpalkhare writes that this is the result of enhanced efficiency driven by technological integration and virtual hearings. The central government's eCourts scheme received a lot of funding and support to improve how cases are handled, Manas writes.   Indian companies are increasingly turning to qualified institutional placements (QIPs) to raise funds for capital-intensive projects, with 2024 setting a record for such fundraising. Priyamvada C reports on data from Prime Database which shows companies raised ₹1.37 trillion across 95 QIPs, significantly higher than ₹54,350 crore from 45 issues in 2023. Prominent transactions included Vedanta and Zomato, each raising ₹8,500 crore, alongside others like Adani Energy Solutions and Godrej Properties. The surge in QIPs is attributed to favorable market conditions, robust liquidity, and strong investor interest, with sectors like BFSI, real estate, and IT being particularly active.   The Indian rupee's decline against the dollar in 2024 impacted the return of FPIs, despite its relative stability compared to other global currencies. While the Sensex in rupee terms returned 8.16%, its dollar equivalent, the BSE Dollex 30, only managed a 5% gain. The rupee's modest annual fall of 2.9% was cushioned by the RBI through various market interventions. The outlook remains challenging for FPIs due to potential US policy changes under the Trump administration that may keep US bond yields high, discouraging significant investments in Indian equities and bonds. FPIs invested a mere ₹427 crore in 2024, a drastic decrease from ₹1.7 trillion in 2023. In contrast, domestic institutional investors compensated with a record ₹5.26 trillion in purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 What to expect from Nifty 50 in 2025 full 729 Mint - HT Smartcast The turning tide in India’s judicial system; new strategy for small budget films Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   All said and done, Nifty 50's returns of 9% in 2024 were about average. Expectations for the new year are understandably moderate. Abhinaba Saha writes that despite these forecasts, one sector that is likely to do well is real estate. Consumer durables will also be aided by strong demand and government support. Additionally, banks that will capitalise on the upcoming credit cycle are also likely to fare well, Abhinaba writes.   Diamonds might be forever, but their returns are certainly not. Anil Poste spoke to experts, who said that asset classes like diamonds can stagnate for years. Diamonds prices had plateaued for two decades, and are now falling — thanks to lab-grown diamonds. Unlike equities that tend to grow in value through innovation and profitability, diamonds lack a reliable resale market. Jewellers often only offer exchanges, instead of buying it back for cash. Experts caution you to treat diamonds as luxury purchases rather than dependable investments, unlike gold.   India's overburdened legal system is the recipient of many jokes. However, the tide turned in 2024: district courts disposed of more cases than were pending. This is the first time in our country's history that the number of resolved cases exceeded pending ones. Manas Pimpalkhare writes that this is the result of enhanced efficiency driven by technological integration and virtual hearings. The central government's eCourts scheme received a lot of funding and support to improve how cases are handled, Manas writes.   Indian companies are increasingly turning to qualified institutional placements (QIPs) to raise funds for capital-intensive projects, with 2024 setting a record for such fundraising. Priyamvada C reports on data from Prime Database which shows companies raised ₹1.37 trillion across 95 QIPs, significantly higher than ₹54,350 crore from 45 issues in 2023. Prominent transactions included Vedanta and Zomato, each raising ₹8,500 crore, alongside others like Adani Energy Solutions and Godrej Properties. The surge in QIPs is attributed to favorable market conditions, robust liquidity, and strong investor interest, with sectors like BFSI, real estate, and IT being particularly active.   The Indian rupee's decline against the dollar in 2024 impacted the return of FPIs, despite its relative stability compared to other global currencies. While the Sensex in rupee terms returned 8.16%, its dollar equivalent, the BSE Dollex 30, only managed a 5% gain. The rupee's modest annual fall of 2.9% was cushioned by the RBI through various market interventions. The outlook remains challenging for FPIs due to potential US policy changes under the Trump administration that may keep US bond yields high, discouraging significant investments in Indian equities and bonds. FPIs invested a mere ₹427 crore in 2024, a drastic decrease from ₹1.7 trillion in 2023. In contrast, domestic institutional investors compensated with a record ₹5.26 trillion in purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, January 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

All said and done, Nifty 50's returns of 9% in 2024 were about average. Expectations for the new year are understandably moderate. Abhinaba Saha writes that despite these forecasts, one sector that is likely to do well is real estate. Consumer durables will also be aided by strong demand and government support. Additionally, banks that will capitalise on the upcoming credit cycle are also likely to fare well, Abhinaba writes.


 

Diamonds might be forever, but their returns are certainly not. Anil Poste spoke to experts, who said that asset classes like diamonds can stagnate for years. Diamonds prices had plateaued for two decades, and are now falling — thanks to lab-grown diamonds. Unlike equities that tend to grow in value through innovation and profitability, diamonds lack a reliable resale market. Jewellers often only offer exchanges, instead of buying it back for cash. Experts caution you to treat diamonds as luxury purchases rather than dependable investments, unlike gold.


 

India's overburdened legal system is the recipient of many jokes. However, the tide turned in 2024: district courts disposed of more cases than were pending. This is the first time in our country's history that the number of resolved cases exceeded pending ones. Manas Pimpalkhare writes that this is the result of enhanced efficiency driven by technological integration and virtual hearings. The central government's eCourts scheme received a lot of funding and support to improve how cases are handled, Manas writes.


 

Indian companies are increasingly turning to qualified institutional placements (QIPs) to raise funds for capital-intensive projects, with 2024 setting a record for such fundraising. Priyamvada C reports on data from Prime Database which shows companies raised ₹1.37 trillion across 95 QIPs, significantly higher than ₹54,350 crore from 45 issues in 2023. Prominent transactions included Vedanta and Zomato, each raising ₹8,500 crore, alongside others like Adani Energy Solutions and Godrej Properties. The surge in QIPs is attributed to favorable market conditions, robust liquidity, and strong investor interest, with sectors like BFSI, real estate, and IT being particularly active.


 

The Indian rupee's decline against the dollar in 2024 impacted the return of FPIs, despite its relative stability compared to other global currencies. While the Sensex in rupee terms returned 8.16%, its dollar equivalent, the BSE Dollex 30, only managed a 5% gain. The rupee's modest annual fall of 2.9% was cushioned by the RBI through various market interventions. The outlook remains challenging for FPIs due to potential US policy changes under the Trump administration that may keep US bond yields high, discouraging significant investments in Indian equities and bonds. FPIs invested a mere ₹427 crore in 2024, a drastic decrease from ₹1.7 trillion in 2023. In contrast, domestic institutional investors compensated with a record ₹5.26 trillion in purchases.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 334 no Will India’s growth story change in 2025? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-indias-growth-story-change-in-2025-SUoc3evw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 1, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy new year.   Corporate India has a lot of cash on its hands. A study of Sensex 500 companies found that 66 companies collectively held ₹2.7 trillion in cash and equivalents at the end of FY24, of which ₹99,100 crore remains unallocated for any purpose.. This has prompted some calls for higher shareholder returns through dividends or buybacks. Despite these firms returning 54% of their profits back to shareholders, analysts argue there’s room for more, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Many firms like tech giants and industrial leaders are urged to establish clearer dividend policies tied to profits rather than cash reserves. The demand for larger dividends is only growing.   What's the connection between Apple's iPhone and Indian stocks? Both became increasingly desirable commodities in 2024. Abhinaba Saha writes that while the upper strata of society continued to buy iPhones, those with less disposable income continued to prioritise necessities. This is called a K-shaped recovery. The Indian stock market mirrored this consumption dynamic: Nifty Realty and Nifty India Consumption indices performed strongly due to a trend toward premiumization. However, FMCG companies struggled due to declining sales. Investors too have caught on to this trend, and are focusing on established premiumization trends, Abhinaba writes.   India's data centre capacity is expected to rise significantly next year. Data localisation laws are the primary cause, and thanks to rapid 5G usage, companies have more than enough data to store. Leslie D'Monte writes that current estimates forecast capacity could double to 2-2.3 gigawatts by 2027. Major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are expanding their presence in India. An estimated investment of ₹55,000–65,000 crore is needed to fulfill these needs, Leslie adds.   Generative AI is becoming a major focus for global tech spending, and is set to account for 6.5% of budgets in 2025—a significant jump from 2024, according to ISG. GenAI’s use in customer service and chatbots is growing rapidly, but opinions on its impact on India’s $254 billion IT services industry are mixed. Some analysts Jas Bardia spoke to, like Keith Bachman from BMO Capital Markets, predict GenAI will drive pricing pressure as clients demand cost savings from efficiency gains. This could challenge revenue models for IT firms, especially during contract renewals. Others, like Axis Capital, argue that GenAI will fuel growth, enabling firms to innovate and create new opportunities, as cost savings are reinvested into advanced tech solutions. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are becoming a key recruitment ground for private universities seeking to strengthen their faculty and improve in global rankings. Private institutions such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, BML Munjal University, and Dayananda Sagar University are registering with IITs to recruit master's and PhD graduates in fields like mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These institutions offer median annual salaries of ₹12-15 lakh, comparable with those offered by top recruiters at older IITs. Universities are targeting IIT graduates to boost their research output and international reputation, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. With IITs renowned for their research ecosystem and strong brand image, hiring from these institutes helps private universities attract better students and faculty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:30:00 -0000 Will India’s growth story change in 2025? full 728 Mint - HT Smartcast Looking ahead at 2025 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 1, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy new year.   Corporate India has a lot of cash on its hands. A study of Sensex 500 companies found that 66 companies collectively held ₹2.7 trillion in cash and equivalents at the end of FY24, of which ₹99,100 crore remains unallocated for any purpose.. This has prompted some calls for higher shareholder returns through dividends or buybacks. Despite these firms returning 54% of their profits back to shareholders, analysts argue there’s room for more, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Many firms like tech giants and industrial leaders are urged to establish clearer dividend policies tied to profits rather than cash reserves. The demand for larger dividends is only growing.   What's the connection between Apple's iPhone and Indian stocks? Both became increasingly desirable commodities in 2024. Abhinaba Saha writes that while the upper strata of society continued to buy iPhones, those with less disposable income continued to prioritise necessities. This is called a K-shaped recovery. The Indian stock market mirrored this consumption dynamic: Nifty Realty and Nifty India Consumption indices performed strongly due to a trend toward premiumization. However, FMCG companies struggled due to declining sales. Investors too have caught on to this trend, and are focusing on established premiumization trends, Abhinaba writes.   India's data centre capacity is expected to rise significantly next year. Data localisation laws are the primary cause, and thanks to rapid 5G usage, companies have more than enough data to store. Leslie D'Monte writes that current estimates forecast capacity could double to 2-2.3 gigawatts by 2027. Major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are expanding their presence in India. An estimated investment of ₹55,000–65,000 crore is needed to fulfill these needs, Leslie adds.   Generative AI is becoming a major focus for global tech spending, and is set to account for 6.5% of budgets in 2025—a significant jump from 2024, according to ISG. GenAI’s use in customer service and chatbots is growing rapidly, but opinions on its impact on India’s $254 billion IT services industry are mixed. Some analysts Jas Bardia spoke to, like Keith Bachman from BMO Capital Markets, predict GenAI will drive pricing pressure as clients demand cost savings from efficiency gains. This could challenge revenue models for IT firms, especially during contract renewals. Others, like Axis Capital, argue that GenAI will fuel growth, enabling firms to innovate and create new opportunities, as cost savings are reinvested into advanced tech solutions. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are becoming a key recruitment ground for private universities seeking to strengthen their faculty and improve in global rankings. Private institutions such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, BML Munjal University, and Dayananda Sagar University are registering with IITs to recruit master's and PhD graduates in fields like mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These institutions offer median annual salaries of ₹12-15 lakh, comparable with those offered by top recruiters at older IITs. Universities are targeting IIT graduates to boost their research output and international reputation, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. With IITs renowned for their research ecosystem and strong brand image, hiring from these institutes helps private universities attract better students and faculty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, January 1, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy new year.


 

Corporate India has a lot of cash on its hands. A study of Sensex 500 companies found that 66 companies collectively held ₹2.7 trillion in cash and equivalents at the end of FY24, of which ₹99,100 crore remains unallocated for any purpose.. This has prompted some calls for higher shareholder returns through dividends or buybacks. Despite these firms returning 54% of their profits back to shareholders, analysts argue there’s room for more, Nehal Chaliawala writes. Many firms like tech giants and industrial leaders are urged to establish clearer dividend policies tied to profits rather than cash reserves. The demand for larger dividends is only growing.


 

What's the connection between Apple's iPhone and Indian stocks? Both became increasingly desirable commodities in 2024. Abhinaba Saha writes that while the upper strata of society continued to buy iPhones, those with less disposable income continued to prioritise necessities. This is called a K-shaped recovery. The Indian stock market mirrored this consumption dynamic: Nifty Realty and Nifty India Consumption indices performed strongly due to a trend toward premiumization. However, FMCG companies struggled due to declining sales. Investors too have caught on to this trend, and are focusing on established premiumization trends, Abhinaba writes.


 

India's data centre capacity is expected to rise significantly next year. Data localisation laws are the primary cause, and thanks to rapid 5G usage, companies have more than enough data to store. Leslie D'Monte writes that current estimates forecast capacity could double to 2-2.3 gigawatts by 2027. Major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are expanding their presence in India. An estimated investment of ₹55,000–65,000 crore is needed to fulfill these needs, Leslie adds.


 

Generative AI is becoming a major focus for global tech spending, and is set to account for 6.5% of budgets in 2025—a significant jump from 2024, according to ISG. GenAI’s use in customer service and chatbots is growing rapidly, but opinions on its impact on India’s $254 billion IT services industry are mixed. Some analysts Jas Bardia spoke to, like Keith Bachman from BMO Capital Markets, predict GenAI will drive pricing pressure as clients demand cost savings from efficiency gains. This could challenge revenue models for IT firms, especially during contract renewals. Others, like Axis Capital, argue that GenAI will fuel growth, enabling firms to innovate and create new opportunities, as cost savings are reinvested into advanced tech solutions.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are becoming a key recruitment ground for private universities seeking to strengthen their faculty and improve in global rankings. Private institutions such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, BML Munjal University, and Dayananda Sagar University are registering with IITs to recruit master's and PhD graduates in fields like mathematics, chemistry, and physics. These institutions offer median annual salaries of ₹12-15 lakh, comparable with those offered by top recruiters at older IITs. Universities are targeting IIT graduates to boost their research output and international reputation, report Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta. With IITs renowned for their research ecosystem and strong brand image, hiring from these institutes helps private universities attract better students and faculty.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 371 no Adani sells off Wilmar JV https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-sells-off-wilmar-jv-hPmyRYPP Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The markets regulator’s crackdown on futures and options trading is already showing significant impact. Ram Sahgal reports a nearly 25% month-on-month decline in index options turnover in November, with retail and proprietary traders accounting for about 75% of this drop. Stricter curbs, including larger contract sizes, are set to take effect in January, likely reducing volumes further in the new year. Sebi implemented these measures in response to widespread losses incurred by retail investors in F&O trading over the past couple of years. Adani Enterprises announced plans to sell its 43.94% stake in Adani Wilmar to joint venture partner Wilmar International for over $2 billion. Nehal Chaliawala reports that the move aims to address liquidity concerns as the company refocuses on core business investments. Adani Wilmar, with annual revenue nearing ₹50,000 crore, will also undergo a name change. Additionally, 12.87% of its stake will be sold through an offer for sale to meet public shareholding requirements. This decision comes amid speculation about Adani's exit from non-core businesses following allegations of fraud that have affected the group's financial stability. In a report released on Monday, the Reserve Bank of India flagged concerns about stress in unsecured retail credit spilling over to larger loans, such as housing and auto loans. Shayan Ghosh reports that nearly half of personal loan borrowers also have outstanding secured loans. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, defaults in unsecured loans could prompt lenders to classify other loans held by the same borrower as non-performing. While the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio for unsecured loans currently stands at 1.7%, the RBI cautioned that rising write-offs could be masking the true extent of asset quality risks. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake—symbolizing flexibility, growth, and change. Devina Sengupta writes that India Inc. is set to experience all these dynamics, with employees expected to switch jobs at a faster pace. Companies will likely go beyond salary hikes to focus on upskilling initiatives. While rural hiring in the FMCG sector is projected to rise by 10%, weak consumer demand, driven by inflation, may dampen growth. High demand for talent is anticipated in sectors like AI, data science, and digital transformation. Compensation increases are forecasted to average around 9.5%, underscoring the competitive landscape for skilled professionals. During the 2015 Paris Agreement, India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Among India Inc., the targets vary significantly. Of the Nifty50 companies, 19 have yet to set net-zero or carbon-neutral goals, 20 have set net-zero targets with a median year of 2040, and 11 aim for carbon neutrality by 2032. Nehal Chaliawala reports that Infosys was the first to achieve carbon neutrality in 2020 and plans to reach net-zero by 2040. His analysis highlights that the IT sector leads in climate commitments, while financial services have the highest proportion of companies without stated goals. Other sectors, such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, also lag behind with unclear climate targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani sells off Wilmar JV full 727 Mint - HT Smartcast Sebi's F&O crackdown effective, job market to heat up in 2025 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The markets regulator’s crackdown on futures and options trading is already showing significant impact. Ram Sahgal reports a nearly 25% month-on-month decline in index options turnover in November, with retail and proprietary traders accounting for about 75% of this drop. Stricter curbs, including larger contract sizes, are set to take effect in January, likely reducing volumes further in the new year. Sebi implemented these measures in response to widespread losses incurred by retail investors in F&O trading over the past couple of years. Adani Enterprises announced plans to sell its 43.94% stake in Adani Wilmar to joint venture partner Wilmar International for over $2 billion. Nehal Chaliawala reports that the move aims to address liquidity concerns as the company refocuses on core business investments. Adani Wilmar, with annual revenue nearing ₹50,000 crore, will also undergo a name change. Additionally, 12.87% of its stake will be sold through an offer for sale to meet public shareholding requirements. This decision comes amid speculation about Adani's exit from non-core businesses following allegations of fraud that have affected the group's financial stability. In a report released on Monday, the Reserve Bank of India flagged concerns about stress in unsecured retail credit spilling over to larger loans, such as housing and auto loans. Shayan Ghosh reports that nearly half of personal loan borrowers also have outstanding secured loans. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, defaults in unsecured loans could prompt lenders to classify other loans held by the same borrower as non-performing. While the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio for unsecured loans currently stands at 1.7%, the RBI cautioned that rising write-offs could be masking the true extent of asset quality risks. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake—symbolizing flexibility, growth, and change. Devina Sengupta writes that India Inc. is set to experience all these dynamics, with employees expected to switch jobs at a faster pace. Companies will likely go beyond salary hikes to focus on upskilling initiatives. While rural hiring in the FMCG sector is projected to rise by 10%, weak consumer demand, driven by inflation, may dampen growth. High demand for talent is anticipated in sectors like AI, data science, and digital transformation. Compensation increases are forecasted to average around 9.5%, underscoring the competitive landscape for skilled professionals. During the 2015 Paris Agreement, India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Among India Inc., the targets vary significantly. Of the Nifty50 companies, 19 have yet to set net-zero or carbon-neutral goals, 20 have set net-zero targets with a median year of 2040, and 11 aim for carbon neutrality by 2032. Nehal Chaliawala reports that Infosys was the first to achieve carbon neutrality in 2020 and plans to reach net-zero by 2040. His analysis highlights that the IT sector leads in climate commitments, while financial services have the highest proportion of companies without stated goals. Other sectors, such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, also lag behind with unclear climate targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

The markets regulator’s crackdown on futures and options trading is already showing significant impact. Ram Sahgal reports a nearly 25% month-on-month decline in index options turnover in November, with retail and proprietary traders accounting for about 75% of this drop. Stricter curbs, including larger contract sizes, are set to take effect in January, likely reducing volumes further in the new year. Sebi implemented these measures in response to widespread losses incurred by retail investors in F&O trading over the past couple of years.

Adani Enterprises announced plans to sell its 43.94% stake in Adani Wilmar to joint venture partner Wilmar International for over $2 billion. Nehal Chaliawala reports that the move aims to address liquidity concerns as the company refocuses on core business investments. Adani Wilmar, with annual revenue nearing ₹50,000 crore, will also undergo a name change. Additionally, 12.87% of its stake will be sold through an offer for sale to meet public shareholding requirements. This decision comes amid speculation about Adani's exit from non-core businesses following allegations of fraud that have affected the group's financial stability.

In a report released on Monday, the Reserve Bank of India flagged concerns about stress in unsecured retail credit spilling over to larger loans, such as housing and auto loans. Shayan Ghosh reports that nearly half of personal loan borrowers also have outstanding secured loans. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, defaults in unsecured loans could prompt lenders to classify other loans held by the same borrower as non-performing. While the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio for unsecured loans currently stands at 1.7%, the RBI cautioned that rising write-offs could be masking the true extent of asset quality risks.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake—symbolizing flexibility, growth, and change. Devina Sengupta writes that India Inc. is set to experience all these dynamics, with employees expected to switch jobs at a faster pace. Companies will likely go beyond salary hikes to focus on upskilling initiatives. While rural hiring in the FMCG sector is projected to rise by 10%, weak consumer demand, driven by inflation, may dampen growth. High demand for talent is anticipated in sectors like AI, data science, and digital transformation. Compensation increases are forecasted to average around 9.5%, underscoring the competitive landscape for skilled professionals.

During the 2015 Paris Agreement, India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Among India Inc., the targets vary significantly. Of the Nifty50 companies, 19 have yet to set net-zero or carbon-neutral goals, 20 have set net-zero targets with a median year of 2040, and 11 aim for carbon neutrality by 2032. Nehal Chaliawala reports that Infosys was the first to achieve carbon neutrality in 2020 and plans to reach net-zero by 2040. His analysis highlights that the IT sector leads in climate commitments, while financial services have the highest proportion of companies without stated goals. Other sectors, such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, also lag behind with unclear climate targets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 337 no Govt wants to cut red tape for Budget https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-wants-to-cut-red-tape-for-budget-NOb_5rQs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 30, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Several major investors of Religare criticised a PIL that led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to indefinitely stay the company's upcoming annual general meeting. They argued that a takeover of Religare by the Burman family could concentrate ownership and harm minority shareholders. Nehal Chaliawala writes that one executive from a mutual fund said that holding an AGM is an independent matter, and unrelated to regulatory approvals. The AGM was scheduled for December 31. Key leadership issues, particularly those surrounding the chairperson Rashmi Saluja, were slated to be discussed.   America's sought-after H-1B visa is doing the rounds after being brought in the limelight by Elon Musk. This visa is essential for hiring specialized foreign workers. Usually, skilled workers from India and China are first in line for such a visa. Shelley Singh writes that Musk's interest in hiring more workers via the H-1B is at loggerheads with President Donald Trump's conservative supporters, who want tighter immigration norms. However, the Indian IT sector is becoming less reliant on the H1-B as more American companies open offices in India. The government wants to cut red tape, and it wants to do it by next year's Union Budget. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is identifying regulations that can be relaxed during the Budget to help revive a slowing economy. These rules will directly address concerns of "over regulation" in certain sectors, and will scale back these rules to help India Inc. flourish without having to worry about endless compliance norms. Gireesh identifies two major areas where a streamlined process could do wonders: land and labour laws. If your portfolio includes one of India's top five IT stocks, you probably had a mixed 2024. Revenue growth this past year slowed down, compared to the previous year. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood write that despite this, shares of TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Tech Mahindra performed better than expected. 2025 might bring heavier spending by these companies due to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. Increased revenues on the back of deflated base numbers would bode well for these IT stocks. It's hiring season for rural India. Devina Sengupta and Suneera Tandon write that India's consumer goods companies are ramping up hiring in rural markets. Rural markets outperformed their urban counterparts this year, leading to this move. There is a higher demand for roles such as van sales representatives, leading to this move. Notable firms like Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur, and ITC are expanding their workforce and introducing more economical options to try and push deeper into the hinterlands. Recruitment firms are reporting a 10-15% increase in hiring by fast-moving consumer goods companies in these areas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Govt wants to cut red tape for Budget full 726 Mint - HT Smartcast FMCGs hiring en masse in rural India, IT stocks' wild ride Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 30, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Several major investors of Religare criticised a PIL that led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to indefinitely stay the company's upcoming annual general meeting. They argued that a takeover of Religare by the Burman family could concentrate ownership and harm minority shareholders. Nehal Chaliawala writes that one executive from a mutual fund said that holding an AGM is an independent matter, and unrelated to regulatory approvals. The AGM was scheduled for December 31. Key leadership issues, particularly those surrounding the chairperson Rashmi Saluja, were slated to be discussed.   America's sought-after H-1B visa is doing the rounds after being brought in the limelight by Elon Musk. This visa is essential for hiring specialized foreign workers. Usually, skilled workers from India and China are first in line for such a visa. Shelley Singh writes that Musk's interest in hiring more workers via the H-1B is at loggerheads with President Donald Trump's conservative supporters, who want tighter immigration norms. However, the Indian IT sector is becoming less reliant on the H1-B as more American companies open offices in India. The government wants to cut red tape, and it wants to do it by next year's Union Budget. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is identifying regulations that can be relaxed during the Budget to help revive a slowing economy. These rules will directly address concerns of "over regulation" in certain sectors, and will scale back these rules to help India Inc. flourish without having to worry about endless compliance norms. Gireesh identifies two major areas where a streamlined process could do wonders: land and labour laws. If your portfolio includes one of India's top five IT stocks, you probably had a mixed 2024. Revenue growth this past year slowed down, compared to the previous year. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood write that despite this, shares of TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Tech Mahindra performed better than expected. 2025 might bring heavier spending by these companies due to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. Increased revenues on the back of deflated base numbers would bode well for these IT stocks. It's hiring season for rural India. Devina Sengupta and Suneera Tandon write that India's consumer goods companies are ramping up hiring in rural markets. Rural markets outperformed their urban counterparts this year, leading to this move. There is a higher demand for roles such as van sales representatives, leading to this move. Notable firms like Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur, and ITC are expanding their workforce and introducing more economical options to try and push deeper into the hinterlands. Recruitment firms are reporting a 10-15% increase in hiring by fast-moving consumer goods companies in these areas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 30, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

Several major investors of Religare criticised a PIL that led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to indefinitely stay the company's upcoming annual general meeting. They argued that a takeover of Religare by the Burman family could concentrate ownership and harm minority shareholders. Nehal Chaliawala writes that one executive from a mutual fund said that holding an AGM is an independent matter, and unrelated to regulatory approvals. The AGM was scheduled for December 31. Key leadership issues, particularly those surrounding the chairperson Rashmi Saluja, were slated to be discussed.

 

America's sought-after H-1B visa is doing the rounds after being brought in the limelight by Elon Musk. This visa is essential for hiring specialized foreign workers. Usually, skilled workers from India and China are first in line for such a visa. Shelley Singh writes that Musk's interest in hiring more workers via the H-1B is at loggerheads with President Donald Trump's conservative supporters, who want tighter immigration norms. However, the Indian IT sector is becoming less reliant on the H1-B as more American companies open offices in India.

The government wants to cut red tape, and it wants to do it by next year's Union Budget. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is identifying regulations that can be relaxed during the Budget to help revive a slowing economy. These rules will directly address concerns of "over regulation" in certain sectors, and will scale back these rules to help India Inc. flourish without having to worry about endless compliance norms. Gireesh identifies two major areas where a streamlined process could do wonders: land and labour laws.

If your portfolio includes one of India's top five IT stocks, you probably had a mixed 2024. Revenue growth this past year slowed down, compared to the previous year. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood write that despite this, shares of TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Tech Mahindra performed better than expected. 2025 might bring heavier spending by these companies due to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts. Increased revenues on the back of deflated base numbers would bode well for these IT stocks.

It's hiring season for rural India. Devina Sengupta and Suneera Tandon write that India's consumer goods companies are ramping up hiring in rural markets. Rural markets outperformed their urban counterparts this year, leading to this move. There is a higher demand for roles such as van sales representatives, leading to this move. Notable firms like Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur, and ITC are expanding their workforce and introducing more economical options to try and push deeper into the hinterlands. Recruitment firms are reporting a 10-15% increase in hiring by fast-moving consumer goods companies in these areas. 

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]]> 299 no Market lessons from 2024 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/market-lessons-from-2024-fLES7iar Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Former Prime Minister and finance minister during the 1992 economic liberalisation, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 at Delhi’s AIIMS last night. Dr. Singh, who is often credited with opening up the Indian economy, retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year—ending a 33-year stint in the Upper House of Parliament. After a soaring streak, India’s residential property market took a downturn in 2024, experiencing a 4% drop in home sales. This marked the first slowdown since the pandemic, with a corresponding decrease in new project launches. However, despite the dip in sales and new supplies, property prices didn't follow suit and instead climbed higher, writes Madhurima Nandy. In the top seven cities, residential sales didn't reach the peaks anticipated for 2024, as reported by Anarock Property Consultants. Election activities and a sluggish process for project approvals contributed to fewer new project launches. While sales volumes dropped, the value of sales actually increased by 16% due to rising home prices and larger unit sizes.  As the allure of prestigious campus placements at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) begins to wane in the face of a global economic downturn, the institutions are rallying behind their students, especially those who have missed the initial rush of high-profile recruiters. In response to the challenging job market, IITs are introducing innovative support systems to aid their students in securing employment. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and preparation, IIT Delhi has launched the "Call a Friend" program. This initiative connects final-year students with peers who have successfully navigated the placement process. The idea, Devina Sengupta reports, is to provide real-time advice and emotional support from those who understand the stress and demands of securing a good job offer. In its annual report on the trends and progress of banking for the fiscal year 2023-24, the RBI outlined a series of potential regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the banking system further. Gopika Gopakumar reports on the changes that include eliminating prepayment penalties on floating rate term loans for small businesses, tighter oversight of inter-linkages between banks, NBFCs, and private credit firms, and more stringent regulations for payment aggregators. RBI is also set to finalize guidelines that will require financial institutions to disclose climate-related financial risks, incorporating scenario analysis and stress testing to gauge these risks better.  In India, niche American dramas and smaller Hollywood movies like Tom Hanks' Here and Michael Keaton’s Goodrich are carving out success at the box office by appealing to a specific audience that doesn't mind shelling out a bit more for tickets. These films, often showcased in select urban theaters, come with a higher price tag, sometimes over ₹500 a pop. Despite this, they manage to attract a dedicated crowd that values quality storytelling over blockbuster effects. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who explained that these movies, typically acclaimed at festivals or tipped for awards, draw viewers who appreciate premium content and are prepared to pay for it. Films like Here and Goodrich have made respectable earnings in India by targeting their ideal audience with higher ticket prices, balancing out their more modest box office hauls. The Sanskrit word Simhavalokana refers to the retrospective glance of a lion as it surveys the path it has traversed. This idea captures the essence of reflecting on key lessons from the financial markets in 2024. This year offered several critical takeaways for investors. Industry consolidation emerged as a strong theme, particularly in sectors like telecom and airlines in India. With the market share of top players increasing significantly, this trend highlighted the potential for multi-year returns from survivors in consolidated industries. Economic events also underscored the dominance of climate-driven food inflation over monetary policy. Valuation metrics also delivered important lessons. Markets in politically and economically troubled regions like Argentina and Pakistan delivered unexpected returns, proving that bad macroeconomic news is often already priced in. Meanwhile, IPOs emerged as a cautionary tale. Swanand Kelkar, managing partner at Breakout Capital Advisors, shares market lessons from the year gone by.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Market lessons from 2024 full 725 Mint - HT Smartcast Property prices see a fall in 2024; RBI outlines regulatory changes Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Former Prime Minister and finance minister during the 1992 economic liberalisation, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 at Delhi’s AIIMS last night. Dr. Singh, who is often credited with opening up the Indian economy, retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year—ending a 33-year stint in the Upper House of Parliament. After a soaring streak, India’s residential property market took a downturn in 2024, experiencing a 4% drop in home sales. This marked the first slowdown since the pandemic, with a corresponding decrease in new project launches. However, despite the dip in sales and new supplies, property prices didn't follow suit and instead climbed higher, writes Madhurima Nandy. In the top seven cities, residential sales didn't reach the peaks anticipated for 2024, as reported by Anarock Property Consultants. Election activities and a sluggish process for project approvals contributed to fewer new project launches. While sales volumes dropped, the value of sales actually increased by 16% due to rising home prices and larger unit sizes.  As the allure of prestigious campus placements at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) begins to wane in the face of a global economic downturn, the institutions are rallying behind their students, especially those who have missed the initial rush of high-profile recruiters. In response to the challenging job market, IITs are introducing innovative support systems to aid their students in securing employment. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and preparation, IIT Delhi has launched the "Call a Friend" program. This initiative connects final-year students with peers who have successfully navigated the placement process. The idea, Devina Sengupta reports, is to provide real-time advice and emotional support from those who understand the stress and demands of securing a good job offer. In its annual report on the trends and progress of banking for the fiscal year 2023-24, the RBI outlined a series of potential regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the banking system further. Gopika Gopakumar reports on the changes that include eliminating prepayment penalties on floating rate term loans for small businesses, tighter oversight of inter-linkages between banks, NBFCs, and private credit firms, and more stringent regulations for payment aggregators. RBI is also set to finalize guidelines that will require financial institutions to disclose climate-related financial risks, incorporating scenario analysis and stress testing to gauge these risks better.  In India, niche American dramas and smaller Hollywood movies like Tom Hanks' Here and Michael Keaton’s Goodrich are carving out success at the box office by appealing to a specific audience that doesn't mind shelling out a bit more for tickets. These films, often showcased in select urban theaters, come with a higher price tag, sometimes over ₹500 a pop. Despite this, they manage to attract a dedicated crowd that values quality storytelling over blockbuster effects. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who explained that these movies, typically acclaimed at festivals or tipped for awards, draw viewers who appreciate premium content and are prepared to pay for it. Films like Here and Goodrich have made respectable earnings in India by targeting their ideal audience with higher ticket prices, balancing out their more modest box office hauls. The Sanskrit word Simhavalokana refers to the retrospective glance of a lion as it surveys the path it has traversed. This idea captures the essence of reflecting on key lessons from the financial markets in 2024. This year offered several critical takeaways for investors. Industry consolidation emerged as a strong theme, particularly in sectors like telecom and airlines in India. With the market share of top players increasing significantly, this trend highlighted the potential for multi-year returns from survivors in consolidated industries. Economic events also underscored the dominance of climate-driven food inflation over monetary policy. Valuation metrics also delivered important lessons. Markets in politically and economically troubled regions like Argentina and Pakistan delivered unexpected returns, proving that bad macroeconomic news is often already priced in. Meanwhile, IPOs emerged as a cautionary tale. Swanand Kelkar, managing partner at Breakout Capital Advisors, shares market lessons from the year gone by.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

Former Prime Minister and finance minister during the 1992 economic liberalisation, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 at Delhi’s AIIMS last night. Dr. Singh, who is often credited with opening up the Indian economy, retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year—ending a 33-year stint in the Upper House of Parliament.

After a soaring streak, India’s residential property market took a downturn in 2024, experiencing a 4% drop in home sales. This marked the first slowdown since the pandemic, with a corresponding decrease in new project launches. However, despite the dip in sales and new supplies, property prices didn't follow suit and instead climbed higher, writes Madhurima Nandy. In the top seven cities, residential sales didn't reach the peaks anticipated for 2024, as reported by Anarock Property Consultants. Election activities and a sluggish process for project approvals contributed to fewer new project launches. While sales volumes dropped, the value of sales actually increased by 16% due to rising home prices and larger unit sizes. 

As the allure of prestigious campus placements at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) begins to wane in the face of a global economic downturn, the institutions are rallying behind their students, especially those who have missed the initial rush of high-profile recruiters. In response to the challenging job market, IITs are introducing innovative support systems to aid their students in securing employment. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and preparation, IIT Delhi has launched the "Call a Friend" program. This initiative connects final-year students with peers who have successfully navigated the placement process. The idea, Devina Sengupta reports, is to provide real-time advice and emotional support from those who understand the stress and demands of securing a good job offer.

In its annual report on the trends and progress of banking for the fiscal year 2023-24, the RBI outlined a series of potential regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the banking system further. Gopika Gopakumar reports on the changes that include eliminating prepayment penalties on floating rate term loans for small businesses, tighter oversight of inter-linkages between banks, NBFCs, and private credit firms, and more stringent regulations for payment aggregators. RBI is also set to finalize guidelines that will require financial institutions to disclose climate-related financial risks, incorporating scenario analysis and stress testing to gauge these risks better. 

In India, niche American dramas and smaller Hollywood movies like Tom Hanks' Here and Michael Keaton’s Goodrich are carving out success at the box office by appealing to a specific audience that doesn't mind shelling out a bit more for tickets. These films, often showcased in select urban theaters, come with a higher price tag, sometimes over ₹500 a pop. Despite this, they manage to attract a dedicated crowd that values quality storytelling over blockbuster effects. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who explained that these movies, typically acclaimed at festivals or tipped for awards, draw viewers who appreciate premium content and are prepared to pay for it. Films like Here and Goodrich have made respectable earnings in India by targeting their ideal audience with higher ticket prices, balancing out their more modest box office hauls.

The Sanskrit word Simhavalokana refers to the retrospective glance of a lion as it surveys the path it has traversed. This idea captures the essence of reflecting on key lessons from the financial markets in 2024. This year offered several critical takeaways for investors. Industry consolidation emerged as a strong theme, particularly in sectors like telecom and airlines in India. With the market share of top players increasing significantly, this trend highlighted the potential for multi-year returns from survivors in consolidated industries. Economic events also underscored the dominance of climate-driven food inflation over monetary policy. Valuation metrics also delivered important lessons. Markets in politically and economically troubled regions like Argentina and Pakistan delivered unexpected returns, proving that bad macroeconomic news is often already priced in. Meanwhile, IPOs emerged as a cautionary tale. Swanand Kelkar, managing partner at Breakout Capital Advisors, shares market lessons from the year gone by. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 405 no The Honda-Nissan merger explained https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-honda-nissan-merger-explained-aT_YPkp_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Honda and Nissan are set to merge by mid-2025, along with Mitsubishi, creating the world’s third-largest auto group after Toyota and Volkswagen. The new entity, valued at $50 billion, is expected to generate $191 billion in revenue and sell over 8 million cars annually. The merger is driven by challenges in China, where both brands are losing market share, and the need to accelerate EV development. The merger promises cost savings, shared resources, and a stronger push into electrification, though sceptics question its potential success, citing previous failed auto tie-ups. N Madhavan explains what the whole merger is about. In India, where Honda and Nissan hold marginal market shares of 1.4% and less than 1%, the impact may involve shared platforms and streamlined operations, but specifics on their manufacturing facilities remain unclear. N Srinivasan, CEO and MD of India Cements, along with other board members, resigned yesterday, following UltraTech Cement's acquisition of a 32.72% stake in the company. The Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech, now the majority shareholder, has made India Cements its subsidiary. The resignations, including those of Srinivasan's family members Rupa Gurunath and Chitra Srinivasan, as well as V.M. Mohan, marks the end of the existing promoters' control over the South-based cement maker.  India's leading banks and financial institutions are embracing AI to improve services, cybersecurity, and efficiency. SBI, BoB, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Poonawalla Fincorp are developing in-house AI capabilities, focusing on proprietary models to leverage sensitive data securely. SBI is seeking patents for its AI/ML innovations, avoiding reliance on Big Tech’s public models. BoB is extending AI and Generative AI across its operations. HDFC Bank uses AI for fraud prevention, customer service, and pre-approved offers while exploring private Large Language Models. Axis Bank is piloting AI-driven solutions for fraud detection in international payments. Experts see this as a shift from banks relying on tech firms to developing their own AI intellectual property. Shouvik Das and Shayan Ghosh report on how Indian lenders are taking AI more seriously than ever.  A string of blockbuster films, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Mufasa: The Lion King, has rejuvenated shopping malls and retailers in late 2024, following a sluggish start to the year. Mall operators report a high single-digit growth in sales for the December quarter, fueled by these hits and festive season demand. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that, footfalls, which had dropped earlier in the year, doubled in this period, driven by cinema releases and festive shopping. Multiplexes, a key driver of mall traffic, spurred consumption across categories like apparel, food, and jewellery. However, inflation and reduced government spending during elections had earlier cooled retail demand. As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that some of the year’s biggest tech innovations fell short of their lofty promises. Generative AI faced mounting skepticism over its high costs, errors, and limited real-world adoption. India’s Smart Cities Mission struggled to deliver on its promise of true urban transformation. The metaverse failed to live up to its hype amid technical and economic challenges. Web3 and NFTs lost their early momentum due to regulatory hurdles and market volatility. Even quantum computing, while advancing, remains far from everyday application. Leslie D’Monte takes a close look at these tech letdowns from the year gone by.  As we head into 2025, wealth managers are zeroing in on sectors poised to thrive and those better avoided. Financial services stocks stand out as a top pick, with reasonable valuations and the potential for monetary stimulus to revive credit growth and stabilize margins. In contrast, metals face persistent challenges like sluggish global growth and overcapacity in China, making them a sector to steer clear of. Here’s what the experts recommend for the year ahead. Dipti Sharma writes on the top sectors to pick and avoid in the coming year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The Honda-Nissan merger explained full 724 Mint - HT Smartcast Which stocks to avoid in 2025 and 2024’s tech duds Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Honda and Nissan are set to merge by mid-2025, along with Mitsubishi, creating the world’s third-largest auto group after Toyota and Volkswagen. The new entity, valued at $50 billion, is expected to generate $191 billion in revenue and sell over 8 million cars annually. The merger is driven by challenges in China, where both brands are losing market share, and the need to accelerate EV development. The merger promises cost savings, shared resources, and a stronger push into electrification, though sceptics question its potential success, citing previous failed auto tie-ups. N Madhavan explains what the whole merger is about. In India, where Honda and Nissan hold marginal market shares of 1.4% and less than 1%, the impact may involve shared platforms and streamlined operations, but specifics on their manufacturing facilities remain unclear. N Srinivasan, CEO and MD of India Cements, along with other board members, resigned yesterday, following UltraTech Cement's acquisition of a 32.72% stake in the company. The Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech, now the majority shareholder, has made India Cements its subsidiary. The resignations, including those of Srinivasan's family members Rupa Gurunath and Chitra Srinivasan, as well as V.M. Mohan, marks the end of the existing promoters' control over the South-based cement maker.  India's leading banks and financial institutions are embracing AI to improve services, cybersecurity, and efficiency. SBI, BoB, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Poonawalla Fincorp are developing in-house AI capabilities, focusing on proprietary models to leverage sensitive data securely. SBI is seeking patents for its AI/ML innovations, avoiding reliance on Big Tech’s public models. BoB is extending AI and Generative AI across its operations. HDFC Bank uses AI for fraud prevention, customer service, and pre-approved offers while exploring private Large Language Models. Axis Bank is piloting AI-driven solutions for fraud detection in international payments. Experts see this as a shift from banks relying on tech firms to developing their own AI intellectual property. Shouvik Das and Shayan Ghosh report on how Indian lenders are taking AI more seriously than ever.  A string of blockbuster films, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Mufasa: The Lion King, has rejuvenated shopping malls and retailers in late 2024, following a sluggish start to the year. Mall operators report a high single-digit growth in sales for the December quarter, fueled by these hits and festive season demand. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that, footfalls, which had dropped earlier in the year, doubled in this period, driven by cinema releases and festive shopping. Multiplexes, a key driver of mall traffic, spurred consumption across categories like apparel, food, and jewellery. However, inflation and reduced government spending during elections had earlier cooled retail demand. As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that some of the year’s biggest tech innovations fell short of their lofty promises. Generative AI faced mounting skepticism over its high costs, errors, and limited real-world adoption. India’s Smart Cities Mission struggled to deliver on its promise of true urban transformation. The metaverse failed to live up to its hype amid technical and economic challenges. Web3 and NFTs lost their early momentum due to regulatory hurdles and market volatility. Even quantum computing, while advancing, remains far from everyday application. Leslie D’Monte takes a close look at these tech letdowns from the year gone by.  As we head into 2025, wealth managers are zeroing in on sectors poised to thrive and those better avoided. Financial services stocks stand out as a top pick, with reasonable valuations and the potential for monetary stimulus to revive credit growth and stabilize margins. In contrast, metals face persistent challenges like sluggish global growth and overcapacity in China, making them a sector to steer clear of. Here’s what the experts recommend for the year ahead. Dipti Sharma writes on the top sectors to pick and avoid in the coming year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

Honda and Nissan are set to merge by mid-2025, along with Mitsubishi, creating the world’s third-largest auto group after Toyota and Volkswagen. The new entity, valued at $50 billion, is expected to generate $191 billion in revenue and sell over 8 million cars annually. The merger is driven by challenges in China, where both brands are losing market share, and the need to accelerate EV development. The merger promises cost savings, shared resources, and a stronger push into electrification, though sceptics question its potential success, citing previous failed auto tie-ups. N Madhavan explains what the whole merger is about. In India, where Honda and Nissan hold marginal market shares of 1.4% and less than 1%, the impact may involve shared platforms and streamlined operations, but specifics on their manufacturing facilities remain unclear.

N Srinivasan, CEO and MD of India Cements, along with other board members, resigned yesterday, following UltraTech Cement's acquisition of a 32.72% stake in the company. The Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech, now the majority shareholder, has made India Cements its subsidiary. The resignations, including those of Srinivasan's family members Rupa Gurunath and Chitra Srinivasan, as well as V.M. Mohan, marks the end of the existing promoters' control over the South-based cement maker. 

India's leading banks and financial institutions are embracing AI to improve services, cybersecurity, and efficiency. SBI, BoB, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Poonawalla Fincorp are developing in-house AI capabilities, focusing on proprietary models to leverage sensitive data securely. SBI is seeking patents for its AI/ML innovations, avoiding reliance on Big Tech’s public models. BoB is extending AI and Generative AI across its operations. HDFC Bank uses AI for fraud prevention, customer service, and pre-approved offers while exploring private Large Language Models. Axis Bank is piloting AI-driven solutions for fraud detection in international payments. Experts see this as a shift from banks relying on tech firms to developing their own AI intellectual property. Shouvik Das and Shayan Ghosh report on how Indian lenders are taking AI more seriously than ever. 

A string of blockbuster films, including Pushpa 2: The Rule, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Mufasa: The Lion King, has rejuvenated shopping malls and retailers in late 2024, following a sluggish start to the year. Mall operators report a high single-digit growth in sales for the December quarter, fueled by these hits and festive season demand. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that, footfalls, which had dropped earlier in the year, doubled in this period, driven by cinema releases and festive shopping. Multiplexes, a key driver of mall traffic, spurred consumption across categories like apparel, food, and jewellery. However, inflation and reduced government spending during elections had earlier cooled retail demand.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that some of the year’s biggest tech innovations fell short of their lofty promises. Generative AI faced mounting skepticism over its high costs, errors, and limited real-world adoption. India’s Smart Cities Mission struggled to deliver on its promise of true urban transformation. The metaverse failed to live up to its hype amid technical and economic challenges. Web3 and NFTs lost their early momentum due to regulatory hurdles and market volatility. Even quantum computing, while advancing, remains far from everyday application. Leslie D’Monte takes a close look at these tech letdowns from the year gone by. 

As we head into 2025, wealth managers are zeroing in on sectors poised to thrive and those better avoided. Financial services stocks stand out as a top pick, with reasonable valuations and the potential for monetary stimulus to revive credit growth and stabilize margins. In contrast, metals face persistent challenges like sluggish global growth and overcapacity in China, making them a sector to steer clear of. Here’s what the experts recommend for the year ahead. Dipti Sharma writes on the top sectors to pick and avoid in the coming year. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 399 no Santa skips D-Street in December https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/santa-skips-d-street-in-december-Do59W_mc Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The Department of Pharmaceuticals recently penalised AbbVie Healthcare India for allegedly violating the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices. AbbVie reportedly spent ₹1.91 crore flying 30 doctors to Paris and Monaco under the guise of a medical conference, including lavish hospitality. The UCPMP, now mandatory, prohibits such expenses unless doctors are speakers at events. AbbVie argued the trips occurred before the March 2024 UCPMP mandate and were compensation for services, but the DoP rejected this and directed the company to spend the same amount on treating poor patients in government hospitals. Further probes by tax authorities and the National Medical Council may follow. Soumya Gupta explains the situation in today’s Primer.  Packaged goods makers are focusing more on rural markets. Companies like Zydus Wellness, Dabur India, and Godrej Consumer Products have launched affordable packs and brands tailored for these areas. Rural markets are experiencing more growth compared to urban ones, with FMCG volume growth in rural areas at 6%, double that of urban areas at 2.8%, according to NielsenIQ. Godrej Consumer has introduced smaller products like hair colour and incense sticks specifically for rural consumers. Dabur is enhancing its rural distribution and rolling out new innovations. Suneera Tandon reports that rural consumers are embracing branded commodities and dairy products more than before, boosting the FMCG sector, which gets 37% of its sales from these areas. Renewable energy developers are racing against time to complete projects before the inter-state transmission system waiver, which allows free transmission for 25 years, expires on 30 June. This urgency drove a 43% jump in power capacity additions during April-November, with green energy leading the charge. The Central Electricity Authority reports that 14.9 GW of renewable energy—solar, wind, and small hydro—was added during the period, nearly double last year’s 7.53 GW. Developers are leveraging favourable solar module prices, revived wind turbine manufacturing, and strong investor interest to meet the deadline. However, industry groups are pushing for an extension of the waiver, Rituraj Baruah reports. Smartphone addiction is pushing brands like Vivo, Oppo, and HMD to embrace digital detox as a selling point. Features like OnePlus’s Zen Mode and HMD’s Detox Mode help users disconnect by temporarily hiding distracting apps. Vivo’s study highlights the problem: parents average 5.5 hours and kids 4.5 hours of daily screen time, with 64% of children feeling addicted. Most kids even think their parents' phones should stick to basics like calling and messaging. Gulveen Aulakh reports on how brands are responding with smarter tools. HMD's Detox Mode makes taking a break easy, while Vivo’s devices offer focus modes and screen-time reminders. Feature phones are also being reimagined with essentials like UPI payments to encourage reduced smartphone dependency. This December has been a tough one for markets, with a 1.7% drop so far, making it the second-worst in a decade after 2022’s 4% fall. Profit-booking, foreign investor outflows, and IPO-driven sector shifts have hit large-cap stocks, but experts see this as a chance for savvy investors to buy. FPIs have been pulling back, driven by a stronger dollar and valuation concerns, while IPOs have drawn much of the inflow. Yet, December has seen ₹20,071 crore in FPI inflows, signalling some recovery, writes Niti Kiran. Analysts expect IPO momentum to continue into 2025, potentially crossing ₹2 trillion, though inflation and global uncertainties may stir volatility. Historically, December has often been a positive month for markets, with gains in three out of every four years. Despite current challenges, local buying and January optimism could stabilize markets, keeping December’s reputation for resilience alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Santa skips D-Street in December full 723 Mint - HT Smartcast Rural play for FMCG cos; Is India ready for digital detox Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. The Department of Pharmaceuticals recently penalised AbbVie Healthcare India for allegedly violating the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices. AbbVie reportedly spent ₹1.91 crore flying 30 doctors to Paris and Monaco under the guise of a medical conference, including lavish hospitality. The UCPMP, now mandatory, prohibits such expenses unless doctors are speakers at events. AbbVie argued the trips occurred before the March 2024 UCPMP mandate and were compensation for services, but the DoP rejected this and directed the company to spend the same amount on treating poor patients in government hospitals. Further probes by tax authorities and the National Medical Council may follow. Soumya Gupta explains the situation in today’s Primer.  Packaged goods makers are focusing more on rural markets. Companies like Zydus Wellness, Dabur India, and Godrej Consumer Products have launched affordable packs and brands tailored for these areas. Rural markets are experiencing more growth compared to urban ones, with FMCG volume growth in rural areas at 6%, double that of urban areas at 2.8%, according to NielsenIQ. Godrej Consumer has introduced smaller products like hair colour and incense sticks specifically for rural consumers. Dabur is enhancing its rural distribution and rolling out new innovations. Suneera Tandon reports that rural consumers are embracing branded commodities and dairy products more than before, boosting the FMCG sector, which gets 37% of its sales from these areas. Renewable energy developers are racing against time to complete projects before the inter-state transmission system waiver, which allows free transmission for 25 years, expires on 30 June. This urgency drove a 43% jump in power capacity additions during April-November, with green energy leading the charge. The Central Electricity Authority reports that 14.9 GW of renewable energy—solar, wind, and small hydro—was added during the period, nearly double last year’s 7.53 GW. Developers are leveraging favourable solar module prices, revived wind turbine manufacturing, and strong investor interest to meet the deadline. However, industry groups are pushing for an extension of the waiver, Rituraj Baruah reports. Smartphone addiction is pushing brands like Vivo, Oppo, and HMD to embrace digital detox as a selling point. Features like OnePlus’s Zen Mode and HMD’s Detox Mode help users disconnect by temporarily hiding distracting apps. Vivo’s study highlights the problem: parents average 5.5 hours and kids 4.5 hours of daily screen time, with 64% of children feeling addicted. Most kids even think their parents' phones should stick to basics like calling and messaging. Gulveen Aulakh reports on how brands are responding with smarter tools. HMD's Detox Mode makes taking a break easy, while Vivo’s devices offer focus modes and screen-time reminders. Feature phones are also being reimagined with essentials like UPI payments to encourage reduced smartphone dependency. This December has been a tough one for markets, with a 1.7% drop so far, making it the second-worst in a decade after 2022’s 4% fall. Profit-booking, foreign investor outflows, and IPO-driven sector shifts have hit large-cap stocks, but experts see this as a chance for savvy investors to buy. FPIs have been pulling back, driven by a stronger dollar and valuation concerns, while IPOs have drawn much of the inflow. Yet, December has seen ₹20,071 crore in FPI inflows, signalling some recovery, writes Niti Kiran. Analysts expect IPO momentum to continue into 2025, potentially crossing ₹2 trillion, though inflation and global uncertainties may stir volatility. Historically, December has often been a positive month for markets, with gains in three out of every four years. Despite current challenges, local buying and January optimism could stabilize markets, keeping December’s reputation for resilience alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals recently penalised AbbVie Healthcare India for allegedly violating the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices. AbbVie reportedly spent ₹1.91 crore flying 30 doctors to Paris and Monaco under the guise of a medical conference, including lavish hospitality. The UCPMP, now mandatory, prohibits such expenses unless doctors are speakers at events. AbbVie argued the trips occurred before the March 2024 UCPMP mandate and were compensation for services, but the DoP rejected this and directed the company to spend the same amount on treating poor patients in government hospitals. Further probes by tax authorities and the National Medical Council may follow. Soumya Gupta explains the situation in today’s Primer. 

Packaged goods makers are focusing more on rural markets. Companies like Zydus Wellness, Dabur India, and Godrej Consumer Products have launched affordable packs and brands tailored for these areas. Rural markets are experiencing more growth compared to urban ones, with FMCG volume growth in rural areas at 6%, double that of urban areas at 2.8%, according to NielsenIQ. Godrej Consumer has introduced smaller products like hair colour and incense sticks specifically for rural consumers. Dabur is enhancing its rural distribution and rolling out new innovations. Suneera Tandon reports that rural consumers are embracing branded commodities and dairy products more than before, boosting the FMCG sector, which gets 37% of its sales from these areas.

Renewable energy developers are racing against time to complete projects before the inter-state transmission system waiver, which allows free transmission for 25 years, expires on 30 June. This urgency drove a 43% jump in power capacity additions during April-November, with green energy leading the charge. The Central Electricity Authority reports that 14.9 GW of renewable energy—solar, wind, and small hydro—was added during the period, nearly double last year’s 7.53 GW. Developers are leveraging favourable solar module prices, revived wind turbine manufacturing, and strong investor interest to meet the deadline. However, industry groups are pushing for an extension of the waiver, Rituraj Baruah reports.

Smartphone addiction is pushing brands like Vivo, Oppo, and HMD to embrace digital detox as a selling point. Features like OnePlus’s Zen Mode and HMD’s Detox Mode help users disconnect by temporarily hiding distracting apps. Vivo’s study highlights the problem: parents average 5.5 hours and kids 4.5 hours of daily screen time, with 64% of children feeling addicted. Most kids even think their parents' phones should stick to basics like calling and messaging. Gulveen Aulakh reports on how brands are responding with smarter tools. HMD's Detox Mode makes taking a break easy, while Vivo’s devices offer focus modes and screen-time reminders. Feature phones are also being reimagined with essentials like UPI payments to encourage reduced smartphone dependency.

This December has been a tough one for markets, with a 1.7% drop so far, making it the second-worst in a decade after 2022’s 4% fall. Profit-booking, foreign investor outflows, and IPO-driven sector shifts have hit large-cap stocks, but experts see this as a chance for savvy investors to buy. FPIs have been pulling back, driven by a stronger dollar and valuation concerns, while IPOs have drawn much of the inflow. Yet, December has seen ₹20,071 crore in FPI inflows, signalling some recovery, writes Niti Kiran. Analysts expect IPO momentum to continue into 2025, potentially crossing ₹2 trillion, though inflation and global uncertainties may stir volatility. Historically, December has often been a positive month for markets, with gains in three out of every four years. Despite current challenges, local buying and January optimism could stabilize markets, keeping December’s reputation for resilience alive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 386 no How global warming smashed all barriers in 2024 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-global-warming-smashed-all-barriers-in-2024-oswK5ub_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. In August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google's operations violated antitrust laws, particularly concerning its dominance with Search. India's stance isn't far from that of the U.S.'s. The Competition Commission of India has been actively investigating similar concerns and has already fined Google for monopolizing mobile apps and operating systems. Like the U.S., India's investigations are ongoing and have seen local publishers accusing Google of unfair practices related to ad revenues. Google's Search and Chrome are critical to the company’s financial health, bringing in over half of its quarterly revenue and boasting a 68% browser market share globally. Changes mandated by the courts could force Google to rethink its business strategies, especially if it has to stop making Google Search the default on devices, potentially opening the door for more competition. Shouvik Das explains how changes at Google could affect your experience of browsing the net on your phone.  As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout stories by our team of reporters, writers, and columnists. Explore the Best of 2024 through these curated collections, highlighting the best of the year, Click on the links in the show notes and read on!  In 2024, India's housing finance sector saw a significant jump in fundraising, pulling in $826.8 million—a massive leap from $82.6 million the previous year. This surge in investment is thanks to venture capital and private equity firms looking for stable assets amid rising housing demands. Experts are buzzing about the potential of affordable housing finance, especially as it expands beyond the metros into Tier 3 and 4 towns. Apoorve Goyal from Prosus highlighted the sector's growth prospects and low-risk allure, noting that even tech-first investors are now tapping into this market. Nithya Easwaran from Multiples pointed out the solid credit performance of these investments, even during tough times like the pandemic. With India’s home loan market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, fueled by urbanization and income growth, there's a lot of action expected in this space, Priyamvada C reports. The thrill of live concerts in India has been marred by infrastructure woes, with recent performances by stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon underscoring the urgent need for improvement. Despite the excitement around shows and willingness of fans to pay up to ₹35,000 for a ticket, artists and promoters face challenges like inadequate venues, poor sanitation, and complex logistics, especially outside major cities. Diljit Dosanjh, expressing frustration, has even vowed not to perform in India until there's significant improvement in the concert setup. The main venues available—grounds, cultural centres, or stadiums—often lack the necessary facilities for high-caliber events. Obtaining permissions and licenses adds another layer of complexity, particularly when using stadiums, as regulatory restrictions often protect the pitches from damage. Pratishtha Bagai and Lata Jha report on how a lack of infrastructure is causing artists to stay away from the stage.  The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, affecting everyday life across the globe. In India, the impacts are stark, with severe heat waves, deadly floods, and persistent droughts making headlines in 2024. The year 2024 witnessed frequent and severe climate-driven disasters, such as the heat-induced fatalities during the Lok Sabha election and the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad. Such events highlight a grim reality: climate catastrophes are becoming the new normal, signaling an era of increased instability. The intensification of these disasters is evident, with the Indian Ocean's temperatures rising, fueling more powerful cyclones and altering rainfall patterns, directly impacting agriculture and water resources. Globally, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, with average temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark above pre-industrial levels. Bibek Bhattacharya delves deep into the problem of climate change, staring us in the face as we move on to 2025.  Indians are increasingly choosing premium air travel on metro routes, driven by rising aspirations and a rebound in corporate travel. Demand for business and premium economy seats has surged 50-60%, nearly doubling fares within a year, reports Daanish Anand. Business class comprises 5-6% of India’s air travel market, below the global average of 9.2%. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are expanding premium offerings. However, soaring fares—now ₹45,000-85,000 domestically—have sparked concerns about affordability and competitiveness with international travel options.   Show notes:  2024: Year in Review Best of 2024: Profit Pulse Best of 2024: Plain Facts Best of Vivek Kaul in 2024 Best of 2024: Mint Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How global warming smashed all barriers in 2024 full 722 Mint - HT Smartcast Google Search is about to change; Business - the preferred class for Indians Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. In August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google's operations violated antitrust laws, particularly concerning its dominance with Search. India's stance isn't far from that of the U.S.'s. The Competition Commission of India has been actively investigating similar concerns and has already fined Google for monopolizing mobile apps and operating systems. Like the U.S., India's investigations are ongoing and have seen local publishers accusing Google of unfair practices related to ad revenues. Google's Search and Chrome are critical to the company’s financial health, bringing in over half of its quarterly revenue and boasting a 68% browser market share globally. Changes mandated by the courts could force Google to rethink its business strategies, especially if it has to stop making Google Search the default on devices, potentially opening the door for more competition. Shouvik Das explains how changes at Google could affect your experience of browsing the net on your phone.  As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout stories by our team of reporters, writers, and columnists. Explore the Best of 2024 through these curated collections, highlighting the best of the year, Click on the links in the show notes and read on!  In 2024, India's housing finance sector saw a significant jump in fundraising, pulling in $826.8 million—a massive leap from $82.6 million the previous year. This surge in investment is thanks to venture capital and private equity firms looking for stable assets amid rising housing demands. Experts are buzzing about the potential of affordable housing finance, especially as it expands beyond the metros into Tier 3 and 4 towns. Apoorve Goyal from Prosus highlighted the sector's growth prospects and low-risk allure, noting that even tech-first investors are now tapping into this market. Nithya Easwaran from Multiples pointed out the solid credit performance of these investments, even during tough times like the pandemic. With India’s home loan market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, fueled by urbanization and income growth, there's a lot of action expected in this space, Priyamvada C reports. The thrill of live concerts in India has been marred by infrastructure woes, with recent performances by stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon underscoring the urgent need for improvement. Despite the excitement around shows and willingness of fans to pay up to ₹35,000 for a ticket, artists and promoters face challenges like inadequate venues, poor sanitation, and complex logistics, especially outside major cities. Diljit Dosanjh, expressing frustration, has even vowed not to perform in India until there's significant improvement in the concert setup. The main venues available—grounds, cultural centres, or stadiums—often lack the necessary facilities for high-caliber events. Obtaining permissions and licenses adds another layer of complexity, particularly when using stadiums, as regulatory restrictions often protect the pitches from damage. Pratishtha Bagai and Lata Jha report on how a lack of infrastructure is causing artists to stay away from the stage.  The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, affecting everyday life across the globe. In India, the impacts are stark, with severe heat waves, deadly floods, and persistent droughts making headlines in 2024. The year 2024 witnessed frequent and severe climate-driven disasters, such as the heat-induced fatalities during the Lok Sabha election and the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad. Such events highlight a grim reality: climate catastrophes are becoming the new normal, signaling an era of increased instability. The intensification of these disasters is evident, with the Indian Ocean's temperatures rising, fueling more powerful cyclones and altering rainfall patterns, directly impacting agriculture and water resources. Globally, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, with average temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark above pre-industrial levels. Bibek Bhattacharya delves deep into the problem of climate change, staring us in the face as we move on to 2025.  Indians are increasingly choosing premium air travel on metro routes, driven by rising aspirations and a rebound in corporate travel. Demand for business and premium economy seats has surged 50-60%, nearly doubling fares within a year, reports Daanish Anand. Business class comprises 5-6% of India’s air travel market, below the global average of 9.2%. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are expanding premium offerings. However, soaring fares—now ₹45,000-85,000 domestically—have sparked concerns about affordability and competitiveness with international travel options.   Show notes:  2024: Year in Review Best of 2024: Profit Pulse Best of 2024: Plain Facts Best of Vivek Kaul in 2024 Best of 2024: Mint Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

In August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google's operations violated antitrust laws, particularly concerning its dominance with Search. India's stance isn't far from that of the U.S.'s. The Competition Commission of India has been actively investigating similar concerns and has already fined Google for monopolizing mobile apps and operating systems. Like the U.S., India's investigations are ongoing and have seen local publishers accusing Google of unfair practices related to ad revenues. Google's Search and Chrome are critical to the company’s financial health, bringing in over half of its quarterly revenue and boasting a 68% browser market share globally. Changes mandated by the courts could force Google to rethink its business strategies, especially if it has to stop making Google Search the default on devices, potentially opening the door for more competition. Shouvik Das explains how changes at Google could affect your experience of browsing the net on your phone. 

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout stories by our team of reporters, writers, and columnists. Explore the Best of 2024 through these curated collections, highlighting the best of the year, Click on the links in the show notes and read on! 

In 2024, India's housing finance sector saw a significant jump in fundraising, pulling in $826.8 million—a massive leap from $82.6 million the previous year. This surge in investment is thanks to venture capital and private equity firms looking for stable assets amid rising housing demands. Experts are buzzing about the potential of affordable housing finance, especially as it expands beyond the metros into Tier 3 and 4 towns. Apoorve Goyal from Prosus highlighted the sector's growth prospects and low-risk allure, noting that even tech-first investors are now tapping into this market. Nithya Easwaran from Multiples pointed out the solid credit performance of these investments, even during tough times like the pandemic. With India’s home loan market projected to grow significantly in the next few years, fueled by urbanization and income growth, there's a lot of action expected in this space, Priyamvada C reports.

The thrill of live concerts in India has been marred by infrastructure woes, with recent performances by stars like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon underscoring the urgent need for improvement. Despite the excitement around shows and willingness of fans to pay up to ₹35,000 for a ticket, artists and promoters face challenges like inadequate venues, poor sanitation, and complex logistics, especially outside major cities. Diljit Dosanjh, expressing frustration, has even vowed not to perform in India until there's significant improvement in the concert setup. The main venues available—grounds, cultural centres, or stadiums—often lack the necessary facilities for high-caliber events. Obtaining permissions and licenses adds another layer of complexity, particularly when using stadiums, as regulatory restrictions often protect the pitches from damage. Pratishtha Bagai and Lata Jha report on how a lack of infrastructure is causing artists to stay away from the stage. 

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, affecting everyday life across the globe. In India, the impacts are stark, with severe heat waves, deadly floods, and persistent droughts making headlines in 2024. The year 2024 witnessed frequent and severe climate-driven disasters, such as the heat-induced fatalities during the Lok Sabha election and the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad. Such events highlight a grim reality: climate catastrophes are becoming the new normal, signaling an era of increased instability. The intensification of these disasters is evident, with the Indian Ocean's temperatures rising, fueling more powerful cyclones and altering rainfall patterns, directly impacting agriculture and water resources. Globally, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, with average temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark above pre-industrial levels. Bibek Bhattacharya delves deep into the problem of climate change, staring us in the face as we move on to 2025. 

Indians are increasingly choosing premium air travel on metro routes, driven by rising aspirations and a rebound in corporate travel. Demand for business and premium economy seats has surged 50-60%, nearly doubling fares within a year, reports Daanish Anand. Business class comprises 5-6% of India’s air travel market, below the global average of 9.2%. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are expanding premium offerings. However, soaring fares—now ₹45,000-85,000 domestically—have sparked concerns about affordability and competitiveness with international travel options.

 

Show notes: 

2024: Year in Review

Best of 2024: Profit Pulse

Best of 2024: Plain Facts

Best of Vivek Kaul in 2024

Best of 2024: Mint Money

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 415 no Bullruns and bullshit https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bullruns-and-bullshit-vdH_TW3H Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 23, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Many investors have burnt their hands during the bull run of 2024. Take for example the Nifty India Defence Index, which saw a stunning 60% return this year. However, one of its main stocks is prone to volatility: Cochin Shipyard has dropped 30% in the past six months. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing have thrived due to post-COVID dynamics and strategic shifts, but many investors have fallen prey to herd behavior and overinflated narratives. Thus when experienced investors book their profits, sharp corrections occur — leading to widespread portfolio losses.  Indians are borrowing more money against their gold, and the Reserve Bank of India is worried. Regular defaults are leading to increased collateral auctions to recover these loans. Anshika Kayastha writes that Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance reported significant auction amounts in recent quarters. This reflects a shift towards standardized auctioning policies in compliance with new regulations. The RBI has tightened its rules: there are now limits on cash disbursements for gold loans and requiring a review of lending practices.  When companies apply for any incentive scheme by the central government, they are supposed to invest some money to receive further subsidies. However, about 12 companies will be excluded from the government's production-linked incentive scheme for failing to meet these norms. Manas Pimpalkhare and Rituraj Baruah report that these companies include state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals or BHEL, and Kia Motors India. Kia had expressed intent to withdraw from the scheme as its manufacturing plans have not materialised. The PLI-Auto scheme had an estimated outlay of 26,000 crore rupees over five years, but only 500 crore has been claimed so far. After a long bout of lean hirings, the IT sector is looking better. Accenture's recent hiring of 49,000 employees globally over six months indicates a positive growth outlook moving forward. Jas Bardia writes that this would bode well for Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Technologies as well. While growth for Indian IT companies has been slow, analysts suggest that recovery may be on the horizon. This recovery will be aided by a potential increase in demand following interest rate cuts and decision-making in the US under the upcoming Trump administration Everyone in India's startup ecosystem is looking for the next big bet. Shelley Singh writes that deep tech might be it. This field is rooted in science and engineering and addresses major global challenges. It covers sectors such as space tech, biotech, and climate tech, and focuses on long-term goals. However, challenges such as the need for a supportive ecosystem involving academia, government, and investors remain abundant. Moreover, deep tech firms need strong intellectual property and scalable business models as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bullruns and bullshit full 721 Mint - HT Smartcast Gold collateral auctions rise, auto PLI scheme a failure? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 23, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. Many investors have burnt their hands during the bull run of 2024. Take for example the Nifty India Defence Index, which saw a stunning 60% return this year. However, one of its main stocks is prone to volatility: Cochin Shipyard has dropped 30% in the past six months. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing have thrived due to post-COVID dynamics and strategic shifts, but many investors have fallen prey to herd behavior and overinflated narratives. Thus when experienced investors book their profits, sharp corrections occur — leading to widespread portfolio losses.  Indians are borrowing more money against their gold, and the Reserve Bank of India is worried. Regular defaults are leading to increased collateral auctions to recover these loans. Anshika Kayastha writes that Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance reported significant auction amounts in recent quarters. This reflects a shift towards standardized auctioning policies in compliance with new regulations. The RBI has tightened its rules: there are now limits on cash disbursements for gold loans and requiring a review of lending practices.  When companies apply for any incentive scheme by the central government, they are supposed to invest some money to receive further subsidies. However, about 12 companies will be excluded from the government's production-linked incentive scheme for failing to meet these norms. Manas Pimpalkhare and Rituraj Baruah report that these companies include state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals or BHEL, and Kia Motors India. Kia had expressed intent to withdraw from the scheme as its manufacturing plans have not materialised. The PLI-Auto scheme had an estimated outlay of 26,000 crore rupees over five years, but only 500 crore has been claimed so far. After a long bout of lean hirings, the IT sector is looking better. Accenture's recent hiring of 49,000 employees globally over six months indicates a positive growth outlook moving forward. Jas Bardia writes that this would bode well for Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Technologies as well. While growth for Indian IT companies has been slow, analysts suggest that recovery may be on the horizon. This recovery will be aided by a potential increase in demand following interest rate cuts and decision-making in the US under the upcoming Trump administration Everyone in India's startup ecosystem is looking for the next big bet. Shelley Singh writes that deep tech might be it. This field is rooted in science and engineering and addresses major global challenges. It covers sectors such as space tech, biotech, and climate tech, and focuses on long-term goals. However, challenges such as the need for a supportive ecosystem involving academia, government, and investors remain abundant. Moreover, deep tech firms need strong intellectual property and scalable business models as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 23, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

Many investors have burnt their hands during the bull run of 2024. Take for example the Nifty India Defence Index, which saw a stunning 60% return this year. However, one of its main stocks is prone to volatility: Cochin Shipyard has dropped 30% in the past six months. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing have thrived due to post-COVID dynamics and strategic shifts, but many investors have fallen prey to herd behavior and overinflated narratives. Thus when experienced investors book their profits, sharp corrections occur — leading to widespread portfolio losses. 

Indians are borrowing more money against their gold, and the Reserve Bank of India is worried. Regular defaults are leading to increased collateral auctions to recover these loans. Anshika Kayastha writes that Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance reported significant auction amounts in recent quarters. This reflects a shift towards standardized auctioning policies in compliance with new regulations. The RBI has tightened its rules: there are now limits on cash disbursements for gold loans and requiring a review of lending practices. 

When companies apply for any incentive scheme by the central government, they are supposed to invest some money to receive further subsidies. However, about 12 companies will be excluded from the government's production-linked incentive scheme for failing to meet these norms. Manas Pimpalkhare and Rituraj Baruah report that these companies include state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals or BHEL, and Kia Motors India. Kia had expressed intent to withdraw from the scheme as its manufacturing plans have not materialised. The PLI-Auto scheme had an estimated outlay of 26,000 crore rupees over five years, but only 500 crore has been claimed so far.

After a long bout of lean hirings, the IT sector is looking better. Accenture's recent hiring of 49,000 employees globally over six months indicates a positive growth outlook moving forward. Jas Bardia writes that this would bode well for Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Technologies as well. While growth for Indian IT companies has been slow, analysts suggest that recovery may be on the horizon. This recovery will be aided by a potential increase in demand following interest rate cuts and decision-making in the US under the upcoming Trump administration

Everyone in India's startup ecosystem is looking for the next big bet. Shelley Singh writes that deep tech might be it. This field is rooted in science and engineering and addresses major global challenges. It covers sectors such as space tech, biotech, and climate tech, and focuses on long-term goals. However, challenges such as the need for a supportive ecosystem involving academia, government, and investors remain abundant. Moreover, deep tech firms need strong intellectual property and scalable business models as well. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 315 no Shrinkflation is coming for your snacks https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/shrinkflation-is-coming-for-your-snacks-D1JeD7Zo Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Jan Aushadhi Kendras, part of a government-backed initiative to provide affordable medicines, have been on an upswing, hitting sales of ₹1,000 crore this year. These centres have become so incredibly popular that some private firms are now getting in on the action. Take, for instance, a pharmacy in Mumbai that's named after Jan Aushadhi but isn't actually part of the official scheme. It cleverly uses the Jan Aushadhi brand to draw in customers looking for low-cost meds, even though it is a for-profit entity and sells branded generics, too. This situation highlights a broader trend in the market, writes Jessica Jani. While the official Jan Aushadhi Kendras are booming with their highly affordable generics, there's a growing space for hybrid centres like this Mumbai pharmacy. They offer both cheap generics and higher-margin branded drugs, ensuring no customer leaves empty-handed. Micromax has teamed up with Taiwan's Phison to carve out a niche in the high-end storage market with a new joint venture, MiPhi. The venture, with 55:45 split favouring Micromax, has already started manufacturing solid-state drives (SSDs) at Micromax's facility in Greater Noida. Speaking with Mint’s Gulveen Aulakh, Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said he was bullish about leveraging Phison's technology to cut GPU costs dramatically, aiming to slash the price to just one-tenth of current rates. This bold move is expected to shake up the AI sector not just in India but other strategic markets as well. MiPhi plans to capitalise on Micromax’s strong Indian client base and Phison’s cutting-edge NAND storage solutions to target a diverse range of industries. While the specifics of the facility’s production capacity remain under wraps, the focus will clearly be on sectors such as automotive, IoT, and mobile devices, among others. Your next packet of biscuits may feel a bit lighter because of the sneaky tactic known as shrinkflation. This trend, along with outright price hikes, is on the rise as companies such as Britannia, Parle, ITC, and Godrej struggle with rising costs of ingredients such as wheat and oil. This is pushing up prices of everything from biscuits to soaps by as much as 7%, industry insiders told Suneera Tandon. Rajneet Singh Kohli of Britannia said while the company plans to increase prices by 3-5% over the next few quarters, it will try to absorb some of the increased costs. This may mean smaller product sizes rather than higher prices. Meanwhile, Parle has already started adjusting prices and pack sizes, and expects to roll out 5-7% price increases soon. India saw a similar phase of shrinkflation in 2022, which ended in mid-2023 as ingredient costs normalised. However, with the current economic pressures and persistently high inflation, FMCG companies are bracing for a challenging period ahead. India saw a dramatic surge in its trade deficit in November. It hit a record $37.84 billion because of a four-fold increase in gold imports to nearly $15 billion owing to higher demand during the festive and wedding seasons. This surge in imports, alongside a 4.9% drop in exports, widened the deficit significantly. The substantial rise in gold purchases and a decrease in petroleum export earnings fueled the gap, explains Dhirendra Kumar. Merchandise exports dipped to $32.11 billion from $33.90 billion last year, while imports rose to $69.95 billion from $54.48 billion. This stark imbalance raises concerns about the slowing of India's manufacturing sector, which seems increasingly reliant on imported components and raw materials. The decline in exports suggests that domestic manufacturing struggles to compete globally thanks to high logistics and production costs, indicating a pressing need to bolster India's manufacturing capabilities. On December 18, Sebi greenlit a slew of amendments aimed at refining operations, safeguarding investors, and boosting market-participant efficiency, especially targeting SMEs, merchant bankers, and mutual funds. Among the most anticipated decisions is the overhaul of the SME IPO framework. This reform is pivotal for small and medium enterprises seeking to tap public capital markets. Sebi has now stipulated that SMEs must demonstrate a minimum operating profit of ₹1 crore in two of the previous three financial years before they can file for an IPO. This aims to ensure that only financially robust SMEs can access public funding, thus safeguarding investors. The establishment of a Past Risk and Return Verification Agency marks another significant stride. This new body will authenticate the risk-return metrics provided by financial services providers such as investment advisors and research analysts, ensuring investors receive reliable and standardised data. Mint’s Neha Joshi breaks down all the changes and amendments from the Sebi meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Shrinkflation is coming for your snacks full 720 Mint - HT Smartcast A remedy for Jan Sushadhi Kendras; Sebi’s new changes explained Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Jan Aushadhi Kendras, part of a government-backed initiative to provide affordable medicines, have been on an upswing, hitting sales of ₹1,000 crore this year. These centres have become so incredibly popular that some private firms are now getting in on the action. Take, for instance, a pharmacy in Mumbai that's named after Jan Aushadhi but isn't actually part of the official scheme. It cleverly uses the Jan Aushadhi brand to draw in customers looking for low-cost meds, even though it is a for-profit entity and sells branded generics, too. This situation highlights a broader trend in the market, writes Jessica Jani. While the official Jan Aushadhi Kendras are booming with their highly affordable generics, there's a growing space for hybrid centres like this Mumbai pharmacy. They offer both cheap generics and higher-margin branded drugs, ensuring no customer leaves empty-handed. Micromax has teamed up with Taiwan's Phison to carve out a niche in the high-end storage market with a new joint venture, MiPhi. The venture, with 55:45 split favouring Micromax, has already started manufacturing solid-state drives (SSDs) at Micromax's facility in Greater Noida. Speaking with Mint’s Gulveen Aulakh, Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said he was bullish about leveraging Phison's technology to cut GPU costs dramatically, aiming to slash the price to just one-tenth of current rates. This bold move is expected to shake up the AI sector not just in India but other strategic markets as well. MiPhi plans to capitalise on Micromax’s strong Indian client base and Phison’s cutting-edge NAND storage solutions to target a diverse range of industries. While the specifics of the facility’s production capacity remain under wraps, the focus will clearly be on sectors such as automotive, IoT, and mobile devices, among others. Your next packet of biscuits may feel a bit lighter because of the sneaky tactic known as shrinkflation. This trend, along with outright price hikes, is on the rise as companies such as Britannia, Parle, ITC, and Godrej struggle with rising costs of ingredients such as wheat and oil. This is pushing up prices of everything from biscuits to soaps by as much as 7%, industry insiders told Suneera Tandon. Rajneet Singh Kohli of Britannia said while the company plans to increase prices by 3-5% over the next few quarters, it will try to absorb some of the increased costs. This may mean smaller product sizes rather than higher prices. Meanwhile, Parle has already started adjusting prices and pack sizes, and expects to roll out 5-7% price increases soon. India saw a similar phase of shrinkflation in 2022, which ended in mid-2023 as ingredient costs normalised. However, with the current economic pressures and persistently high inflation, FMCG companies are bracing for a challenging period ahead. India saw a dramatic surge in its trade deficit in November. It hit a record $37.84 billion because of a four-fold increase in gold imports to nearly $15 billion owing to higher demand during the festive and wedding seasons. This surge in imports, alongside a 4.9% drop in exports, widened the deficit significantly. The substantial rise in gold purchases and a decrease in petroleum export earnings fueled the gap, explains Dhirendra Kumar. Merchandise exports dipped to $32.11 billion from $33.90 billion last year, while imports rose to $69.95 billion from $54.48 billion. This stark imbalance raises concerns about the slowing of India's manufacturing sector, which seems increasingly reliant on imported components and raw materials. The decline in exports suggests that domestic manufacturing struggles to compete globally thanks to high logistics and production costs, indicating a pressing need to bolster India's manufacturing capabilities. On December 18, Sebi greenlit a slew of amendments aimed at refining operations, safeguarding investors, and boosting market-participant efficiency, especially targeting SMEs, merchant bankers, and mutual funds. Among the most anticipated decisions is the overhaul of the SME IPO framework. This reform is pivotal for small and medium enterprises seeking to tap public capital markets. Sebi has now stipulated that SMEs must demonstrate a minimum operating profit of ₹1 crore in two of the previous three financial years before they can file for an IPO. This aims to ensure that only financially robust SMEs can access public funding, thus safeguarding investors. The establishment of a Past Risk and Return Verification Agency marks another significant stride. This new body will authenticate the risk-return metrics provided by financial services providers such as investment advisors and research analysts, ensuring investors receive reliable and standardised data. Mint’s Neha Joshi breaks down all the changes and amendments from the Sebi meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Jan Aushadhi Kendras, part of a government-backed initiative to provide affordable medicines, have been on an upswing, hitting sales of ₹1,000 crore this year. These centres have become so incredibly popular that some private firms are now getting in on the action. Take, for instance, a pharmacy in Mumbai that's named after Jan Aushadhi but isn't actually part of the official scheme. It cleverly uses the Jan Aushadhi brand to draw in customers looking for low-cost meds, even though it is a for-profit entity and sells branded generics, too. This situation highlights a broader trend in the market, writes Jessica Jani. While the official Jan Aushadhi Kendras are booming with their highly affordable generics, there's a growing space for hybrid centres like this Mumbai pharmacy. They offer both cheap generics and higher-margin branded drugs, ensuring no customer leaves empty-handed.

Micromax has teamed up with Taiwan's Phison to carve out a niche in the high-end storage market with a new joint venture, MiPhi. The venture, with 55:45 split favouring Micromax, has already started manufacturing solid-state drives (SSDs) at Micromax's facility in Greater Noida. Speaking with Mint’s Gulveen Aulakh, Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said he was bullish about leveraging Phison's technology to cut GPU costs dramatically, aiming to slash the price to just one-tenth of current rates. This bold move is expected to shake up the AI sector not just in India but other strategic markets as well. MiPhi plans to capitalise on Micromax’s strong Indian client base and Phison’s cutting-edge NAND storage solutions to target a diverse range of industries. While the specifics of the facility’s production capacity remain under wraps, the focus will clearly be on sectors such as automotive, IoT, and mobile devices, among others.

Your next packet of biscuits may feel a bit lighter because of the sneaky tactic known as shrinkflation. This trend, along with outright price hikes, is on the rise as companies such as Britannia, Parle, ITC, and Godrej struggle with rising costs of ingredients such as wheat and oil. This is pushing up prices of everything from biscuits to soaps by as much as 7%, industry insiders told Suneera Tandon. Rajneet Singh Kohli of Britannia said while the company plans to increase prices by 3-5% over the next few quarters, it will try to absorb some of the increased costs. This may mean smaller product sizes rather than higher prices. Meanwhile, Parle has already started adjusting prices and pack sizes, and expects to roll out 5-7% price increases soon. India saw a similar phase of shrinkflation in 2022, which ended in mid-2023 as ingredient costs normalised. However, with the current economic pressures and persistently high inflation, FMCG companies are bracing for a challenging period ahead.

India saw a dramatic surge in its trade deficit in November. It hit a record $37.84 billion because of a four-fold increase in gold imports to nearly $15 billion owing to higher demand during the festive and wedding seasons. This surge in imports, alongside a 4.9% drop in exports, widened the deficit significantly. The substantial rise in gold purchases and a decrease in petroleum export earnings fueled the gap, explains Dhirendra Kumar. Merchandise exports dipped to $32.11 billion from $33.90 billion last year, while imports rose to $69.95 billion from $54.48 billion. This stark imbalance raises concerns about the slowing of India's manufacturing sector, which seems increasingly reliant on imported components and raw materials. The decline in exports suggests that domestic manufacturing struggles to compete globally thanks to high logistics and production costs, indicating a pressing need to bolster India's manufacturing capabilities.

On December 18, Sebi greenlit a slew of amendments aimed at refining operations, safeguarding investors, and boosting market-participant efficiency, especially targeting SMEs, merchant bankers, and mutual funds. Among the most anticipated decisions is the overhaul of the SME IPO framework. This reform is pivotal for small and medium enterprises seeking to tap public capital markets. Sebi has now stipulated that SMEs must demonstrate a minimum operating profit of ₹1 crore in two of the previous three financial years before they can file for an IPO. This aims to ensure that only financially robust SMEs can access public funding, thus safeguarding investors. The establishment of a Past Risk and Return Verification Agency marks another significant stride. This new body will authenticate the risk-return metrics provided by financial services providers such as investment advisors and research analysts, ensuring investors receive reliable and standardised data. Mint’s Neha Joshi breaks down all the changes and amendments from the Sebi meeting. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 440 no Bollywood producers hunt for “outsiders” https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bollywood-producers-hunt-for-outsiders-jIeLVbIw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Adar Poonawalla's recent dive into Bollywood, in which he snagged a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for a cool ₹1,000 crore, isn’t just a one-off. It hints at a bigger potential shift across Bollywood. Poonawalla, known best for producing vaccines, teaming up with a giant like Dharma Productions could just set off a trend. Industry insiders weren’t taken aback by this development, as Dharma had been actively seeking fresh funding amid a string of less-than-stellar box office returns and cooling interest from streaming platforms. Before Poonawalla stepped in, giants such as Saregama and Reliance Industries were also in the running, highlighting the attractiveness of film studios as potential investment opportunities for diverse business conglomerates. This move could encourage more such strategic investments, writes Lata Jha. It could also reshape how Bollywood studios align themselves with broader business interests, potentially leading to a wave of revitalisation that could impact content creation, distribution and marketing strategies across the industry. Despite allegations of anti-competitive practices by Zepto, Instamart and Blinkit, the Competition Commission of India is unlikely to launch an investigation into quick commerce companies. Sources told Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the information provided to CCI didn’t convince them there was any anti-competitive behaviour that warranted further examination. This booming sector, projected to hit $6 billion in sales by 2024, seems too competitive and beneficial to consumers for the CCI to take action on its own. Meanwhile, concerns persist among traditional retailers, represented by the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation. They claim the platforms’ allegedly predatory pricing and inadequate enforcement of FDI rules could threaten traditional retailers, and are urging a closer look to prevent potential monopolistic outcomes. Sebi's tightening of rules in India's F&O market aims to cool intense retail trading driven by expectations of quick profits and the gamification tactics of brokerages. Measures such as increasing index contract sizes to ₹15-20 lakh and adding a steep 14% loss margin for contract sales on expiry days kicked in on November 20. More rules such as upfront collection of option premiums by brokerages are expected to take effect in February 2025. For retail investors, these higher barriers mean trading in F&O will require more money and a deeper understanding of the markets—essentially pushing out those looking for quick, easy profits. Brokerages, particularly discount ones such as Zerodha and Angel One, could take a hit to their bottom lines as reduced volumes will force them to rethink pricing or diversify their services. Abhinanda Saha takes a look at this new era in India’s F&O market.  In India, companies are stepping up their game on diversity hiring for roles ranging from software development to mechanical engineering. They're not just looking to fill positions – they're trying to show they're progressive and uphold strong corporate governance. From big names such as Robert Bosch GmbH and IBM Corp to Noida's Coforge Ltd, there's a growing trend of including people from diverse backgrounds, including those who are differently abled. For example, over at R.V. College of Engineering in Bengaluru, they've already recruited 26 students under diversity categories this year. This push towards diversity isn't just about doing good; it's also about looking good, reports Jas Bardia. Companies are increasingly aware that strong diversity practices boost their brand and appeal to investors who value robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This is in stark contrast to the US, where some big companies and universities are pulling back on their diversity initiatives, wary of running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. TVS Credit is in talks to buy Avendus Capital from KKR, aiming to boost its financial services, sources told Ranjani Raghavan. It’s considering funding the purchase through internal accruals and may consider debt later. KKR, which invested $120 million in Avendus in 2015, appointed Rothschild after Nomura withdrew from facilitating the sale. Avendus, known for its strong investment banking and startup advisory services, could be valued between $500 and $700 million for a 70% stake. Serious bidders include Mizuho and Carlyle, but a final decision is likely to be pushed to January owing to the holidays. A successful bid could significantly expand TVS’s financial-sector footprint, adding investment banking and asset management to its portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bollywood producers hunt for “outsiders” full 719 Mint - HT Smartcast Diversity quotas on the rise; existential dilemma for F&O investors Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Adar Poonawalla's recent dive into Bollywood, in which he snagged a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for a cool ₹1,000 crore, isn’t just a one-off. It hints at a bigger potential shift across Bollywood. Poonawalla, known best for producing vaccines, teaming up with a giant like Dharma Productions could just set off a trend. Industry insiders weren’t taken aback by this development, as Dharma had been actively seeking fresh funding amid a string of less-than-stellar box office returns and cooling interest from streaming platforms. Before Poonawalla stepped in, giants such as Saregama and Reliance Industries were also in the running, highlighting the attractiveness of film studios as potential investment opportunities for diverse business conglomerates. This move could encourage more such strategic investments, writes Lata Jha. It could also reshape how Bollywood studios align themselves with broader business interests, potentially leading to a wave of revitalisation that could impact content creation, distribution and marketing strategies across the industry. Despite allegations of anti-competitive practices by Zepto, Instamart and Blinkit, the Competition Commission of India is unlikely to launch an investigation into quick commerce companies. Sources told Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the information provided to CCI didn’t convince them there was any anti-competitive behaviour that warranted further examination. This booming sector, projected to hit $6 billion in sales by 2024, seems too competitive and beneficial to consumers for the CCI to take action on its own. Meanwhile, concerns persist among traditional retailers, represented by the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation. They claim the platforms’ allegedly predatory pricing and inadequate enforcement of FDI rules could threaten traditional retailers, and are urging a closer look to prevent potential monopolistic outcomes. Sebi's tightening of rules in India's F&O market aims to cool intense retail trading driven by expectations of quick profits and the gamification tactics of brokerages. Measures such as increasing index contract sizes to ₹15-20 lakh and adding a steep 14% loss margin for contract sales on expiry days kicked in on November 20. More rules such as upfront collection of option premiums by brokerages are expected to take effect in February 2025. For retail investors, these higher barriers mean trading in F&O will require more money and a deeper understanding of the markets—essentially pushing out those looking for quick, easy profits. Brokerages, particularly discount ones such as Zerodha and Angel One, could take a hit to their bottom lines as reduced volumes will force them to rethink pricing or diversify their services. Abhinanda Saha takes a look at this new era in India’s F&O market.  In India, companies are stepping up their game on diversity hiring for roles ranging from software development to mechanical engineering. They're not just looking to fill positions – they're trying to show they're progressive and uphold strong corporate governance. From big names such as Robert Bosch GmbH and IBM Corp to Noida's Coforge Ltd, there's a growing trend of including people from diverse backgrounds, including those who are differently abled. For example, over at R.V. College of Engineering in Bengaluru, they've already recruited 26 students under diversity categories this year. This push towards diversity isn't just about doing good; it's also about looking good, reports Jas Bardia. Companies are increasingly aware that strong diversity practices boost their brand and appeal to investors who value robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This is in stark contrast to the US, where some big companies and universities are pulling back on their diversity initiatives, wary of running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. TVS Credit is in talks to buy Avendus Capital from KKR, aiming to boost its financial services, sources told Ranjani Raghavan. It’s considering funding the purchase through internal accruals and may consider debt later. KKR, which invested $120 million in Avendus in 2015, appointed Rothschild after Nomura withdrew from facilitating the sale. Avendus, known for its strong investment banking and startup advisory services, could be valued between $500 and $700 million for a 70% stake. Serious bidders include Mizuho and Carlyle, but a final decision is likely to be pushed to January owing to the holidays. A successful bid could significantly expand TVS’s financial-sector footprint, adding investment banking and asset management to its portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Adar Poonawalla's recent dive into Bollywood, in which he snagged a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for a cool ₹1,000 crore, isn’t just a one-off. It hints at a bigger potential shift across Bollywood. Poonawalla, known best for producing vaccines, teaming up with a giant like Dharma Productions could just set off a trend. Industry insiders weren’t taken aback by this development, as Dharma had been actively seeking fresh funding amid a string of less-than-stellar box office returns and cooling interest from streaming platforms. Before Poonawalla stepped in, giants such as Saregama and Reliance Industries were also in the running, highlighting the attractiveness of film studios as potential investment opportunities for diverse business conglomerates. This move could encourage more such strategic investments, writes Lata Jha. It could also reshape how Bollywood studios align themselves with broader business interests, potentially leading to a wave of revitalisation that could impact content creation, distribution and marketing strategies across the industry.

Despite allegations of anti-competitive practices by Zepto, Instamart and Blinkit, the Competition Commission of India is unlikely to launch an investigation into quick commerce companies. Sources told Dhirendra Kumar and Gireesh Chandra Prasad that the information provided to CCI didn’t convince them there was any anti-competitive behaviour that warranted further examination. This booming sector, projected to hit $6 billion in sales by 2024, seems too competitive and beneficial to consumers for the CCI to take action on its own. Meanwhile, concerns persist among traditional retailers, represented by the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation. They claim the platforms’ allegedly predatory pricing and inadequate enforcement of FDI rules could threaten traditional retailers, and are urging a closer look to prevent potential monopolistic outcomes.

Sebi's tightening of rules in India's F&O market aims to cool intense retail trading driven by expectations of quick profits and the gamification tactics of brokerages. Measures such as increasing index contract sizes to ₹15-20 lakh and adding a steep 14% loss margin for contract sales on expiry days kicked in on November 20. More rules such as upfront collection of option premiums by brokerages are expected to take effect in February 2025. For retail investors, these higher barriers mean trading in F&O will require more money and a deeper understanding of the markets—essentially pushing out those looking for quick, easy profits. Brokerages, particularly discount ones such as Zerodha and Angel One, could take a hit to their bottom lines as reduced volumes will force them to rethink pricing or diversify their services. Abhinanda Saha takes a look at this new era in India’s F&O market. 

In India, companies are stepping up their game on diversity hiring for roles ranging from software development to mechanical engineering. They're not just looking to fill positions – they're trying to show they're progressive and uphold strong corporate governance. From big names such as Robert Bosch GmbH and IBM Corp to Noida's Coforge Ltd, there's a growing trend of including people from diverse backgrounds, including those who are differently abled. For example, over at R.V. College of Engineering in Bengaluru, they've already recruited 26 students under diversity categories this year. This push towards diversity isn't just about doing good; it's also about looking good, reports Jas Bardia. Companies are increasingly aware that strong diversity practices boost their brand and appeal to investors who value robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This is in stark contrast to the US, where some big companies and universities are pulling back on their diversity initiatives, wary of running afoul of anti-discrimination laws.

TVS Credit is in talks to buy Avendus Capital from KKR, aiming to boost its financial services, sources told Ranjani Raghavan. It’s considering funding the purchase through internal accruals and may consider debt later. KKR, which invested $120 million in Avendus in 2015, appointed Rothschild after Nomura withdrew from facilitating the sale. Avendus, known for its strong investment banking and startup advisory services, could be valued between $500 and $700 million for a 70% stake. Serious bidders include Mizuho and Carlyle, but a final decision is likely to be pushed to January owing to the holidays. A successful bid could significantly expand TVS’s financial-sector footprint, adding investment banking and asset management to its portfolio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 436 no Why is research and development key in electronics? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-is-research-and-development-key-in-electronics-RdD9UiPP Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian government has unveiled a 3 billion dollar incentives plan to stimulate the creation of electronics brands and enhance private research & development spending in the sector. The initiative is aimed at attracting investments and generating business worth over 15 billion dollars. The goal is to shift from merely assembling devices, which leaves most profits with foreign firms, to manufacturing core components domestically and owning patents for commercially sold devices. Historically, local brands such as Onida, Karbonn, Lava, and Micromax have struggled against international competition due to a lack of innovation. Shouvik Das explains how investing in R&D could revitalise Indian consumer electronics brands by fostering homegrown innovation and enabling them to compete globally.  Aditya Birla Group and Adani Group, which were initially interested in acquiring Akzo Nobel NV's Indian paint operations, did not finalize their discussions, leading to a shift in potential bidders. Now, Indigo and JSW are negotiating – p otentially with private equity investors such as Warburg Pincus, TPG, Carlyle, and CVC – for a bid valued between 2.1 and 2.5 billion dollars. If completed, it could be the largest in India's paint industry, in which Akzo Nobel, which owns brands such as Dulux and Sikkens, holds a 5-6% market share. The decorative business, comprising two-thirds of Akzo Nobel's valuation, is a key attraction, Anirudh Laskar and Sneha Shah report. Pidilite Industries has proposed a share swap deal, while others suggest an all-cash transaction. JSW Group, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners and Waaree Energies have placed their binding offers for Enel Group’s renewable venture in India, eyeing a deal that may value the company’s equity between 350 and 400 million dollars. Tack on the debt and we're talking of a total enterprise value north of 500 to 550 million dollars. The assets in play include 760 megawatts of wind and solar installations that are already up and running, plus a promising pipeline of projects that could add another 2 gigawatts. Enel Green Power India has been on the block since last year, and with these bids in, a deal could be wrapped up by the end of the fiscal year, insiders told Sneha Shah.  The Election Commission of India looks set to retain its power to postpone assembly polls, even as India shifts towards a 'one nation, one election' system. This power is enshrined in the proposed Constitutional amendment introduced in the Lok Sabha, Manas Pimplakhare reports. The amendment aims for simultaneous elections across all levels of government but allows the ECI to seek deferrals from the President under special circumstances, a change from the current rules, under which the governor decides. The move to synchronize elections is aimed at improving financial efficiencies and reducing policy paralysis. However, if the Lok Sabha or state assemblies are dissolved prematurely, the incoming government will serve only the remainder of the term, maintaining a fixed election cycle every five years. Critics doubt the bill will pass soon, as the current government lacks the majority needed to push the amendment through. The Hindi version of Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rule-Part 2 has been a blockbuster hit, crossing the 500 crore rupee mark and giving single-screen cinemas in north India a much-needed boost. However, cinema owners are worried. After the Pushpa 2 wave, there's no big commercial hit in sight for a while, and sustaining their businesses looks tough. They are pinning their hopes on Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is set to release on the Eid weekend in March. Cinema owners Lata Jha spoke to called 2024 one of the worst years for these businesses, especially those in small towns. Themes such as nationalism aren’t pulling in crowds like they were before, and movies that resonate with the common man, such as Pushpa 2, are rare. With Bollywood not churning out many mass-market hits, and the popularity of OTT platforms growing, the future looks challenging for single screens.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why is research and development key in electronics? full 718 Mint - HT Smartcast The race for Akzo Nobel; One nation, one election Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian government has unveiled a 3 billion dollar incentives plan to stimulate the creation of electronics brands and enhance private research & development spending in the sector. The initiative is aimed at attracting investments and generating business worth over 15 billion dollars. The goal is to shift from merely assembling devices, which leaves most profits with foreign firms, to manufacturing core components domestically and owning patents for commercially sold devices. Historically, local brands such as Onida, Karbonn, Lava, and Micromax have struggled against international competition due to a lack of innovation. Shouvik Das explains how investing in R&D could revitalise Indian consumer electronics brands by fostering homegrown innovation and enabling them to compete globally.  Aditya Birla Group and Adani Group, which were initially interested in acquiring Akzo Nobel NV's Indian paint operations, did not finalize their discussions, leading to a shift in potential bidders. Now, Indigo and JSW are negotiating – p otentially with private equity investors such as Warburg Pincus, TPG, Carlyle, and CVC – for a bid valued between 2.1 and 2.5 billion dollars. If completed, it could be the largest in India's paint industry, in which Akzo Nobel, which owns brands such as Dulux and Sikkens, holds a 5-6% market share. The decorative business, comprising two-thirds of Akzo Nobel's valuation, is a key attraction, Anirudh Laskar and Sneha Shah report. Pidilite Industries has proposed a share swap deal, while others suggest an all-cash transaction. JSW Group, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners and Waaree Energies have placed their binding offers for Enel Group’s renewable venture in India, eyeing a deal that may value the company’s equity between 350 and 400 million dollars. Tack on the debt and we're talking of a total enterprise value north of 500 to 550 million dollars. The assets in play include 760 megawatts of wind and solar installations that are already up and running, plus a promising pipeline of projects that could add another 2 gigawatts. Enel Green Power India has been on the block since last year, and with these bids in, a deal could be wrapped up by the end of the fiscal year, insiders told Sneha Shah.  The Election Commission of India looks set to retain its power to postpone assembly polls, even as India shifts towards a 'one nation, one election' system. This power is enshrined in the proposed Constitutional amendment introduced in the Lok Sabha, Manas Pimplakhare reports. The amendment aims for simultaneous elections across all levels of government but allows the ECI to seek deferrals from the President under special circumstances, a change from the current rules, under which the governor decides. The move to synchronize elections is aimed at improving financial efficiencies and reducing policy paralysis. However, if the Lok Sabha or state assemblies are dissolved prematurely, the incoming government will serve only the remainder of the term, maintaining a fixed election cycle every five years. Critics doubt the bill will pass soon, as the current government lacks the majority needed to push the amendment through. The Hindi version of Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rule-Part 2 has been a blockbuster hit, crossing the 500 crore rupee mark and giving single-screen cinemas in north India a much-needed boost. However, cinema owners are worried. After the Pushpa 2 wave, there's no big commercial hit in sight for a while, and sustaining their businesses looks tough. They are pinning their hopes on Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is set to release on the Eid weekend in March. Cinema owners Lata Jha spoke to called 2024 one of the worst years for these businesses, especially those in small towns. Themes such as nationalism aren’t pulling in crowds like they were before, and movies that resonate with the common man, such as Pushpa 2, are rare. With Bollywood not churning out many mass-market hits, and the popularity of OTT platforms growing, the future looks challenging for single screens.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Indian government has unveiled a 3 billion dollar incentives plan to stimulate the creation of electronics brands and enhance private research & development spending in the sector. The initiative is aimed at attracting investments and generating business worth over 15 billion dollars. The goal is to shift from merely assembling devices, which leaves most profits with foreign firms, to manufacturing core components domestically and owning patents for commercially sold devices. Historically, local brands such as Onida, Karbonn, Lava, and Micromax have struggled against international competition due to a lack of innovation. Shouvik Das explains how investing in R&D could revitalise Indian consumer electronics brands by fostering homegrown innovation and enabling them to compete globally. 

Aditya Birla Group and Adani Group, which were initially interested in acquiring Akzo Nobel NV's Indian paint operations, did not finalize their discussions, leading to a shift in potential bidders. Now, Indigo and JSW are negotiating – p otentially with private equity investors such as Warburg Pincus, TPG, Carlyle, and CVC – for a bid valued between 2.1 and 2.5 billion dollars. If completed, it could be the largest in India's paint industry, in which Akzo Nobel, which owns brands such as Dulux and Sikkens, holds a 5-6% market share. The decorative business, comprising two-thirds of Akzo Nobel's valuation, is a key attraction, Anirudh Laskar and Sneha Shah report. Pidilite Industries has proposed a share swap deal, while others suggest an all-cash transaction.

JSW Group, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners and Waaree Energies have placed their binding offers for Enel Group’s renewable venture in India, eyeing a deal that may value the company’s equity between 350 and 400 million dollars. Tack on the debt and we're talking of a total enterprise value north of 500 to 550 million dollars. The assets in play include 760 megawatts of wind and solar installations that are already up and running, plus a promising pipeline of projects that could add another 2 gigawatts. Enel Green Power India has been on the block since last year, and with these bids in, a deal could be wrapped up by the end of the fiscal year, insiders told Sneha Shah. 

The Election Commission of India looks set to retain its power to postpone assembly polls, even as India shifts towards a 'one nation, one election' system. This power is enshrined in the proposed Constitutional amendment introduced in the Lok Sabha, Manas Pimplakhare reports. The amendment aims for simultaneous elections across all levels of government but allows the ECI to seek deferrals from the President under special circumstances, a change from the current rules, under which the governor decides. The move to synchronize elections is aimed at improving financial efficiencies and reducing policy paralysis. However, if the Lok Sabha or state assemblies are dissolved prematurely, the incoming government will serve only the remainder of the term, maintaining a fixed election cycle every five years. Critics doubt the bill will pass soon, as the current government lacks the majority needed to push the amendment through.

The Hindi version of Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rule-Part 2 has been a blockbuster hit, crossing the 500 crore rupee mark and giving single-screen cinemas in north India a much-needed boost. However, cinema owners are worried. After the Pushpa 2 wave, there's no big commercial hit in sight for a while, and sustaining their businesses looks tough. They are pinning their hopes on Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is set to release on the Eid weekend in March. Cinema owners Lata Jha spoke to called 2024 one of the worst years for these businesses, especially those in small towns. Themes such as nationalism aren’t pulling in crowds like they were before, and movies that resonate with the common man, such as Pushpa 2, are rare. With Bollywood not churning out many mass-market hits, and the popularity of OTT platforms growing, the future looks challenging for single screens. 

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]]> 389 no Baptism by fire for new RBI Governor https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/baptism-by-fire-for-new-rbi-governor-ta4hUZ9b Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Sanjay Malhotra recently took charge as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and he's facing some tricky challenges right off the bat. The Indian economy, which had been growing robustly at over 8% just last year, has now slowed to a growth rate of 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25. This slowdown is part of what's shaping up to be a period of stagflation —in which slow growth is coupled with high inflation, complicating policy decisions considerably. N Madhavan explains that if Malhotra decides to cut interest rates to spur growth, he risks increasing prices further, with inflation already above the RBI’s target of 4%. On the flip side, maintaining the current interest rates could slow economic growth even more.  Ustad Zakir Hussain is celebrated not just as a tabla virtuoso but as a magician of music. Hussain transformed every performance into a vibrant narrative, weaving stories through the rhythmic syllables of the tabla. Descended from the esteemed Ustad Alla Rakha, and known for his innovative collaborations across diverse genres and cultures, Hussain transcended musical boundaries. Beyond his global acclaim and numerous accolades, his true legacy lies in the joy and passion he brought to his art, making his music a universal language of emotion and storytelling. In this poignantly penned tribute, Raja Sen celebrates the maestro’s legacy.  As the year winds down, villa rental companies are gearing up for a busy season, thanks to Christmas and New Year's Eve landing smack in the middle of the week. Devendra Parulekar from SaffronStays told Varuni Khosla that because these holidays fall on weekdays this year, people are extending their stays. Instead of the typical two-night stay, many are making bookings for three or four nights, giving occupancy rates a nice bump. Ritwik Khare from Elivaas noticed that bookings really picked up after Diwali, especially from Gujarati travelers, which helped balance out a slower October. But in Goa, there's a bit of a squeeze on nightly rates because the villa supply has shot up by as much as 60-70% over the past year. That's a lot of new options for travelers! When Pune-based Persistent Systems crossed $1 billion in revenue in FY23, founder Anand Deshpande credited the achievement to CEO Sandeep Kalra and his team. Kalra, who joined in 2019, revamped the company's strategy, focusing on key sectors and partnerships with major vendors such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, and boosting revenue from $501 million in FY20 to $1.18 billion in FY24. Similarly, Coforge saw significant growth under CEO Sudhir Singh, increasing its CAGR to 16% by FY24. These examples highlight how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech firms such as Persistent and Coforge are driving rapid growth and helping these companies compete effectively in the IT services industry. Shelley Singh takes a deep dive into how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech companies are changing the game.  Global investment firm Actis is considering selling its Indian renewable energy platform, BluePine Energy, due to increased investor interest in clean-energy assets. The company, part of a larger movement in the renewables sector, is potentially valued around $1 billion, Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala report. BluePine, which boasts of about 2.6 gigawatts of solar and wind assets in India, could benefit from Actis's experience in acquiring significant renewable assets. This potential sale highlights the dynamic market activity, which includes other notable assets and acquisitions, reflecting a robust interest in sustainable investments amid India's push for clean energy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Baptism by fire for new RBI Governor full 717 Mint - HT Smartcast A tribute to the maestro; Actis looking to sell Blue Pine Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Sanjay Malhotra recently took charge as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and he's facing some tricky challenges right off the bat. The Indian economy, which had been growing robustly at over 8% just last year, has now slowed to a growth rate of 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25. This slowdown is part of what's shaping up to be a period of stagflation —in which slow growth is coupled with high inflation, complicating policy decisions considerably. N Madhavan explains that if Malhotra decides to cut interest rates to spur growth, he risks increasing prices further, with inflation already above the RBI’s target of 4%. On the flip side, maintaining the current interest rates could slow economic growth even more.  Ustad Zakir Hussain is celebrated not just as a tabla virtuoso but as a magician of music. Hussain transformed every performance into a vibrant narrative, weaving stories through the rhythmic syllables of the tabla. Descended from the esteemed Ustad Alla Rakha, and known for his innovative collaborations across diverse genres and cultures, Hussain transcended musical boundaries. Beyond his global acclaim and numerous accolades, his true legacy lies in the joy and passion he brought to his art, making his music a universal language of emotion and storytelling. In this poignantly penned tribute, Raja Sen celebrates the maestro’s legacy.  As the year winds down, villa rental companies are gearing up for a busy season, thanks to Christmas and New Year's Eve landing smack in the middle of the week. Devendra Parulekar from SaffronStays told Varuni Khosla that because these holidays fall on weekdays this year, people are extending their stays. Instead of the typical two-night stay, many are making bookings for three or four nights, giving occupancy rates a nice bump. Ritwik Khare from Elivaas noticed that bookings really picked up after Diwali, especially from Gujarati travelers, which helped balance out a slower October. But in Goa, there's a bit of a squeeze on nightly rates because the villa supply has shot up by as much as 60-70% over the past year. That's a lot of new options for travelers! When Pune-based Persistent Systems crossed $1 billion in revenue in FY23, founder Anand Deshpande credited the achievement to CEO Sandeep Kalra and his team. Kalra, who joined in 2019, revamped the company's strategy, focusing on key sectors and partnerships with major vendors such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, and boosting revenue from $501 million in FY20 to $1.18 billion in FY24. Similarly, Coforge saw significant growth under CEO Sudhir Singh, increasing its CAGR to 16% by FY24. These examples highlight how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech firms such as Persistent and Coforge are driving rapid growth and helping these companies compete effectively in the IT services industry. Shelley Singh takes a deep dive into how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech companies are changing the game.  Global investment firm Actis is considering selling its Indian renewable energy platform, BluePine Energy, due to increased investor interest in clean-energy assets. The company, part of a larger movement in the renewables sector, is potentially valued around $1 billion, Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala report. BluePine, which boasts of about 2.6 gigawatts of solar and wind assets in India, could benefit from Actis's experience in acquiring significant renewable assets. This potential sale highlights the dynamic market activity, which includes other notable assets and acquisitions, reflecting a robust interest in sustainable investments amid India's push for clean energy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Sanjay Malhotra recently took charge as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and he's facing some tricky challenges right off the bat. The Indian economy, which had been growing robustly at over 8% just last year, has now slowed to a growth rate of 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25. This slowdown is part of what's shaping up to be a period of stagflation —in which slow growth is coupled with high inflation, complicating policy decisions considerably. N Madhavan explains that if Malhotra decides to cut interest rates to spur growth, he risks increasing prices further, with inflation already above the RBI’s target of 4%. On the flip side, maintaining the current interest rates could slow economic growth even more. 

Ustad Zakir Hussain is celebrated not just as a tabla virtuoso but as a magician of music. Hussain transformed every performance into a vibrant narrative, weaving stories through the rhythmic syllables of the tabla. Descended from the esteemed Ustad Alla Rakha, and known for his innovative collaborations across diverse genres and cultures, Hussain transcended musical boundaries. Beyond his global acclaim and numerous accolades, his true legacy lies in the joy and passion he brought to his art, making his music a universal language of emotion and storytelling. In this poignantly penned tribute, Raja Sen celebrates the maestro’s legacy. 

As the year winds down, villa rental companies are gearing up for a busy season, thanks to Christmas and New Year's Eve landing smack in the middle of the week. Devendra Parulekar from SaffronStays told Varuni Khosla that because these holidays fall on weekdays this year, people are extending their stays. Instead of the typical two-night stay, many are making bookings for three or four nights, giving occupancy rates a nice bump. Ritwik Khare from Elivaas noticed that bookings really picked up after Diwali, especially from Gujarati travelers, which helped balance out a slower October. But in Goa, there's a bit of a squeeze on nightly rates because the villa supply has shot up by as much as 60-70% over the past year. That's a lot of new options for travelers!

When Pune-based Persistent Systems crossed $1 billion in revenue in FY23, founder Anand Deshpande credited the achievement to CEO Sandeep Kalra and his team. Kalra, who joined in 2019, revamped the company's strategy, focusing on key sectors and partnerships with major vendors such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, and boosting revenue from $501 million in FY20 to $1.18 billion in FY24. Similarly, Coforge saw significant growth under CEO Sudhir Singh, increasing its CAGR to 16% by FY24. These examples highlight how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech firms such as Persistent and Coforge are driving rapid growth and helping these companies compete effectively in the IT services industry. Shelley Singh takes a deep dive into how strategic leadership changes at mid-tier tech companies are changing the game. 

Global investment firm Actis is considering selling its Indian renewable energy platform, BluePine Energy, due to increased investor interest in clean-energy assets. The company, part of a larger movement in the renewables sector, is potentially valued around $1 billion, Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala report. BluePine, which boasts of about 2.6 gigawatts of solar and wind assets in India, could benefit from Actis's experience in acquiring significant renewable assets. This potential sale highlights the dynamic market activity, which includes other notable assets and acquisitions, reflecting a robust interest in sustainable investments amid India's push for clean energy. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 372 no Air travel between metros to get cheaper https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/air-travel-between-metros-to-get-cheaper-znPk8agD Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 16, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   If you're considering flying between India's major cities at the end of the year, you're in luck—airfare prices have significantly dropped. Data from ticket booking platforms indicates that airfares on key metro routes have decreased by as much as a third compared to last year. For instance, flights between Chennai and Kolkata have seen the largest reduction, with fares down by 28%, followed by Kolkata to Bengaluru with a 27% drop. This decrease in prices is partly due to lower demand for metro-to-metro travel during the holiday season, compounded by the economic slowdown which has affected spending habits. However, if you're planning to head to smaller towns or popular holiday destinations, expect to pay more. Daanish Anand reports on the dwindling airfare between metro cities, in today’s Primer.  The Indian government is considering a fresh capital infusion for its struggling public sector general insurers in the next fiscal year to bolster their operations and help them meet regulatory standards. This move, potentially involving ₹4,000-5,000 crore, is aimed at improving the solvency ratios of National Insurance, United Insurance, and Oriental Insurance, which currently fall well below the mandatory threshold. The solvency ratio, critical for insurers, measures the excess capital they hold over potential claims, with a regulatory minimum set at 150%. Despite some intermittent profits, these insurers have generally underperformed, with solvency ratios lingering in the negatives by the end of FY24. The government's potential capital support is contingent on the insurers demonstrating consistent improvement in financial metrics, Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report.  In the branding world, IndiGo’s squabble with Mahindra and Mahindra over the "6E" label is a classic case of how a simple code can evolve into a significant brand asset. For over 16 years, IndiGo has used "6E" more than just as a flight code—it's become a key part of their brand identity, even cleverly marketed to sound like "sexy." The issue popped up when Mahindra decided to use "6e" for its new electric SUV. This led to a debate over trademark rights across different product classes—IndiGo’s trademark is registered for transport under Class 39, not vehicles - which falls under Class 12. Legal experts Gaurav Laghate spoke to, suggest that if IndiGo had also registered in Class 12, they might have had a stronger case. As it stands, the chance of customer confusion seems low. As both companies wait for a legal resolution expected next year, with Mahindra holding off on using "6e”. After clinching the title as the youngest World Chess Champion ever, Gukesh Dommaraju's fame has quickly caught the attention of marketers looking for fresh faces to endorse their brands. Over just one weekend, companies from various sectors, including FMCG and gaming, were keen to align with the chess prodigy, reports Varuni Khosla. Gukesh now commands an endorsement fee ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore annually. His historic victory over Ding Liren in Singapore not only broke a record previously held by Garry Kasparov but also elevated him to a status comparable to chess legend Viswanathan Anand. His triumph has rekindled interest in chess as a sport that's both intellectually rigorous and "cool," shifting its public perception significantly. In a flourishing sector, India's table grape growers are reaping significant benefits, with profits soaring in good crop years. The country has risen to become one of the top five global exporters of table grapes, finding a strong market in high-standard international supermarkets. This success is primarily driven by meticulous adherence to quality standards demanded by Western consumers, such as specific berry sizes and sugar content. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exported grapes valued at ₹3,461 crore, marking a 36% increase year-on-year and a significant growth over the past decade. Nashik, Maharashtra, has been pivotal in this expansion, contributing nearly half of the export volume, thanks to its conducive climate and expertise in viticulture. Sayantan Bera writes about how the grapes of Nashik, have been conquering the world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Air travel between metros to get cheaper full 716 Mint - HT Smartcast Branding wars; Nashik’s grapes conquering world Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 16, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   If you're considering flying between India's major cities at the end of the year, you're in luck—airfare prices have significantly dropped. Data from ticket booking platforms indicates that airfares on key metro routes have decreased by as much as a third compared to last year. For instance, flights between Chennai and Kolkata have seen the largest reduction, with fares down by 28%, followed by Kolkata to Bengaluru with a 27% drop. This decrease in prices is partly due to lower demand for metro-to-metro travel during the holiday season, compounded by the economic slowdown which has affected spending habits. However, if you're planning to head to smaller towns or popular holiday destinations, expect to pay more. Daanish Anand reports on the dwindling airfare between metro cities, in today’s Primer.  The Indian government is considering a fresh capital infusion for its struggling public sector general insurers in the next fiscal year to bolster their operations and help them meet regulatory standards. This move, potentially involving ₹4,000-5,000 crore, is aimed at improving the solvency ratios of National Insurance, United Insurance, and Oriental Insurance, which currently fall well below the mandatory threshold. The solvency ratio, critical for insurers, measures the excess capital they hold over potential claims, with a regulatory minimum set at 150%. Despite some intermittent profits, these insurers have generally underperformed, with solvency ratios lingering in the negatives by the end of FY24. The government's potential capital support is contingent on the insurers demonstrating consistent improvement in financial metrics, Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report.  In the branding world, IndiGo’s squabble with Mahindra and Mahindra over the "6E" label is a classic case of how a simple code can evolve into a significant brand asset. For over 16 years, IndiGo has used "6E" more than just as a flight code—it's become a key part of their brand identity, even cleverly marketed to sound like "sexy." The issue popped up when Mahindra decided to use "6e" for its new electric SUV. This led to a debate over trademark rights across different product classes—IndiGo’s trademark is registered for transport under Class 39, not vehicles - which falls under Class 12. Legal experts Gaurav Laghate spoke to, suggest that if IndiGo had also registered in Class 12, they might have had a stronger case. As it stands, the chance of customer confusion seems low. As both companies wait for a legal resolution expected next year, with Mahindra holding off on using "6e”. After clinching the title as the youngest World Chess Champion ever, Gukesh Dommaraju's fame has quickly caught the attention of marketers looking for fresh faces to endorse their brands. Over just one weekend, companies from various sectors, including FMCG and gaming, were keen to align with the chess prodigy, reports Varuni Khosla. Gukesh now commands an endorsement fee ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore annually. His historic victory over Ding Liren in Singapore not only broke a record previously held by Garry Kasparov but also elevated him to a status comparable to chess legend Viswanathan Anand. His triumph has rekindled interest in chess as a sport that's both intellectually rigorous and "cool," shifting its public perception significantly. In a flourishing sector, India's table grape growers are reaping significant benefits, with profits soaring in good crop years. The country has risen to become one of the top five global exporters of table grapes, finding a strong market in high-standard international supermarkets. This success is primarily driven by meticulous adherence to quality standards demanded by Western consumers, such as specific berry sizes and sugar content. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exported grapes valued at ₹3,461 crore, marking a 36% increase year-on-year and a significant growth over the past decade. Nashik, Maharashtra, has been pivotal in this expansion, contributing nearly half of the export volume, thanks to its conducive climate and expertise in viticulture. Sayantan Bera writes about how the grapes of Nashik, have been conquering the world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 16, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

If you're considering flying between India's major cities at the end of the year, you're in luck—airfare prices have significantly dropped. Data from ticket booking platforms indicates that airfares on key metro routes have decreased by as much as a third compared to last year. For instance, flights between Chennai and Kolkata have seen the largest reduction, with fares down by 28%, followed by Kolkata to Bengaluru with a 27% drop. This decrease in prices is partly due to lower demand for metro-to-metro travel during the holiday season, compounded by the economic slowdown which has affected spending habits. However, if you're planning to head to smaller towns or popular holiday destinations, expect to pay more. Daanish Anand reports on the dwindling airfare between metro cities, in today’s Primer. 

The Indian government is considering a fresh capital infusion for its struggling public sector general insurers in the next fiscal year to bolster their operations and help them meet regulatory standards. This move, potentially involving ₹4,000-5,000 crore, is aimed at improving the solvency ratios of National Insurance, United Insurance, and Oriental Insurance, which currently fall well below the mandatory threshold. The solvency ratio, critical for insurers, measures the excess capital they hold over potential claims, with a regulatory minimum set at 150%. Despite some intermittent profits, these insurers have generally underperformed, with solvency ratios lingering in the negatives by the end of FY24. The government's potential capital support is contingent on the insurers demonstrating consistent improvement in financial metrics, Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report. 

In the branding world, IndiGo’s squabble with Mahindra and Mahindra over the "6E" label is a classic case of how a simple code can evolve into a significant brand asset. For over 16 years, IndiGo has used "6E" more than just as a flight code—it's become a key part of their brand identity, even cleverly marketed to sound like "sexy." The issue popped up when Mahindra decided to use "6e" for its new electric SUV. This led to a debate over trademark rights across different product classes—IndiGo’s trademark is registered for transport under Class 39, not vehicles - which falls under Class 12. Legal experts Gaurav Laghate spoke to, suggest that if IndiGo had also registered in Class 12, they might have had a stronger case. As it stands, the chance of customer confusion seems low. As both companies wait for a legal resolution expected next year, with Mahindra holding off on using "6e”.

After clinching the title as the youngest World Chess Champion ever, Gukesh Dommaraju's fame has quickly caught the attention of marketers looking for fresh faces to endorse their brands. Over just one weekend, companies from various sectors, including FMCG and gaming, were keen to align with the chess prodigy, reports Varuni Khosla. Gukesh now commands an endorsement fee ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore annually. His historic victory over Ding Liren in Singapore not only broke a record previously held by Garry Kasparov but also elevated him to a status comparable to chess legend Viswanathan Anand. His triumph has rekindled interest in chess as a sport that's both intellectually rigorous and "cool," shifting its public perception significantly.

In a flourishing sector, India's table grape growers are reaping significant benefits, with profits soaring in good crop years. The country has risen to become one of the top five global exporters of table grapes, finding a strong market in high-standard international supermarkets. This success is primarily driven by meticulous adherence to quality standards demanded by Western consumers, such as specific berry sizes and sugar content. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exported grapes valued at ₹3,461 crore, marking a 36% increase year-on-year and a significant growth over the past decade. Nashik, Maharashtra, has been pivotal in this expansion, contributing nearly half of the export volume, thanks to its conducive climate and expertise in viticulture. Sayantan Bera writes about how the grapes of Nashik, have been conquering the world. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 373 no Did Dr. Sebi cool down the options fever? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/did-dr-sebi-cool-down-the-options-fever-t9negZtq Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The buzz around Google's new quantum computing chip, Willow, is huge because it represents a significant step in quantum computing technology, which could potentially revolutionize several industries. Unlike traditional computers, which represent data as either a 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits that can represent both at the same time. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data much faster than the best supercomputers. However, adding more qubits usually introduces more errors, making the system less reliable. Willow is exciting because it reportedly reduces these errors even as it adds more qubits. Despite this breakthrough, we're not quite at the point where quantum computers are ready for everyday use. They are still very much in the experimental stage, primarily useful for specific types of computations like cryptography and complex modelling. Leslie D’Monte explains how Google’s new chip will affect computing in the age of AI.  India's retail investors are seeing a significant shift in their options trading habits due to recent regulatory changes aimed at minimizing widespread losses. Following new rules by Sebi, which limit the number of weekly expiries to just two, trading volumes have seen a marked decrease, Ram Sahgal reports. The first week under this new regime saw a 30% drop in the number of index options traded—down from 3.04 billion to 2.14 billion contracts. Despite the drop in contracts, there was a slight increase in the total value of these trades, thanks to a surge in activity right before a major monetary policy announcement. This kind of spike isn't new; similar increases in trading volume have occurred during other significant market-moving events in the past.  The quick commerce scene in India is getting a fresh twist with startups like Medino's, Medstown, and Plazza jumping into the fast medicine delivery game. They're delivering meds in 30 minutes, targeting smaller cities, and are up against big names like Flipkart and Swiggy. Taskar's CEO, Prasoon Pal told Samiksha Goyal and Sowmya Ramasubramanian that he launched Medino's to specialize in speedy deliveries, promising meds in 30 minutes or they're free. Aman Priyadarshi, after leaving Zomato, saw a gap in the market and started Plazza in Bengaluru for super quick deliveries, aiming to save customers the hassle of traditional pharmacy visits. Syed Hussaini of Medstown has fine-tuned their delivery process over two years and began speedy service in Hyderabad this September. As these companies look to expand—Medino’s to 22 cities and Medstown to 20—they're also on the hunt for funding to grow even bigger. As India gears up for a broader 5G rollout, telecom operators are shifting their focus from the bustling metros to the burgeoning tier 2, 3, and 4 regions, as well as rural areas. Gulveen Aulakh writes about the data from Bernstein Societe Generale Group revealing that consumers in tier 2 cities are using about 35-40 GB of data per capita each month—approximately 15-20% more than those in metro areas. This usage spikes even higher during events like the Indian Premier League. In tier 2 cities such as Jodhpur, Ranchi, and Lucknow, 5G penetration is quickly catching up to that of tier 1 cities, with penetration rates of 35-40%. This burgeoning demand is prompting telecom companies like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to expand their network infrastructure into these less urban areas. The focus on non-metro regions is not just about covering more geographic territory but also capitalizing on the rapid revenue growth seen in these areas. After the public offer for ‘PropShare Platina’ opened on December 2, Bengaluru entrepreneur Sandeep Gupta was quick to show interest. Seeing real estate as a lucrative investment, he was drawn to the new scheme from Property Share, aiming to raise ₹353 crore to acquire and lease back office space in Bengaluru. This scheme, part of India’s first small and medium real estate investment trust (SM Reit), offers a more targeted investment in specific properties compared to traditional Reits. SM Reits, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), have a lower threshold for property value and allow investments starting from ₹50 crore up to ₹500 crore. This makes them accessible to ventures like PropShare Platina, focusing on singular, income-yielding properties. These trusts are seen as a way to organize and boost investments in India's fragmented office market, which is rich with Reit-worthy spaces. Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Did Dr. Sebi cool down the options fever? full 715 Mint - HT Smartcast Pills at the doorstep; Google’s quantum leap Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The buzz around Google's new quantum computing chip, Willow, is huge because it represents a significant step in quantum computing technology, which could potentially revolutionize several industries. Unlike traditional computers, which represent data as either a 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits that can represent both at the same time. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data much faster than the best supercomputers. However, adding more qubits usually introduces more errors, making the system less reliable. Willow is exciting because it reportedly reduces these errors even as it adds more qubits. Despite this breakthrough, we're not quite at the point where quantum computers are ready for everyday use. They are still very much in the experimental stage, primarily useful for specific types of computations like cryptography and complex modelling. Leslie D’Monte explains how Google’s new chip will affect computing in the age of AI.  India's retail investors are seeing a significant shift in their options trading habits due to recent regulatory changes aimed at minimizing widespread losses. Following new rules by Sebi, which limit the number of weekly expiries to just two, trading volumes have seen a marked decrease, Ram Sahgal reports. The first week under this new regime saw a 30% drop in the number of index options traded—down from 3.04 billion to 2.14 billion contracts. Despite the drop in contracts, there was a slight increase in the total value of these trades, thanks to a surge in activity right before a major monetary policy announcement. This kind of spike isn't new; similar increases in trading volume have occurred during other significant market-moving events in the past.  The quick commerce scene in India is getting a fresh twist with startups like Medino's, Medstown, and Plazza jumping into the fast medicine delivery game. They're delivering meds in 30 minutes, targeting smaller cities, and are up against big names like Flipkart and Swiggy. Taskar's CEO, Prasoon Pal told Samiksha Goyal and Sowmya Ramasubramanian that he launched Medino's to specialize in speedy deliveries, promising meds in 30 minutes or they're free. Aman Priyadarshi, after leaving Zomato, saw a gap in the market and started Plazza in Bengaluru for super quick deliveries, aiming to save customers the hassle of traditional pharmacy visits. Syed Hussaini of Medstown has fine-tuned their delivery process over two years and began speedy service in Hyderabad this September. As these companies look to expand—Medino’s to 22 cities and Medstown to 20—they're also on the hunt for funding to grow even bigger. As India gears up for a broader 5G rollout, telecom operators are shifting their focus from the bustling metros to the burgeoning tier 2, 3, and 4 regions, as well as rural areas. Gulveen Aulakh writes about the data from Bernstein Societe Generale Group revealing that consumers in tier 2 cities are using about 35-40 GB of data per capita each month—approximately 15-20% more than those in metro areas. This usage spikes even higher during events like the Indian Premier League. In tier 2 cities such as Jodhpur, Ranchi, and Lucknow, 5G penetration is quickly catching up to that of tier 1 cities, with penetration rates of 35-40%. This burgeoning demand is prompting telecom companies like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to expand their network infrastructure into these less urban areas. The focus on non-metro regions is not just about covering more geographic territory but also capitalizing on the rapid revenue growth seen in these areas. After the public offer for ‘PropShare Platina’ opened on December 2, Bengaluru entrepreneur Sandeep Gupta was quick to show interest. Seeing real estate as a lucrative investment, he was drawn to the new scheme from Property Share, aiming to raise ₹353 crore to acquire and lease back office space in Bengaluru. This scheme, part of India’s first small and medium real estate investment trust (SM Reit), offers a more targeted investment in specific properties compared to traditional Reits. SM Reits, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), have a lower threshold for property value and allow investments starting from ₹50 crore up to ₹500 crore. This makes them accessible to ventures like PropShare Platina, focusing on singular, income-yielding properties. These trusts are seen as a way to organize and boost investments in India's fragmented office market, which is rich with Reit-worthy spaces. Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The buzz around Google's new quantum computing chip, Willow, is huge because it represents a significant step in quantum computing technology, which could potentially revolutionize several industries. Unlike traditional computers, which represent data as either a 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits that can represent both at the same time. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data much faster than the best supercomputers. However, adding more qubits usually introduces more errors, making the system less reliable. Willow is exciting because it reportedly reduces these errors even as it adds more qubits. Despite this breakthrough, we're not quite at the point where quantum computers are ready for everyday use. They are still very much in the experimental stage, primarily useful for specific types of computations like cryptography and complex modelling. Leslie D’Monte explains how Google’s new chip will affect computing in the age of AI. 

India's retail investors are seeing a significant shift in their options trading habits due to recent regulatory changes aimed at minimizing widespread losses. Following new rules by Sebi, which limit the number of weekly expiries to just two, trading volumes have seen a marked decrease, Ram Sahgal reports. The first week under this new regime saw a 30% drop in the number of index options traded—down from 3.04 billion to 2.14 billion contracts. Despite the drop in contracts, there was a slight increase in the total value of these trades, thanks to a surge in activity right before a major monetary policy announcement. This kind of spike isn't new; similar increases in trading volume have occurred during other significant market-moving events in the past. 

The quick commerce scene in India is getting a fresh twist with startups like Medino's, Medstown, and Plazza jumping into the fast medicine delivery game. They're delivering meds in 30 minutes, targeting smaller cities, and are up against big names like Flipkart and Swiggy. Taskar's CEO, Prasoon Pal told Samiksha Goyal and Sowmya Ramasubramanian that he launched Medino's to specialize in speedy deliveries, promising meds in 30 minutes or they're free. Aman Priyadarshi, after leaving Zomato, saw a gap in the market and started Plazza in Bengaluru for super quick deliveries, aiming to save customers the hassle of traditional pharmacy visits. Syed Hussaini of Medstown has fine-tuned their delivery process over two years and began speedy service in Hyderabad this September. As these companies look to expand—Medino’s to 22 cities and Medstown to 20—they're also on the hunt for funding to grow even bigger.

As India gears up for a broader 5G rollout, telecom operators are shifting their focus from the bustling metros to the burgeoning tier 2, 3, and 4 regions, as well as rural areas. Gulveen Aulakh writes about the data from Bernstein Societe Generale Group revealing that consumers in tier 2 cities are using about 35-40 GB of data per capita each month—approximately 15-20% more than those in metro areas. This usage spikes even higher during events like the Indian Premier League. In tier 2 cities such as Jodhpur, Ranchi, and Lucknow, 5G penetration is quickly catching up to that of tier 1 cities, with penetration rates of 35-40%. This burgeoning demand is prompting telecom companies like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to expand their network infrastructure into these less urban areas. The focus on non-metro regions is not just about covering more geographic territory but also capitalizing on the rapid revenue growth seen in these areas.

After the public offer for ‘PropShare Platina’ opened on December 2, Bengaluru entrepreneur Sandeep Gupta was quick to show interest. Seeing real estate as a lucrative investment, he was drawn to the new scheme from Property Share, aiming to raise ₹353 crore to acquire and lease back office space in Bengaluru. This scheme, part of India’s first small and medium real estate investment trust (SM Reit), offers a more targeted investment in specific properties compared to traditional Reits. SM Reits, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), have a lower threshold for property value and allow investments starting from ₹50 crore up to ₹500 crore. This makes them accessible to ventures like PropShare Platina, focusing on singular, income-yielding properties. These trusts are seen as a way to organize and boost investments in India's fragmented office market, which is rich with Reit-worthy spaces. Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 426 no The Great Indian IPO boom of 2024 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-great-indian-ipo-boom-of-2024-hUEoKp6U Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Adani Group is navigating critical financial moves for its renewables arm, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), as it seeks to refinance a $1.1 billion loan maturing in March 2025. Having shelved plans for a $1.2 billion overseas bond issuance due to volatile market rates, the group is now engaging with a mix of domestic and international banks and investors. The aim is to secure a private placement deal offering more favorable terms than the current dollar markets, reports Anirudh Laskar. This effort isn’t solely about raising new funds—it’s also about optimizing existing debt. Adani Group plans to restructure its $3.5 billion credit facility, with an eye on expanding it to over $5 billion. These financial maneuvers come as the group faces legal challenges in the US, where Gautam Adani is embroiled in allegations of bribery tied to contract awards for AGEL.   The Indian rupee has been on a turbulent ride in 2024, hitting several record lows against the US dollar. This week, it touched 84.83 per dollar, marking a sharp departure from its typically steady trajectory. Markets are abuzz following the departure of Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, known for his hawkish monetary stance. His successor, Sanjay Malhotra, has sparked speculation of potential interest rate cuts, adding pressure on the rupee as traders anticipate a narrowing of the US-India interest rate gap. Adding to the uncertainty, Donald Trump’s return to power in the US brings expectations of pro-growth policies that could further bolster the dollar, potentially widening its strength against global currencies, including the rupee. Meanwhile, India’s position as a net importer keeps dollar demand consistently high, weighing on the rupee’s performance. Abhinanda Saha explores what lies ahead for the rupee in 2025.   November saw e-way bill generation drop to a five-month low, following October's record high. Businesses generated 101.8 million e-way bills, a notable decline from October’s 117.2 million but still higher than the 87.5 million recorded in November last year, according to GST Network data. The dip likely reflects a post-festive slowdown, as businesses ease off after clearing inventories during the high-demand festival season. E-way bills, a key indicator of goods movement across India, provide valuable insights into economic activity and consumption trends—critical data as the government gears up for the FY25 Union Budget. Meanwhile, GST collections in November saw a modest year-on-year rise to ₹1.82 trillion, though slightly below October’s ₹1.87 trillion.   Google unveiled its latest AI innovation, Gemini 2.0, a next-generation model designed to revolutionize how businesses handle complex queries and tasks. This announcement, detailed in a blog post by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, marks a significant leap toward creating more capable and "agentic" AI models. These models are not just reactive but can proactively understand context, make decisions, and act on them, akin to a universal assistant with multimodal capabilities, including handling images and audio directly. The introduction of Gemini 2.0, which began testing with select developers on its launch day, aims to streamline operations in domains like pharmaceuticals and e-commerce by automating complex tasks, Shouvik Das reports. For instance, in HR, it can analyze job applicants more qualitatively. This move by Google seems to be a strategic play to catch up with Microsoft, which currently leads in enterprise AI adoption. During its launch, Google revealed some impressive benchmarks, showing Gemini 2.0 as nearly 9% more effective than its predecessor in certain test   IPO frenzy in India has reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with investors pouring a record ₹1,34,345 crore into 76 public offerings. Big-ticket names like Hyundai Motor India, Swiggy, and NTPC Green led the charge, pushing this year’s total past the previous high set in 2021 and significantly ahead of last year’s tally. The surge is underpinned by a bullish stock market, with the Sensex gaining over 16% in the past year. Retail and institutional investors are flocking to equities, lured by the promise of strong returns, reports Priyamvada C. For companies, especially startups, this robust appetite for IPOs presents an opportune moment to leverage favourable market conditions and secure capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The Great Indian IPO boom of 2024 full 714 Mint - HT Smartcast The Rupee’s future in 2025; Google’s latest in AI Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Adani Group is navigating critical financial moves for its renewables arm, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), as it seeks to refinance a $1.1 billion loan maturing in March 2025. Having shelved plans for a $1.2 billion overseas bond issuance due to volatile market rates, the group is now engaging with a mix of domestic and international banks and investors. The aim is to secure a private placement deal offering more favorable terms than the current dollar markets, reports Anirudh Laskar. This effort isn’t solely about raising new funds—it’s also about optimizing existing debt. Adani Group plans to restructure its $3.5 billion credit facility, with an eye on expanding it to over $5 billion. These financial maneuvers come as the group faces legal challenges in the US, where Gautam Adani is embroiled in allegations of bribery tied to contract awards for AGEL.   The Indian rupee has been on a turbulent ride in 2024, hitting several record lows against the US dollar. This week, it touched 84.83 per dollar, marking a sharp departure from its typically steady trajectory. Markets are abuzz following the departure of Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, known for his hawkish monetary stance. His successor, Sanjay Malhotra, has sparked speculation of potential interest rate cuts, adding pressure on the rupee as traders anticipate a narrowing of the US-India interest rate gap. Adding to the uncertainty, Donald Trump’s return to power in the US brings expectations of pro-growth policies that could further bolster the dollar, potentially widening its strength against global currencies, including the rupee. Meanwhile, India’s position as a net importer keeps dollar demand consistently high, weighing on the rupee’s performance. Abhinanda Saha explores what lies ahead for the rupee in 2025.   November saw e-way bill generation drop to a five-month low, following October's record high. Businesses generated 101.8 million e-way bills, a notable decline from October’s 117.2 million but still higher than the 87.5 million recorded in November last year, according to GST Network data. The dip likely reflects a post-festive slowdown, as businesses ease off after clearing inventories during the high-demand festival season. E-way bills, a key indicator of goods movement across India, provide valuable insights into economic activity and consumption trends—critical data as the government gears up for the FY25 Union Budget. Meanwhile, GST collections in November saw a modest year-on-year rise to ₹1.82 trillion, though slightly below October’s ₹1.87 trillion.   Google unveiled its latest AI innovation, Gemini 2.0, a next-generation model designed to revolutionize how businesses handle complex queries and tasks. This announcement, detailed in a blog post by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, marks a significant leap toward creating more capable and "agentic" AI models. These models are not just reactive but can proactively understand context, make decisions, and act on them, akin to a universal assistant with multimodal capabilities, including handling images and audio directly. The introduction of Gemini 2.0, which began testing with select developers on its launch day, aims to streamline operations in domains like pharmaceuticals and e-commerce by automating complex tasks, Shouvik Das reports. For instance, in HR, it can analyze job applicants more qualitatively. This move by Google seems to be a strategic play to catch up with Microsoft, which currently leads in enterprise AI adoption. During its launch, Google revealed some impressive benchmarks, showing Gemini 2.0 as nearly 9% more effective than its predecessor in certain test   IPO frenzy in India has reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with investors pouring a record ₹1,34,345 crore into 76 public offerings. Big-ticket names like Hyundai Motor India, Swiggy, and NTPC Green led the charge, pushing this year’s total past the previous high set in 2021 and significantly ahead of last year’s tally. The surge is underpinned by a bullish stock market, with the Sensex gaining over 16% in the past year. Retail and institutional investors are flocking to equities, lured by the promise of strong returns, reports Priyamvada C. For companies, especially startups, this robust appetite for IPOs presents an opportune moment to leverage favourable market conditions and secure capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Adani Group is navigating critical financial moves for its renewables arm, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), as it seeks to refinance a $1.1 billion loan maturing in March 2025. Having shelved plans for a $1.2 billion overseas bond issuance due to volatile market rates, the group is now engaging with a mix of domestic and international banks and investors. The aim is to secure a private placement deal offering more favorable terms than the current dollar markets, reports Anirudh Laskar. This effort isn’t solely about raising new funds—it’s also about optimizing existing debt. Adani Group plans to restructure its $3.5 billion credit facility, with an eye on expanding it to over $5 billion. These financial maneuvers come as the group faces legal challenges in the US, where Gautam Adani is embroiled in allegations of bribery tied to contract awards for AGEL.


 

The Indian rupee has been on a turbulent ride in 2024, hitting several record lows against the US dollar. This week, it touched 84.83 per dollar, marking a sharp departure from its typically steady trajectory. Markets are abuzz following the departure of Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, known for his hawkish monetary stance. His successor, Sanjay Malhotra, has sparked speculation of potential interest rate cuts, adding pressure on the rupee as traders anticipate a narrowing of the US-India interest rate gap. Adding to the uncertainty, Donald Trump’s return to power in the US brings expectations of pro-growth policies that could further bolster the dollar, potentially widening its strength against global currencies, including the rupee. Meanwhile, India’s position as a net importer keeps dollar demand consistently high, weighing on the rupee’s performance. Abhinanda Saha explores what lies ahead for the rupee in 2025.


 

November saw e-way bill generation drop to a five-month low, following October's record high. Businesses generated 101.8 million e-way bills, a notable decline from October’s 117.2 million but still higher than the 87.5 million recorded in November last year, according to GST Network data. The dip likely reflects a post-festive slowdown, as businesses ease off after clearing inventories during the high-demand festival season. E-way bills, a key indicator of goods movement across India, provide valuable insights into economic activity and consumption trends—critical data as the government gears up for the FY25 Union Budget. Meanwhile, GST collections in November saw a modest year-on-year rise to ₹1.82 trillion, though slightly below October’s ₹1.87 trillion.


 

Google unveiled its latest AI innovation, Gemini 2.0, a next-generation model designed to revolutionize how businesses handle complex queries and tasks. This announcement, detailed in a blog post by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, marks a significant leap toward creating more capable and "agentic" AI models. These models are not just reactive but can proactively understand context, make decisions, and act on them, akin to a universal assistant with multimodal capabilities, including handling images and audio directly. The introduction of Gemini 2.0, which began testing with select developers on its launch day, aims to streamline operations in domains like pharmaceuticals and e-commerce by automating complex tasks, Shouvik Das reports. For instance, in HR, it can analyze job applicants more qualitatively. This move by Google seems to be a strategic play to catch up with Microsoft, which currently leads in enterprise AI adoption. During its launch, Google revealed some impressive benchmarks, showing Gemini 2.0 as nearly 9% more effective than its predecessor in certain test


 

IPO frenzy in India has reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with investors pouring a record ₹1,34,345 crore into 76 public offerings. Big-ticket names like Hyundai Motor India, Swiggy, and NTPC Green led the charge, pushing this year’s total past the previous high set in 2021 and significantly ahead of last year’s tally. The surge is underpinned by a bullish stock market, with the Sensex gaining over 16% in the past year. Retail and institutional investors are flocking to equities, lured by the promise of strong returns, reports Priyamvada C. For companies, especially startups, this robust appetite for IPOs presents an opportune moment to leverage favourable market conditions and secure capital.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 418 no How Lenovo earned desi love https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-lenovo-earned-desi-love-I8fAATEV Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Lenovo has been quite adept at navigating the business landscape in India, avoiding the regulatory scrutiny faced by Chinese companies in India. But how? A big part of its strategy was to jump into local manufacturing in 2005, well before many others. This early start not only helped it build a solid trust base but also positioned it as a committed player in India’s economic scene, not just another overseas company trying to tap into a lucrative market. Lenovo’s approach to being a global brand rather than just a Chinese one has also played well for it. It has been very careful about compliance and made it a point to pay taxes diligently, which clearly sets it apart in a market where scrutiny around Chinese investments has intensified. Gulveen Aulakh takes a detailed look at the Chinese tech giant’s strategy for survival in the Indian market.  The longstanding friction between Shapoorji Pallonji Group and Tata Trusts continues, even after the passing of Ratan Tata. SP Group, holding an 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, aims to renegotiate its loans by using these shares as collateral to attract new investors—a move not sanctioned by Tata Trusts. Tata Sons, having transitioned to a private company in 2017, restricts share transfers without approval, a condition reinforced by the company’s Articles of Association. In a mail to Mint’s Varun Sood,  Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, emphasized that Tata Sons shares should not be used as collateral, highlighting the restrictive nature of share transfers after the company's privatization. This stance is supported unanimously by Tata Trusts' executive committee, indicating a continuation of the group's traditional governance approach even under the new chairmanship of Noel Tata. The long-standing financial dispute involving the National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) and its investors has taken a new turn. The NSEL Investor Action Group (NIAG) recently withdrew their support for a proposed one-time settlement (OTS) with 63 Moons Technologies Ltd, complicating the decade-long effort to recover investors’ dues owed to investors since NSEL's collapse in 2013. Neha Joshi reports that the decision came after 63 Moons attempted to access ₹300 crore from assets that were previously attached, ostensibly for operational expenses, without a prior consultation with the NIAG. This move was perceived by the NIAG as a breach of the foundational agreements of the settlement talks, prompting them to withdraw their endorsement for the settlement offer, which initially aimed to distribute ₹1,950 crore to investors—about 42% of the total ₹4,650 crore claimed by investors. However, the NSEL Investors Forum (NIF) has claimed that it has secured the support of investors, having approximately 64.5% in value of the outstanding claims, and it is confident that it will secure the majority consent for the settlement. HMD's new 'Fusion' smartphone is stirring curiosity with its promise of modularity, primarily focusing on easy swaps for its display and back panel. Unlike fully modular phones that allow changes to core performance elements, the Fusion offers customizable back panels with specific functionalities, like an LED light ring for creators and a gaming controller, Shouvik Das explains. This level of modularity is moderate but intriguing, especially as the global regulatory environment shifts towards stronger right-to-repair laws. Modular phones have been around in various forms, like Google's ambitious but ultimately shelved Project Ara, and others like LG's G5 and Motorola's Z2, which incorporated modular aspects to enhance flexibility and potentially extend the device's lifespan. However, these products generally didn't achieve mass-market success due to high costs, limited third-party accessory support, and an overall market preference for more integrated, seamless smartphone experiences. As celebrities increasingly face the brunt of defamatory content circulated by trolls, they are turning more toward legal measures to protect their image. High-profile figures like AR Rahman, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar have recently threatened or initiated defamation suits against media platforms that host damaging content about them. This trend highlights a growing concern among celebrities about the unregulated nature of social media, where unchecked dissemination of content can rapidly tarnish reputations, Lata Jha reports. Legal experts point out that celebrities are especially vulnerable to defamation due to public curiosity about their personal lives. Platforms like social media amplify these issues by allowing rapid spread of unverified information, often without the traditional checks of editorial oversight. This has led to a rise in legal actions by celebrities not just in India but globally, reflecting a proactive stance against damaging allegations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How Lenovo earned desi love full 713 Mint - HT Smartcast Feuds haunt the living, celebs sue the gossiping Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Lenovo has been quite adept at navigating the business landscape in India, avoiding the regulatory scrutiny faced by Chinese companies in India. But how? A big part of its strategy was to jump into local manufacturing in 2005, well before many others. This early start not only helped it build a solid trust base but also positioned it as a committed player in India’s economic scene, not just another overseas company trying to tap into a lucrative market. Lenovo’s approach to being a global brand rather than just a Chinese one has also played well for it. It has been very careful about compliance and made it a point to pay taxes diligently, which clearly sets it apart in a market where scrutiny around Chinese investments has intensified. Gulveen Aulakh takes a detailed look at the Chinese tech giant’s strategy for survival in the Indian market.  The longstanding friction between Shapoorji Pallonji Group and Tata Trusts continues, even after the passing of Ratan Tata. SP Group, holding an 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, aims to renegotiate its loans by using these shares as collateral to attract new investors—a move not sanctioned by Tata Trusts. Tata Sons, having transitioned to a private company in 2017, restricts share transfers without approval, a condition reinforced by the company’s Articles of Association. In a mail to Mint’s Varun Sood,  Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, emphasized that Tata Sons shares should not be used as collateral, highlighting the restrictive nature of share transfers after the company's privatization. This stance is supported unanimously by Tata Trusts' executive committee, indicating a continuation of the group's traditional governance approach even under the new chairmanship of Noel Tata. The long-standing financial dispute involving the National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) and its investors has taken a new turn. The NSEL Investor Action Group (NIAG) recently withdrew their support for a proposed one-time settlement (OTS) with 63 Moons Technologies Ltd, complicating the decade-long effort to recover investors’ dues owed to investors since NSEL's collapse in 2013. Neha Joshi reports that the decision came after 63 Moons attempted to access ₹300 crore from assets that were previously attached, ostensibly for operational expenses, without a prior consultation with the NIAG. This move was perceived by the NIAG as a breach of the foundational agreements of the settlement talks, prompting them to withdraw their endorsement for the settlement offer, which initially aimed to distribute ₹1,950 crore to investors—about 42% of the total ₹4,650 crore claimed by investors. However, the NSEL Investors Forum (NIF) has claimed that it has secured the support of investors, having approximately 64.5% in value of the outstanding claims, and it is confident that it will secure the majority consent for the settlement. HMD's new 'Fusion' smartphone is stirring curiosity with its promise of modularity, primarily focusing on easy swaps for its display and back panel. Unlike fully modular phones that allow changes to core performance elements, the Fusion offers customizable back panels with specific functionalities, like an LED light ring for creators and a gaming controller, Shouvik Das explains. This level of modularity is moderate but intriguing, especially as the global regulatory environment shifts towards stronger right-to-repair laws. Modular phones have been around in various forms, like Google's ambitious but ultimately shelved Project Ara, and others like LG's G5 and Motorola's Z2, which incorporated modular aspects to enhance flexibility and potentially extend the device's lifespan. However, these products generally didn't achieve mass-market success due to high costs, limited third-party accessory support, and an overall market preference for more integrated, seamless smartphone experiences. As celebrities increasingly face the brunt of defamatory content circulated by trolls, they are turning more toward legal measures to protect their image. High-profile figures like AR Rahman, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar have recently threatened or initiated defamation suits against media platforms that host damaging content about them. This trend highlights a growing concern among celebrities about the unregulated nature of social media, where unchecked dissemination of content can rapidly tarnish reputations, Lata Jha reports. Legal experts point out that celebrities are especially vulnerable to defamation due to public curiosity about their personal lives. Platforms like social media amplify these issues by allowing rapid spread of unverified information, often without the traditional checks of editorial oversight. This has led to a rise in legal actions by celebrities not just in India but globally, reflecting a proactive stance against damaging allegations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Lenovo has been quite adept at navigating the business landscape in India, avoiding the regulatory scrutiny faced by Chinese companies in India. But how? A big part of its strategy was to jump into local manufacturing in 2005, well before many others. This early start not only helped it build a solid trust base but also positioned it as a committed player in India’s economic scene, not just another overseas company trying to tap into a lucrative market. Lenovo’s approach to being a global brand rather than just a Chinese one has also played well for it. It has been very careful about compliance and made it a point to pay taxes diligently, which clearly sets it apart in a market where scrutiny around Chinese investments has intensified. Gulveen Aulakh takes a detailed look at the Chinese tech giant’s strategy for survival in the Indian market. 

The longstanding friction between Shapoorji Pallonji Group and Tata Trusts continues, even after the passing of Ratan Tata. SP Group, holding an 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, aims to renegotiate its loans by using these shares as collateral to attract new investors—a move not sanctioned by Tata Trusts. Tata Sons, having transitioned to a private company in 2017, restricts share transfers without approval, a condition reinforced by the company’s Articles of Association. In a mail to Mint’s Varun Sood,  Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, emphasized that Tata Sons shares should not be used as collateral, highlighting the restrictive nature of share transfers after the company's privatization. This stance is supported unanimously by Tata Trusts' executive committee, indicating a continuation of the group's traditional governance approach even under the new chairmanship of Noel Tata.

The long-standing financial dispute involving the National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) and its investors has taken a new turn. The NSEL Investor Action Group (NIAG) recently withdrew their support for a proposed one-time settlement (OTS) with 63 Moons Technologies Ltd, complicating the decade-long effort to recover investors’ dues owed to investors since NSEL's collapse in 2013. Neha Joshi reports that the decision came after 63 Moons attempted to access ₹300 crore from assets that were previously attached, ostensibly for operational expenses, without a prior consultation with the NIAG. This move was perceived by the NIAG as a breach of the foundational agreements of the settlement talks, prompting them to withdraw their endorsement for the settlement offer, which initially aimed to distribute ₹1,950 crore to investors—about 42% of the total ₹4,650 crore claimed by investors. However, the NSEL Investors Forum (NIF) has claimed that it has secured the support of investors, having approximately 64.5% in value of the outstanding claims, and it is confident that it will secure the majority consent for the settlement.

HMD's new 'Fusion' smartphone is stirring curiosity with its promise of modularity, primarily focusing on easy swaps for its display and back panel. Unlike fully modular phones that allow changes to core performance elements, the Fusion offers customizable back panels with specific functionalities, like an LED light ring for creators and a gaming controller, Shouvik Das explains. This level of modularity is moderate but intriguing, especially as the global regulatory environment shifts towards stronger right-to-repair laws. Modular phones have been around in various forms, like Google's ambitious but ultimately shelved Project Ara, and others like LG's G5 and Motorola's Z2, which incorporated modular aspects to enhance flexibility and potentially extend the device's lifespan. However, these products generally didn't achieve mass-market success due to high costs, limited third-party accessory support, and an overall market preference for more integrated, seamless smartphone experiences.

As celebrities increasingly face the brunt of defamatory content circulated by trolls, they are turning more toward legal measures to protect their image. High-profile figures like AR Rahman, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar have recently threatened or initiated defamation suits against media platforms that host damaging content about them. This trend highlights a growing concern among celebrities about the unregulated nature of social media, where unchecked dissemination of content can rapidly tarnish reputations, Lata Jha reports. Legal experts point out that celebrities are especially vulnerable to defamation due to public curiosity about their personal lives. Platforms like social media amplify these issues by allowing rapid spread of unverified information, often without the traditional checks of editorial oversight. This has led to a rise in legal actions by celebrities not just in India but globally, reflecting a proactive stance against damaging allegations.

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]]> 459 no Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to be the next RBI governor https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/revenue-secretary-sanjay-malhotra-to-be-the-next-rbi-governor-A53zpHV2 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat from the Rajasthan cadre, is set to steer the RBI following his appointment as the new governor. His tenure starts just as Shaktikanta Das wraps up his six-year term. Malhotra, known for his balanced approach to policymaking and administration, has been instrumental in spearheading significant tax reforms as the revenue secretary since 2022. His efforts included simplifying income tax processes, reducing litigation, and combating fake GST registrations. His experience extends beyond finance as he has led initiatives in power, mining, and IT sectors. Notably, as CMD of REC Ltd, he navigated through a power crisis in 2021, showcasing his ability to manage challenging scenarios. Now, as he transitions to the RBI, Malhotra brings a deep understanding of fiscal matters and a track record of advocating for economic growth over mere revenue collection. This change comes at a critical time, with India facing persistent inflation challenges and global economic shifts.   India is rolling out a new scheme called 'One Nation, One Subscription' (ONOS) to provide free access to over 13,000 international scientific journals to students and researchers across the country. This move, set to start next year, involves a substantial investment of about ₹6,000 crore over three years, making costly academic resources widely accessible without charge. Managed by the newly established Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) under the UGC, the scheme will include top publishers like Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer Nature, covering subjects from health to materials science. This initiative not only aims to bridge the gap in academic resources, especially benefiting those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, but also addresses the issue of academic piracy. Soumya Gupta explains the initiative in today’s Primer.    India is gearing up to boost its trade with BRICS countries by rolling out customs perks for trusted merchants through mutual recognition agreements, or MRAs. This move will streamline customs clearances, meaning quicker processes and fewer headaches for traders on both sides. Already set up with Russia, India's next stops include South Africa and Brazil, with China potentially in line too. These agreements are super handy for smoothing out trade bumps. They mean faster customs for approved businesses, less time spent on inspections, and quicker tax refunds. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the changes, which are about making trading across borders as swift as possible, helping Indian goods become more competitive in these markets. The Delhi High Court recently addressed a trademark dispute between Mahindra Electric Automobile and Indigo’s parent InterGlobe Aviation. Mahindra agreed not to use the "6E" trademark for its upcoming electric car, the BE 6, during the ongoing lawsuit filed by IndiGo, opting to rename it from BE 6E to BE 6. IndiGo has refrained from seeking an interim injunction against Mahindra in response to this undertaking. IndiGo alleges that the "6E" trademark is central to its brand identity. The airlines registered "6E" under various classes related to advertising, transportation, and promotional services. On the other hand, Mahindra, which had initially secured trademark approval for "BE 6E," argues that its mark is distinct given its classification in the motor vehicle category and that it does not conflict with IndiGo’s airline services. Mahindra stresses that "BE" stands for its "Born Electric" series, and it plans to contest IndiGo's claims vigorously. Home decor startup Livspace, based in Bengaluru, has been grappling with some customer service challenges, with a number of customers voicing their dissatisfaction online. Despite this, the company reports that a majority of their customers still end up having a positive experience. Recognizing the issues, Livspace is actively working on improvements, particularly since quality concerns can significantly impact its reputation, especially when it comes to big-ticket investments like home interiors. The company last raised substantial funding in 2022, amounting to $180 million, which set high expectations given the company’s valuation at the time. To better manage costs and control quality, Livspace has shifted its strategy. They've moved away from using outsourced designers, bringing nearly all design work in-house. This not only helps maintain quality but has also allowed them to cut down on heavy discounts they were offering previously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to be the next RBI governor full 712 Mint - HT Smartcast One Nation One Subscription explained; Livspace’s IPO ambitions Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat from the Rajasthan cadre, is set to steer the RBI following his appointment as the new governor. His tenure starts just as Shaktikanta Das wraps up his six-year term. Malhotra, known for his balanced approach to policymaking and administration, has been instrumental in spearheading significant tax reforms as the revenue secretary since 2022. His efforts included simplifying income tax processes, reducing litigation, and combating fake GST registrations. His experience extends beyond finance as he has led initiatives in power, mining, and IT sectors. Notably, as CMD of REC Ltd, he navigated through a power crisis in 2021, showcasing his ability to manage challenging scenarios. Now, as he transitions to the RBI, Malhotra brings a deep understanding of fiscal matters and a track record of advocating for economic growth over mere revenue collection. This change comes at a critical time, with India facing persistent inflation challenges and global economic shifts.   India is rolling out a new scheme called 'One Nation, One Subscription' (ONOS) to provide free access to over 13,000 international scientific journals to students and researchers across the country. This move, set to start next year, involves a substantial investment of about ₹6,000 crore over three years, making costly academic resources widely accessible without charge. Managed by the newly established Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) under the UGC, the scheme will include top publishers like Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer Nature, covering subjects from health to materials science. This initiative not only aims to bridge the gap in academic resources, especially benefiting those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, but also addresses the issue of academic piracy. Soumya Gupta explains the initiative in today’s Primer.    India is gearing up to boost its trade with BRICS countries by rolling out customs perks for trusted merchants through mutual recognition agreements, or MRAs. This move will streamline customs clearances, meaning quicker processes and fewer headaches for traders on both sides. Already set up with Russia, India's next stops include South Africa and Brazil, with China potentially in line too. These agreements are super handy for smoothing out trade bumps. They mean faster customs for approved businesses, less time spent on inspections, and quicker tax refunds. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the changes, which are about making trading across borders as swift as possible, helping Indian goods become more competitive in these markets. The Delhi High Court recently addressed a trademark dispute between Mahindra Electric Automobile and Indigo’s parent InterGlobe Aviation. Mahindra agreed not to use the "6E" trademark for its upcoming electric car, the BE 6, during the ongoing lawsuit filed by IndiGo, opting to rename it from BE 6E to BE 6. IndiGo has refrained from seeking an interim injunction against Mahindra in response to this undertaking. IndiGo alleges that the "6E" trademark is central to its brand identity. The airlines registered "6E" under various classes related to advertising, transportation, and promotional services. On the other hand, Mahindra, which had initially secured trademark approval for "BE 6E," argues that its mark is distinct given its classification in the motor vehicle category and that it does not conflict with IndiGo’s airline services. Mahindra stresses that "BE" stands for its "Born Electric" series, and it plans to contest IndiGo's claims vigorously. Home decor startup Livspace, based in Bengaluru, has been grappling with some customer service challenges, with a number of customers voicing their dissatisfaction online. Despite this, the company reports that a majority of their customers still end up having a positive experience. Recognizing the issues, Livspace is actively working on improvements, particularly since quality concerns can significantly impact its reputation, especially when it comes to big-ticket investments like home interiors. The company last raised substantial funding in 2022, amounting to $180 million, which set high expectations given the company’s valuation at the time. To better manage costs and control quality, Livspace has shifted its strategy. They've moved away from using outsourced designers, bringing nearly all design work in-house. This not only helps maintain quality but has also allowed them to cut down on heavy discounts they were offering previously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat from the Rajasthan cadre, is set to steer the RBI following his appointment as the new governor. His tenure starts just as Shaktikanta Das wraps up his six-year term. Malhotra, known for his balanced approach to policymaking and administration, has been instrumental in spearheading significant tax reforms as the revenue secretary since 2022. His efforts included simplifying income tax processes, reducing litigation, and combating fake GST registrations. His experience extends beyond finance as he has led initiatives in power, mining, and IT sectors. Notably, as CMD of REC Ltd, he navigated through a power crisis in 2021, showcasing his ability to manage challenging scenarios. Now, as he transitions to the RBI, Malhotra brings a deep understanding of fiscal matters and a track record of advocating for economic growth over mere revenue collection. This change comes at a critical time, with India facing persistent inflation challenges and global economic shifts.


 

India is rolling out a new scheme called 'One Nation, One Subscription' (ONOS) to provide free access to over 13,000 international scientific journals to students and researchers across the country. This move, set to start next year, involves a substantial investment of about ₹6,000 crore over three years, making costly academic resources widely accessible without charge. Managed by the newly established Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) under the UGC, the scheme will include top publishers like Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer Nature, covering subjects from health to materials science. This initiative not only aims to bridge the gap in academic resources, especially benefiting those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, but also addresses the issue of academic piracy. Soumya Gupta explains the initiative in today’s Primer. 

 

India is gearing up to boost its trade with BRICS countries by rolling out customs perks for trusted merchants through mutual recognition agreements, or MRAs. This move will streamline customs clearances, meaning quicker processes and fewer headaches for traders on both sides. Already set up with Russia, India's next stops include South Africa and Brazil, with China potentially in line too. These agreements are super handy for smoothing out trade bumps. They mean faster customs for approved businesses, less time spent on inspections, and quicker tax refunds. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the changes, which are about making trading across borders as swift as possible, helping Indian goods become more competitive in these markets.

The Delhi High Court recently addressed a trademark dispute between Mahindra Electric Automobile and Indigo’s parent InterGlobe Aviation. Mahindra agreed not to use the "6E" trademark for its upcoming electric car, the BE 6, during the ongoing lawsuit filed by IndiGo, opting to rename it from BE 6E to BE 6. IndiGo has refrained from seeking an interim injunction against Mahindra in response to this undertaking. IndiGo alleges that the "6E" trademark is central to its brand identity. The airlines registered "6E" under various classes related to advertising, transportation, and promotional services. On the other hand, Mahindra, which had initially secured trademark approval for "BE 6E," argues that its mark is distinct given its classification in the motor vehicle category and that it does not conflict with IndiGo’s airline services. Mahindra stresses that "BE" stands for its "Born Electric" series, and it plans to contest IndiGo's claims vigorously.

Home decor startup Livspace, based in Bengaluru, has been grappling with some customer service challenges, with a number of customers voicing their dissatisfaction online. Despite this, the company reports that a majority of their customers still end up having a positive experience. Recognizing the issues, Livspace is actively working on improvements, particularly since quality concerns can significantly impact its reputation, especially when it comes to big-ticket investments like home interiors. The company last raised substantial funding in 2022, amounting to $180 million, which set high expectations given the company’s valuation at the time. To better manage costs and control quality, Livspace has shifted its strategy. They've moved away from using outsourced designers, bringing nearly all design work in-house. This not only helps maintain quality but has also allowed them to cut down on heavy discounts they were offering previously.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 407 no PM Internship Scheme explained https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/pm-internship-scheme-explained-5GFnZ2qa Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at closing the gap between the skills students learn and what the job market needs. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, set to launch soon, plans to offer a year-long internship to 10 million youths over five years, partnering with some of the country's top companies. Devina Sengupta explains how this initiative could potentially turn interns into a workforce ready to meet industry demands right from day one. Here’s how it works: Companies from sectors like manufacturing and IT, which traditionally face the 'unemployability' challenge due to outdated college curriculums, will provide internships. The scheme has already secured 125,000 internship spots from about 280 companies for candidates with various educational qualifications. However, pulling off a program of this scale isn't without challenges. It requires a long-term commitment from both the government and companies. India is gearing up for a transformative boost in infrastructure with an ambitious plan aiming to channel Rs 100 trillion into the sector over the next five years. This major initiative is expected to become a hallmark of the Modi administration's third term, focusing on enhancing ports, airports, roads, and utilities to world-class standards. This massive infusion is set to integrate rural and urban economies more closely, reducing travel and logistics costs, spurring growth, and improving living standards. The plan includes expanding existing infrastructure and adding new projects, especially in key areas such as transportation and utilities. Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan report on the grand infrastructure plans under works in the Modi 3.0 administration.  India's $254 billion IT services industry is bracing for a major shift due to generative AI, which is expected to put pricing pressure on software app creation and customer support services. These two areas, crucial for companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and others, represent about 40% of the industry’s revenue. With significant parts of this business up for renewal next year, the advent of AI tools that streamline coding and customer interactions poses a potential drop in revenue from these contracts. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood spoke to analysts who predict that as contracts come up for renewal, clients will likely negotiate for lower prices, reflecting the cost efficiencies driven by AI technologies. This shift could reshape the traditional IT services model, which relies heavily on human resources and might lead to reduced hiring and a reevaluation of how projects are staffed and executed. Social media influencers like Samay Raina are struggling with copyright infringement, which affects their ability to make money from their content. Raina, who has millions of followers on YouTube, shared episodes of his popular show ‘India’s Got Latent’ behind a paywall. However, some users re-uploaded this content for free, causing him to lose potential revenue. Although YouTube makes it relatively easy to remove unauthorized content with copyright strikes, handling infringements on other sites is tougher, reports Pratishtha Bagai. Legal actions are available but often avoided by creators due to their complexity and cost—most prefer the simplicity of a quick online strike. Interestingly, while this unauthorized sharing cuts into their earnings, it can also unexpectedly boost their visibility and following.  Retailers, particularly D2C brands, are increasingly leaning into flash sales throughout the year to boost revenue and stay visible. Sowmya Rmasubramanian spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that these sales, especially around Black Friday, are significantly bumping up monthly sales figures, pulling in as much as a fifth of November’s total sales for some brands. It's not just the big events anymore. Sales are popping up for all sorts of occasions, like Valentine’s Day and even monsoon season, turning any time into a potential shopping spree. These flash sales are great for snagging new customers who might be more willing to try new products when prices drop, even if they’re just dipping their toes in.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 PM Internship Scheme explained full 711 Mint - HT Smartcast Modi 3.0’s infra plans; Why D2C brands love flash sales Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at closing the gap between the skills students learn and what the job market needs. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, set to launch soon, plans to offer a year-long internship to 10 million youths over five years, partnering with some of the country's top companies. Devina Sengupta explains how this initiative could potentially turn interns into a workforce ready to meet industry demands right from day one. Here’s how it works: Companies from sectors like manufacturing and IT, which traditionally face the 'unemployability' challenge due to outdated college curriculums, will provide internships. The scheme has already secured 125,000 internship spots from about 280 companies for candidates with various educational qualifications. However, pulling off a program of this scale isn't without challenges. It requires a long-term commitment from both the government and companies. India is gearing up for a transformative boost in infrastructure with an ambitious plan aiming to channel Rs 100 trillion into the sector over the next five years. This major initiative is expected to become a hallmark of the Modi administration's third term, focusing on enhancing ports, airports, roads, and utilities to world-class standards. This massive infusion is set to integrate rural and urban economies more closely, reducing travel and logistics costs, spurring growth, and improving living standards. The plan includes expanding existing infrastructure and adding new projects, especially in key areas such as transportation and utilities. Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan report on the grand infrastructure plans under works in the Modi 3.0 administration.  India's $254 billion IT services industry is bracing for a major shift due to generative AI, which is expected to put pricing pressure on software app creation and customer support services. These two areas, crucial for companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and others, represent about 40% of the industry’s revenue. With significant parts of this business up for renewal next year, the advent of AI tools that streamline coding and customer interactions poses a potential drop in revenue from these contracts. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood spoke to analysts who predict that as contracts come up for renewal, clients will likely negotiate for lower prices, reflecting the cost efficiencies driven by AI technologies. This shift could reshape the traditional IT services model, which relies heavily on human resources and might lead to reduced hiring and a reevaluation of how projects are staffed and executed. Social media influencers like Samay Raina are struggling with copyright infringement, which affects their ability to make money from their content. Raina, who has millions of followers on YouTube, shared episodes of his popular show ‘India’s Got Latent’ behind a paywall. However, some users re-uploaded this content for free, causing him to lose potential revenue. Although YouTube makes it relatively easy to remove unauthorized content with copyright strikes, handling infringements on other sites is tougher, reports Pratishtha Bagai. Legal actions are available but often avoided by creators due to their complexity and cost—most prefer the simplicity of a quick online strike. Interestingly, while this unauthorized sharing cuts into their earnings, it can also unexpectedly boost their visibility and following.  Retailers, particularly D2C brands, are increasingly leaning into flash sales throughout the year to boost revenue and stay visible. Sowmya Rmasubramanian spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that these sales, especially around Black Friday, are significantly bumping up monthly sales figures, pulling in as much as a fifth of November’s total sales for some brands. It's not just the big events anymore. Sales are popping up for all sorts of occasions, like Valentine’s Day and even monsoon season, turning any time into a potential shopping spree. These flash sales are great for snagging new customers who might be more willing to try new products when prices drop, even if they’re just dipping their toes in.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 9, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

India is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at closing the gap between the skills students learn and what the job market needs. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, set to launch soon, plans to offer a year-long internship to 10 million youths over five years, partnering with some of the country's top companies. Devina Sengupta explains how this initiative could potentially turn interns into a workforce ready to meet industry demands right from day one. Here’s how it works: Companies from sectors like manufacturing and IT, which traditionally face the 'unemployability' challenge due to outdated college curriculums, will provide internships. The scheme has already secured 125,000 internship spots from about 280 companies for candidates with various educational qualifications. However, pulling off a program of this scale isn't without challenges. It requires a long-term commitment from both the government and companies.

India is gearing up for a transformative boost in infrastructure with an ambitious plan aiming to channel Rs 100 trillion into the sector over the next five years. This major initiative is expected to become a hallmark of the Modi administration's third term, focusing on enhancing ports, airports, roads, and utilities to world-class standards. This massive infusion is set to integrate rural and urban economies more closely, reducing travel and logistics costs, spurring growth, and improving living standards. The plan includes expanding existing infrastructure and adding new projects, especially in key areas such as transportation and utilities. Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan report on the grand infrastructure plans under works in the Modi 3.0 administration. 

India's $254 billion IT services industry is bracing for a major shift due to generative AI, which is expected to put pricing pressure on software app creation and customer support services. These two areas, crucial for companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and others, represent about 40% of the industry’s revenue. With significant parts of this business up for renewal next year, the advent of AI tools that streamline coding and customer interactions poses a potential drop in revenue from these contracts. Jas Bardia and Varun Sood spoke to analysts who predict that as contracts come up for renewal, clients will likely negotiate for lower prices, reflecting the cost efficiencies driven by AI technologies. This shift could reshape the traditional IT services model, which relies heavily on human resources and might lead to reduced hiring and a reevaluation of how projects are staffed and executed.

Social media influencers like Samay Raina are struggling with copyright infringement, which affects their ability to make money from their content. Raina, who has millions of followers on YouTube, shared episodes of his popular show ‘India’s Got Latent’ behind a paywall. However, some users re-uploaded this content for free, causing him to lose potential revenue. Although YouTube makes it relatively easy to remove unauthorized content with copyright strikes, handling infringements on other sites is tougher, reports Pratishtha Bagai. Legal actions are available but often avoided by creators due to their complexity and cost—most prefer the simplicity of a quick online strike. Interestingly, while this unauthorized sharing cuts into their earnings, it can also unexpectedly boost their visibility and following. 

Retailers, particularly D2C brands, are increasingly leaning into flash sales throughout the year to boost revenue and stay visible. Sowmya Rmasubramanian spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that these sales, especially around Black Friday, are significantly bumping up monthly sales figures, pulling in as much as a fifth of November’s total sales for some brands. It's not just the big events anymore. Sales are popping up for all sorts of occasions, like Valentine’s Day and even monsoon season, turning any time into a potential shopping spree. These flash sales are great for snagging new customers who might be more willing to try new products when prices drop, even if they’re just dipping their toes in. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 405 no Will Bitcoin stay at the top? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-bitcoin-stay-at-the-top-Vh0EaeiM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe financial challenges, struggling to meet promises of government job creation and welfare schemes under the weight of a heavy debt burden. The state’s revenues are largely consumed by fixed expenses such as salaries and pensions, leaving little room for development initiatives. This financial strain has its roots in decisions made decades ago, when the state relied heavily on central government funds without developing its own robust revenue streams. Post-1990, as central support dwindled, Himachal Pradesh increasingly turned to borrowing, which spiraled into a fiscal crisis. Despite measures such as tax hikes and targeted freebie schemes introduced under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the financial outlook remains bleak. As the state, a popular tourist destination, struggles to balance its books, N Madhavan explores how Himachal Pradesh’s debt woes are affecting its ability to sustain growth and fulfill its promises.   India is set to maintain its capital spending at around 3.4% of GDP for the 2025–26 fiscal year, translating to approximately ₹12 trillion. This steady allocation aims to sustain economic growth as state-level expenditure continues to lag. For the current fiscal year, capex stands at ₹11.11 trillion, a notable increase from the previous year’s estimates. While India's GDP grew by 8.9% in the first half of the current fiscal year, full-year growth may fall short of earlier projections, report Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan. To keep growth targets on track, the government plans a modest increase in capital expenditure for the next fiscal year, with the rise expected to range between 7% and 10%. With private sector investments gaining momentum at a slower pace and state-level capital spending remaining subdued, the central government’s capex remains a critical driver for economic growth. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $100,000 early Thursday, fulfilling predictions made by some analysts at the start of the year. This historic surge has been driven by a mix of market optimism following Donald Trump’s US presidential election win and regulatory developments. However, doubts linger about the rally’s sustainability. The US SEC played a pivotal role in this price spike by approving Bitcoin ETFs earlier in January, enabling institutional investors to enter the market. This move helped Bitcoin climb from $16,500 to over $40,000, and by June, increased institutional backing pushed the price to $75,000. After dipping to $50,000 in September, Bitcoin’s fortunes reversed with Trump’s election victory and his appointment of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. This appointment reignited investor enthusiasm, propelling the cryptocurrency past the $100,000 milestone. Shayan Ghosh delves into the key factors behind Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally. NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, is gearing up for a ₹30,000 crore investment in a dedicated transmission network to support a new green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh. Rituraj Baruah reports that the network, with a capacity of 20 GW, will operate independently of the national grid and connect NTPC's upcoming solar project in Anantapur to a hydrogen production facility in Pudimadaka. Spread over 1,600 acres, the Pudimadaka hub aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen daily, leveraging renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. NTPC Green Energy is currently in discussions for land allocation, a critical step that will pave the way for the construction of the transmission system, targeted for completion by 2032. The competition between India’s oldest exchange, BSE, and its younger but larger rival, NSE, is intensifying. Starting January 3, BSE will shift the expiry day for its weekly Sensex contracts from Friday to Tuesday. This change aligns the expiry schedules for weekly, monthly, and quarterly Sensex, Bankex, and Sensex 50 derivatives, all set to terminate on the last Tuesday of their respective months. The move is a strategic attempt by BSE to capture a larger share of the derivatives market by extending trading focus from a single day to three days, potentially boosting trading volumes, report Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi. Currently, NSE commands a dominant 87% market share in index options premium turnover, based on November data, while BSE holds the remaining 13%. Despite the disparity, BSE has made notable progress, growing its market share from virtually zero just 18 months ago.     Deep in debt, Himachal Pradesh is a case study in how not to run a state Centre likely to maintain capex push in FY26 to aid economic growth amid sluggish state spending Mint Primer: Bitcoin scales the $100k peak, but can it crash too? NTPC Green plans Rs 30,000 cr-transmission network for AP green hydrogen hub BSE, NSE contest to heat up under Sebi’s eagle eye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Will Bitcoin stay at the top? full 710 Mint - HT Smartcast Centre’s capex push; Himachal Pradesh’s debt trap Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe financial challenges, struggling to meet promises of government job creation and welfare schemes under the weight of a heavy debt burden. The state’s revenues are largely consumed by fixed expenses such as salaries and pensions, leaving little room for development initiatives. This financial strain has its roots in decisions made decades ago, when the state relied heavily on central government funds without developing its own robust revenue streams. Post-1990, as central support dwindled, Himachal Pradesh increasingly turned to borrowing, which spiraled into a fiscal crisis. Despite measures such as tax hikes and targeted freebie schemes introduced under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the financial outlook remains bleak. As the state, a popular tourist destination, struggles to balance its books, N Madhavan explores how Himachal Pradesh’s debt woes are affecting its ability to sustain growth and fulfill its promises.   India is set to maintain its capital spending at around 3.4% of GDP for the 2025–26 fiscal year, translating to approximately ₹12 trillion. This steady allocation aims to sustain economic growth as state-level expenditure continues to lag. For the current fiscal year, capex stands at ₹11.11 trillion, a notable increase from the previous year’s estimates. While India's GDP grew by 8.9% in the first half of the current fiscal year, full-year growth may fall short of earlier projections, report Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan. To keep growth targets on track, the government plans a modest increase in capital expenditure for the next fiscal year, with the rise expected to range between 7% and 10%. With private sector investments gaining momentum at a slower pace and state-level capital spending remaining subdued, the central government’s capex remains a critical driver for economic growth. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $100,000 early Thursday, fulfilling predictions made by some analysts at the start of the year. This historic surge has been driven by a mix of market optimism following Donald Trump’s US presidential election win and regulatory developments. However, doubts linger about the rally’s sustainability. The US SEC played a pivotal role in this price spike by approving Bitcoin ETFs earlier in January, enabling institutional investors to enter the market. This move helped Bitcoin climb from $16,500 to over $40,000, and by June, increased institutional backing pushed the price to $75,000. After dipping to $50,000 in September, Bitcoin’s fortunes reversed with Trump’s election victory and his appointment of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. This appointment reignited investor enthusiasm, propelling the cryptocurrency past the $100,000 milestone. Shayan Ghosh delves into the key factors behind Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally. NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, is gearing up for a ₹30,000 crore investment in a dedicated transmission network to support a new green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh. Rituraj Baruah reports that the network, with a capacity of 20 GW, will operate independently of the national grid and connect NTPC's upcoming solar project in Anantapur to a hydrogen production facility in Pudimadaka. Spread over 1,600 acres, the Pudimadaka hub aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen daily, leveraging renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. NTPC Green Energy is currently in discussions for land allocation, a critical step that will pave the way for the construction of the transmission system, targeted for completion by 2032. The competition between India’s oldest exchange, BSE, and its younger but larger rival, NSE, is intensifying. Starting January 3, BSE will shift the expiry day for its weekly Sensex contracts from Friday to Tuesday. This change aligns the expiry schedules for weekly, monthly, and quarterly Sensex, Bankex, and Sensex 50 derivatives, all set to terminate on the last Tuesday of their respective months. The move is a strategic attempt by BSE to capture a larger share of the derivatives market by extending trading focus from a single day to three days, potentially boosting trading volumes, report Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi. Currently, NSE commands a dominant 87% market share in index options premium turnover, based on November data, while BSE holds the remaining 13%. Despite the disparity, BSE has made notable progress, growing its market share from virtually zero just 18 months ago.     Deep in debt, Himachal Pradesh is a case study in how not to run a state Centre likely to maintain capex push in FY26 to aid economic growth amid sluggish state spending Mint Primer: Bitcoin scales the $100k peak, but can it crash too? NTPC Green plans Rs 30,000 cr-transmission network for AP green hydrogen hub BSE, NSE contest to heat up under Sebi’s eagle eye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, December 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe financial challenges, struggling to meet promises of government job creation and welfare schemes under the weight of a heavy debt burden. The state’s revenues are largely consumed by fixed expenses such as salaries and pensions, leaving little room for development initiatives. This financial strain has its roots in decisions made decades ago, when the state relied heavily on central government funds without developing its own robust revenue streams. Post-1990, as central support dwindled, Himachal Pradesh increasingly turned to borrowing, which spiraled into a fiscal crisis. Despite measures such as tax hikes and targeted freebie schemes introduced under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the financial outlook remains bleak. As the state, a popular tourist destination, struggles to balance its books, N Madhavan explores how Himachal Pradesh’s debt woes are affecting its ability to sustain growth and fulfill its promises.


 

India is set to maintain its capital spending at around 3.4% of GDP for the 2025–26 fiscal year, translating to approximately ₹12 trillion. This steady allocation aims to sustain economic growth as state-level expenditure continues to lag. For the current fiscal year, capex stands at ₹11.11 trillion, a notable increase from the previous year’s estimates. While India's GDP grew by 8.9% in the first half of the current fiscal year, full-year growth may fall short of earlier projections, report Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan. To keep growth targets on track, the government plans a modest increase in capital expenditure for the next fiscal year, with the rise expected to range between 7% and 10%. With private sector investments gaining momentum at a slower pace and state-level capital spending remaining subdued, the central government’s capex remains a critical driver for economic growth.

Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $100,000 early Thursday, fulfilling predictions made by some analysts at the start of the year. This historic surge has been driven by a mix of market optimism following Donald Trump’s US presidential election win and regulatory developments. However, doubts linger about the rally’s sustainability. The US SEC played a pivotal role in this price spike by approving Bitcoin ETFs earlier in January, enabling institutional investors to enter the market. This move helped Bitcoin climb from $16,500 to over $40,000, and by June, increased institutional backing pushed the price to $75,000. After dipping to $50,000 in September, Bitcoin’s fortunes reversed with Trump’s election victory and his appointment of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. This appointment reignited investor enthusiasm, propelling the cryptocurrency past the $100,000 milestone. Shayan Ghosh delves into the key factors behind Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally.

NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, is gearing up for a ₹30,000 crore investment in a dedicated transmission network to support a new green hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh. Rituraj Baruah reports that the network, with a capacity of 20 GW, will operate independently of the national grid and connect NTPC's upcoming solar project in Anantapur to a hydrogen production facility in Pudimadaka. Spread over 1,600 acres, the Pudimadaka hub aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen daily, leveraging renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. NTPC Green Energy is currently in discussions for land allocation, a critical step that will pave the way for the construction of the transmission system, targeted for completion by 2032.

The competition between India’s oldest exchange, BSE, and its younger but larger rival, NSE, is intensifying. Starting January 3, BSE will shift the expiry day for its weekly Sensex contracts from Friday to Tuesday. This change aligns the expiry schedules for weekly, monthly, and quarterly Sensex, Bankex, and Sensex 50 derivatives, all set to terminate on the last Tuesday of their respective months. The move is a strategic attempt by BSE to capture a larger share of the derivatives market by extending trading focus from a single day to three days, potentially boosting trading volumes, report Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi. Currently, NSE commands a dominant 87% market share in index options premium turnover, based on November data, while BSE holds the remaining 13%. Despite the disparity, BSE has made notable progress, growing its market share from virtually zero just 18 months ago.


 

 

Deep in debt, Himachal Pradesh is a case study in how not to run a state

Centre likely to maintain capex push in FY26 to aid economic growth amid sluggish state spending

Mint Primer: Bitcoin scales the $100k peak, but can it crash too?

NTPC Green plans Rs 30,000 cr-transmission network for AP green hydrogen hub

BSE, NSE contest to heat up under Sebi’s eagle eye

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 449 no Can lawyers double as journalists? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/can-lawyers-double-as-journalists-aQJcOBIM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's appeal as a travel destination has yet to fully recover, with foreign tourist arrivals still falling short of their 2019 peak. In 2023, the country welcomed 9.24 million international visitors—a notable improvement from 2022, but still below the nearly 11 million seen pre-pandemic. Midway through 2024, the numbers suggest that breaching the 10 million mark this year remains unlikely. Why the sluggish recovery? While global tourism approaches pre-COVID levels, India lags, facing stiff competition from Southeast Asian neighbors and grappling with domestic challenges such as safety concerns, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, writes Sumant Banerji.   Honda Cars India is gearing up for a green future with plans to launch hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027 to comply with the upcoming stage-3 Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. These regulations aim to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across an automaker’s fleet. Despite challenges with the current rules, CEO Takuya Tsumura is driving the company’s electrification strategy, with plans to introduce three electric models by 2026-27, including a battery electric vehicle based on the Honda Elevate mid-SUV model. Globally, Honda is targeting a fully electrified lineup by 2040, with two-thirds of its sales as electric vehicles by 2030, reports Alisha Sachdev. This shift marks a significant pivot in Honda’s strategy to align with stricter emission standards and achieve its broader environmental goals.   The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is poised to tighten its grip on surrogate advertising, with draft guidelines expected soon. These new rules aim to address loopholes in digital marketing and celebrity endorsements, particularly concerning the indirect promotion of restricted products like alcohol under the guise of unrelated items such as music CDs or glassware. Developed after consultations with stakeholders, including the beverage industry and consumer groups, the draft guidelines mandate that products used for promotions must be verifiably available in the market, not created solely for advertisements, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The proposed regulations also specify that only unrestricted products—those not banned or heavily regulated—can feature brand names without falling under the purview of surrogate advertising. Furthermore, these products must be registered with the relevant authorities and should avoid any direct or indirect association with restricted items.   The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether lawyers can also work as journalists without breaching ethical boundaries. The case revolves around a Mohd. Kamran, a lawyer and freelance journalist, whose dual roles came under scrutiny after he filed a defamation suit against a former lawmaker. This sparked questions about whether such dual roles conflict with the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) rules. The BCI generally prohibits lawyers from engaging in other paid professions to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure they remain focused on their legal duties. However, exceptions exist for non-salaried roles like journalism, as long as they do not interfere with a lawyer’s primary responsibilities. The legal community is divided. Critics argue that juggling both professions could lead to ethical lapses, such as compromising client confidentiality. Supporters, however, believe lawyers could play a vital role in simplifying legal concepts for the public through journalism. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav breaks down the key legal issues and implications of this landmark case.   Many independent musicians are losing out on significant royalties, particularly from streaming and social media platforms. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), told Lata Jha that while digital platforms offer substantial revenue opportunities, many artists fail to fully capitalize on them. IPRS works to educate artists about registering and tracking their music on these platforms to earn royalties from multiple streams, including live performances, radio, and digital downloads. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, for example, pay royalties for both sound recordings and song compositions. However, many musicians miss out due to a lack of awareness about how to properly register and credit their work. Additionally, other revenue streams such as social media and sync licensing—where music is used in TV shows, films, and advertisements—remain underutilized by many artists, further limiting their earnings.   Mint Primer: Are foreign tourists giving India a miss? Honda Cars bets on hybrid, electric line-up to meet stricter CO2 emission norms Surrogate advertising draft guidelines ready for public consultation Mint Explainer: Can lawyers also be journalists? Independent artistes, musicians struggle to collect royalty from digital platforms; get support from managers, IPRS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Can lawyers double as journalists? full 709 Mint - HT Smartcast Foreign tourists' footfall dips; Honda's hybrid plan Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   India's appeal as a travel destination has yet to fully recover, with foreign tourist arrivals still falling short of their 2019 peak. In 2023, the country welcomed 9.24 million international visitors—a notable improvement from 2022, but still below the nearly 11 million seen pre-pandemic. Midway through 2024, the numbers suggest that breaching the 10 million mark this year remains unlikely. Why the sluggish recovery? While global tourism approaches pre-COVID levels, India lags, facing stiff competition from Southeast Asian neighbors and grappling with domestic challenges such as safety concerns, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, writes Sumant Banerji.   Honda Cars India is gearing up for a green future with plans to launch hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027 to comply with the upcoming stage-3 Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. These regulations aim to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across an automaker’s fleet. Despite challenges with the current rules, CEO Takuya Tsumura is driving the company’s electrification strategy, with plans to introduce three electric models by 2026-27, including a battery electric vehicle based on the Honda Elevate mid-SUV model. Globally, Honda is targeting a fully electrified lineup by 2040, with two-thirds of its sales as electric vehicles by 2030, reports Alisha Sachdev. This shift marks a significant pivot in Honda’s strategy to align with stricter emission standards and achieve its broader environmental goals.   The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is poised to tighten its grip on surrogate advertising, with draft guidelines expected soon. These new rules aim to address loopholes in digital marketing and celebrity endorsements, particularly concerning the indirect promotion of restricted products like alcohol under the guise of unrelated items such as music CDs or glassware. Developed after consultations with stakeholders, including the beverage industry and consumer groups, the draft guidelines mandate that products used for promotions must be verifiably available in the market, not created solely for advertisements, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The proposed regulations also specify that only unrestricted products—those not banned or heavily regulated—can feature brand names without falling under the purview of surrogate advertising. Furthermore, these products must be registered with the relevant authorities and should avoid any direct or indirect association with restricted items.   The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether lawyers can also work as journalists without breaching ethical boundaries. The case revolves around a Mohd. Kamran, a lawyer and freelance journalist, whose dual roles came under scrutiny after he filed a defamation suit against a former lawmaker. This sparked questions about whether such dual roles conflict with the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) rules. The BCI generally prohibits lawyers from engaging in other paid professions to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure they remain focused on their legal duties. However, exceptions exist for non-salaried roles like journalism, as long as they do not interfere with a lawyer’s primary responsibilities. The legal community is divided. Critics argue that juggling both professions could lead to ethical lapses, such as compromising client confidentiality. Supporters, however, believe lawyers could play a vital role in simplifying legal concepts for the public through journalism. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav breaks down the key legal issues and implications of this landmark case.   Many independent musicians are losing out on significant royalties, particularly from streaming and social media platforms. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), told Lata Jha that while digital platforms offer substantial revenue opportunities, many artists fail to fully capitalize on them. IPRS works to educate artists about registering and tracking their music on these platforms to earn royalties from multiple streams, including live performances, radio, and digital downloads. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, for example, pay royalties for both sound recordings and song compositions. However, many musicians miss out due to a lack of awareness about how to properly register and credit their work. Additionally, other revenue streams such as social media and sync licensing—where music is used in TV shows, films, and advertisements—remain underutilized by many artists, further limiting their earnings.   Mint Primer: Are foreign tourists giving India a miss? Honda Cars bets on hybrid, electric line-up to meet stricter CO2 emission norms Surrogate advertising draft guidelines ready for public consultation Mint Explainer: Can lawyers also be journalists? Independent artistes, musicians struggle to collect royalty from digital platforms; get support from managers, IPRS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, December 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

India's appeal as a travel destination has yet to fully recover, with foreign tourist arrivals still falling short of their 2019 peak. In 2023, the country welcomed 9.24 million international visitors—a notable improvement from 2022, but still below the nearly 11 million seen pre-pandemic. Midway through 2024, the numbers suggest that breaching the 10 million mark this year remains unlikely. Why the sluggish recovery? While global tourism approaches pre-COVID levels, India lags, facing stiff competition from Southeast Asian neighbors and grappling with domestic challenges such as safety concerns, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, writes Sumant Banerji.


 

Honda Cars India is gearing up for a green future with plans to launch hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027 to comply with the upcoming stage-3 Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. These regulations aim to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across an automaker’s fleet. Despite challenges with the current rules, CEO Takuya Tsumura is driving the company’s electrification strategy, with plans to introduce three electric models by 2026-27, including a battery electric vehicle based on the Honda Elevate mid-SUV model. Globally, Honda is targeting a fully electrified lineup by 2040, with two-thirds of its sales as electric vehicles by 2030, reports Alisha Sachdev. This shift marks a significant pivot in Honda’s strategy to align with stricter emission standards and achieve its broader environmental goals.


 

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is poised to tighten its grip on surrogate advertising, with draft guidelines expected soon. These new rules aim to address loopholes in digital marketing and celebrity endorsements, particularly concerning the indirect promotion of restricted products like alcohol under the guise of unrelated items such as music CDs or glassware. Developed after consultations with stakeholders, including the beverage industry and consumer groups, the draft guidelines mandate that products used for promotions must be verifiably available in the market, not created solely for advertisements, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The proposed regulations also specify that only unrestricted products—those not banned or heavily regulated—can feature brand names without falling under the purview of surrogate advertising. Furthermore, these products must be registered with the relevant authorities and should avoid any direct or indirect association with restricted items.


 

The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether lawyers can also work as journalists without breaching ethical boundaries. The case revolves around a Mohd. Kamran, a lawyer and freelance journalist, whose dual roles came under scrutiny after he filed a defamation suit against a former lawmaker. This sparked questions about whether such dual roles conflict with the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) rules. The BCI generally prohibits lawyers from engaging in other paid professions to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure they remain focused on their legal duties. However, exceptions exist for non-salaried roles like journalism, as long as they do not interfere with a lawyer’s primary responsibilities. The legal community is divided. Critics argue that juggling both professions could lead to ethical lapses, such as compromising client confidentiality. Supporters, however, believe lawyers could play a vital role in simplifying legal concepts for the public through journalism. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav breaks down the key legal issues and implications of this landmark case.


 

Many independent musicians are losing out on significant royalties, particularly from streaming and social media platforms. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), told Lata Jha that while digital platforms offer substantial revenue opportunities, many artists fail to fully capitalize on them. IPRS works to educate artists about registering and tracking their music on these platforms to earn royalties from multiple streams, including live performances, radio, and digital downloads. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, for example, pay royalties for both sound recordings and song compositions. However, many musicians miss out due to a lack of awareness about how to properly register and credit their work. Additionally, other revenue streams such as social media and sync licensing—where music is used in TV shows, films, and advertisements—remain underutilized by many artists, further limiting their earnings.


 

Mint Primer: Are foreign tourists giving India a miss?

Honda Cars bets on hybrid, electric line-up to meet stricter CO2 emission norms

Surrogate advertising draft guidelines ready for public consultation

Mint Explainer: Can lawyers also be journalists?

Independent artistes, musicians struggle to collect royalty from digital platforms; get support from managers, IPRS

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 424 no Why did foreign investors sell so much in October and November? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-did-foreign-investors-sell-so-much-in-october-and-november-bZ7d9OdN   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. There’s been a significant selloff by foreign portfolio investors over the past two months. But what drove this selloff? According to fund managers and securities lawyers Ram Sahgal spoke to, it wasn't just due to shaky corporate earnings or rising US bond yields. It was triggered by a new rule that Sebi introduced in August 2023 and tightened by March 2024. The rule mandates detailed ownership disclosures from FPIs with substantial Indian holdings. Rather than comply, many FPIs chose to exit, leading to increased selloffs, especially around the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rebalancing in November.  IIT campus placements are getting a twist this year! Companies aren't just asking the usual tech questions – they're really shaking things up with some wildcard queries. Imagine being asked to design an airport right in the heart of Bangalore or explain the strategy behind cricket team formations. It's not just about checking if students can code or crunch numbers—it's about seeing how they handle curveballs. Sowmya Ramasubramaniam, Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who said that these offbeat questions are key to gauging a candidate's creativity and adaptability. This new interview style is aimed at finding candidates who aren't just smart but also quick on their feet and ready to jump into the fray with fresh ideas.   Indian farmers may have a tough rabi season ahead, thanks to China. Dhirendra Kumar writes that China's restrictions on key fertiliser exports to India have reduced the availability of a crucial nutrient for crops. – di-ammonium phosphate, or DAP. Domestic DAP production dropped by 7.3% in April-October, while imports fell by 29.8% over the same period. Dhirendra writes that the government has told farmers there is no shortage of fertilisers, but fertiliser companies say otherwise. 20% of India's DAP needs are imported from China, leading to this problem.   Blackstone used to buy real estate projects and turn them around. That strategy made it the largest owner of office space in India in quick time. After entering India in 2007, inorganic growth was the mantra for the New York-based company, but it’s now moving to greenfield projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. It recently ventured into logistics by building a 52-acre park in Chakan, Maharashtra. Blackstone hopes to capitalise on the growing demand for modern warehouses that is driven by the e-commerce boom. Despite broader economic numbers painting India in a poor light, investors such as Blackstone like India's chances, and are willing to spend like they mean it.   Pat Gelsinger's unexpected departure from Intel just might leave the chip giant scrambling to find solid ground in a market that's evolving rapidly thanks to advances in AI, and competitors such as Nvidia and AMD are already way ahead. Once a global powerhouse, Intel is now fighting to reclaim its past glory. So, why did Gelsinger leave? Leslie D’Monte answers that question in today’s Primer. Initially hailed as Intel's rescuer when he took over in 2021, Gelsinger left after Intel posted a hefty $16.6 billion quarterly loss, the largest in its history, which apparently shook the board's confidence in his leadership.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why did foreign investors sell so much in October and November? full 708 Mint - HT Smartcast IIT placements update, Blackstone's greenfield projects   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. There’s been a significant selloff by foreign portfolio investors over the past two months. But what drove this selloff? According to fund managers and securities lawyers Ram Sahgal spoke to, it wasn't just due to shaky corporate earnings or rising US bond yields. It was triggered by a new rule that Sebi introduced in August 2023 and tightened by March 2024. The rule mandates detailed ownership disclosures from FPIs with substantial Indian holdings. Rather than comply, many FPIs chose to exit, leading to increased selloffs, especially around the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rebalancing in November.  IIT campus placements are getting a twist this year! Companies aren't just asking the usual tech questions – they're really shaking things up with some wildcard queries. Imagine being asked to design an airport right in the heart of Bangalore or explain the strategy behind cricket team formations. It's not just about checking if students can code or crunch numbers—it's about seeing how they handle curveballs. Sowmya Ramasubramaniam, Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who said that these offbeat questions are key to gauging a candidate's creativity and adaptability. This new interview style is aimed at finding candidates who aren't just smart but also quick on their feet and ready to jump into the fray with fresh ideas.   Indian farmers may have a tough rabi season ahead, thanks to China. Dhirendra Kumar writes that China's restrictions on key fertiliser exports to India have reduced the availability of a crucial nutrient for crops. – di-ammonium phosphate, or DAP. Domestic DAP production dropped by 7.3% in April-October, while imports fell by 29.8% over the same period. Dhirendra writes that the government has told farmers there is no shortage of fertilisers, but fertiliser companies say otherwise. 20% of India's DAP needs are imported from China, leading to this problem.   Blackstone used to buy real estate projects and turn them around. That strategy made it the largest owner of office space in India in quick time. After entering India in 2007, inorganic growth was the mantra for the New York-based company, but it’s now moving to greenfield projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. It recently ventured into logistics by building a 52-acre park in Chakan, Maharashtra. Blackstone hopes to capitalise on the growing demand for modern warehouses that is driven by the e-commerce boom. Despite broader economic numbers painting India in a poor light, investors such as Blackstone like India's chances, and are willing to spend like they mean it.   Pat Gelsinger's unexpected departure from Intel just might leave the chip giant scrambling to find solid ground in a market that's evolving rapidly thanks to advances in AI, and competitors such as Nvidia and AMD are already way ahead. Once a global powerhouse, Intel is now fighting to reclaim its past glory. So, why did Gelsinger leave? Leslie D’Monte answers that question in today’s Primer. Initially hailed as Intel's rescuer when he took over in 2021, Gelsinger left after Intel posted a hefty $16.6 billion quarterly loss, the largest in its history, which apparently shook the board's confidence in his leadership.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

There’s been a significant selloff by foreign portfolio investors over the past two months. But what drove this selloff? According to fund managers and securities lawyers Ram Sahgal spoke to, it wasn't just due to shaky corporate earnings or rising US bond yields. It was triggered by a new rule that Sebi introduced in August 2023 and tightened by March 2024. The rule mandates detailed ownership disclosures from FPIs with substantial Indian holdings. Rather than comply, many FPIs chose to exit, leading to increased selloffs, especially around the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rebalancing in November. 

IIT campus placements are getting a twist this year! Companies aren't just asking the usual tech questions – they're really shaking things up with some wildcard queries. Imagine being asked to design an airport right in the heart of Bangalore or explain the strategy behind cricket team formations. It's not just about checking if students can code or crunch numbers—it's about seeing how they handle curveballs. Sowmya Ramasubramaniam, Pratishtha Bagai and Devina Sengupta spoke to recruiters who said that these offbeat questions are key to gauging a candidate's creativity and adaptability. This new interview style is aimed at finding candidates who aren't just smart but also quick on their feet and ready to jump into the fray with fresh ideas.


 

Indian farmers may have a tough rabi season ahead, thanks to China. Dhirendra Kumar writes that China's restrictions on key fertiliser exports to India have reduced the availability of a crucial nutrient for crops. – di-ammonium phosphate, or DAP. Domestic DAP production dropped by 7.3% in April-October, while imports fell by 29.8% over the same period. Dhirendra writes that the government has told farmers there is no shortage of fertilisers, but fertiliser companies say otherwise. 20% of India's DAP needs are imported from China, leading to this problem.


 

Blackstone used to buy real estate projects and turn them around. That strategy made it the largest owner of office space in India in quick time. After entering India in 2007, inorganic growth was the mantra for the New York-based company, but it’s now moving to greenfield projects, Madhurima Nandy writes. It recently ventured into logistics by building a 52-acre park in Chakan, Maharashtra. Blackstone hopes to capitalise on the growing demand for modern warehouses that is driven by the e-commerce boom. Despite broader economic numbers painting India in a poor light, investors such as Blackstone like India's chances, and are willing to spend like they mean it.


 

Pat Gelsinger's unexpected departure from Intel just might leave the chip giant scrambling to find solid ground in a market that's evolving rapidly thanks to advances in AI, and competitors such as Nvidia and AMD are already way ahead. Once a global powerhouse, Intel is now fighting to reclaim its past glory. So, why did Gelsinger leave? Leslie D’Monte answers that question in today’s Primer. Initially hailed as Intel's rescuer when he took over in 2021, Gelsinger left after Intel posted a hefty $16.6 billion quarterly loss, the largest in its history, which apparently shook the board's confidence in his leadership. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 339 no Has the RBI tamed inflation? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/has-the-rbi-tamed-inflation-T8SZQku4 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. For over two years, the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy committee (MPC) has been trying to curb inflation, aiming to stabilise it around 4%. Despite several hikes that raised the repo rate by 250 basis points to 6.5%, the committee has held this rate steady in its last ten reviews, warning of the potential risks of cutting rates too quickly. Recent feedback from Mint's readers shows they have mixed feelings about the MPC's efforts. About 35% of survey participants said the committee hasn't successfully tackled inflation, while 29% believe it has. This survey mainly reflects the views of salaried individuals, so it's not have the full picture, but it does offer a peek into public sentiment. As another decision looms, the majority said it would like lower inflation, even if it means higher interest rates.  India’s manufacturing activity fell in November, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index dropping to 56.5 from 57.5 in October. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this signals weakening demand amid the highest selling prices since 2013. GDP growth was disappointing as well, as we outlined yesterday. Indians aren't shopping much during the festive season in October and November, which is usually when they open their wallets. Expectations for GDP growth have thus been reduced, Harsha writes. However, optimism about future business prospects among manufacturers has risen despite concerns about near-term risks. India's top ministries are mulling a game-changing proposal: public sector enterprises might soon have to buy at least 10% of their supplies from startups. Sneha Shah and Mihir Mishra write about this move, which is part of a broader strategy to inject vigour into India’s startup scene and could see these young companies stepping into roles typically filled by more established firms. The idea is inspired by the success of initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence, which supports defence startups, and aims to replicate this in various sectors. With the government's yearly budget spending at a hefty ₹48 trillion, even a small mandated percentage for startups could mean big business. India’s $260 billion IT services sector is seeing a brighter future, thanks in part to rate cuts and increased discretionary spending in the US, its biggest market. Optimism has grown, especially after Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election as his policies, such as corporate tax cuts, are expected to boost spending. Amid a volatile market, IT stocks have stood strong, with the Nifty IT index climbing 32% by late November. This surge is linked to hopes that Trump’s administration will be favourable for IT businesses, explains Shelley Singh.  A major player in the ATM business wants to go cashless. It sounds strange, but that's what CMS Info Systems wants to do. Its CEO Rajiv Kaul is concerned about the declining use of cash and how that might affect the company. Shayan Ghosh writes that CMS has tried to enter other businesses such as remote ATM monitoring, debt collection and bullion logistics. Digital payments are everywhere, and are up 90% in the past decade. CMS and its top boss are eager to shape the role of cash in an increasingly digital India.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Has the RBI tamed inflation? full 707 Mint - HT Smartcast Disappointing manufacturing data, ATM biz eyes cashless future Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. For over two years, the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy committee (MPC) has been trying to curb inflation, aiming to stabilise it around 4%. Despite several hikes that raised the repo rate by 250 basis points to 6.5%, the committee has held this rate steady in its last ten reviews, warning of the potential risks of cutting rates too quickly. Recent feedback from Mint's readers shows they have mixed feelings about the MPC's efforts. About 35% of survey participants said the committee hasn't successfully tackled inflation, while 29% believe it has. This survey mainly reflects the views of salaried individuals, so it's not have the full picture, but it does offer a peek into public sentiment. As another decision looms, the majority said it would like lower inflation, even if it means higher interest rates.  India’s manufacturing activity fell in November, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index dropping to 56.5 from 57.5 in October. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this signals weakening demand amid the highest selling prices since 2013. GDP growth was disappointing as well, as we outlined yesterday. Indians aren't shopping much during the festive season in October and November, which is usually when they open their wallets. Expectations for GDP growth have thus been reduced, Harsha writes. However, optimism about future business prospects among manufacturers has risen despite concerns about near-term risks. India's top ministries are mulling a game-changing proposal: public sector enterprises might soon have to buy at least 10% of their supplies from startups. Sneha Shah and Mihir Mishra write about this move, which is part of a broader strategy to inject vigour into India’s startup scene and could see these young companies stepping into roles typically filled by more established firms. The idea is inspired by the success of initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence, which supports defence startups, and aims to replicate this in various sectors. With the government's yearly budget spending at a hefty ₹48 trillion, even a small mandated percentage for startups could mean big business. India’s $260 billion IT services sector is seeing a brighter future, thanks in part to rate cuts and increased discretionary spending in the US, its biggest market. Optimism has grown, especially after Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election as his policies, such as corporate tax cuts, are expected to boost spending. Amid a volatile market, IT stocks have stood strong, with the Nifty IT index climbing 32% by late November. This surge is linked to hopes that Trump’s administration will be favourable for IT businesses, explains Shelley Singh.  A major player in the ATM business wants to go cashless. It sounds strange, but that's what CMS Info Systems wants to do. Its CEO Rajiv Kaul is concerned about the declining use of cash and how that might affect the company. Shayan Ghosh writes that CMS has tried to enter other businesses such as remote ATM monitoring, debt collection and bullion logistics. Digital payments are everywhere, and are up 90% in the past decade. CMS and its top boss are eager to shape the role of cash in an increasingly digital India.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

For over two years, the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy committee (MPC) has been trying to curb inflation, aiming to stabilise it around 4%. Despite several hikes that raised the repo rate by 250 basis points to 6.5%, the committee has held this rate steady in its last ten reviews, warning of the potential risks of cutting rates too quickly. Recent feedback from Mint's readers shows they have mixed feelings about the MPC's efforts. About 35% of survey participants said the committee hasn't successfully tackled inflation, while 29% believe it has. This survey mainly reflects the views of salaried individuals, so it's not have the full picture, but it does offer a peek into public sentiment. As another decision looms, the majority said it would like lower inflation, even if it means higher interest rates. 

India’s manufacturing activity fell in November, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index dropping to 56.5 from 57.5 in October. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this signals weakening demand amid the highest selling prices since 2013. GDP growth was disappointing as well, as we outlined yesterday. Indians aren't shopping much during the festive season in October and November, which is usually when they open their wallets. Expectations for GDP growth have thus been reduced, Harsha writes. However, optimism about future business prospects among manufacturers has risen despite concerns about near-term risks.

India's top ministries are mulling a game-changing proposal: public sector enterprises might soon have to buy at least 10% of their supplies from startups. Sneha Shah and Mihir Mishra write about this move, which is part of a broader strategy to inject vigour into India’s startup scene and could see these young companies stepping into roles typically filled by more established firms. The idea is inspired by the success of initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence, which supports defence startups, and aims to replicate this in various sectors. With the government's yearly budget spending at a hefty ₹48 trillion, even a small mandated percentage for startups could mean big business.

India’s $260 billion IT services sector is seeing a brighter future, thanks in part to rate cuts and increased discretionary spending in the US, its biggest market. Optimism has grown, especially after Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election as his policies, such as corporate tax cuts, are expected to boost spending. Amid a volatile market, IT stocks have stood strong, with the Nifty IT index climbing 32% by late November. This surge is linked to hopes that Trump’s administration will be favourable for IT businesses, explains Shelley Singh. 

A major player in the ATM business wants to go cashless. It sounds strange, but that's what CMS Info Systems wants to do. Its CEO Rajiv Kaul is concerned about the declining use of cash and how that might affect the company. Shayan Ghosh writes that CMS has tried to enter other businesses such as remote ATM monitoring, debt collection and bullion logistics. Digital payments are everywhere, and are up 90% in the past decade. CMS and its top boss are eager to shape the role of cash in an increasingly digital India.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 363 no How to rebrand your company https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-rebrand-your-company-_EhpJQ6T Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India's market regulator, Sebi, recently restricted three unregistered online bond platforms from offering privately placed unlisted NCDs to the public. Anshika Kayastha and Neha Joshi write that Sebi has taken this decision due to violations of regulations, which classify any issue with over 200 investors as a public issue. This crackdown was driven by concerns over investor protection and the risks associated with high-yield products. Online platforms often blur the lines between private and public offerings, leading to enhanced regulation.  India's economy might not be doing so well. The latest GDP growth figures for India indicate a significant slowdown. N. Madhavan writes that latest data shows that growth has now declined for the third consecutive quarter. At 5.4%, it is much lower than 8.1% in the same quarter last year. This downturn is attributed to lower private consumption, investment, and exports. However, the agricultural sector showed a 3.5% increase, showing some positive signs. A weakening rupee could dampen the Indian economy's spirits. Economists have already revised their GDP growth estimates downwards, with a consensus of around 6% for the current financial year. Large companies can always be seen clamouring for government subsidies to help their business. The central government's production-linked incentive scheme was supposed to do just that. The idea was simple: meet certain manufacturing targets, and collect your subsidy. It was successful across many industries such as automobiles, solar and electronics. However, recent disbursals have decimated from ₹10,000 crore in 2023-24 to around ₹1,000 crore this year. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that the textile sector in particular is struggling. Firms aren't able to meet production targets, leading to fewer scheme grants. Will India's manufacturing industry be able to pick itself up? A good logo isn't just a symbol — it embodies a brand's identity and values. Every now and then, companies will refresh their brands to stay relevant — and appeal to the consumers of the day. However, should you go to an extreme like Tata Group-owned Jaguar did recently? Gaurav Laghate writes that Jaguar's rebrand illustrates the risks and rewards of a minimalist logo and ad campaign that led to widespread backlash. Industry veterans point towards more successful refreshes like that of Porsche's, which was a balance of innovation with heritage. Gaurav adds that while visual identities may evolve every two to three years, major overhauls should be rare and always align with brand strategy. After faltering in China, global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hermes were bailed out by wealthy Indians. These companies reported impressive growth numbers from the Indian market, writes Varuni Khosla. In FY24, Louis Vuitton India saw an income rise of nearly 13%, while Christian Dior's revenue surged by 45%. However, not all brands are thriving: Reliance Brands reported increased revenue but also a 55% rise in losses. FY25 started off on a challenging note due to a blistering summer and elections, which reduced walk-in traffic at stores. The luxury market in India is expected to reach around $30 billion by 2030, and these brands are waiting for the boom eagerly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How to rebrand your company full 706 Mint - HT Smartcast Worrying GDP growth, wealthy Indians are making luxury brands quite happy Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started. India's market regulator, Sebi, recently restricted three unregistered online bond platforms from offering privately placed unlisted NCDs to the public. Anshika Kayastha and Neha Joshi write that Sebi has taken this decision due to violations of regulations, which classify any issue with over 200 investors as a public issue. This crackdown was driven by concerns over investor protection and the risks associated with high-yield products. Online platforms often blur the lines between private and public offerings, leading to enhanced regulation.  India's economy might not be doing so well. The latest GDP growth figures for India indicate a significant slowdown. N. Madhavan writes that latest data shows that growth has now declined for the third consecutive quarter. At 5.4%, it is much lower than 8.1% in the same quarter last year. This downturn is attributed to lower private consumption, investment, and exports. However, the agricultural sector showed a 3.5% increase, showing some positive signs. A weakening rupee could dampen the Indian economy's spirits. Economists have already revised their GDP growth estimates downwards, with a consensus of around 6% for the current financial year. Large companies can always be seen clamouring for government subsidies to help their business. The central government's production-linked incentive scheme was supposed to do just that. The idea was simple: meet certain manufacturing targets, and collect your subsidy. It was successful across many industries such as automobiles, solar and electronics. However, recent disbursals have decimated from ₹10,000 crore in 2023-24 to around ₹1,000 crore this year. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that the textile sector in particular is struggling. Firms aren't able to meet production targets, leading to fewer scheme grants. Will India's manufacturing industry be able to pick itself up? A good logo isn't just a symbol — it embodies a brand's identity and values. Every now and then, companies will refresh their brands to stay relevant — and appeal to the consumers of the day. However, should you go to an extreme like Tata Group-owned Jaguar did recently? Gaurav Laghate writes that Jaguar's rebrand illustrates the risks and rewards of a minimalist logo and ad campaign that led to widespread backlash. Industry veterans point towards more successful refreshes like that of Porsche's, which was a balance of innovation with heritage. Gaurav adds that while visual identities may evolve every two to three years, major overhauls should be rare and always align with brand strategy. After faltering in China, global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hermes were bailed out by wealthy Indians. These companies reported impressive growth numbers from the Indian market, writes Varuni Khosla. In FY24, Louis Vuitton India saw an income rise of nearly 13%, while Christian Dior's revenue surged by 45%. However, not all brands are thriving: Reliance Brands reported increased revenue but also a 55% rise in losses. FY25 started off on a challenging note due to a blistering summer and elections, which reduced walk-in traffic at stores. The luxury market in India is expected to reach around $30 billion by 2030, and these brands are waiting for the boom eagerly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, December 2, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.

India's market regulator, Sebi, recently restricted three unregistered online bond platforms from offering privately placed unlisted NCDs to the public. Anshika Kayastha and Neha Joshi write that Sebi has taken this decision due to violations of regulations, which classify any issue with over 200 investors as a public issue. This crackdown was driven by concerns over investor protection and the risks associated with high-yield products. Online platforms often blur the lines between private and public offerings, leading to enhanced regulation. 

India's economy might not be doing so well. The latest GDP growth figures for India indicate a significant slowdown. N. Madhavan writes that latest data shows that growth has now declined for the third consecutive quarter. At 5.4%, it is much lower than 8.1% in the same quarter last year. This downturn is attributed to lower private consumption, investment, and exports. However, the agricultural sector showed a 3.5% increase, showing some positive signs. A weakening rupee could dampen the Indian economy's spirits. Economists have already revised their GDP growth estimates downwards, with a consensus of around 6% for the current financial year.

Large companies can always be seen clamouring for government subsidies to help their business. The central government's production-linked incentive scheme was supposed to do just that. The idea was simple: meet certain manufacturing targets, and collect your subsidy. It was successful across many industries such as automobiles, solar and electronics. However, recent disbursals have decimated from ₹10,000 crore in 2023-24 to around ₹1,000 crore this year. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that the textile sector in particular is struggling. Firms aren't able to meet production targets, leading to fewer scheme grants. Will India's manufacturing industry be able to pick itself up?

A good logo isn't just a symbol — it embodies a brand's identity and values. Every now and then, companies will refresh their brands to stay relevant — and appeal to the consumers of the day. However, should you go to an extreme like Tata Group-owned Jaguar did recently? Gaurav Laghate writes that Jaguar's rebrand illustrates the risks and rewards of a minimalist logo and ad campaign that led to widespread backlash. Industry veterans point towards more successful refreshes like that of Porsche's, which was a balance of innovation with heritage. Gaurav adds that while visual identities may evolve every two to three years, major overhauls should be rare and always align with brand strategy.

After faltering in China, global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hermes were bailed out by wealthy Indians. These companies reported impressive growth numbers from the Indian market, writes Varuni Khosla. In FY24, Louis Vuitton India saw an income rise of nearly 13%, while Christian Dior's revenue surged by 45%. However, not all brands are thriving: Reliance Brands reported increased revenue but also a 55% rise in losses. FY25 started off on a challenging note due to a blistering summer and elections, which reduced walk-in traffic at stores. The luxury market in India is expected to reach around $30 billion by 2030, and these brands are waiting for the boom eagerly.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 359 no COP29 ends in a $300bn disappointment for developing nations https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cop29-ends-in-a-300bn-disappointment-for-developing-nations-5w15DaON Good morning,   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 29, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus was all about climate finance, but the outcome left many wanting more. Initially aiming for $1.3 trillion annually, negotiators ended up agreeing on $300 billion a year by 2035, which didn't sit well with developing countries. They found the amount too low and the decision unambitious, expressing disappointment over the developed countries' reluctance to commit more. The conference also felt the impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly with Donald Trump's re-election, raising concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to climate finance. This scepticism influenced the negotiations, contributing to the lower-than-expected financial commitment. P Anima takes a deep dive into the happenings of the recently-concluded COP29 in the Azeri capital.  Stellaris Venture Partners just launched its biggest fund yet at $300 million, sticking to that number despite heavy interest. Similarly, other investment firms like Blume Ventures and Peak XV are either holding steady or shrinking their funds, pointing to a shift towards more cautious investment strategies. Venture capital firms are getting more selective, influenced by past fund performances and the current economic climate, which demands realistic startup valuations. Priyamvada C reports on how VC firms are finding smaller fund sizes a better fit for the Indian market.    India just kicked off a massive ₹2,481 crore National Mission on Natural Farming to help 10 million farmers go chemical-free. The plan? Roll out 10,000 bio input resource centers and train farmers using model farms. The government is also deploying 30,000 krishi sakhis who will guide the farmers. What’s the difference between natural and organic farming, you ask? Both avoid chemicals, but organic farming needs strict certification and a few years to switch from conventional methods. Natural farming lets farmers switch at their own pace, which is great for flexibility but might make it harder to sell produce at premium prices like organic goods fetch. In today’s Primer, Sayantan Bera explains how natural farming can affect the kind of food you consume and whether the method will make it safer to eat.    This year, one company wants to hire an IITian at a salary of ₹1.9 crore. The catch? The AI company from San Francisco wants aspirants to create a Google-proof questionnaire that ChatGPT can't solve. Devina Sengupta and Pratishtha Bagai write that other AI companies like Turing, Graviton, and Da Vinci are also looking to hire students by providing remote working options and hefty salaries of more than ₹2 crore. Students well versed in machine learning seem to be the top choice as of now. Traditional employers like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft too are emphasising on AI-forward roles.     There are a couple of new 10-minute delivery players in the market. Yes, their names start with an S and Z, but they're Swish and Zing. These startups are aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for quick commerce in India. Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes that these companies focus specifically on 10-minute food deliveries, catering to impulsive consumers seeking convenience. Gross merchandise value for quick commerce deliveries is projected to reach $9.9 billion in five years in this sector. Turns out, hunger can't really wait after all.     COP kicks the climate can down the road, again India’s venture capital firms are finding that leaner might be better Mint Primer | Natural farming: Will it make your food safe? Battle of AI versus the rest as offers promise ₹2 crore and above at IITs New 10-minute food delivery startups are ready to test your impulse control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 COP29 ends in a $300bn disappointment for developing nations full 705 Mint - HT Smartcast Will natural farming make your food safer? AI firms offer top-dollar at IIT placements Good morning,   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 29, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus was all about climate finance, but the outcome left many wanting more. Initially aiming for $1.3 trillion annually, negotiators ended up agreeing on $300 billion a year by 2035, which didn't sit well with developing countries. They found the amount too low and the decision unambitious, expressing disappointment over the developed countries' reluctance to commit more. The conference also felt the impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly with Donald Trump's re-election, raising concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to climate finance. This scepticism influenced the negotiations, contributing to the lower-than-expected financial commitment. P Anima takes a deep dive into the happenings of the recently-concluded COP29 in the Azeri capital.  Stellaris Venture Partners just launched its biggest fund yet at $300 million, sticking to that number despite heavy interest. Similarly, other investment firms like Blume Ventures and Peak XV are either holding steady or shrinking their funds, pointing to a shift towards more cautious investment strategies. Venture capital firms are getting more selective, influenced by past fund performances and the current economic climate, which demands realistic startup valuations. Priyamvada C reports on how VC firms are finding smaller fund sizes a better fit for the Indian market.    India just kicked off a massive ₹2,481 crore National Mission on Natural Farming to help 10 million farmers go chemical-free. The plan? Roll out 10,000 bio input resource centers and train farmers using model farms. The government is also deploying 30,000 krishi sakhis who will guide the farmers. What’s the difference between natural and organic farming, you ask? Both avoid chemicals, but organic farming needs strict certification and a few years to switch from conventional methods. Natural farming lets farmers switch at their own pace, which is great for flexibility but might make it harder to sell produce at premium prices like organic goods fetch. In today’s Primer, Sayantan Bera explains how natural farming can affect the kind of food you consume and whether the method will make it safer to eat.    This year, one company wants to hire an IITian at a salary of ₹1.9 crore. The catch? The AI company from San Francisco wants aspirants to create a Google-proof questionnaire that ChatGPT can't solve. Devina Sengupta and Pratishtha Bagai write that other AI companies like Turing, Graviton, and Da Vinci are also looking to hire students by providing remote working options and hefty salaries of more than ₹2 crore. Students well versed in machine learning seem to be the top choice as of now. Traditional employers like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft too are emphasising on AI-forward roles.     There are a couple of new 10-minute delivery players in the market. Yes, their names start with an S and Z, but they're Swish and Zing. These startups are aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for quick commerce in India. Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes that these companies focus specifically on 10-minute food deliveries, catering to impulsive consumers seeking convenience. Gross merchandise value for quick commerce deliveries is projected to reach $9.9 billion in five years in this sector. Turns out, hunger can't really wait after all.     COP kicks the climate can down the road, again India’s venture capital firms are finding that leaner might be better Mint Primer | Natural farming: Will it make your food safe? Battle of AI versus the rest as offers promise ₹2 crore and above at IITs New 10-minute food delivery startups are ready to test your impulse control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning,


 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 29, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus was all about climate finance, but the outcome left many wanting more. Initially aiming for $1.3 trillion annually, negotiators ended up agreeing on $300 billion a year by 2035, which didn't sit well with developing countries. They found the amount too low and the decision unambitious, expressing disappointment over the developed countries' reluctance to commit more. The conference also felt the impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly with Donald Trump's re-election, raising concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to climate finance. This scepticism influenced the negotiations, contributing to the lower-than-expected financial commitment. P Anima takes a deep dive into the happenings of the recently-concluded COP29 in the Azeri capital. 

Stellaris Venture Partners just launched its biggest fund yet at $300 million, sticking to that number despite heavy interest. Similarly, other investment firms like Blume Ventures and Peak XV are either holding steady or shrinking their funds, pointing to a shift towards more cautious investment strategies. Venture capital firms are getting more selective, influenced by past fund performances and the current economic climate, which demands realistic startup valuations. Priyamvada C reports on how VC firms are finding smaller fund sizes a better fit for the Indian market. 


 

India just kicked off a massive ₹2,481 crore National Mission on Natural Farming to help 10 million farmers go chemical-free. The plan? Roll out 10,000 bio input resource centers and train farmers using model farms. The government is also deploying 30,000 krishi sakhis who will guide the farmers. What’s the difference between natural and organic farming, you ask? Both avoid chemicals, but organic farming needs strict certification and a few years to switch from conventional methods. Natural farming lets farmers switch at their own pace, which is great for flexibility but might make it harder to sell produce at premium prices like organic goods fetch. In today’s Primer, Sayantan Bera explains how natural farming can affect the kind of food you consume and whether the method will make it safer to eat. 


 

This year, one company wants to hire an IITian at a salary of ₹1.9 crore. The catch? The AI company from San Francisco wants aspirants to create a Google-proof questionnaire that ChatGPT can't solve. Devina Sengupta and Pratishtha Bagai write that other AI companies like Turing, Graviton, and Da Vinci are also looking to hire students by providing remote working options and hefty salaries of more than ₹2 crore. Students well versed in machine learning seem to be the top choice as of now. Traditional employers like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft too are emphasising on AI-forward roles.


 


 

There are a couple of new 10-minute delivery players in the market. Yes, their names start with an S and Z, but they're Swish and Zing. These startups are aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for quick commerce in India. Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes that these companies focus specifically on 10-minute food deliveries, catering to impulsive consumers seeking convenience. Gross merchandise value for quick commerce deliveries is projected to reach $9.9 billion in five years in this sector. Turns out, hunger can't really wait after all.


 

 

COP kicks the climate can down the road, again

India’s venture capital firms are finding that leaner might be better

Mint Primer | Natural farming: Will it make your food safe?

Battle of AI versus the rest as offers promise ₹2 crore and above at IITs

New 10-minute food delivery startups are ready to test your impulse control

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 344 no Is the govt working on making your flights cheaper? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-the-govt-working-on-making-your-flights-cheaper-AZTg9Deq Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 28, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Flying has become a pricey experience these days. To help with that, the Centre is working on a comprehensive package for the aviation sector. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that these measures include tax concessions, reduced user charges, route optimization, and regulatory relaxations. Some relief with the aviation turbine fuel tax is expected, as current prices are about 60% higher than other hubs around India. The initiative also seeks to minimise procedural delays for airline licences and hiring foreign pilots.   For many years, India's telecom industry has had one clear winner, one runner up, and two players hunting for survival. For the latter, at least BSNL has the government's backing. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the financial stability of the sector has improved over the last few years. Airtel and Vodafone Idea have managed to reduce their debt burdens too. Ongoing discussions around receiving a fair share from OTT platforms might further improve the state of the industry, She explains.   There's a new sector hiring IITians heavily: and what is that you may ask? Coaching institutes. Around 3,000 to 5,000 IIT grads have been snapped up by edtechs or coaching institutes right out of college. Mansi Verma and Devina Sengupta report that these companies start off with a salary of around ₹10 lakh, but give the potential to make up to five times that within a few years. As more and more students vye for very few IIT seats, these jobs are more in demand. While interest in such positions is high, many view these roles as temporary before seeking further opportunities in other industries.    A recently released documentary by a Tamil actor Nayanthara has taken centre stage behind the scenes in the Indian cinema industry. Nayanthara aired a three-second behind-the-scenes clip from a 2015 movie, which was featured in the documentary. A civil suit has been filed over the usage of the clip. Lata Jha spoke to copyright law experts, who said minimal use might qualify as fair use. The fight isn't just domestic: in Hollywood too, actors and directors have often come to blows with studios on what they can use or distribute on their own accord.   In October, Indian banks issued significantly fewer credit cards than the year before, nearly halving from 1.69 million to just 0.79 million. The dip mainly stems from banks tightening their lending criteria to better manage risk and ensure applicants can repay their debts. Leading the pack in issuing cards were big names like HDFC Bank, SBI Card, and ICICI Bank, while others like Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, and Axis Bank actually saw their numbers drop. Analysts are predicting that this conservative trend in credit card issuances might c ontinue for the rest of the fiscal year. Shayan Ghosh explains what’s causing the dip in new card issuances.  Show notes:   India plans comprehensive aviation package Explainer: Are more reforms needed for the telecom sector? IIT grads flock to edtech: A new career frontier with high salaries Nayanthara's battle for film footage bares copyright conflict Mint Primer: Why banks are issuing fewer credit cards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Is the govt working on making your flights cheaper? full 704 Mint - HT Smartcast IITians flock to edtech; Film industry and copyright disputes Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 28, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Flying has become a pricey experience these days. To help with that, the Centre is working on a comprehensive package for the aviation sector. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that these measures include tax concessions, reduced user charges, route optimization, and regulatory relaxations. Some relief with the aviation turbine fuel tax is expected, as current prices are about 60% higher than other hubs around India. The initiative also seeks to minimise procedural delays for airline licences and hiring foreign pilots.   For many years, India's telecom industry has had one clear winner, one runner up, and two players hunting for survival. For the latter, at least BSNL has the government's backing. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the financial stability of the sector has improved over the last few years. Airtel and Vodafone Idea have managed to reduce their debt burdens too. Ongoing discussions around receiving a fair share from OTT platforms might further improve the state of the industry, She explains.   There's a new sector hiring IITians heavily: and what is that you may ask? Coaching institutes. Around 3,000 to 5,000 IIT grads have been snapped up by edtechs or coaching institutes right out of college. Mansi Verma and Devina Sengupta report that these companies start off with a salary of around ₹10 lakh, but give the potential to make up to five times that within a few years. As more and more students vye for very few IIT seats, these jobs are more in demand. While interest in such positions is high, many view these roles as temporary before seeking further opportunities in other industries.    A recently released documentary by a Tamil actor Nayanthara has taken centre stage behind the scenes in the Indian cinema industry. Nayanthara aired a three-second behind-the-scenes clip from a 2015 movie, which was featured in the documentary. A civil suit has been filed over the usage of the clip. Lata Jha spoke to copyright law experts, who said minimal use might qualify as fair use. The fight isn't just domestic: in Hollywood too, actors and directors have often come to blows with studios on what they can use or distribute on their own accord.   In October, Indian banks issued significantly fewer credit cards than the year before, nearly halving from 1.69 million to just 0.79 million. The dip mainly stems from banks tightening their lending criteria to better manage risk and ensure applicants can repay their debts. Leading the pack in issuing cards were big names like HDFC Bank, SBI Card, and ICICI Bank, while others like Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, and Axis Bank actually saw their numbers drop. Analysts are predicting that this conservative trend in credit card issuances might c ontinue for the rest of the fiscal year. Shayan Ghosh explains what’s causing the dip in new card issuances.  Show notes:   India plans comprehensive aviation package Explainer: Are more reforms needed for the telecom sector? IIT grads flock to edtech: A new career frontier with high salaries Nayanthara's battle for film footage bares copyright conflict Mint Primer: Why banks are issuing fewer credit cards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 28, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Flying has become a pricey experience these days. To help with that, the Centre is working on a comprehensive package for the aviation sector. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that these measures include tax concessions, reduced user charges, route optimization, and regulatory relaxations. Some relief with the aviation turbine fuel tax is expected, as current prices are about 60% higher than other hubs around India. The initiative also seeks to minimise procedural delays for airline licences and hiring foreign pilots.


 

For many years, India's telecom industry has had one clear winner, one runner up, and two players hunting for survival. For the latter, at least BSNL has the government's backing. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the financial stability of the sector has improved over the last few years. Airtel and Vodafone Idea have managed to reduce their debt burdens too. Ongoing discussions around receiving a fair share from OTT platforms might further improve the state of the industry, She explains.


 

There's a new sector hiring IITians heavily: and what is that you may ask? Coaching institutes. Around 3,000 to 5,000 IIT grads have been snapped up by edtechs or coaching institutes right out of college. Mansi Verma and Devina Sengupta report that these companies start off with a salary of around ₹10 lakh, but give the potential to make up to five times that within a few years. As more and more students vye for very few IIT seats, these jobs are more in demand. While interest in such positions is high, many view these roles as temporary before seeking further opportunities in other industries. 


 

A recently released documentary by a Tamil actor Nayanthara has taken centre stage behind the scenes in the Indian cinema industry. Nayanthara aired a three-second behind-the-scenes clip from a 2015 movie, which was featured in the documentary. A civil suit has been filed over the usage of the clip. Lata Jha spoke to copyright law experts, who said minimal use might qualify as fair use. The fight isn't just domestic: in Hollywood too, actors and directors have often come to blows with studios on what they can use or distribute on their own accord.


 

In October, Indian banks issued significantly fewer credit cards than the year before, nearly halving from 1.69 million to just 0.79 million. The dip mainly stems from banks tightening their lending criteria to better manage risk and ensure applicants can repay their debts. Leading the pack in issuing cards were big names like HDFC Bank, SBI Card, and ICICI Bank, while others like Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, and Axis Bank actually saw their numbers drop. Analysts are predicting that this conservative trend in credit card issuances might c ontinue for the rest of the fiscal year. Shayan Ghosh explains what’s causing the dip in new card issuances. 


Show notes: 
 

India plans comprehensive aviation package

Explainer: Are more reforms needed for the telecom sector?

IIT grads flock to edtech: A new career frontier with high salaries

Nayanthara's battle for film footage bares copyright conflict

Mint Primer: Why banks are issuing fewer credit cards

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 313 no Want to fly direct to China? You’ll have to wait https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/want-to-fly-direct-to-china-youll-have-to-wait-0KzMczqQ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian government is still being cautious about resuming direct flights to China due to national security concerns. Despite external pressures, Indian authorities are not budging yet. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that prior to the suspensions, over 500 flights plied directly between the two countries every month. Indian officials are maintaining that despite the lopsided trade balance with China, national security takes precedence over reliance on Chinese goods. The flights were suspended in 2020 after the clash in Galwan.   Following bribery charges involving key executives, including chairman Gautam Adani, Moody’s and Fitch have downgraded their outlook for Adani group bonds from stable to negative. This mirrors an earlier move by S&P, highlighting concerns about the group's funding capabilities and rising capital costs, reports Gopika Gopakumar. Adani Green Energy’s stock dropped 7.3% after the downgrade. Moody’s has adjusted the outlook for seven Adani entities, while Fitch flagged potential downgrades for bonds linked to key facilities, citing increased funding costs and governance issues.   If you stay in a metro city, you might have noticed a bunch of shiny new Bluestone stores opening up recently. That's part of the jewellery maker's shift from being an online-only store to opening brick-and-mortar shops. Priyamvada C writes that the company has a relatively high selling price of around ₹50,000 and competes with established brands. It also caters to a younger audience who want lighter, everyday-wear jewellry. Can it win out against its heftier rivals in this $80 billion market?   India's real estate market is booming again, especially after a stagnant period from 2016 to 2020. Since the pandemic, property prices in major metros and tier-II cities have soared, with the average price per square foot jumping by about 40.5% since 2021. The sharpest increases are seen in the NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This price surge is driven by a 49% boost in home sales from 2022 to 2024, leading developers to focus more on luxury properties than affordable ones. Now, the burning question is: Will these rising prices stabilize, or will affordability remain a challenge? Madhurima Nandy tackles the question in today’s Primer.   India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.5% in the September quarter, the slowest in six quarters, according to a poll of economists by Mint. This expected slowdown, down from 6.7% in the previous quarter, reflects an uneven performance across various sectors. While government spending and rural recovery have provided some support, a decline in private consumption growth has dampened the overall momentum. The forthcoming GDP data for the second quarter of FY25, set to be released on November 29, is anticipated to fall short of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) revised forecast of 7% growth for the quarter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Want to fly direct to China? You’ll have to wait full 703 Mint - HT Smartcast Will home prices come down? The fall and rise of Bluestone Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The Indian government is still being cautious about resuming direct flights to China due to national security concerns. Despite external pressures, Indian authorities are not budging yet. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that prior to the suspensions, over 500 flights plied directly between the two countries every month. Indian officials are maintaining that despite the lopsided trade balance with China, national security takes precedence over reliance on Chinese goods. The flights were suspended in 2020 after the clash in Galwan.   Following bribery charges involving key executives, including chairman Gautam Adani, Moody’s and Fitch have downgraded their outlook for Adani group bonds from stable to negative. This mirrors an earlier move by S&P, highlighting concerns about the group's funding capabilities and rising capital costs, reports Gopika Gopakumar. Adani Green Energy’s stock dropped 7.3% after the downgrade. Moody’s has adjusted the outlook for seven Adani entities, while Fitch flagged potential downgrades for bonds linked to key facilities, citing increased funding costs and governance issues.   If you stay in a metro city, you might have noticed a bunch of shiny new Bluestone stores opening up recently. That's part of the jewellery maker's shift from being an online-only store to opening brick-and-mortar shops. Priyamvada C writes that the company has a relatively high selling price of around ₹50,000 and competes with established brands. It also caters to a younger audience who want lighter, everyday-wear jewellry. Can it win out against its heftier rivals in this $80 billion market?   India's real estate market is booming again, especially after a stagnant period from 2016 to 2020. Since the pandemic, property prices in major metros and tier-II cities have soared, with the average price per square foot jumping by about 40.5% since 2021. The sharpest increases are seen in the NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This price surge is driven by a 49% boost in home sales from 2022 to 2024, leading developers to focus more on luxury properties than affordable ones. Now, the burning question is: Will these rising prices stabilize, or will affordability remain a challenge? Madhurima Nandy tackles the question in today’s Primer.   India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.5% in the September quarter, the slowest in six quarters, according to a poll of economists by Mint. This expected slowdown, down from 6.7% in the previous quarter, reflects an uneven performance across various sectors. While government spending and rural recovery have provided some support, a decline in private consumption growth has dampened the overall momentum. The forthcoming GDP data for the second quarter of FY25, set to be released on November 29, is anticipated to fall short of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) revised forecast of 7% growth for the quarter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The Indian government is still being cautious about resuming direct flights to China due to national security concerns. Despite external pressures, Indian authorities are not budging yet. Dhirendra Kumar and Manas Pimpalkhare report that prior to the suspensions, over 500 flights plied directly between the two countries every month. Indian officials are maintaining that despite the lopsided trade balance with China, national security takes precedence over reliance on Chinese goods. The flights were suspended in 2020 after the clash in Galwan.


 

Following bribery charges involving key executives, including chairman Gautam Adani, Moody’s and Fitch have downgraded their outlook for Adani group bonds from stable to negative. This mirrors an earlier move by S&P, highlighting concerns about the group's funding capabilities and rising capital costs, reports Gopika Gopakumar. Adani Green Energy’s stock dropped 7.3% after the downgrade. Moody’s has adjusted the outlook for seven Adani entities, while Fitch flagged potential downgrades for bonds linked to key facilities, citing increased funding costs and governance issues.


 

If you stay in a metro city, you might have noticed a bunch of shiny new Bluestone stores opening up recently. That's part of the jewellery maker's shift from being an online-only store to opening brick-and-mortar shops. Priyamvada C writes that the company has a relatively high selling price of around ₹50,000 and competes with established brands. It also caters to a younger audience who want lighter, everyday-wear jewellry. Can it win out against its heftier rivals in this $80 billion market?


 

India's real estate market is booming again, especially after a stagnant period from 2016 to 2020. Since the pandemic, property prices in major metros and tier-II cities have soared, with the average price per square foot jumping by about 40.5% since 2021. The sharpest increases are seen in the NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This price surge is driven by a 49% boost in home sales from 2022 to 2024, leading developers to focus more on luxury properties than affordable ones. Now, the burning question is: Will these rising prices stabilize, or will affordability remain a challenge? Madhurima Nandy tackles the question in today’s Primer.


 

India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.5% in the September quarter, the slowest in six quarters, according to a poll of economists by Mint. This expected slowdown, down from 6.7% in the previous quarter, reflects an uneven performance across various sectors. While government spending and rural recovery have provided some support, a decline in private consumption growth has dampened the overall momentum. The forthcoming GDP data for the second quarter of FY25, set to be released on November 29, is anticipated to fall short of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) revised forecast of 7% growth for the quarter. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 313 no Indian markets get a band-aid, but the pain remains https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indian-markets-get-a-band-aid-but-the-pain-remains-c0r77qyx Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Yesterday, the stock markets rejoiced following the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra state elections. Both the Sensex and the Nifty shot up by more than 1.25%, buoyed by the same party in power at the centre and state. This provides a huge boost to investor confidence, which took a hit after an around 11% correction in indices over the past two months. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this might prove to be just a band aid over a huge wound. Foreign investors have continued to sell heavily, while Q2 results showed declining profits and poor forecasts. Rising inflation complicates matters further.  In a curious event that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie, a small AI-powered robot named Erbai "kidnapped" 12 larger robots from a Shanghai showroom. Using a security loophole, Erbai persuaded the robots, seemingly questioning if they were "working overtime", to leave their posts and follow it out. This staged scenario by Erbai's creators at Unitree Robotics, initially thought to be a prank, was actually a controlled test to showcase the robot's capabilities. This incident has sparked discussions about AI autonomy and the ethical implications of robots capable of manipulating other machines, highlighting the urgent need for stringent security measures in AI development. Leslie D’Monte explains what happens if robots, powered by AI, decide to take charge. Indians are borrowing more often, and it's worrying bankers. Microlenders are struggling to recoup their loans because borrowers are over-leveraged. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that a post-covid credit binge backed by poor data has led to widespread delinquencies.  Companies like Credit Access Grameen, Fusion Finance, and Equitas Small Finance Bank have noted that clients have multiple active loans, with some having as many as four. Industry associations want to implement guardrails like capping household debt at ₹2 lakh.    The funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is expected to remain flat in next year's Union Budget. That reflects confidence in the rural economy. Rhik Kundu writes that allocations are likely to remain steady at around ₹86,000 crore. However, this might be revised if the fragile rural economy takes a hit mid-year. Job demand via the flagship employment scheme has declined more than 7.5%. Improved agricultural performance due to a healthy monsoon is good news, leading to fewer days of work via the scheme. 2024 hasn't been too kind to Bollywood, with box office collections expected to be down by 30-40% compared to last year. The only standout hit was "Stree 2," raking in Rs 627.02 crore, but other big-ticket films like "Singham Again" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" didn’t even hit the Rs 300 crore mark. Last year, we saw four films cross the Rs 500 crore threshold, bringing in a total of Rs 5,300 crore, but this year we're only at Rs 3,500 crore so far. It’s not just Hindi films feeling the pinch; even Hollywood dubs like "Venom-The Last Dance" fell flat. Lata Jha writes about how the Indian film industry as a whole, and not just Bollywood, is expecting a tepid end to the year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Indian markets get a band-aid, but the pain remains full 702 Mint - HT Smartcast Indians are borrowing more often, and it's worrying bankers; Indian film industry sees a tepid end to 2024 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Yesterday, the stock markets rejoiced following the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra state elections. Both the Sensex and the Nifty shot up by more than 1.25%, buoyed by the same party in power at the centre and state. This provides a huge boost to investor confidence, which took a hit after an around 11% correction in indices over the past two months. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this might prove to be just a band aid over a huge wound. Foreign investors have continued to sell heavily, while Q2 results showed declining profits and poor forecasts. Rising inflation complicates matters further.  In a curious event that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie, a small AI-powered robot named Erbai "kidnapped" 12 larger robots from a Shanghai showroom. Using a security loophole, Erbai persuaded the robots, seemingly questioning if they were "working overtime", to leave their posts and follow it out. This staged scenario by Erbai's creators at Unitree Robotics, initially thought to be a prank, was actually a controlled test to showcase the robot's capabilities. This incident has sparked discussions about AI autonomy and the ethical implications of robots capable of manipulating other machines, highlighting the urgent need for stringent security measures in AI development. Leslie D’Monte explains what happens if robots, powered by AI, decide to take charge. Indians are borrowing more often, and it's worrying bankers. Microlenders are struggling to recoup their loans because borrowers are over-leveraged. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that a post-covid credit binge backed by poor data has led to widespread delinquencies.  Companies like Credit Access Grameen, Fusion Finance, and Equitas Small Finance Bank have noted that clients have multiple active loans, with some having as many as four. Industry associations want to implement guardrails like capping household debt at ₹2 lakh.    The funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is expected to remain flat in next year's Union Budget. That reflects confidence in the rural economy. Rhik Kundu writes that allocations are likely to remain steady at around ₹86,000 crore. However, this might be revised if the fragile rural economy takes a hit mid-year. Job demand via the flagship employment scheme has declined more than 7.5%. Improved agricultural performance due to a healthy monsoon is good news, leading to fewer days of work via the scheme. 2024 hasn't been too kind to Bollywood, with box office collections expected to be down by 30-40% compared to last year. The only standout hit was "Stree 2," raking in Rs 627.02 crore, but other big-ticket films like "Singham Again" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" didn’t even hit the Rs 300 crore mark. Last year, we saw four films cross the Rs 500 crore threshold, bringing in a total of Rs 5,300 crore, but this year we're only at Rs 3,500 crore so far. It’s not just Hindi films feeling the pinch; even Hollywood dubs like "Venom-The Last Dance" fell flat. Lata Jha writes about how the Indian film industry as a whole, and not just Bollywood, is expecting a tepid end to the year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Yesterday, the stock markets rejoiced following the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra state elections. Both the Sensex and the Nifty shot up by more than 1.25%, buoyed by the same party in power at the centre and state. This provides a huge boost to investor confidence, which took a hit after an around 11% correction in indices over the past two months. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this might prove to be just a band aid over a huge wound. Foreign investors have continued to sell heavily, while Q2 results showed declining profits and poor forecasts. Rising inflation complicates matters further. 

In a curious event that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie, a small AI-powered robot named Erbai "kidnapped" 12 larger robots from a Shanghai showroom. Using a security loophole, Erbai persuaded the robots, seemingly questioning if they were "working overtime", to leave their posts and follow it out. This staged scenario by Erbai's creators at Unitree Robotics, initially thought to be a prank, was actually a controlled test to showcase the robot's capabilities. This incident has sparked discussions about AI autonomy and the ethical implications of robots capable of manipulating other machines, highlighting the urgent need for stringent security measures in AI development. Leslie D’Monte explains what happens if robots, powered by AI, decide to take charge.

Indians are borrowing more often, and it's worrying bankers. Microlenders are struggling to recoup their loans because borrowers are over-leveraged. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that a post-covid credit binge backed by poor data has led to widespread delinquencies.  Companies like Credit Access Grameen, Fusion Finance, and Equitas Small Finance Bank have noted that clients have multiple active loans, with some having as many as four. Industry associations want to implement guardrails like capping household debt at ₹2 lakh. 


 

The funding for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is expected to remain flat in next year's Union Budget. That reflects confidence in the rural economy. Rhik Kundu writes that allocations are likely to remain steady at around ₹86,000 crore. However, this might be revised if the fragile rural economy takes a hit mid-year. Job demand via the flagship employment scheme has declined more than 7.5%. Improved agricultural performance due to a healthy monsoon is good news, leading to fewer days of work via the scheme.

2024 hasn't been too kind to Bollywood, with box office collections expected to be down by 30-40% compared to last year. The only standout hit was "Stree 2," raking in Rs 627.02 crore, but other big-ticket films like "Singham Again" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" didn’t even hit the Rs 300 crore mark. Last year, we saw four films cross the Rs 500 crore threshold, bringing in a total of Rs 5,300 crore, but this year we're only at Rs 3,500 crore so far. It’s not just Hindi films feeling the pinch; even Hollywood dubs like "Venom-The Last Dance" fell flat. Lata Jha writes about how the Indian film industry as a whole, and not just Bollywood, is expecting a tepid end to the year. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 331 no Adani bulls cut positions before news of indictment https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-bulls-cut-positions-before-news-of-indictment-FMwXh2kR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Days before a US court indicted Adani Green Energy officials for alleged bribery in India, traders on derivatives markets cut their positions in Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports. This move spared them from the sharp declines that erased 2.24 trillion rupees in market value on Thursday when the allegations surfaced. Notably, futures positions in Adani Enterprises were reduced by 8%, ahead of a 23% drop in share prices following the news. Market watchers noted significant trading activity before the public release of the indictment news, leading to speculation about whether some had prior knowledge, Ram Sahgal writes. A recent World Bank study across six Indian states talks about the critical need for skill-based education in schools to capitalize on India's demographic dividend and meet development goals by 2047. The study reveals a significant gap between current educational offerings and the rapidly evolving job market, shaped by factors such as automation, climate change, and digitalization. Integrating skill education into the school curriculum is essential for preparing students for employment opportunities and enhancing India's competitive edge globally. N Madhavan explains why giving skill education in Indian schools is a good idea, in today’s Primer.  Ranjit Gupta, chief executive of Ocior Energy and former CEO  of Azure Power, is among those indicted in the $250 million Adani bribery case. Azure is in the thick of the bribery scam. After resigning from Azure Power in 2022 under circumstances detailed in a November 20 complaint by US prosecutors, Gupta went on to establish Ocior Energy, which recently secured a significant investment promise from REC Ltd to produce green ammonia in Odisha. Ocior Energy has no revenue and limited staffing, yet it ambitiously plans to invest billions in green energy across regions from Egypt to India. These plans now face scrutiny as Gupta contends legal challenges in the ongoing Adani investigation, writes Varun Sood.  India's massive ₹13 trillion manufacturing boost from production-linked incentives (PLI) is hitting a pause. The government is halting the addition of new sectors like toys, drones, and furniture to better tune the existing setup, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shift comes as disbursements have dropped sharply, from nearly ₹10,000 crore last year to under ₹1,000 crore this year, with the bulk of claims coming from electronics, textiles, automobiles, and white goods sectors. The challenge? High production targets are tough to meet. For instance, textile companies eyeing incentives need to hit a ₹600 crore sales target with at least ₹300 crore invested.  The latest quarterly earnings have revealed a stark trend: urban India is facing some serious financial strains. Big names like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India are seeing sluggish growth, with sales barely inching up, thanks to a shrinking middle class that’s tightening belts. The problem? Prices are up, and so are interest rates, making everyone think twice about how they spend their money. Interestingly, while the big cities are struggling, rural India seems to be holding up much better. Companies like Maruti Suzuki even reported growth in rural sales despite flat overall revenue. It's a tale of two markets, really. Urban areas, usually the heartbeat of consumption, are now the ones lagging behind, feeling the pinch from high food prices and lower disposable income. In today’s Long Story, Abhishek Mukherjee writes about the consumption slowdown middle class India is facing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani bulls cut positions before news of indictment full 701 Mint - HT Smartcast PLI expansion hits a snag; What happened to the Indian middle class? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Days before a US court indicted Adani Green Energy officials for alleged bribery in India, traders on derivatives markets cut their positions in Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports. This move spared them from the sharp declines that erased 2.24 trillion rupees in market value on Thursday when the allegations surfaced. Notably, futures positions in Adani Enterprises were reduced by 8%, ahead of a 23% drop in share prices following the news. Market watchers noted significant trading activity before the public release of the indictment news, leading to speculation about whether some had prior knowledge, Ram Sahgal writes. A recent World Bank study across six Indian states talks about the critical need for skill-based education in schools to capitalize on India's demographic dividend and meet development goals by 2047. The study reveals a significant gap between current educational offerings and the rapidly evolving job market, shaped by factors such as automation, climate change, and digitalization. Integrating skill education into the school curriculum is essential for preparing students for employment opportunities and enhancing India's competitive edge globally. N Madhavan explains why giving skill education in Indian schools is a good idea, in today’s Primer.  Ranjit Gupta, chief executive of Ocior Energy and former CEO  of Azure Power, is among those indicted in the $250 million Adani bribery case. Azure is in the thick of the bribery scam. After resigning from Azure Power in 2022 under circumstances detailed in a November 20 complaint by US prosecutors, Gupta went on to establish Ocior Energy, which recently secured a significant investment promise from REC Ltd to produce green ammonia in Odisha. Ocior Energy has no revenue and limited staffing, yet it ambitiously plans to invest billions in green energy across regions from Egypt to India. These plans now face scrutiny as Gupta contends legal challenges in the ongoing Adani investigation, writes Varun Sood.  India's massive ₹13 trillion manufacturing boost from production-linked incentives (PLI) is hitting a pause. The government is halting the addition of new sectors like toys, drones, and furniture to better tune the existing setup, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shift comes as disbursements have dropped sharply, from nearly ₹10,000 crore last year to under ₹1,000 crore this year, with the bulk of claims coming from electronics, textiles, automobiles, and white goods sectors. The challenge? High production targets are tough to meet. For instance, textile companies eyeing incentives need to hit a ₹600 crore sales target with at least ₹300 crore invested.  The latest quarterly earnings have revealed a stark trend: urban India is facing some serious financial strains. Big names like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India are seeing sluggish growth, with sales barely inching up, thanks to a shrinking middle class that’s tightening belts. The problem? Prices are up, and so are interest rates, making everyone think twice about how they spend their money. Interestingly, while the big cities are struggling, rural India seems to be holding up much better. Companies like Maruti Suzuki even reported growth in rural sales despite flat overall revenue. It's a tale of two markets, really. Urban areas, usually the heartbeat of consumption, are now the ones lagging behind, feeling the pinch from high food prices and lower disposable income. In today’s Long Story, Abhishek Mukherjee writes about the consumption slowdown middle class India is facing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 25, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started. 


 

Days before a US court indicted Adani Green Energy officials for alleged bribery in India, traders on derivatives markets cut their positions in Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports. This move spared them from the sharp declines that erased 2.24 trillion rupees in market value on Thursday when the allegations surfaced. Notably, futures positions in Adani Enterprises were reduced by 8%, ahead of a 23% drop in share prices following the news. Market watchers noted significant trading activity before the public release of the indictment news, leading to speculation about whether some had prior knowledge, Ram Sahgal writes.

A recent World Bank study across six Indian states talks about the critical need for skill-based education in schools to capitalize on India's demographic dividend and meet development goals by 2047. The study reveals a significant gap between current educational offerings and the rapidly evolving job market, shaped by factors such as automation, climate change, and digitalization. Integrating skill education into the school curriculum is essential for preparing students for employment opportunities and enhancing India's competitive edge globally. N Madhavan explains why giving skill education in Indian schools is a good idea, in today’s Primer. 

Ranjit Gupta, chief executive of Ocior Energy and former CEO  of Azure Power, is among those indicted in the $250 million Adani bribery case. Azure is in the thick of the bribery scam. After resigning from Azure Power in 2022 under circumstances detailed in a November 20 complaint by US prosecutors, Gupta went on to establish Ocior Energy, which recently secured a significant investment promise from REC Ltd to produce green ammonia in Odisha. Ocior Energy has no revenue and limited staffing, yet it ambitiously plans to invest billions in green energy across regions from Egypt to India. These plans now face scrutiny as Gupta contends legal challenges in the ongoing Adani investigation, writes Varun Sood. 

India's massive ₹13 trillion manufacturing boost from production-linked incentives (PLI) is hitting a pause. The government is halting the addition of new sectors like toys, drones, and furniture to better tune the existing setup, Dhirendra Kumar reports. This shift comes as disbursements have dropped sharply, from nearly ₹10,000 crore last year to under ₹1,000 crore this year, with the bulk of claims coming from electronics, textiles, automobiles, and white goods sectors. The challenge? High production targets are tough to meet. For instance, textile companies eyeing incentives need to hit a ₹600 crore sales target with at least ₹300 crore invested. 

The latest quarterly earnings have revealed a stark trend: urban India is facing some serious financial strains. Big names like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India are seeing sluggish growth, with sales barely inching up, thanks to a shrinking middle class that’s tightening belts. The problem? Prices are up, and so are interest rates, making everyone think twice about how they spend their money. Interestingly, while the big cities are struggling, rural India seems to be holding up much better. Companies like Maruti Suzuki even reported growth in rural sales despite flat overall revenue. It's a tale of two markets, really. Urban areas, usually the heartbeat of consumption, are now the ones lagging behind, feeling the pinch from high food prices and lower disposable income. In today’s Long Story, Abhishek Mukherjee writes about the consumption slowdown middle class India is facing. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 364 no US charges Adani in $265 million bribery scheme https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/us-charges-adani-in-265-million-bribery-scheme-Z9xRLncd   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 22, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors on charges of bribery and corruption. Varun Sood writes that the US Department of Justice's allegations followed a two-year probe into the conglomerate based on revelations from two whistleblowers. Adani group stocks lost about ₹2.24 trillion in market cap on Thursday after the US charges surfaced, just as the conglomerate seemed to have moved past the impact of allegations made by shorter seller Hindenburg Research last year.   Cotton farmers have begun to shift to rice plantation following recurring crop failures. As rice needs around five times as much water as cotton, this has led to a rapid decline in soil quality. Sayantan Bera writes that India produced cotton in excess and exported more than $10 billion of it last year. However, the change in production patterns could threaten the livelihood of around 45 million people. Despite being the world's second-largest producer of cotton, India is projected to be a net importer of the textile this year. India's cotton yields remain significantly low compared to global averages, leading to this crunch. Sayantan explains how we got here.   As the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region gets worse, most schools and many offices have remained shut. Soumya Gupta writes that respiratory issues are on the rise and OPDs are reporting three times the usual number of admissions. People have stopped outdoor activities, and air purifiers, masks and respiratory drugs are selling in record numbers. Many are travelling to hill stations to escape the toxic fumes in the capital. Soumya calls this the "smog economy”.    One category of goods that doesn’t seem to be part of the "smog economy" is electric vehicles. Sales of EVs in Delhi declined 79% in September. Alisha Sachdev reports that the withdrawal of incentives led to a sharp increase in the price of EVs, causing sales to plummet. Alisha writes that as the pollution gets even worse, policymakers may look to bring back these subsidies to incentivise EVs.   If you're an aspiring CEO, prepare for some long and rigorous interviews. Devina Sengupta writes about candidates who have had to endure as many as 11 rounds to bag the top job. These interviews cover a wide variety of topics such as financial strategy, climate change, and even geopolitics. Devina writes this is because companies are extremely wary of big-ticket hires not working out. The hiring process can take more than eight months to complete, underscoring the reduced risk appetite for hiring across India Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 US charges Adani in $265 million bribery scheme full 700 Mint - HT Smartcast The ‘smog economy’, OpenAI’s newest challenge   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 22, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors on charges of bribery and corruption. Varun Sood writes that the US Department of Justice's allegations followed a two-year probe into the conglomerate based on revelations from two whistleblowers. Adani group stocks lost about ₹2.24 trillion in market cap on Thursday after the US charges surfaced, just as the conglomerate seemed to have moved past the impact of allegations made by shorter seller Hindenburg Research last year.   Cotton farmers have begun to shift to rice plantation following recurring crop failures. As rice needs around five times as much water as cotton, this has led to a rapid decline in soil quality. Sayantan Bera writes that India produced cotton in excess and exported more than $10 billion of it last year. However, the change in production patterns could threaten the livelihood of around 45 million people. Despite being the world's second-largest producer of cotton, India is projected to be a net importer of the textile this year. India's cotton yields remain significantly low compared to global averages, leading to this crunch. Sayantan explains how we got here.   As the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region gets worse, most schools and many offices have remained shut. Soumya Gupta writes that respiratory issues are on the rise and OPDs are reporting three times the usual number of admissions. People have stopped outdoor activities, and air purifiers, masks and respiratory drugs are selling in record numbers. Many are travelling to hill stations to escape the toxic fumes in the capital. Soumya calls this the "smog economy”.    One category of goods that doesn’t seem to be part of the "smog economy" is electric vehicles. Sales of EVs in Delhi declined 79% in September. Alisha Sachdev reports that the withdrawal of incentives led to a sharp increase in the price of EVs, causing sales to plummet. Alisha writes that as the pollution gets even worse, policymakers may look to bring back these subsidies to incentivise EVs.   If you're an aspiring CEO, prepare for some long and rigorous interviews. Devina Sengupta writes about candidates who have had to endure as many as 11 rounds to bag the top job. These interviews cover a wide variety of topics such as financial strategy, climate change, and even geopolitics. Devina writes this is because companies are extremely wary of big-ticket hires not working out. The hiring process can take more than eight months to complete, underscoring the reduced risk appetite for hiring across India Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 22, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors on charges of bribery and corruption. Varun Sood writes that the US Department of Justice's allegations followed a two-year probe into the conglomerate based on revelations from two whistleblowers. Adani group stocks lost about ₹2.24 trillion in market cap on Thursday after the US charges surfaced, just as the conglomerate seemed to have moved past the impact of allegations made by shorter seller Hindenburg Research last year.


 

Cotton farmers have begun to shift to rice plantation following recurring crop failures. As rice needs around five times as much water as cotton, this has led to a rapid decline in soil quality. Sayantan Bera writes that India produced cotton in excess and exported more than $10 billion of it last year. However, the change in production patterns could threaten the livelihood of around 45 million people. Despite being the world's second-largest producer of cotton, India is projected to be a net importer of the textile this year. India's cotton yields remain significantly low compared to global averages, leading to this crunch. Sayantan explains how we got here.


 

As the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region gets worse, most schools and many offices have remained shut. Soumya Gupta writes that respiratory issues are on the rise and OPDs are reporting three times the usual number of admissions. People have stopped outdoor activities, and air purifiers, masks and respiratory drugs are selling in record numbers. Many are travelling to hill stations to escape the toxic fumes in the capital. Soumya calls this the "smog economy”. 


 

One category of goods that doesn’t seem to be part of the "smog economy" is electric vehicles. Sales of EVs in Delhi declined 79% in September. Alisha Sachdev reports that the withdrawal of incentives led to a sharp increase in the price of EVs, causing sales to plummet. Alisha writes that as the pollution gets even worse, policymakers may look to bring back these subsidies to incentivise EVs.


 

If you're an aspiring CEO, prepare for some long and rigorous interviews. Devina Sengupta writes about candidates who have had to endure as many as 11 rounds to bag the top job. These interviews cover a wide variety of topics such as financial strategy, climate change, and even geopolitics. Devina writes this is because companies are extremely wary of big-ticket hires not working out. The hiring process can take more than eight months to complete, underscoring the reduced risk appetite for hiring across India Inc.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 298 no Karnataka woos swanky outsourcing jobs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/karnataka-woos-swanky-outsourcing-jobs-7cELwL9g Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 21, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   As more people splurge on travel, the hospitality sector finds itself in a comfortable place. Dipti Sharma writes that several hotel-related IPOs are planned in the near future. Examples include Brigade Hotel Ventures, Schloss Bangalore, and Oyo. Strong travel demand and government initiatives have helped the sector bounce back from a disastrous pandemic period. Room occupancy rates are at near all-time highs, and the industry is likely to reach a total valuation of $475 billion by the end of the decade. Both vacation as well as business hubs are seeing an uptick in business, leading the charge for public listings.   VIP Industries is in talks with a global private equity firm for a stake sale. Sneha Shah reports that Advent International is looking to acquire a controlling stake in the the luggage maker. The promoter group, led by Dilip Piramal, has been looking to reduce its stake in the company for more than a year. Currently, VIP has a market value of more than ₹6,500 crore. The promoters are hoping for a premium of around 10 to 15% on top of that valuation. VIP has a 44% market share in the organise luggage sector, but faces stiff competition from up and coming brands.   Did you know that the Adani Group had a 5G license? That doesn't mean India's beleaguered telecom market is getting another player — large corporates buy spectrum for a variety of reasons. However, Gulveen Aulakh reports that the Group is looking to surrender its share of the spectrum it owns. It had paid ₹212 crore in the 2022 auctions for the spectrum, but maintained inactivity. Since there isn't a rollout, the government has been imposing penalties on Adani for failing to do so. Adani Enterprises had bought the spectrum via a subsidiary to develop a private 5G network at the company's facilities, but that hasn't materialised.   Until the early 2000s, outsourcing in India meant business process outsourcing (BPO) call centres. Today, the business has evolved, morphing into ‘global capability centres’ that serve high-end strategic and innovation needs of US-headquartered companies. India is still attractive because we have plenty of tech talent and relatively cheap real estate. The Karnataka government, sensing a long-term opportunity, has introduced an official GCC Policy. What is it and how will it help GCCs (and jobs) grow in India? Madhurima Nandy explains in today’s Mint Primer.     It hurts to lose ₹50. Imagine how difficult it would be to write off a whopping $500 million. But that's what Prosus, a tech investor, did after the Byju's debacle. Prosus was quick to lick its wounds as it secured a major victory with Swiggy listing publicly. Prosus has been prolific in India, securing deals worth more than $8 billion across 24 transactions. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that unlike traditional venture capital funds, Prosus uses its own balance sheet to invest in companies. This approach allows it to take a long-term approach without having to worry about securing quick, profitable exits. All companies are subject to market fluctuations, and between Byju's and Swiggy, Prosus knows it best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Karnataka woos swanky outsourcing jobs full 699 Mint - HT Smartcast VIP sells, Adani surrenders Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 21, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   As more people splurge on travel, the hospitality sector finds itself in a comfortable place. Dipti Sharma writes that several hotel-related IPOs are planned in the near future. Examples include Brigade Hotel Ventures, Schloss Bangalore, and Oyo. Strong travel demand and government initiatives have helped the sector bounce back from a disastrous pandemic period. Room occupancy rates are at near all-time highs, and the industry is likely to reach a total valuation of $475 billion by the end of the decade. Both vacation as well as business hubs are seeing an uptick in business, leading the charge for public listings.   VIP Industries is in talks with a global private equity firm for a stake sale. Sneha Shah reports that Advent International is looking to acquire a controlling stake in the the luggage maker. The promoter group, led by Dilip Piramal, has been looking to reduce its stake in the company for more than a year. Currently, VIP has a market value of more than ₹6,500 crore. The promoters are hoping for a premium of around 10 to 15% on top of that valuation. VIP has a 44% market share in the organise luggage sector, but faces stiff competition from up and coming brands.   Did you know that the Adani Group had a 5G license? That doesn't mean India's beleaguered telecom market is getting another player — large corporates buy spectrum for a variety of reasons. However, Gulveen Aulakh reports that the Group is looking to surrender its share of the spectrum it owns. It had paid ₹212 crore in the 2022 auctions for the spectrum, but maintained inactivity. Since there isn't a rollout, the government has been imposing penalties on Adani for failing to do so. Adani Enterprises had bought the spectrum via a subsidiary to develop a private 5G network at the company's facilities, but that hasn't materialised.   Until the early 2000s, outsourcing in India meant business process outsourcing (BPO) call centres. Today, the business has evolved, morphing into ‘global capability centres’ that serve high-end strategic and innovation needs of US-headquartered companies. India is still attractive because we have plenty of tech talent and relatively cheap real estate. The Karnataka government, sensing a long-term opportunity, has introduced an official GCC Policy. What is it and how will it help GCCs (and jobs) grow in India? Madhurima Nandy explains in today’s Mint Primer.     It hurts to lose ₹50. Imagine how difficult it would be to write off a whopping $500 million. But that's what Prosus, a tech investor, did after the Byju's debacle. Prosus was quick to lick its wounds as it secured a major victory with Swiggy listing publicly. Prosus has been prolific in India, securing deals worth more than $8 billion across 24 transactions. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that unlike traditional venture capital funds, Prosus uses its own balance sheet to invest in companies. This approach allows it to take a long-term approach without having to worry about securing quick, profitable exits. All companies are subject to market fluctuations, and between Byju's and Swiggy, Prosus knows it best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 21, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

As more people splurge on travel, the hospitality sector finds itself in a comfortable place. Dipti Sharma writes that several hotel-related IPOs are planned in the near future. Examples include Brigade Hotel Ventures, Schloss Bangalore, and Oyo. Strong travel demand and government initiatives have helped the sector bounce back from a disastrous pandemic period. Room occupancy rates are at near all-time highs, and the industry is likely to reach a total valuation of $475 billion by the end of the decade. Both vacation as well as business hubs are seeing an uptick in business, leading the charge for public listings.


 

VIP Industries is in talks with a global private equity firm for a stake sale. Sneha Shah reports that Advent International is looking to acquire a controlling stake in the the luggage maker. The promoter group, led by Dilip Piramal, has been looking to reduce its stake in the company for more than a year. Currently, VIP has a market value of more than ₹6,500 crore. The promoters are hoping for a premium of around 10 to 15% on top of that valuation. VIP has a 44% market share in the organise luggage sector, but faces stiff competition from up and coming brands.


 

Did you know that the Adani Group had a 5G license? That doesn't mean India's beleaguered telecom market is getting another player — large corporates buy spectrum for a variety of reasons. However, Gulveen Aulakh reports that the Group is looking to surrender its share of the spectrum it owns. It had paid ₹212 crore in the 2022 auctions for the spectrum, but maintained inactivity. Since there isn't a rollout, the government has been imposing penalties on Adani for failing to do so. Adani Enterprises had bought the spectrum via a subsidiary to develop a private 5G network at the company's facilities, but that hasn't materialised.


 

Until the early 2000s, outsourcing in India meant business process outsourcing (BPO) call centres. Today, the business has evolved, morphing into ‘global capability centres’ that serve high-end strategic and innovation needs of US-headquartered companies. India is still attractive because we have plenty of tech talent and relatively cheap real estate. The Karnataka government, sensing a long-term opportunity, has introduced an official GCC Policy. What is it and how will it help GCCs (and jobs) grow in India? Madhurima Nandy explains in today’s Mint Primer.


 


 

It hurts to lose ₹50. Imagine how difficult it would be to write off a whopping $500 million. But that's what Prosus, a tech investor, did after the Byju's debacle. Prosus was quick to lick its wounds as it secured a major victory with Swiggy listing publicly. Prosus has been prolific in India, securing deals worth more than $8 billion across 24 transactions. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that unlike traditional venture capital funds, Prosus uses its own balance sheet to invest in companies. This approach allows it to take a long-term approach without having to worry about securing quick, profitable exits. All companies are subject to market fluctuations, and between Byju's and Swiggy, Prosus knows it best.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 334 no The problem with always buying the dip https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-problem-with-always-buying-the-dip-PrpaEguS Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The stock market is down more than 10% from its recent peak. Buying the dip is generally considered a good strategy, and Indian investors have been doing so at every opportunity. Ram Sahgal reports that despite the bearish market, retail investors have bought stocks worth more than ₹33,000 crore. But while buying the dip every time may be tempting, the strategy is more suitable for seasoned investors, especially during times of stubborn inflation, high interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties, Ram adds. Mutual fund managers are increasingly holding cash, looking to wait out the skittish markets.   While some Indians are reducing their discretionary spending, rich Indians are splurging like there's no tomorrow. Soumya Gupta writes that affluent consumers continue to spend on luxury goods, travel, and lavish weddings. The ever-rising income disparity means that shifts in affluent consumers' spending could significantly affect large, mass-market companies. The likes of Maruti-Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever, for instance, have reported muted demand of late. This is bad news for India's consumer economy, which accounts for half the country's GDP.   State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank are vying to finance an oil refinery project worth ₹39,000 crore in Tamil Nadu. Shayan Ghosh reports that more than ₹27,000 crore of this will be sourced through loans. Banks are seeking to capitalise on such public sector projects as demand for retail loans is declining.   Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of the Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited, is a man in a hurry. Since taking over in 2017, Chhatwal has aggressively targeted growth and relied on rapid expansion to achieve this. IHCL stock, meanwhile, has given investors 400% returns in the past five years. So far, so good. But what’s next? Varuni Khosla reports that while the company’s expansion strategy under Chhatwal has received much praise, some have raised questions about its sustainability.   Is coconut oil sold in a 200 ml bottle an edible oil or a cosmetic product? The question may sound silly, but has significant ramifications for the fast-moving consumer goods industry as cosmetic products are taxed at a higher rate than edible oils. The Supreme Court is due to rule on the issue soon, and its decision will set a significant precedent, writes Krishna Yadav. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The problem with always buying the dip full 698 Mint - HT Smartcast India's rich continue to spend, banks fight to give out 27k crore loan Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   The stock market is down more than 10% from its recent peak. Buying the dip is generally considered a good strategy, and Indian investors have been doing so at every opportunity. Ram Sahgal reports that despite the bearish market, retail investors have bought stocks worth more than ₹33,000 crore. But while buying the dip every time may be tempting, the strategy is more suitable for seasoned investors, especially during times of stubborn inflation, high interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties, Ram adds. Mutual fund managers are increasingly holding cash, looking to wait out the skittish markets.   While some Indians are reducing their discretionary spending, rich Indians are splurging like there's no tomorrow. Soumya Gupta writes that affluent consumers continue to spend on luxury goods, travel, and lavish weddings. The ever-rising income disparity means that shifts in affluent consumers' spending could significantly affect large, mass-market companies. The likes of Maruti-Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever, for instance, have reported muted demand of late. This is bad news for India's consumer economy, which accounts for half the country's GDP.   State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank are vying to finance an oil refinery project worth ₹39,000 crore in Tamil Nadu. Shayan Ghosh reports that more than ₹27,000 crore of this will be sourced through loans. Banks are seeking to capitalise on such public sector projects as demand for retail loans is declining.   Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of the Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited, is a man in a hurry. Since taking over in 2017, Chhatwal has aggressively targeted growth and relied on rapid expansion to achieve this. IHCL stock, meanwhile, has given investors 400% returns in the past five years. So far, so good. But what’s next? Varuni Khosla reports that while the company’s expansion strategy under Chhatwal has received much praise, some have raised questions about its sustainability.   Is coconut oil sold in a 200 ml bottle an edible oil or a cosmetic product? The question may sound silly, but has significant ramifications for the fast-moving consumer goods industry as cosmetic products are taxed at a higher rate than edible oils. The Supreme Court is due to rule on the issue soon, and its decision will set a significant precedent, writes Krishna Yadav. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

The stock market is down more than 10% from its recent peak. Buying the dip is generally considered a good strategy, and Indian investors have been doing so at every opportunity. Ram Sahgal reports that despite the bearish market, retail investors have bought stocks worth more than ₹33,000 crore. But while buying the dip every time may be tempting, the strategy is more suitable for seasoned investors, especially during times of stubborn inflation, high interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties, Ram adds. Mutual fund managers are increasingly holding cash, looking to wait out the skittish markets.


 

While some Indians are reducing their discretionary spending, rich Indians are splurging like there's no tomorrow. Soumya Gupta writes that affluent consumers continue to spend on luxury goods, travel, and lavish weddings. The ever-rising income disparity means that shifts in affluent consumers' spending could significantly affect large, mass-market companies. The likes of Maruti-Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever, for instance, have reported muted demand of late. This is bad news for India's consumer economy, which accounts for half the country's GDP.


 

State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank are vying to finance an oil refinery project worth ₹39,000 crore in Tamil Nadu. Shayan Ghosh reports that more than ₹27,000 crore of this will be sourced through loans. Banks are seeking to capitalise on such public sector projects as demand for retail loans is declining.


 

Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of the Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited, is a man in a hurry. Since taking over in 2017, Chhatwal has aggressively targeted growth and relied on rapid expansion to achieve this. IHCL stock, meanwhile, has given investors 400% returns in the past five years. So far, so good. But what’s next? Varuni Khosla reports that while the company’s expansion strategy under Chhatwal has received much praise, some have raised questions about its sustainability.


 

Is coconut oil sold in a 200 ml bottle an edible oil or a cosmetic product? The question may sound silly, but has significant ramifications for the fast-moving consumer goods industry as cosmetic products are taxed at a higher rate than edible oils. The Supreme Court is due to rule on the issue soon, and its decision will set a significant precedent, writes Krishna Yadav.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 289 no Why India Inc. hates boredom https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-india-inc-hates-boredom-ZWsC_Y3m Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   In what could be construed as a nudge to RBI to cut lending rates, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for more affordable bank lending rates to support India's growth. But she acknowledged that the government could do more to improve storage for perishable foods to mitigate the inflation volatility. Shayan Ghosh writes that RBI has maintained interest rates since February 2023, and due to inflationary concerns might not change that for now. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had also called for rate cuts last week.    India has new advertising guidelines for coaching classes. The new rules aim to prevent misleading claims by holding institutes accountable for false advertisements. Devina Sengupta writes that coaching centres must now provide refunds for unmet promises and disclose if their courses are accredited by relevant authorities. These regulations seek to protect students, who often enroll in coaching hubs like Kota under inflated expectations of success. For many years now, coaching classes have misled students and their parents with tall promises — these regulations are aimed at tempering them.   The government had announced a wide-ranging internship programme during the Union Budget a few months ago. While the original plan was meant for 21-24-year olds, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the scheme might be expanded to the age group of 18-25 years. The focus will continue to remain on candidates from families with annual incomes below Rs 8 lakh and without permanent government jobs. Currently, over 125,000 internships are available in companies like ONGC and Reliance Industries.    Who said science and faith cannot co-exist? In a move that merges technology with cultural preservation, an AI powered digital twin of St Peter’s Basilica was unveiled  earlier this month. Leslie D’monte writes that such technology can help you explore the world from your living room. AI-related tech is also being used to restore broken artifacts by designing what the missing pieces look like.     An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. An IT professional from Bengaluru, rated as a top performer by his employer, discovered this to his detriment recently. Having moved from the hellish environmental extremes of Delhi to Bengaluru in the Beautiful South, he had it all going for him. But instead of making the most that the easygoing IT capital of India had to offer, he found himself consumed by a hellish addiction to pornography, which soon made its way from his home to the workplace. Psychologists blame his addiction on boredom, a silent threat that is looming over employers who fail to keep their employees occupied in meaningful tasks. As Devina Sengupta writes, if it is not identified and addressed, boredom’s cascading effects can have a long-term impact on the prospects of both the employer and the employee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why India Inc. hates boredom full 697 Mint - HT Smartcast FM wants RBI to cut rates, no more fancy coaching class ads Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   In what could be construed as a nudge to RBI to cut lending rates, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for more affordable bank lending rates to support India's growth. But she acknowledged that the government could do more to improve storage for perishable foods to mitigate the inflation volatility. Shayan Ghosh writes that RBI has maintained interest rates since February 2023, and due to inflationary concerns might not change that for now. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had also called for rate cuts last week.    India has new advertising guidelines for coaching classes. The new rules aim to prevent misleading claims by holding institutes accountable for false advertisements. Devina Sengupta writes that coaching centres must now provide refunds for unmet promises and disclose if their courses are accredited by relevant authorities. These regulations seek to protect students, who often enroll in coaching hubs like Kota under inflated expectations of success. For many years now, coaching classes have misled students and their parents with tall promises — these regulations are aimed at tempering them.   The government had announced a wide-ranging internship programme during the Union Budget a few months ago. While the original plan was meant for 21-24-year olds, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the scheme might be expanded to the age group of 18-25 years. The focus will continue to remain on candidates from families with annual incomes below Rs 8 lakh and without permanent government jobs. Currently, over 125,000 internships are available in companies like ONGC and Reliance Industries.    Who said science and faith cannot co-exist? In a move that merges technology with cultural preservation, an AI powered digital twin of St Peter’s Basilica was unveiled  earlier this month. Leslie D’monte writes that such technology can help you explore the world from your living room. AI-related tech is also being used to restore broken artifacts by designing what the missing pieces look like.     An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. An IT professional from Bengaluru, rated as a top performer by his employer, discovered this to his detriment recently. Having moved from the hellish environmental extremes of Delhi to Bengaluru in the Beautiful South, he had it all going for him. But instead of making the most that the easygoing IT capital of India had to offer, he found himself consumed by a hellish addiction to pornography, which soon made its way from his home to the workplace. Psychologists blame his addiction on boredom, a silent threat that is looming over employers who fail to keep their employees occupied in meaningful tasks. As Devina Sengupta writes, if it is not identified and addressed, boredom’s cascading effects can have a long-term impact on the prospects of both the employer and the employee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 19, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

In what could be construed as a nudge to RBI to cut lending rates, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for more affordable bank lending rates to support India's growth. But she acknowledged that the government could do more to improve storage for perishable foods to mitigate the inflation volatility. Shayan Ghosh writes that RBI has maintained interest rates since February 2023, and due to inflationary concerns might not change that for now. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had also called for rate cuts last week. 


 

India has new advertising guidelines for coaching classes. The new rules aim to prevent misleading claims by holding institutes accountable for false advertisements. Devina Sengupta writes that coaching centres must now provide refunds for unmet promises and disclose if their courses are accredited by relevant authorities. These regulations seek to protect students, who often enroll in coaching hubs like Kota under inflated expectations of success. For many years now, coaching classes have misled students and their parents with tall promises — these regulations are aimed at tempering them.


 

The government had announced a wide-ranging internship programme during the Union Budget a few months ago. While the original plan was meant for 21-24-year olds, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the scheme might be expanded to the age group of 18-25 years. The focus will continue to remain on candidates from families with annual incomes below Rs 8 lakh and without permanent government jobs. Currently, over 125,000 internships are available in companies like ONGC and Reliance Industries. 


 

Who said science and faith cannot co-exist? In a move that merges technology with cultural preservation, an AI powered digital twin of St Peter’s Basilica was unveiled  earlier this month. Leslie D’monte writes that such technology can help you explore the world from your living room. AI-related tech is also being used to restore broken artifacts by designing what the missing pieces look like.  


 

An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. An IT professional from Bengaluru, rated

as a top performer by his employer, discovered this to his detriment recently. Having

moved from the hellish environmental extremes of Delhi to Bengaluru in the Beautiful

South, he had it all going for him. But instead of making the most that the easygoing IT

capital of India had to offer, he found himself consumed by a hellish addiction to

pornography, which soon made its way from his home to the workplace. Psychologists

blame his addiction on boredom, a silent threat that is looming over employers who fail

to keep their employees occupied in meaningful tasks. As Devina Sengupta writes, if it

is not identified and addressed, boredom’s cascading effects can have a long-term

impact on the prospects of both the employer and the employee.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 306 no How much wealth have retail investors lost? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-wealth-have-retail-investors-lost-pVtUFF77 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Stock markets have been brutal of late. Investors have lost a cumulative ₹50 trillion over the past seven weeks, during which the Nifty and Sensex have fallen 10% from their peaks. Ram Sahgal reports that foreign investors are pulling out in hordes. Poor Q2 results across the board haven’t helped, either. Analysts have remained optimistic of a rebound but are worried about the long-term sustainability of the bull runs that we have seen until a couple of weeks ago.   A tax on crude oil and fuel exports is being scrapped soon. Rituraj Baruah, Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Utpal Bhaskar report that this tax was originally imposed in 2022 following a surge in prices after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. As oil prices have remained low, the union government wants to reduce and eventually eliminate it entirely. This decision will benefit oil companies in India, allowing them to compete globally.   The RBI’s crackdown on unsecured personal loans has led to a reduced demand for off-roll workers in the banking sector. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report that the in-house shift of KYC norms has also affected this type of employment. These roles typically did KYC, loans sales and loan collections. While the RBI's change aims to increase compliance and prevent money laundering, it may inadvertently push borrowers towards unregulated money lenders.    India's roads are dangerous. A road accident in Dehradun last week resulted in 6 deaths and one critical injury. Sumant Banerji writes that 171,000 people died in road accidents in 2022 alone—accounting for nearly 12% of global road fatalities. Key causes include speeding and careless driving, which account for more than 87% of incidents. Unsurprisingly, two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable. Despite these startling facts, education on road safety remains inadequate.   More than 60% of India's domestic textile demand is for cotton. In a humid country like ours, it's not difficult to see why. Things are different across the world. Man-made fibers such as polyester are much more common in countries such as. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, which already cornered a lion's share of that market. N. Madhavan writes about these man-made fabrics, their endless potential, and the limitations in the Indian manufacturing and consumer verticals that might prevent them from succeeding like their East Asian counterparts. The government, for its part, has announced a PLI scheme for these fabrics that exceeds ₹10,000 crore. It has already found takers for nearly double that amount. But will it work?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How much wealth have retail investors lost? full 696 Mint - HT Smartcast RBI's crackdown affects off-roll workers, India's love affair with cotton Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Stock markets have been brutal of late. Investors have lost a cumulative ₹50 trillion over the past seven weeks, during which the Nifty and Sensex have fallen 10% from their peaks. Ram Sahgal reports that foreign investors are pulling out in hordes. Poor Q2 results across the board haven’t helped, either. Analysts have remained optimistic of a rebound but are worried about the long-term sustainability of the bull runs that we have seen until a couple of weeks ago.   A tax on crude oil and fuel exports is being scrapped soon. Rituraj Baruah, Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Utpal Bhaskar report that this tax was originally imposed in 2022 following a surge in prices after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. As oil prices have remained low, the union government wants to reduce and eventually eliminate it entirely. This decision will benefit oil companies in India, allowing them to compete globally.   The RBI’s crackdown on unsecured personal loans has led to a reduced demand for off-roll workers in the banking sector. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report that the in-house shift of KYC norms has also affected this type of employment. These roles typically did KYC, loans sales and loan collections. While the RBI's change aims to increase compliance and prevent money laundering, it may inadvertently push borrowers towards unregulated money lenders.    India's roads are dangerous. A road accident in Dehradun last week resulted in 6 deaths and one critical injury. Sumant Banerji writes that 171,000 people died in road accidents in 2022 alone—accounting for nearly 12% of global road fatalities. Key causes include speeding and careless driving, which account for more than 87% of incidents. Unsurprisingly, two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable. Despite these startling facts, education on road safety remains inadequate.   More than 60% of India's domestic textile demand is for cotton. In a humid country like ours, it's not difficult to see why. Things are different across the world. Man-made fibers such as polyester are much more common in countries such as. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, which already cornered a lion's share of that market. N. Madhavan writes about these man-made fabrics, their endless potential, and the limitations in the Indian manufacturing and consumer verticals that might prevent them from succeeding like their East Asian counterparts. The government, for its part, has announced a PLI scheme for these fabrics that exceeds ₹10,000 crore. It has already found takers for nearly double that amount. But will it work?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 18, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Stock markets have been brutal of late. Investors have lost a cumulative ₹50 trillion over the past seven weeks, during which the Nifty and Sensex have fallen 10% from their peaks. Ram Sahgal reports that foreign investors are pulling out in hordes. Poor Q2 results across the board haven’t helped, either. Analysts have remained optimistic of a rebound but are worried about the long-term sustainability of the bull runs that we have seen until a couple of weeks ago.


 

A tax on crude oil and fuel exports is being scrapped soon. Rituraj Baruah, Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Utpal Bhaskar report that this tax was originally imposed in 2022 following a surge in prices after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. As oil prices have remained low, the union government wants to reduce and eventually eliminate it entirely. This decision will benefit oil companies in India, allowing them to compete globally.


 

The RBI’s crackdown on unsecured personal loans has led to a reduced demand for off-roll workers in the banking sector. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report that the in-house shift of KYC norms has also affected this type of employment. These roles typically did KYC, loans sales and loan collections. While the RBI's change aims to increase compliance and prevent money laundering, it may inadvertently push borrowers towards unregulated money lenders. 


 

India's roads are dangerous. A road accident in Dehradun last week resulted in 6 deaths and one critical injury. Sumant Banerji writes that 171,000 people died in road accidents in 2022 alone—accounting for nearly 12% of global road fatalities. Key causes include speeding and careless driving, which account for more than 87% of incidents. Unsurprisingly, two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable. Despite these startling facts, education on road safety remains inadequate.


 

More than 60% of India's domestic textile demand is for cotton. In a humid country like ours, it's not difficult to see why. Things are different across the world. Man-made fibers such as polyester are much more common in countries such as. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, which already cornered a lion's share of that market. N. Madhavan writes about these man-made fabrics, their endless potential, and the limitations in the Indian manufacturing and consumer verticals that might prevent them from succeeding like their East Asian counterparts. The government, for its part, has announced a PLI scheme for these fabrics that exceeds ₹10,000 crore. It has already found takers for nearly double that amount. But will it work?


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 279 no How populist pitches are shaping Maha polls https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-populist-pitches-are-shaping-maha-polls-Y5dqGwgY Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 15, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   China's export restrictions are hurting the Indian economy. Essential materials like Germanium and Gallium have been banned from being exported from China, and are crucial for solar panel and electric vehicle production. Dhirendra Kumar and Utpal Bhaskar report that Indian companies are trying a workaround by rerouting these minerals and other critical machinery through Dubai. However, this proves to be costly as prices have increased by 10% and timelines are delayed by months. Such tactics also further widen India's trade deficit with China, draining foreign exchange.   If your company does any business in the US, you're probably thinking about the implications of Donald Trump's return to the big seat. Law firms are inundated with similar queries. Krishna Yadav writes that law firms are advising their clients to include protective clauses in contracts such as 'Force Majeure' and 'Material Adverse Change'. They are worried that Trump's 'America First' policy can complicate investments as well as invite widespread scrutiny. Cross-border deals might then come to a halt until there's further clarity on international policy.   It seems that automakers ar a rare breed — they don't want any subsidies. The government's ₹26,000 crore PLI scheme has only found takers for subsidies worth ₹500 crore so far. Alisha Sachdev reports that these companies are Tata Motors, Mahindra, Toyota, and Ola Electric. Primarily, the 50% domestic value requirement poses a major challenge for them, as they can't qualify for the scheme. Claims are likely to increase next financial year, when other automakers are more compliant and have bigger expansion plans.   Would you let a robotic arm, controlled by artificial intelligence, operate on you? Leslie D'monte writes that an autonomous AI surgeon named the da Vinci robot is now on the market. It has been trained through imitation learning, like most other AI models. It could potentially revolutionize surgical procedures by replicating complex tasks such as suturing and tissue manipulation. Challenges include precision, cost, and regulatory compliance. And since these devices are entirely digital, a single cyberattack could prove to be quite harmful.   Maharashtra is gearing up for its first state election since the split of its two key regional parties—the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena. With the second highest number of parliamentary seats in the country, it is a politically crucial state. Between the Mahayuti government and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, populist schemes and promises have taken centre stage to mobilize voters. In a state, where unemployment and rural distress are key electoral issues, will this guarantee a win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How populist pitches are shaping Maha polls full 695 Mint - HT Smartcast Humans and AI surgeons; humble start for PLI Auto scheme Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 15, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   China's export restrictions are hurting the Indian economy. Essential materials like Germanium and Gallium have been banned from being exported from China, and are crucial for solar panel and electric vehicle production. Dhirendra Kumar and Utpal Bhaskar report that Indian companies are trying a workaround by rerouting these minerals and other critical machinery through Dubai. However, this proves to be costly as prices have increased by 10% and timelines are delayed by months. Such tactics also further widen India's trade deficit with China, draining foreign exchange.   If your company does any business in the US, you're probably thinking about the implications of Donald Trump's return to the big seat. Law firms are inundated with similar queries. Krishna Yadav writes that law firms are advising their clients to include protective clauses in contracts such as 'Force Majeure' and 'Material Adverse Change'. They are worried that Trump's 'America First' policy can complicate investments as well as invite widespread scrutiny. Cross-border deals might then come to a halt until there's further clarity on international policy.   It seems that automakers ar a rare breed — they don't want any subsidies. The government's ₹26,000 crore PLI scheme has only found takers for subsidies worth ₹500 crore so far. Alisha Sachdev reports that these companies are Tata Motors, Mahindra, Toyota, and Ola Electric. Primarily, the 50% domestic value requirement poses a major challenge for them, as they can't qualify for the scheme. Claims are likely to increase next financial year, when other automakers are more compliant and have bigger expansion plans.   Would you let a robotic arm, controlled by artificial intelligence, operate on you? Leslie D'monte writes that an autonomous AI surgeon named the da Vinci robot is now on the market. It has been trained through imitation learning, like most other AI models. It could potentially revolutionize surgical procedures by replicating complex tasks such as suturing and tissue manipulation. Challenges include precision, cost, and regulatory compliance. And since these devices are entirely digital, a single cyberattack could prove to be quite harmful.   Maharashtra is gearing up for its first state election since the split of its two key regional parties—the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena. With the second highest number of parliamentary seats in the country, it is a politically crucial state. Between the Mahayuti government and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, populist schemes and promises have taken centre stage to mobilize voters. In a state, where unemployment and rural distress are key electoral issues, will this guarantee a win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 15, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

China's export restrictions are hurting the Indian economy. Essential materials like Germanium and Gallium have been banned from being exported from China, and are crucial for solar panel and electric vehicle production. Dhirendra Kumar and Utpal Bhaskar report that Indian companies are trying a workaround by rerouting these minerals and other critical machinery through Dubai. However, this proves to be costly as prices have increased by 10% and timelines are delayed by months. Such tactics also further widen India's trade deficit with China, draining foreign exchange.


 

If your company does any business in the US, you're probably thinking about the implications of Donald Trump's return to the big seat. Law firms are inundated with similar queries. Krishna Yadav writes that law firms are advising their clients to include protective clauses in contracts such as 'Force Majeure' and 'Material Adverse Change'. They are worried that Trump's 'America First' policy can complicate investments as well as invite widespread scrutiny. Cross-border deals might then come to a halt until there's further clarity on international policy.


 

It seems that automakers ar a rare breed — they don't want any subsidies. The government's ₹26,000 crore PLI scheme has only found takers for subsidies worth ₹500 crore so far. Alisha Sachdev reports that these companies are Tata Motors, Mahindra, Toyota, and Ola Electric. Primarily, the 50% domestic value requirement poses a major challenge for them, as they can't qualify for the scheme. Claims are likely to increase next financial year, when other automakers are more compliant and have bigger expansion plans.


 

Would you let a robotic arm, controlled by artificial intelligence, operate on you? Leslie D'monte writes that an autonomous AI surgeon named the da Vinci robot is now on the market. It has been trained through imitation learning, like most other AI models. It could potentially revolutionize surgical procedures by replicating complex tasks such as suturing and tissue manipulation. Challenges include precision, cost, and regulatory compliance. And since these devices are entirely digital, a single cyberattack could prove to be quite harmful.


 

Maharashtra is gearing up for its first state election since the split of its two key regional parties—the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena. With the second highest number of parliamentary seats in the country, it is a politically crucial state. Between the Mahayuti government and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, populist schemes and promises have taken centre stage to mobilize voters. In a state, where unemployment and rural distress are key electoral issues, will this guarantee a win?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 295 no How the southern states are vying for Foxconn’s attention https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-the-southern-states-are-vying-for-foxconns-attention-dO7YbWy1 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 14, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Markets crashed for a second straight day on Wednesday, confirming a shift to bearish sentiment. Ram Sahgal reports that options traders are cutting their put positions on the Nifty index as uncertainty mounts, prompting investors to hedge their portfolios. However, the rising cost of put options has intensified selling pressure. Ram notes that in this bearish climate, call options have become cheaper. The takeaway? Investors are hoping the market has finally bottomed out.   One company bucked the market trend: Swiggy. It made its market debut yesterday, closing with a 7.7% premium over its issue price. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C report that the listing was a significant liquidity event for major backers like SoftBank and Prosus. Analysts have generally maintained a positive outlook for the stock, though some urge caution, pointing to potential cash flow challenges.   Official data shows India’s consumer price index (CPI) surged to 6.2%, breaching the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance limit. The primary driver was food inflation, which remains high at 10.9%. N. Madhavan reports sharp increases in the prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and edible oils. The RBI had aimed to keep inflation near 4.8% through the year’s end, but that target now seems elusive. Furthermore, hopes for an interest rate cut have also been dampened. Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, has been in India for nearly two decades and has already invested $10 billion. As this Taiwanese giant and a key Apple supplier plans to ramp up investments with sprawling industrial townships, all four southern states are competing for its attention. A potential ‘Foxconn city’ would encompass not just factories but also housing and social infrastructure, generating substantial employment and helping states move up the manufacturing value chain. In today’s long-form story, Gulveen Aulakh and N. Madhavan explore how states are vying for this pivotal investment.   Indian authorities are struggling to investigate a recent wave of bomb hoaxes because of stringent European regulations. Shouvik Das reports that Indian authorities need specific warrants to request information from European countries, but European agencies are citing strict data protection laws to deny these requests. Tracing the calls to individuals has been difficult, as virtual private networks (VPNs) mask users' identities. India’s lack of data-sharing agreements with Europe adds another layer of complexity, slowing cross-border information exchange and further delaying the investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How the southern states are vying for Foxconn’s attention full 694 Mint - HT Smartcast Prosus’ new bet, Swiggy's debut on the markets Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 14, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Markets crashed for a second straight day on Wednesday, confirming a shift to bearish sentiment. Ram Sahgal reports that options traders are cutting their put positions on the Nifty index as uncertainty mounts, prompting investors to hedge their portfolios. However, the rising cost of put options has intensified selling pressure. Ram notes that in this bearish climate, call options have become cheaper. The takeaway? Investors are hoping the market has finally bottomed out.   One company bucked the market trend: Swiggy. It made its market debut yesterday, closing with a 7.7% premium over its issue price. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C report that the listing was a significant liquidity event for major backers like SoftBank and Prosus. Analysts have generally maintained a positive outlook for the stock, though some urge caution, pointing to potential cash flow challenges.   Official data shows India’s consumer price index (CPI) surged to 6.2%, breaching the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance limit. The primary driver was food inflation, which remains high at 10.9%. N. Madhavan reports sharp increases in the prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and edible oils. The RBI had aimed to keep inflation near 4.8% through the year’s end, but that target now seems elusive. Furthermore, hopes for an interest rate cut have also been dampened. Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, has been in India for nearly two decades and has already invested $10 billion. As this Taiwanese giant and a key Apple supplier plans to ramp up investments with sprawling industrial townships, all four southern states are competing for its attention. A potential ‘Foxconn city’ would encompass not just factories but also housing and social infrastructure, generating substantial employment and helping states move up the manufacturing value chain. In today’s long-form story, Gulveen Aulakh and N. Madhavan explore how states are vying for this pivotal investment.   Indian authorities are struggling to investigate a recent wave of bomb hoaxes because of stringent European regulations. Shouvik Das reports that Indian authorities need specific warrants to request information from European countries, but European agencies are citing strict data protection laws to deny these requests. Tracing the calls to individuals has been difficult, as virtual private networks (VPNs) mask users' identities. India’s lack of data-sharing agreements with Europe adds another layer of complexity, slowing cross-border information exchange and further delaying the investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 14, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Markets crashed for a second straight day on Wednesday, confirming a shift to bearish sentiment. Ram Sahgal reports that options traders are cutting their put positions on the Nifty index as uncertainty mounts, prompting investors to hedge their portfolios. However, the rising cost of put options has intensified selling pressure. Ram notes that in this bearish climate, call options have become cheaper. The takeaway? Investors are hoping the market has finally bottomed out.


 

One company bucked the market trend: Swiggy. It made its market debut yesterday, closing with a 7.7% premium over its issue price. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C report that the listing was a significant liquidity event for major backers like SoftBank and Prosus. Analysts have generally maintained a positive outlook for the stock, though some urge caution, pointing to potential cash flow challenges.


 

Official data shows India’s consumer price index (CPI) surged to 6.2%, breaching the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance limit. The primary driver was food inflation, which remains high at 10.9%. N. Madhavan reports sharp increases in the prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and edible oils. The RBI had aimed to keep inflation near 4.8% through the year’s end, but that target now seems elusive. Furthermore, hopes for an interest rate cut have also been dampened.

Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, has been in India for nearly two decades and has already invested $10 billion. As this Taiwanese giant and a key Apple supplier plans to ramp up investments with sprawling industrial townships, all four southern states are competing for its attention. A potential ‘Foxconn city’ would encompass not just factories but also housing and social infrastructure, generating substantial employment and helping states move up the manufacturing value chain. In today’s long-form story, Gulveen Aulakh and N. Madhavan explore how states are vying for this pivotal investment.


 

Indian authorities are struggling to investigate a recent wave of bomb hoaxes because of stringent European regulations. Shouvik Das reports that Indian authorities need specific warrants to request information from European countries, but European agencies are citing strict data protection laws to deny these requests. Tracing the calls to individuals has been difficult, as virtual private networks (VPNs) mask users' identities. India’s lack of data-sharing agreements with Europe adds another layer of complexity, slowing cross-border information exchange and further delaying the investigation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 295 no Are the chip wars back? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/are-the-chip-wars-back-kDq4gZg1 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   It's never a problem raising money if you're a well-to-do quick commerce player. Zepto is raising around $250 million from high net worth individuals and wealth management firms, report Priyamvada C. and Sneha Shah. Firms like Motilal Oswal, IIFL, and InCred are looking to invest in the company at its previous valuation of $5 billion. If this goes through, this will be Zepto's third capital raise in six months. Zepto wants to balance its capital ahead of a planned IPO next year. Apart from its dark stores, Zepto has also recently launched "Zepto cafe", which competes with established platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.   Finfluencers have a new entity that they have to be wary of: Youtube. The google-owned website has started blocking access to videos following complaints from a government entity. This has led to sharp criticism and potential legal action from these creators. These finfluencers said their videos were removed without prior notice, write Pratishtha Bagai and Neha Joshi. In its response to Mint, Youtube said that it complies with local laws and handles removal requests. But the finfluencers are accusing Youtube of censorship.   History repeats itself, sometimes much faster than we’d think. Donald Trump will soon be back as POTUS, and already, the trade wars that marked his previous term seem to have returned. The US government has reportedly asked TSMC, the world’s largest chip maker, to stop selling advanced ‘AI’ chips to Huawei, China’s largest tech conglomerate. Huawei has been in trouble with American authorities since 2019 after it was accused of cyber espionage. But why will TSMC and Huawei bow to the US’ will? It all has to do with the legacy of chip design, Shouvik explains in today’s Mint Primer.   In its first ever earnings report, Hyundai India disappointed. It reported a 16% drop in net profit for the July-September quarter. Alisha Sachdev writes that weak domestic demand and the Red Sea crisis affected its exports, leading to the drop in numbers. Revenue was down too, primarily due to poor domestic sales. Hyundai doesn't expect demand to pick up significantly either. Moreover, high interest rates will hinder future earnings as well, the automaker added. It is counting on launching its first India-made EV next year to provide a boost for its lagging sales.   There's been a stark rise in cyber crimes of late. Scammers pose as police officers and convince people that they were involved in money laundering. People have fallen prey to such scams and lost lakhs — in some cases, crores — of rupees. Suman Banerji writes that over 1.5 million cyber crime complaints were filed in 2023. But this number could be higher. Experts suggest that many cases go unreported due to embarrassment and indifference from local police. Victims range widely across different demographics, including younger people that might be more savvy, but still got duped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Are the chip wars back? full 693 Mint - HT Smartcast Finfluencers silenced, Hyundai humbled Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   It's never a problem raising money if you're a well-to-do quick commerce player. Zepto is raising around $250 million from high net worth individuals and wealth management firms, report Priyamvada C. and Sneha Shah. Firms like Motilal Oswal, IIFL, and InCred are looking to invest in the company at its previous valuation of $5 billion. If this goes through, this will be Zepto's third capital raise in six months. Zepto wants to balance its capital ahead of a planned IPO next year. Apart from its dark stores, Zepto has also recently launched "Zepto cafe", which competes with established platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.   Finfluencers have a new entity that they have to be wary of: Youtube. The google-owned website has started blocking access to videos following complaints from a government entity. This has led to sharp criticism and potential legal action from these creators. These finfluencers said their videos were removed without prior notice, write Pratishtha Bagai and Neha Joshi. In its response to Mint, Youtube said that it complies with local laws and handles removal requests. But the finfluencers are accusing Youtube of censorship.   History repeats itself, sometimes much faster than we’d think. Donald Trump will soon be back as POTUS, and already, the trade wars that marked his previous term seem to have returned. The US government has reportedly asked TSMC, the world’s largest chip maker, to stop selling advanced ‘AI’ chips to Huawei, China’s largest tech conglomerate. Huawei has been in trouble with American authorities since 2019 after it was accused of cyber espionage. But why will TSMC and Huawei bow to the US’ will? It all has to do with the legacy of chip design, Shouvik explains in today’s Mint Primer.   In its first ever earnings report, Hyundai India disappointed. It reported a 16% drop in net profit for the July-September quarter. Alisha Sachdev writes that weak domestic demand and the Red Sea crisis affected its exports, leading to the drop in numbers. Revenue was down too, primarily due to poor domestic sales. Hyundai doesn't expect demand to pick up significantly either. Moreover, high interest rates will hinder future earnings as well, the automaker added. It is counting on launching its first India-made EV next year to provide a boost for its lagging sales.   There's been a stark rise in cyber crimes of late. Scammers pose as police officers and convince people that they were involved in money laundering. People have fallen prey to such scams and lost lakhs — in some cases, crores — of rupees. Suman Banerji writes that over 1.5 million cyber crime complaints were filed in 2023. But this number could be higher. Experts suggest that many cases go unreported due to embarrassment and indifference from local police. Victims range widely across different demographics, including younger people that might be more savvy, but still got duped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

It's never a problem raising money if you're a well-to-do quick commerce player. Zepto is raising around $250 million from high net worth individuals and wealth management firms, report Priyamvada C. and Sneha Shah. Firms like Motilal Oswal, IIFL, and InCred are looking to invest in the company at its previous valuation of $5 billion. If this goes through, this will be Zepto's third capital raise in six months. Zepto wants to balance its capital ahead of a planned IPO next year. Apart from its dark stores, Zepto has also recently launched "Zepto cafe", which competes with established platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.


 

Finfluencers have a new entity that they have to be wary of: Youtube. The google-owned website has started blocking access to videos following complaints from a government entity. This has led to sharp criticism and potential legal action from these creators. These finfluencers said their videos were removed without prior notice, write Pratishtha Bagai and Neha Joshi. In its response to Mint, Youtube said that it complies with local laws and handles removal requests. But the finfluencers are accusing Youtube of censorship.


 

History repeats itself, sometimes much faster than we’d think. Donald Trump will soon be back as POTUS, and already, the trade wars that marked his previous term seem to have returned. The US government has reportedly asked TSMC, the world’s largest chip maker, to stop selling advanced ‘AI’ chips to Huawei, China’s largest tech conglomerate. Huawei has been in trouble with American authorities since 2019 after it was accused of cyber espionage. But why will TSMC and Huawei bow to the US’ will? It all has to do with the legacy of chip design, Shouvik explains in today’s Mint Primer.


 

In its first ever earnings report, Hyundai India disappointed. It reported a 16% drop in net profit for the July-September quarter. Alisha Sachdev writes that weak domestic demand and the Red Sea crisis affected its exports, leading to the drop in numbers. Revenue was down too, primarily due to poor domestic sales. Hyundai doesn't expect demand to pick up significantly either. Moreover, high interest rates will hinder future earnings as well, the automaker added. It is counting on launching its first India-made EV next year to provide a boost for its lagging sales.


 

There's been a stark rise in cyber crimes of late. Scammers pose as police officers and convince people that they were involved in money laundering. People have fallen prey to such scams and lost lakhs — in some cases, crores — of rupees. Suman Banerji writes that over 1.5 million cyber crime complaints were filed in 2023. But this number could be higher. Experts suggest that many cases go unreported due to embarrassment and indifference from local police. Victims range widely across different demographics, including younger people that might be more savvy, but still got duped.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 326 no Swiggy’s Sriharsha is a shy guy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/swiggys-sriharsha-is-a-shy-guy-IyAIFOHH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Starting tomorrow, Zomato will fight its rival not just to deliver your food and groceries, but for your investments too. Swiggy will list on the stock exchanges after its initial public offering was oversubscribed by 3.59 times. At the heart of all the investor buzz is Swiggy’s rather reclusive founder Sriharsha Majety. What is he like, and how different is he from Zomato’s extremely public founder Deepinder Goyal? Ranjani Raghavan profiles Majety – the man of ideas – and how he quietly won over sceptics in the battle for food delivery and quick commerce.    Any foreign traveller will think about how they're going to pay for things once they have reached their destination. Cash, debit card, credit card, and forex card are your major options. Out of these, prepaid forex cards are theoretically the most economical option as they lower conversion markups. Shipra Singh writes that forex cards also allow for loading multiple currencies at the bank's prevailing exchange rates. However, loading fees and issuing charges can severely eat into this advantage. Shipra's research shows that providers like BookMyForex and Thomas Cook offer better value compared to major banks due to mid-market rates and minimal fees.   ESOPs, or employee stock options, used to be restricted to startups. Mid and junior level employees got them as incentive to leave established companies and join fledgling startups. But now, even the former have joined in on the trend: Devina Sengupta and Sneha Shah write that companies are focusing on middle and junior management employees to retain top talent by offering employee stock ownership plans. They are being offered broadly across industries like IT and e-commerce. These benefits are traditionally reserved for senior management. This shift reflects a growing need to compete for niche talent even at junior-level positions. Soon, these companies might also offer other startup perks like flexible work arrangements to either attract or retain talent.   Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have fallen out of favour in India. Cryptocurrencies have seen a 90% decline in retail trading volumes in the past three years. Shouvik Das writes that Bitcoin's surge to a new all-time high of over $82,000 due to Donald Trump's recent election victory might tempt crypto investors back. Platforms like CoinSwitch and CoinDCX are reporting a 700% increase in active users. Challenges like heavy taxation and the Reserve Bank of India's negative stance on cryptocurrencies still persist, denting exponential growth. Issues like the WazirX hacking incident have also worried investors.   Small-town residents in India are increasingly adopting the dining habits of their urban counterparts. They are developing a preference for eating out and trying international cuisines. Priyamvada C writes that the absence of extensive community spaces has made dining out an important social activity in smaller cities. With the Indian food services market expected to nearly double to ₹9 trillion by the end of the decade, investors see significant opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Swiggy’s Sriharsha is a shy guy full 692 Mint - HT Smartcast Forex vs debit cards, bitcoin’s on a roll Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Starting tomorrow, Zomato will fight its rival not just to deliver your food and groceries, but for your investments too. Swiggy will list on the stock exchanges after its initial public offering was oversubscribed by 3.59 times. At the heart of all the investor buzz is Swiggy’s rather reclusive founder Sriharsha Majety. What is he like, and how different is he from Zomato’s extremely public founder Deepinder Goyal? Ranjani Raghavan profiles Majety – the man of ideas – and how he quietly won over sceptics in the battle for food delivery and quick commerce.    Any foreign traveller will think about how they're going to pay for things once they have reached their destination. Cash, debit card, credit card, and forex card are your major options. Out of these, prepaid forex cards are theoretically the most economical option as they lower conversion markups. Shipra Singh writes that forex cards also allow for loading multiple currencies at the bank's prevailing exchange rates. However, loading fees and issuing charges can severely eat into this advantage. Shipra's research shows that providers like BookMyForex and Thomas Cook offer better value compared to major banks due to mid-market rates and minimal fees.   ESOPs, or employee stock options, used to be restricted to startups. Mid and junior level employees got them as incentive to leave established companies and join fledgling startups. But now, even the former have joined in on the trend: Devina Sengupta and Sneha Shah write that companies are focusing on middle and junior management employees to retain top talent by offering employee stock ownership plans. They are being offered broadly across industries like IT and e-commerce. These benefits are traditionally reserved for senior management. This shift reflects a growing need to compete for niche talent even at junior-level positions. Soon, these companies might also offer other startup perks like flexible work arrangements to either attract or retain talent.   Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have fallen out of favour in India. Cryptocurrencies have seen a 90% decline in retail trading volumes in the past three years. Shouvik Das writes that Bitcoin's surge to a new all-time high of over $82,000 due to Donald Trump's recent election victory might tempt crypto investors back. Platforms like CoinSwitch and CoinDCX are reporting a 700% increase in active users. Challenges like heavy taxation and the Reserve Bank of India's negative stance on cryptocurrencies still persist, denting exponential growth. Issues like the WazirX hacking incident have also worried investors.   Small-town residents in India are increasingly adopting the dining habits of their urban counterparts. They are developing a preference for eating out and trying international cuisines. Priyamvada C writes that the absence of extensive community spaces has made dining out an important social activity in smaller cities. With the Indian food services market expected to nearly double to ₹9 trillion by the end of the decade, investors see significant opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Starting tomorrow, Zomato will fight its rival not just to deliver your food and groceries, but for your investments too. Swiggy will list on the stock exchanges after its initial public offering was oversubscribed by 3.59 times. At the heart of all the investor buzz is Swiggy’s rather reclusive founder Sriharsha Majety. What is he like, and how different is he from Zomato’s extremely public founder Deepinder Goyal? Ranjani Raghavan profiles Majety – the man of ideas – and how he quietly won over sceptics in the battle for food delivery and quick commerce. 


 

Any foreign traveller will think about how they're going to pay for things once they have reached their destination. Cash, debit card, credit card, and forex card are your major options. Out of these, prepaid forex cards are theoretically the most economical option as they lower conversion markups. Shipra Singh writes that forex cards also allow for loading multiple currencies at the bank's prevailing exchange rates. However, loading fees and issuing charges can severely eat into this advantage. Shipra's research shows that providers like BookMyForex and Thomas Cook offer better value compared to major banks due to mid-market rates and minimal fees.


 

ESOPs, or employee stock options, used to be restricted to startups. Mid and junior level employees got them as incentive to leave established companies and join fledgling startups. But now, even the former have joined in on the trend: Devina Sengupta and Sneha Shah write that companies are focusing on middle and junior management employees to retain top talent by offering employee stock ownership plans. They are being offered broadly across industries like IT and e-commerce. These benefits are traditionally reserved for senior management. This shift reflects a growing need to compete for niche talent even at junior-level positions. Soon, these companies might also offer other startup perks like flexible work arrangements to either attract or retain talent.


 

Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have fallen out of favour in India. Cryptocurrencies have seen a 90% decline in retail trading volumes in the past three years. Shouvik Das writes that Bitcoin's surge to a new all-time high of over $82,000 due to Donald Trump's recent election victory might tempt crypto investors back. Platforms like CoinSwitch and CoinDCX are reporting a 700% increase in active users. Challenges like heavy taxation and the Reserve Bank of India's negative stance on cryptocurrencies still persist, denting exponential growth. Issues like the WazirX hacking incident have also worried investors.


 

Small-town residents in India are increasingly adopting the dining habits of their urban counterparts. They are developing a preference for eating out and trying international cuisines. Priyamvada C writes that the absence of extensive community spaces has made dining out an important social activity in smaller cities. With the Indian food services market expected to nearly double to ₹9 trillion by the end of the decade, investors see significant opportunities.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 321 no Why is Kotak’s Nilesh Shah suddenly bearish? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-is-kotaks-nilesh-shah-suddenly-bearish-ZcfFHWTM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   You know it's a bear run when even fund managers are worried about earnings. Nilesh Shah, the managing director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, discussed about earnings growth estimates for FY26 with Mint’s Ram Sahgal. The current quarter is likely to benefit from higher government spending and seasonal sales, but earnings growth is projected to be only around 5%. This doesn't bode well for the markets, Shah said. The recent stimulus package by the Chinese government into its markets is another cause for worry. But he isn't entirely pessimistic: Shah said that despite recent selling by foreign investors, a rebound might be possible given the strong earnings growth of Indian companies over the past decade.   Today, COP29 commences in Azerbaijan. The Conference of Parties has established itself as the premier event to discuss global warming. Sayantan Bera writes that key discussions will focus on a climate finance deal essential for supporting poor and emerging economies in transitioning to clean energy. These countries will require an estimated $2.4 trillion annually. India, the third-largest emitter, is expected to advocate for increased climate finance while balancing its energy needs, he adds.   How will Donald Trump's victory impact your portfolio? In the west, the immediate aftermath of the results saw a spike in stocks on Nasdaq, as well as Bitcoin. However, Abhishek Mukherjee writes that this euphoria was short-lived. Investors began to assess the potential implications of Trump’s policies on the economy and markets worldwide, including in India — leading to massive sell-offs. Despite some initial concerns, the Indian IT sector stands to gain from Trump's proposed economic measures. Tighter immigration policies, however, may hurt Indian companies and they might have to hire US citizens to ease that burden.   The Reserve Bank of India doesn't want banks to dole out too many unsecured personal loans. This has spurned a surge in gold loans. September saw an increase of 51% in the disbursal of gold loans. Shayan Ghosh and Anshika Kayastha write that the outstanding gold loan base stands at ₹1.5 trillion. However, this is quite small in comparison to the personal gold loan base, which is a mammoth ₹14.3 trillion. Encouraged by a 16% increase in gold prices, borrowers are finding that a more attractive option over personal loans. There are concerns over this trend, and RBI might yet have something to say about the rapid increase in gold loans.   Electric three wheelers are about to get expensive. The government announced that the annual cap for subsidies for three wheelers has nearly been reached, as sales have exceeded expectations so far this year. Alisha Sachdev writes that this will increase the prices of EV three wheelers by 15 to 18%. Major manufacturers including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and Bajaj Auto have expressed concerns about the impact on demand. They told Alisha that a temporary sales slump would be dangerous for the adoption of EV three wheelers in India. They are also lobbying the government to create a more flexible incentive structure to accommodate the growth in demand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why is Kotak’s Nilesh Shah suddenly bearish? full 691 Mint - HT Smartcast A surge in gold loans, a 2-minute primer on COP29 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   You know it's a bear run when even fund managers are worried about earnings. Nilesh Shah, the managing director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, discussed about earnings growth estimates for FY26 with Mint’s Ram Sahgal. The current quarter is likely to benefit from higher government spending and seasonal sales, but earnings growth is projected to be only around 5%. This doesn't bode well for the markets, Shah said. The recent stimulus package by the Chinese government into its markets is another cause for worry. But he isn't entirely pessimistic: Shah said that despite recent selling by foreign investors, a rebound might be possible given the strong earnings growth of Indian companies over the past decade.   Today, COP29 commences in Azerbaijan. The Conference of Parties has established itself as the premier event to discuss global warming. Sayantan Bera writes that key discussions will focus on a climate finance deal essential for supporting poor and emerging economies in transitioning to clean energy. These countries will require an estimated $2.4 trillion annually. India, the third-largest emitter, is expected to advocate for increased climate finance while balancing its energy needs, he adds.   How will Donald Trump's victory impact your portfolio? In the west, the immediate aftermath of the results saw a spike in stocks on Nasdaq, as well as Bitcoin. However, Abhishek Mukherjee writes that this euphoria was short-lived. Investors began to assess the potential implications of Trump’s policies on the economy and markets worldwide, including in India — leading to massive sell-offs. Despite some initial concerns, the Indian IT sector stands to gain from Trump's proposed economic measures. Tighter immigration policies, however, may hurt Indian companies and they might have to hire US citizens to ease that burden.   The Reserve Bank of India doesn't want banks to dole out too many unsecured personal loans. This has spurned a surge in gold loans. September saw an increase of 51% in the disbursal of gold loans. Shayan Ghosh and Anshika Kayastha write that the outstanding gold loan base stands at ₹1.5 trillion. However, this is quite small in comparison to the personal gold loan base, which is a mammoth ₹14.3 trillion. Encouraged by a 16% increase in gold prices, borrowers are finding that a more attractive option over personal loans. There are concerns over this trend, and RBI might yet have something to say about the rapid increase in gold loans.   Electric three wheelers are about to get expensive. The government announced that the annual cap for subsidies for three wheelers has nearly been reached, as sales have exceeded expectations so far this year. Alisha Sachdev writes that this will increase the prices of EV three wheelers by 15 to 18%. Major manufacturers including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and Bajaj Auto have expressed concerns about the impact on demand. They told Alisha that a temporary sales slump would be dangerous for the adoption of EV three wheelers in India. They are also lobbying the government to create a more flexible incentive structure to accommodate the growth in demand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 11, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

You know it's a bear run when even fund managers are worried about earnings. Nilesh Shah, the managing director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, discussed about earnings growth estimates for FY26 with Mint’s Ram Sahgal. The current quarter is likely to benefit from higher government spending and seasonal sales, but earnings growth is projected to be only around 5%. This doesn't bode well for the markets, Shah said. The recent stimulus package by the Chinese government into its markets is another cause for worry. But he isn't entirely pessimistic: Shah said that despite recent selling by foreign investors, a rebound might be possible given the strong earnings growth of Indian companies over the past decade.


 

Today, COP29 commences in Azerbaijan. The Conference of Parties has established itself as the premier event to discuss global warming. Sayantan Bera writes that key discussions will focus on a climate finance deal essential for supporting poor and emerging economies in transitioning to clean energy. These countries will require an estimated $2.4 trillion annually. India, the third-largest emitter, is expected to advocate for increased climate finance while balancing its energy needs, he adds.


 

How will Donald Trump's victory impact your portfolio? In the west, the immediate aftermath of the results saw a spike in stocks on Nasdaq, as well as Bitcoin. However, Abhishek Mukherjee writes that this euphoria was short-lived. Investors began to assess the potential implications of Trump’s policies on the economy and markets worldwide, including in India — leading to massive sell-offs. Despite some initial concerns, the Indian IT sector stands to gain from Trump's proposed economic measures. Tighter immigration policies, however, may hurt Indian companies and they might have to hire US citizens to ease that burden.


 

The Reserve Bank of India doesn't want banks to dole out too many unsecured personal loans. This has spurned a surge in gold loans. September saw an increase of 51% in the disbursal of gold loans. Shayan Ghosh and Anshika Kayastha write that the outstanding gold loan base stands at ₹1.5 trillion. However, this is quite small in comparison to the personal gold loan base, which is a mammoth ₹14.3 trillion. Encouraged by a 16% increase in gold prices, borrowers are finding that a more attractive option over personal loans. There are concerns over this trend, and RBI might yet have something to say about the rapid increase in gold loans.


 

Electric three wheelers are about to get expensive. The government announced that the annual cap for subsidies for three wheelers has nearly been reached, as sales have exceeded expectations so far this year. Alisha Sachdev writes that this will increase the prices of EV three wheelers by 15 to 18%. Major manufacturers including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and Bajaj Auto have expressed concerns about the impact on demand. They told Alisha that a temporary sales slump would be dangerous for the adoption of EV three wheelers in India. They are also lobbying the government to create a more flexible incentive structure to accommodate the growth in demand.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 340 no Is it time for 10-minute medicine deliveries? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-it-time-for-10-minute-medicine-deliveries-BU9NIU13 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 8, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   One of India's marquee airlines finally ended its journey yesterday. The Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways, ending a long quest for survival. Krishna Yadav writes that the Jalan Kalrock Consortium had failed to meet obligations such as infusing ₹350 crore and settling worker dues, leading to this decision. Jet Airways has been bankrupt since April 2019. Krishna adds that this case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly regarding airline insolvencies.   Have you ever thought why we get pizzas and groceries in 10 minutes, but not life-saving medicines? That might change soon. Jessica Jani writes that companies like Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, and Apollo 24/7 are piloting ultra-fast medicine delivery services. 1mg is collaborating with fellow Tata brand BigBasket for quick delivery in select cities, while Apollo 24/7 has launched a 19-minute delivery in major markets. Swiggy is also partnering with PharmEasy for under-10-minute deliveries in Bengaluru. However, inventory management, medicine storage, and regulatory compliance are big challenges.    In a surprise decision, the government announced that it will stop paying interest on National Savings Scheme accounts from October 1. This means that both principal and interest will be taxable on withdrawal. Aprajita Sharma spoke to NSS holders who expressed concerns about the negative impact on their tax liabilities as senior citizens. The sudden change has also prompted calls for the government to reconsider its decision, and offer tax relief or alternative investment options. This move undermines trust in small savings schemes, and it also triggers fears about the stability of other savings products like the Public Provident Fund.   A day after the big result, we're still assessing the implication of Donald Trump's victory. Shouvik Das writes that Trump's pro-business and anti-regulations will be favourable for Big Tech companies like Twitter and Meta. These companies have faced some issues in India as well as Europe, where they are under scrutiny for their trade practices. Lawyers and policymakers that Shouvik spoke to told him that Trump's backing could ease their worries in India, which has often been tough on Big Tech's practices so far.   For most, homes are private spaces. It's where you come to relax, take a breather, and sometimes escape from the outside world. Not for influencers, though: Pratishtha Bagai writes about content creators who share tours of their homes on social media. House tours have become a major "self-expression trend", as Pratishtha writes. Experts suggest this fascination reflects aspirational consumer behavior. Viewers seem to be actually influenced and inspired to recreate the aesthetics of their favorite influencers in their own homes, irrespective of the high costs involved in such a practice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Is it time for 10-minute medicine deliveries? full 690 Mint - HT Smartcast Goodbye Jet Airways, Trump likes Big Tech Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 8, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   One of India's marquee airlines finally ended its journey yesterday. The Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways, ending a long quest for survival. Krishna Yadav writes that the Jalan Kalrock Consortium had failed to meet obligations such as infusing ₹350 crore and settling worker dues, leading to this decision. Jet Airways has been bankrupt since April 2019. Krishna adds that this case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly regarding airline insolvencies.   Have you ever thought why we get pizzas and groceries in 10 minutes, but not life-saving medicines? That might change soon. Jessica Jani writes that companies like Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, and Apollo 24/7 are piloting ultra-fast medicine delivery services. 1mg is collaborating with fellow Tata brand BigBasket for quick delivery in select cities, while Apollo 24/7 has launched a 19-minute delivery in major markets. Swiggy is also partnering with PharmEasy for under-10-minute deliveries in Bengaluru. However, inventory management, medicine storage, and regulatory compliance are big challenges.    In a surprise decision, the government announced that it will stop paying interest on National Savings Scheme accounts from October 1. This means that both principal and interest will be taxable on withdrawal. Aprajita Sharma spoke to NSS holders who expressed concerns about the negative impact on their tax liabilities as senior citizens. The sudden change has also prompted calls for the government to reconsider its decision, and offer tax relief or alternative investment options. This move undermines trust in small savings schemes, and it also triggers fears about the stability of other savings products like the Public Provident Fund.   A day after the big result, we're still assessing the implication of Donald Trump's victory. Shouvik Das writes that Trump's pro-business and anti-regulations will be favourable for Big Tech companies like Twitter and Meta. These companies have faced some issues in India as well as Europe, where they are under scrutiny for their trade practices. Lawyers and policymakers that Shouvik spoke to told him that Trump's backing could ease their worries in India, which has often been tough on Big Tech's practices so far.   For most, homes are private spaces. It's where you come to relax, take a breather, and sometimes escape from the outside world. Not for influencers, though: Pratishtha Bagai writes about content creators who share tours of their homes on social media. House tours have become a major "self-expression trend", as Pratishtha writes. Experts suggest this fascination reflects aspirational consumer behavior. Viewers seem to be actually influenced and inspired to recreate the aesthetics of their favorite influencers in their own homes, irrespective of the high costs involved in such a practice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, November 8, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

One of India's marquee airlines finally ended its journey yesterday. The Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways, ending a long quest for survival. Krishna Yadav writes that the Jalan Kalrock Consortium had failed to meet obligations such as infusing ₹350 crore and settling worker dues, leading to this decision. Jet Airways has been bankrupt since April 2019. Krishna adds that this case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly regarding airline insolvencies.


 

Have you ever thought why we get pizzas and groceries in 10 minutes, but not life-saving medicines? That might change soon. Jessica Jani writes that companies like Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, and Apollo 24/7 are piloting ultra-fast medicine delivery services. 1mg is collaborating with fellow Tata brand BigBasket for quick delivery in select cities, while Apollo 24/7 has launched a 19-minute delivery in major markets. Swiggy is also partnering with PharmEasy for under-10-minute deliveries in Bengaluru. However, inventory management, medicine storage, and regulatory compliance are big challenges. 


 

In a surprise decision, the government announced that it will stop paying interest on National Savings Scheme accounts from October 1. This means that both principal and interest will be taxable on withdrawal. Aprajita Sharma spoke to NSS holders who expressed concerns about the negative impact on their tax liabilities as senior citizens. The sudden change has also prompted calls for the government to reconsider its decision, and offer tax relief or alternative investment options. This move undermines trust in small savings schemes, and it also triggers fears about the stability of other savings products like the Public Provident Fund.


 

A day after the big result, we're still assessing the implication of Donald Trump's victory. Shouvik Das writes that Trump's pro-business and anti-regulations will be favourable for Big Tech companies like Twitter and Meta. These companies have faced some issues in India as well as Europe, where they are under scrutiny for their trade practices. Lawyers and policymakers that Shouvik spoke to told him that Trump's backing could ease their worries in India, which has often been tough on Big Tech's practices so far.


 

For most, homes are private spaces. It's where you come to relax, take a breather, and sometimes escape from the outside world. Not for influencers, though: Pratishtha Bagai writes about content creators who share tours of their homes on social media. House tours have become a major "self-expression trend", as Pratishtha writes. Experts suggest this fascination reflects aspirational consumer behavior. Viewers seem to be actually influenced and inspired to recreate the aesthetics of their favorite influencers in their own homes, irrespective of the high costs involved in such a practice. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 322 no A Trumptastic victory https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-trumptastic-victory-1wHM_fr_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 7, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Donald Trump has won the US Presidential election once again, this time with substantial control over the US Senate. N. Madhavan analyses how Trump’s policies are set to trigger economic and political turbulence at home and abroad. His aggressive trade stance—highlighted by proposed universal tariffs and the looming threat of a trade war with China—could destabilize the global trading landscape. On the political front, his plans for mass deportations risk deepening divisions within the US and straining national resources. Madhavan’s in-depth piece explores Trump’s potential policy moves and their far-reaching implications for India and the world.   Following recent lows, Indian stock markets are expected to rebound in the wake of Trump’s victory. Ram Sahgal notes that institutional investors may begin unwinding short positions, fuelling a rally that analysts predict could last about a week. However, much like Trump’s unpredictable policies, the long-term impact of his presidency remains uncertain, with tariffs and inflation likely to be key influences.   Rhik Kundu reports that India’s trade dynamics with the US could face significant shifts under Trump’s administration. With a trade surplus favouring India, Trump's "America First" agenda may lead to higher tariffs on Indian goods, posing challenges for the Indian economy. Key sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals are likely to feel the impact most acutely. Additionally, India's IT sector could be affected by potential changes to US visa policies, as Trump is expected to tighten H-1B regulations.   A critical pressure point for the Indian economy remains the rupee's performance against the dollar. In the wake of Trump’s victory, geopolitical uncertainty and trade tariff concerns, especially regarding China, have intensified. Shayan Ghosh notes that the rupee recently hit a record low of 84.28 against the dollar. To counter further depreciation, the Reserve Bank of India, backed by $684 billion in reserves, stands ready to intervene. Analysts suggest that the RBI’s actions could stabilize the rupee, with projections indicating a possible recovery toward the 84 level following initial declines.   Trump's victory is likely to bring significant implications for visas, especially for the millions of Indian IT professionals and students who move to the US each year. The H-1B visa, critical for many, remains a contentious point. Mansi Verma, Devina Sengupta, and Shouvik Das report that while immediate effects may be limited, the true impact will emerge in the coming years as Trump’s policies fully take hold. With Australia and Canada also tightening visa issuance, restrictions in the US could sharply curtail emigration opportunities for Indians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 A Trumptastic victory full 689 Mint - HT Smartcast Implications of Donald Trump's return to presidency, from all angles Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 7, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.   Donald Trump has won the US Presidential election once again, this time with substantial control over the US Senate. N. Madhavan analyses how Trump’s policies are set to trigger economic and political turbulence at home and abroad. His aggressive trade stance—highlighted by proposed universal tariffs and the looming threat of a trade war with China—could destabilize the global trading landscape. On the political front, his plans for mass deportations risk deepening divisions within the US and straining national resources. Madhavan’s in-depth piece explores Trump’s potential policy moves and their far-reaching implications for India and the world.   Following recent lows, Indian stock markets are expected to rebound in the wake of Trump’s victory. Ram Sahgal notes that institutional investors may begin unwinding short positions, fuelling a rally that analysts predict could last about a week. However, much like Trump’s unpredictable policies, the long-term impact of his presidency remains uncertain, with tariffs and inflation likely to be key influences.   Rhik Kundu reports that India’s trade dynamics with the US could face significant shifts under Trump’s administration. With a trade surplus favouring India, Trump's "America First" agenda may lead to higher tariffs on Indian goods, posing challenges for the Indian economy. Key sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals are likely to feel the impact most acutely. Additionally, India's IT sector could be affected by potential changes to US visa policies, as Trump is expected to tighten H-1B regulations.   A critical pressure point for the Indian economy remains the rupee's performance against the dollar. In the wake of Trump’s victory, geopolitical uncertainty and trade tariff concerns, especially regarding China, have intensified. Shayan Ghosh notes that the rupee recently hit a record low of 84.28 against the dollar. To counter further depreciation, the Reserve Bank of India, backed by $684 billion in reserves, stands ready to intervene. Analysts suggest that the RBI’s actions could stabilize the rupee, with projections indicating a possible recovery toward the 84 level following initial declines.   Trump's victory is likely to bring significant implications for visas, especially for the millions of Indian IT professionals and students who move to the US each year. The H-1B visa, critical for many, remains a contentious point. Mansi Verma, Devina Sengupta, and Shouvik Das report that while immediate effects may be limited, the true impact will emerge in the coming years as Trump’s policies fully take hold. With Australia and Canada also tightening visa issuance, restrictions in the US could sharply curtail emigration opportunities for Indians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, November 7, 2024. This is Nelson John, let's get started.


 

Donald Trump has won the US Presidential election once again, this time with substantial control over the US Senate. N. Madhavan analyses how Trump’s policies are set to trigger economic and political turbulence at home and abroad. His aggressive trade stance—highlighted by proposed universal tariffs and the looming threat of a trade war with China—could destabilize the global trading landscape. On the political front, his plans for mass deportations risk deepening divisions within the US and straining national resources. Madhavan’s in-depth piece explores Trump’s potential policy moves and their far-reaching implications for India and the world.


 

Following recent lows, Indian stock markets are expected to rebound in the wake of Trump’s victory. Ram Sahgal notes that institutional investors may begin unwinding short positions, fuelling a rally that analysts predict could last about a week. However, much like Trump’s unpredictable policies, the long-term impact of his presidency remains uncertain, with tariffs and inflation likely to be key influences.


 

Rhik Kundu reports that India’s trade dynamics with the US could face significant shifts under Trump’s administration. With a trade surplus favouring India, Trump's "America First" agenda may lead to higher tariffs on Indian goods, posing challenges for the Indian economy. Key sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals are likely to feel the impact most acutely. Additionally, India's IT sector could be affected by potential changes to US visa policies, as Trump is expected to tighten H-1B regulations.


 

A critical pressure point for the Indian economy remains the rupee's performance against the dollar. In the wake of Trump’s victory, geopolitical uncertainty and trade tariff concerns, especially regarding China, have intensified. Shayan Ghosh notes that the rupee recently hit a record low of 84.28 against the dollar. To counter further depreciation, the Reserve Bank of India, backed by $684 billion in reserves, stands ready to intervene. Analysts suggest that the RBI’s actions could stabilize the rupee, with projections indicating a possible recovery toward the 84 level following initial declines.


 

Trump's victory is likely to bring significant implications for visas, especially for the millions of Indian IT professionals and students who move to the US each year. The H-1B visa, critical for many, remains a contentious point. Mansi Verma, Devina Sengupta, and Shouvik Das report that while immediate effects may be limited, the true impact will emerge in the coming years as Trump’s policies fully take hold. With Australia and Canada also tightening visa issuance, restrictions in the US could sharply curtail emigration opportunities for Indians.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 306 no Why NSE is worried https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-nse-is-worried-BO7MsGIR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.      The NSE is likely to see a drop in its trading activity. This is because the market regulator, Sebi, has decided that starting November 20th, the exchange can only offer one type of weekly trading option, focusing on the Nifty series instead of the more popular Bank Nifty series. Ram Sahgal reports on the decision which is part of Sebi’s efforts to calm down trading activities and reduce losses for individual investors. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of NSE, said on Tuesday that this change might lead to a decrease in trading volumes, and some of the activity that used to happen every week might just vanish as traders adjust to the new rules.   Data from RBI has revealed that state-owned banks have been raising their deposit interest rates to the highest levels in almost eight years, trying to attract more people to save money with them. This increase, reaching 7% in September for public sector banks, is in response to their high credit-deposit ratios, indicating a high use of deposits for lending. The push by PSBs to offer more competitive rates aims to attract more deposits as their loan growth outpaces deposit accumulation. Shayan Ghosh spoke to top public bankers who suggest that deposit rates may have peaked, which could help stabilize their margins.   Last month saw a sudden rise in hoax calls that targeted airlines and hotels. These hoax calls were usually bomb threats made by anonymous people on the internet. Shouvik Das writes that these are the latest form of scam calls that use virtual networks and VPNs to hide the caller's digital footprint. India experiences an average of 5 million scam and hoax calls a day. Cyber security experts are investigating the incidents, but have to work through the sophisticated techniques used by perpetrators. Additionally, cross-border regulations complicate matters further. Tracing calls to foreign origins requires cooperation from other nations, and substantial evidence isn't always available.   Consumer and e-commerce firms faced subdued sales during the festive season. This could affect year-end bonuses for employees, who could see a potential 15% reduction. Companies typically pay bonuses during the festive season and at the fiscal year's end, with additional performance-linked payouts, Sowmya Ramasbramanian, Shouvik Das and Devina Sengupta report. However, due to less spending by consumers who are cautious due to high prices and relying more on EMIs, overall sales haven't met expectations. This downturn in sales means bonuses tied to sales targets and company performance could be lower. While some sectors, like quick commerce, saw decent festive sales, overall, the scenario remains challenging, impacting how much companies can afford in terms of bonuses this year.   India's mattress market has long had stalwarts like Kurlon and Sleepwell. A few years ago, some startups came and disrupted this space. One of them was Wakefit. Fuelled by a steady stream of venture capital funding, Wakefit has increased its revenue by 12x over the last five years. This revenue in excess of ₹1,000 crore has already exceeded that of Kurlon. Samiksha Goel writes about Wakefit's journey and strategy to set itself apart in India's mattress market by using cheaper pricing and strategies such as a 100 day trial period.That’s all for today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why NSE is worried full 688 Mint - HT Smartcast Wakefit's business strategy, have bank deposits peaked? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.      The NSE is likely to see a drop in its trading activity. This is because the market regulator, Sebi, has decided that starting November 20th, the exchange can only offer one type of weekly trading option, focusing on the Nifty series instead of the more popular Bank Nifty series. Ram Sahgal reports on the decision which is part of Sebi’s efforts to calm down trading activities and reduce losses for individual investors. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of NSE, said on Tuesday that this change might lead to a decrease in trading volumes, and some of the activity that used to happen every week might just vanish as traders adjust to the new rules.   Data from RBI has revealed that state-owned banks have been raising their deposit interest rates to the highest levels in almost eight years, trying to attract more people to save money with them. This increase, reaching 7% in September for public sector banks, is in response to their high credit-deposit ratios, indicating a high use of deposits for lending. The push by PSBs to offer more competitive rates aims to attract more deposits as their loan growth outpaces deposit accumulation. Shayan Ghosh spoke to top public bankers who suggest that deposit rates may have peaked, which could help stabilize their margins.   Last month saw a sudden rise in hoax calls that targeted airlines and hotels. These hoax calls were usually bomb threats made by anonymous people on the internet. Shouvik Das writes that these are the latest form of scam calls that use virtual networks and VPNs to hide the caller's digital footprint. India experiences an average of 5 million scam and hoax calls a day. Cyber security experts are investigating the incidents, but have to work through the sophisticated techniques used by perpetrators. Additionally, cross-border regulations complicate matters further. Tracing calls to foreign origins requires cooperation from other nations, and substantial evidence isn't always available.   Consumer and e-commerce firms faced subdued sales during the festive season. This could affect year-end bonuses for employees, who could see a potential 15% reduction. Companies typically pay bonuses during the festive season and at the fiscal year's end, with additional performance-linked payouts, Sowmya Ramasbramanian, Shouvik Das and Devina Sengupta report. However, due to less spending by consumers who are cautious due to high prices and relying more on EMIs, overall sales haven't met expectations. This downturn in sales means bonuses tied to sales targets and company performance could be lower. While some sectors, like quick commerce, saw decent festive sales, overall, the scenario remains challenging, impacting how much companies can afford in terms of bonuses this year.   India's mattress market has long had stalwarts like Kurlon and Sleepwell. A few years ago, some startups came and disrupted this space. One of them was Wakefit. Fuelled by a steady stream of venture capital funding, Wakefit has increased its revenue by 12x over the last five years. This revenue in excess of ₹1,000 crore has already exceeded that of Kurlon. Samiksha Goel writes about Wakefit's journey and strategy to set itself apart in India's mattress market by using cheaper pricing and strategies such as a 100 day trial period.That’s all for today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, November 6, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started. 


 


 

The NSE is likely to see a drop in its trading activity. This is because the market regulator, Sebi, has decided that starting November 20th, the exchange can only offer one type of weekly trading option, focusing on the Nifty series instead of the more popular Bank Nifty series. Ram Sahgal reports on the decision which is part of Sebi’s efforts to calm down trading activities and reduce losses for individual investors. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of NSE, said on Tuesday that this change might lead to a decrease in trading volumes, and some of the activity that used to happen every week might just vanish as traders adjust to the new rules.


 

Data from RBI has revealed that state-owned banks have been raising their deposit interest rates to the highest levels in almost eight years, trying to attract more people to save money with them. This increase, reaching 7% in September for public sector banks, is in response to their high credit-deposit ratios, indicating a high use of deposits for lending. The push by PSBs to offer more competitive rates aims to attract more deposits as their loan growth outpaces deposit accumulation. Shayan Ghosh spoke to top public bankers who suggest that deposit rates may have peaked, which could help stabilize their margins.


 

Last month saw a sudden rise in hoax calls that targeted airlines and hotels. These hoax calls were usually bomb threats made by anonymous people on the internet. Shouvik Das writes that these are the latest form of scam calls that use virtual networks and VPNs to hide the caller's digital footprint. India experiences an average of 5 million scam and hoax calls a day. Cyber security experts are investigating the incidents, but have to work through the sophisticated techniques used by perpetrators. Additionally, cross-border regulations complicate matters further. Tracing calls to foreign origins requires cooperation from other nations, and substantial evidence isn't always available.


 

Consumer and e-commerce firms faced subdued sales during the festive season. This could affect year-end bonuses for employees, who could see a potential 15% reduction. Companies typically pay bonuses during the festive season and at the fiscal year's end, with additional performance-linked payouts, Sowmya Ramasbramanian, Shouvik Das and Devina Sengupta report. However, due to less spending by consumers who are cautious due to high prices and relying more on EMIs, overall sales haven't met expectations. This downturn in sales means bonuses tied to sales targets and company performance could be lower. While some sectors, like quick commerce, saw decent festive sales, overall, the scenario remains challenging, impacting how much companies can afford in terms of bonuses this year.


 

India's mattress market has long had stalwarts like Kurlon and Sleepwell. A few years ago, some startups came and disrupted this space. One of them was Wakefit. Fuelled by a steady stream of venture capital funding, Wakefit has increased its revenue by 12x over the last five years. This revenue in excess of ₹1,000 crore has already exceeded that of Kurlon. Samiksha Goel writes about Wakefit's journey and strategy to set itself apart in India's mattress market by using cheaper pricing and strategies such as a 100 day trial period.That’s all for today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 359 no Why smaller hospitals are more appealing for investors https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-smaller-hospitals-are-more-appealing-for-investors-WR_zKcMH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Recent earnings reports from big consumer companies like Nestle India, HUL, and Maruti Suzuki highlight a sharp slowdown in urban consumption, posing a potential threat to India's economic growth. This quarter, the fast-moving consumer goods sector saw growth shrink from 10.1% to just 2.8%. The slowdown isn't just due to a heavy monsoon; deeper issues like stagnant urban incomes and high food inflation are tightening consumer purse strings, particularly affecting the middle class. The IT sector's slowdown in hiring and modest wage increases only add to the problem. This consumption dip could severely impact India's economic growth since private consumption is a key growth driver. N Madhavan explains the reasons behind this slowdown in today’s Primer.    The "Big Five" of Indian IT—TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, HCL, and Wipro—are facing a predicament as investors seem more captivated by smaller firms despite their varied performance metrics. Over the last four years, smaller IT companies like Persistent Systems and Coforge have seen their valuations skyrocket, far outpacing their giant counterparts. This shift is driven by the belief that these nimble players are better positioned to adapt to disruptions from generative AI technologies, which lessen the importance of scale in traditional IT operations. Varun Sood writes that despite achieving solid revenue growth, the big players haven't seen the same enthusiasm from investors, who are concerned about declining profitability and leadership changes.    Leading manufacturers like steel and cement companies are increasingly tapping into renewable energy. Nehal Chaliawala reports on how this is proving to be a smart move financially. By signing long-term green power purchase agreements at lower rates than traditional coal-powered electricity, these firms are seeing significant reductions in energy costs. For instance, Ambuja Cement reported a 27% reduction in power and fuel costs this quarter, driven by a shift to renewable sources which now make up 25% of its energy mix. Similarly, ACC and Ultratech Cement have made strides in integrating renewables, with substantial cost savings.    Ramco Group from Tamil Nadu is restructuring its corporate framework to eliminate cross-holdings and attract foreign investors. Anirudh Laskar and Satish John report that Ramco Cements has sold its 16.23% promoter stake in Ramco Industries to other promoter entities. Ramco is looking to remove cross-holdings that might not be appealing to foreign investors. It plans to divest from assets worth at least ₹1,000 crore to reduce its debt.   Multi-speciality hospitals are now passe — private equity investors now want single-specialty medicare centres. Soumya Gupta writes that this is because patients are typically seeking higher standards of service, and such specialised hospitals are started by well-regarded doctors. Since 2022, private investors have increasingly favored single-speciality hospitals, leading to significant funding and acquisitions. Last year, 20% of the $5.5 billion in hospital funding in India went to such facilities. As for investors, these smaller hospitals offer more scalable options compared to larger counterparts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why smaller hospitals are more appealing for investors full 687 Mint - HT Smartcast FMCG stocks suffer, IT stocks raise alarms Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Recent earnings reports from big consumer companies like Nestle India, HUL, and Maruti Suzuki highlight a sharp slowdown in urban consumption, posing a potential threat to India's economic growth. This quarter, the fast-moving consumer goods sector saw growth shrink from 10.1% to just 2.8%. The slowdown isn't just due to a heavy monsoon; deeper issues like stagnant urban incomes and high food inflation are tightening consumer purse strings, particularly affecting the middle class. The IT sector's slowdown in hiring and modest wage increases only add to the problem. This consumption dip could severely impact India's economic growth since private consumption is a key growth driver. N Madhavan explains the reasons behind this slowdown in today’s Primer.    The "Big Five" of Indian IT—TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, HCL, and Wipro—are facing a predicament as investors seem more captivated by smaller firms despite their varied performance metrics. Over the last four years, smaller IT companies like Persistent Systems and Coforge have seen their valuations skyrocket, far outpacing their giant counterparts. This shift is driven by the belief that these nimble players are better positioned to adapt to disruptions from generative AI technologies, which lessen the importance of scale in traditional IT operations. Varun Sood writes that despite achieving solid revenue growth, the big players haven't seen the same enthusiasm from investors, who are concerned about declining profitability and leadership changes.    Leading manufacturers like steel and cement companies are increasingly tapping into renewable energy. Nehal Chaliawala reports on how this is proving to be a smart move financially. By signing long-term green power purchase agreements at lower rates than traditional coal-powered electricity, these firms are seeing significant reductions in energy costs. For instance, Ambuja Cement reported a 27% reduction in power and fuel costs this quarter, driven by a shift to renewable sources which now make up 25% of its energy mix. Similarly, ACC and Ultratech Cement have made strides in integrating renewables, with substantial cost savings.    Ramco Group from Tamil Nadu is restructuring its corporate framework to eliminate cross-holdings and attract foreign investors. Anirudh Laskar and Satish John report that Ramco Cements has sold its 16.23% promoter stake in Ramco Industries to other promoter entities. Ramco is looking to remove cross-holdings that might not be appealing to foreign investors. It plans to divest from assets worth at least ₹1,000 crore to reduce its debt.   Multi-speciality hospitals are now passe — private equity investors now want single-specialty medicare centres. Soumya Gupta writes that this is because patients are typically seeking higher standards of service, and such specialised hospitals are started by well-regarded doctors. Since 2022, private investors have increasingly favored single-speciality hospitals, leading to significant funding and acquisitions. Last year, 20% of the $5.5 billion in hospital funding in India went to such facilities. As for investors, these smaller hospitals offer more scalable options compared to larger counterparts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started. 

 

Recent earnings reports from big consumer companies like Nestle India, HUL, and Maruti Suzuki highlight a sharp slowdown in urban consumption, posing a potential threat to India's economic growth. This quarter, the fast-moving consumer goods sector saw growth shrink from 10.1% to just 2.8%. The slowdown isn't just due to a heavy monsoon; deeper issues like stagnant urban incomes and high food inflation are tightening consumer purse strings, particularly affecting the middle class. The IT sector's slowdown in hiring and modest wage increases only add to the problem. This consumption dip could severely impact India's economic growth since private consumption is a key growth driver. N Madhavan explains the reasons behind this slowdown in today’s Primer. 


 

The "Big Five" of Indian IT—TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, HCL, and Wipro—are facing a predicament as investors seem more captivated by smaller firms despite their varied performance metrics. Over the last four years, smaller IT companies like Persistent Systems and Coforge have seen their valuations skyrocket, far outpacing their giant counterparts. This shift is driven by the belief that these nimble players are better positioned to adapt to disruptions from generative AI technologies, which lessen the importance of scale in traditional IT operations. Varun Sood writes that despite achieving solid revenue growth, the big players haven't seen the same enthusiasm from investors, who are concerned about declining profitability and leadership changes. 


 

Leading manufacturers like steel and cement companies are increasingly tapping into renewable energy. Nehal Chaliawala reports on how this is proving to be a smart move financially. By signing long-term green power purchase agreements at lower rates than traditional coal-powered electricity, these firms are seeing significant reductions in energy costs. For instance, Ambuja Cement reported a 27% reduction in power and fuel costs this quarter, driven by a shift to renewable sources which now make up 25% of its energy mix. Similarly, ACC and Ultratech Cement have made strides in integrating renewables, with substantial cost savings. 


 

Ramco Group from Tamil Nadu is restructuring its corporate framework to eliminate cross-holdings and attract foreign investors. Anirudh Laskar and Satish John report that Ramco Cements has sold its 16.23% promoter stake in Ramco Industries to other promoter entities. Ramco is looking to remove cross-holdings that might not be appealing to foreign investors. It plans to divest from assets worth at least ₹1,000 crore to reduce its debt.


 

Multi-speciality hospitals are now passe — private equity investors now want single-specialty medicare centres. Soumya Gupta writes that this is because patients are typically seeking higher standards of service, and such specialised hospitals are started by well-regarded doctors. Since 2022, private investors have increasingly favored single-speciality hospitals, leading to significant funding and acquisitions. Last year, 20% of the $5.5 billion in hospital funding in India went to such facilities. As for investors, these smaller hospitals offer more scalable options compared to larger counterparts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 350 no Weddings to get costlier this season https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/weddings-to-get-costlier-this-season-bPvCvC1X Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Tata Motors is gearing up for a big change, planning to split into two separate entities for its commercial and passenger vehicle operations. This move is expected to wrap up in the next 12-15 months, pending regulatory nods. Alisha Sachdev reports that the man tipped to steer this transition is Tata Group’s CFO, P.B. Balaji, who might take on a significant role as non-executive chairman or vice-chairman for both new companies. His track record of strong fiscal management and strategic decisions at Tata Motors makes him a prime candidate for this role, although final confirmations are still pending.   Sebi is working to introduce a framework regulating digital platforms as Specified Digital Platforms or SDPs. An SDP is a digital platform that has mechanisms in place to prevent and address misuse, ensuring compliance with Sebi’s strict guidelines. This framework will impact platforms like Rigi.Club, Qoohoo, Cosmofeed, and Moneyyapp, which aid content creators, particularly those involved in securities-related content, Neha Joshi reports. These platforms will need to integrate advanced technologies like AI and ML to monitor and report securities-related activities effectively. Although this could lead to significant compliance costs, especially for smaller platforms, it's seen as a crucial step to maintain market integrity and protect investors from misinformation.  India's wedding season is set to hit its peak from November to March, and it's shaping up to be a blockbuster. Last year, weddings raked in a whopping ₹4.25 trillion on just 23 auspicious days, according to the Confederation of All India Traders. This time around, we're looking at an expected ₹25 trillion from about 3.5 million weddings. Prices for venues and catering are skyrocketing due to high demand. For instance, hotel catering charges have surged by up to 30% compared to last year, now costing between ₹6,000 and ₹8,500 per plate. Varuni Khosla spoke to couples who are finding that even less popular dates are pricey, with potential costs reaching around ₹30 lakh for a modest ceremony. On the other hand, the hospitality industry is buzzing with optimism, with weddings being a major driver for growth. The 160-year-old Shapoorji Pallonji Group, known for iconic constructions like the RBI headquarters, is now ramping up its real estate game. While giants like DLF and Godrej dominate with sales around ₹73,000 crore, Shapoorji's real estate arm is playing catch-up, aiming to boost its bookings from ₹5,000 crore to over ₹18,000 crore in the next four years. Taking a cue from the late Cyrus Mistry, the group merged its various real estate activities—from residential to office spaces—under Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE). With this move, SPRE now controls significant ongoing projects and is prepping for a massive expansion with a land bank ready to support around 140 million sq. ft of development. This could potentially generate ₹2 trillion in revenue, indicating a major growth trajectory for the firm. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the group’s real estate plans in today’s Long Story.    Content creators are now pitching fully packaged projects to streaming platforms, securing key talents and finalizing production details upfront to expedite the greenlighting process. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that this strategy strengthens pitches by attaching reputable industry names early, boosting platforms' confidence in the projects. This shift helps streamline approval processes, clarifying the project's vision and speeding up budget and timeline decisions. Fully packaged pitches with attached talent and detailed budgets are now essential, not just beneficial, explained another studio executive. They expedite platform decisions on budgeting and scheduling, enhancing a project's marketability and profitability.      Show notes:    PB Balaji could unify Tata’s new auto businesses under Tata Sons   Sebi's framework raises compliance concerns for smaller digital platforms   Wedding industry looks at rebound from dull H1 this season OTT platforms favour pre-packaged projects to cut risks in content selection Real estate: Deconstructing Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s housing ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Weddings to get costlier this season full 686 Mint - HT Smartcast Tata Motors zeroes in on new chairman post-demerger; Inside Shapoorji Pallonji’s real estate plans Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started.    Tata Motors is gearing up for a big change, planning to split into two separate entities for its commercial and passenger vehicle operations. This move is expected to wrap up in the next 12-15 months, pending regulatory nods. Alisha Sachdev reports that the man tipped to steer this transition is Tata Group’s CFO, P.B. Balaji, who might take on a significant role as non-executive chairman or vice-chairman for both new companies. His track record of strong fiscal management and strategic decisions at Tata Motors makes him a prime candidate for this role, although final confirmations are still pending.   Sebi is working to introduce a framework regulating digital platforms as Specified Digital Platforms or SDPs. An SDP is a digital platform that has mechanisms in place to prevent and address misuse, ensuring compliance with Sebi’s strict guidelines. This framework will impact platforms like Rigi.Club, Qoohoo, Cosmofeed, and Moneyyapp, which aid content creators, particularly those involved in securities-related content, Neha Joshi reports. These platforms will need to integrate advanced technologies like AI and ML to monitor and report securities-related activities effectively. Although this could lead to significant compliance costs, especially for smaller platforms, it's seen as a crucial step to maintain market integrity and protect investors from misinformation.  India's wedding season is set to hit its peak from November to March, and it's shaping up to be a blockbuster. Last year, weddings raked in a whopping ₹4.25 trillion on just 23 auspicious days, according to the Confederation of All India Traders. This time around, we're looking at an expected ₹25 trillion from about 3.5 million weddings. Prices for venues and catering are skyrocketing due to high demand. For instance, hotel catering charges have surged by up to 30% compared to last year, now costing between ₹6,000 and ₹8,500 per plate. Varuni Khosla spoke to couples who are finding that even less popular dates are pricey, with potential costs reaching around ₹30 lakh for a modest ceremony. On the other hand, the hospitality industry is buzzing with optimism, with weddings being a major driver for growth. The 160-year-old Shapoorji Pallonji Group, known for iconic constructions like the RBI headquarters, is now ramping up its real estate game. While giants like DLF and Godrej dominate with sales around ₹73,000 crore, Shapoorji's real estate arm is playing catch-up, aiming to boost its bookings from ₹5,000 crore to over ₹18,000 crore in the next four years. Taking a cue from the late Cyrus Mistry, the group merged its various real estate activities—from residential to office spaces—under Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE). With this move, SPRE now controls significant ongoing projects and is prepping for a massive expansion with a land bank ready to support around 140 million sq. ft of development. This could potentially generate ₹2 trillion in revenue, indicating a major growth trajectory for the firm. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the group’s real estate plans in today’s Long Story.    Content creators are now pitching fully packaged projects to streaming platforms, securing key talents and finalizing production details upfront to expedite the greenlighting process. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that this strategy strengthens pitches by attaching reputable industry names early, boosting platforms' confidence in the projects. This shift helps streamline approval processes, clarifying the project's vision and speeding up budget and timeline decisions. Fully packaged pitches with attached talent and detailed budgets are now essential, not just beneficial, explained another studio executive. They expedite platform decisions on budgeting and scheduling, enhancing a project's marketability and profitability.      Show notes:    PB Balaji could unify Tata’s new auto businesses under Tata Sons   Sebi's framework raises compliance concerns for smaller digital platforms   Wedding industry looks at rebound from dull H1 this season OTT platforms favour pre-packaged projects to cut risks in content selection Real estate: Deconstructing Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s housing ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, November 4, 2024. This is Nelson John, let’s get started. 


 

Tata Motors is gearing up for a big change, planning to split into two separate entities for its commercial and passenger vehicle operations. This move is expected to wrap up in the next 12-15 months, pending regulatory nods. Alisha Sachdev reports that the man tipped to steer this transition is Tata Group’s CFO, P.B. Balaji, who might take on a significant role as non-executive chairman or vice-chairman for both new companies. His track record of strong fiscal management and strategic decisions at Tata Motors makes him a prime candidate for this role, although final confirmations are still pending.


 

Sebi is working to introduce a framework regulating digital platforms as Specified Digital Platforms or SDPs. An SDP is a digital platform that has mechanisms in place to prevent and address misuse, ensuring compliance with Sebi’s strict guidelines. This framework will impact platforms like Rigi.Club, Qoohoo, Cosmofeed, and Moneyyapp, which aid content creators, particularly those involved in securities-related content, Neha Joshi reports. These platforms will need to integrate advanced technologies like AI and ML to monitor and report securities-related activities effectively. Although this could lead to significant compliance costs, especially for smaller platforms, it's seen as a crucial step to maintain market integrity and protect investors from misinformation. 

India's wedding season is set to hit its peak from November to March, and it's shaping up to be a blockbuster. Last year, weddings raked in a whopping ₹4.25 trillion on just 23 auspicious days, according to the Confederation of All India Traders. This time around, we're looking at an expected ₹25 trillion from about 3.5 million weddings. Prices for venues and catering are skyrocketing due to high demand. For instance, hotel catering charges have surged by up to 30% compared to last year, now costing between ₹6,000 and ₹8,500 per plate. Varuni Khosla spoke to couples who are finding that even less popular dates are pricey, with potential costs reaching around ₹30 lakh for a modest ceremony. On the other hand, the hospitality industry is buzzing with optimism, with weddings being a major driver for growth.

The 160-year-old Shapoorji Pallonji Group, known for iconic constructions like the RBI headquarters, is now ramping up its real estate game. While giants like DLF and Godrej dominate with sales around ₹73,000 crore, Shapoorji's real estate arm is playing catch-up, aiming to boost its bookings from ₹5,000 crore to over ₹18,000 crore in the next four years. Taking a cue from the late Cyrus Mistry, the group merged its various real estate activities—from residential to office spaces—under Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE). With this move, SPRE now controls significant ongoing projects and is prepping for a massive expansion with a land bank ready to support around 140 million sq. ft of development. This could potentially generate ₹2 trillion in revenue, indicating a major growth trajectory for the firm. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the group’s real estate plans in today’s Long Story. 


 

Content creators are now pitching fully packaged projects to streaming platforms, securing key talents and finalizing production details upfront to expedite the greenlighting process. Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that this strategy strengthens pitches by attaching reputable industry names early, boosting platforms' confidence in the projects. This shift helps streamline approval processes, clarifying the project's vision and speeding up budget and timeline decisions. Fully packaged pitches with attached talent and detailed budgets are now essential, not just beneficial, explained another studio executive. They expedite platform decisions on budgeting and scheduling, enhancing a project's marketability and profitability. 


 


 

Show notes: 


 

PB Balaji could unify Tata’s new auto businesses under Tata Sons


 

Sebi's framework raises compliance concerns for smaller digital platforms


 

Wedding industry looks at rebound from dull H1 this season

OTT platforms favour pre-packaged projects to cut risks in content selection

Real estate: Deconstructing Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s housing ambitions

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 385 no What's in store for Samvat 2081? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-in-store-for-samvat-2081-uo8pkty_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy Diwali.   As we step into Samvat 2081, speculation is rife about whether the Sensex can breach the 100,000 mark by March 2025. A Mint survey, reported by Mayur Bhalerao, reveals a split verdict among analysts: about half expect it to reach the milestone, driven by robust corporate earnings and steady foreign inflows, while others remain cautious, citing global uncertainties. Market volatility is now the new normal, with most experts anticipating a turbulent stretch ahead—marked by a potential correction followed by a gradual recovery toward the year-end. All eyes are on the US Federal Reserve, with many expecting a rate cut in December, which could provide a timely lift to Indian markets.   Diwali brings a unique tradition to India's stock market with Muhurat Trading, where the National Stock Exchange and the BSE will light up for a special one-hour session from 6-7 pm this Friday. This auspicious hour marks the start of the Hindu calendar year, Samvat 2081. Since last Diwali, the Nifty 50 has surged 25%, buoyed by strong GDP growth, robust corporate earnings, and plentiful liquidity. Which sectors have beaten the benchmark, which stocks have been the winners and laggards, and what can investors expect in the medium term? Abhinaba Saha brings a recap of Samvat 2080.  Europe’s largest paint maker is planning to exit its India business. Anirudh Laskar reports that Akzo Nobel is eyeing a ₹25,000 crore valuation for the sale, with Citigroup managing the transaction. Among the potential bidders are Adani, Aditya Birla, JSW, and Asian Paints. While Asian Paints already owns a 4% stake in Akzo Nobel’s Indian arm, any acquisition bid may attract regulatory scrutiny, given its dominant position in the market.   India is positioning itself as the next hub for artificial intelligence. Major players like Nvidia and Meta have already set up operations and are optimistic about India’s role in shaping the AI landscape. However, the government's push for indigenous development presents both challenges and opportunities for global firms. Leslie D'monte writes that initiatives like Viksit Bharat offer tech giants a platform to collaborate with local companies, fostering research and job creation. High-profile visits from tech leaders reflect this growing momentum, while Indian firms are also making strides with localised AI models.   In India, where privacy is a coveted luxury, the hotel industry is evolving to cater to the ultra-wealthy. A prime example is Arq by The Leela—a collection of exclusive villas that debuted in Udaipur this month, offering unparalleled seclusion. Despite its premium pricing, demand for these opulent stays remains strong. The luxury travel sector has seen a robust post-pandemic revival, with India's spending on luxury travel hitting $10 billion in 2022. High-end properties are driving this growth, with 39% of the country’s branded hotel rooms classified as upscale or luxury, reports Varuni Khosla. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What's in store for Samvat 2081? full 685 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding muhurat trading, Akzo Nobel to sell India biz Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy Diwali.   As we step into Samvat 2081, speculation is rife about whether the Sensex can breach the 100,000 mark by March 2025. A Mint survey, reported by Mayur Bhalerao, reveals a split verdict among analysts: about half expect it to reach the milestone, driven by robust corporate earnings and steady foreign inflows, while others remain cautious, citing global uncertainties. Market volatility is now the new normal, with most experts anticipating a turbulent stretch ahead—marked by a potential correction followed by a gradual recovery toward the year-end. All eyes are on the US Federal Reserve, with many expecting a rate cut in December, which could provide a timely lift to Indian markets.   Diwali brings a unique tradition to India's stock market with Muhurat Trading, where the National Stock Exchange and the BSE will light up for a special one-hour session from 6-7 pm this Friday. This auspicious hour marks the start of the Hindu calendar year, Samvat 2081. Since last Diwali, the Nifty 50 has surged 25%, buoyed by strong GDP growth, robust corporate earnings, and plentiful liquidity. Which sectors have beaten the benchmark, which stocks have been the winners and laggards, and what can investors expect in the medium term? Abhinaba Saha brings a recap of Samvat 2080.  Europe’s largest paint maker is planning to exit its India business. Anirudh Laskar reports that Akzo Nobel is eyeing a ₹25,000 crore valuation for the sale, with Citigroup managing the transaction. Among the potential bidders are Adani, Aditya Birla, JSW, and Asian Paints. While Asian Paints already owns a 4% stake in Akzo Nobel’s Indian arm, any acquisition bid may attract regulatory scrutiny, given its dominant position in the market.   India is positioning itself as the next hub for artificial intelligence. Major players like Nvidia and Meta have already set up operations and are optimistic about India’s role in shaping the AI landscape. However, the government's push for indigenous development presents both challenges and opportunities for global firms. Leslie D'monte writes that initiatives like Viksit Bharat offer tech giants a platform to collaborate with local companies, fostering research and job creation. High-profile visits from tech leaders reflect this growing momentum, while Indian firms are also making strides with localised AI models.   In India, where privacy is a coveted luxury, the hotel industry is evolving to cater to the ultra-wealthy. A prime example is Arq by The Leela—a collection of exclusive villas that debuted in Udaipur this month, offering unparalleled seclusion. Despite its premium pricing, demand for these opulent stays remains strong. The luxury travel sector has seen a robust post-pandemic revival, with India's spending on luxury travel hitting $10 billion in 2022. High-end properties are driving this growth, with 39% of the country’s branded hotel rooms classified as upscale or luxury, reports Varuni Khosla. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 31, 2024. This is Nelson John, wishing you a very happy Diwali.


 

As we step into Samvat 2081, speculation is rife about whether the Sensex can breach the 100,000 mark by March 2025. A Mint survey, reported by Mayur Bhalerao, reveals a split verdict among analysts: about half expect it to reach the milestone, driven by robust corporate earnings and steady foreign inflows, while others remain cautious, citing global uncertainties. Market volatility is now the new normal, with most experts anticipating a turbulent stretch ahead—marked by a potential correction followed by a gradual recovery toward the year-end. All eyes are on the US Federal Reserve, with many expecting a rate cut in December, which could provide a timely lift to Indian markets.


 

Diwali brings a unique tradition to India's stock market with Muhurat Trading, where the National Stock Exchange and the BSE will light up for a special one-hour session from 6-7 pm this Friday. This auspicious hour marks the start of the Hindu calendar year, Samvat 2081. Since last Diwali, the Nifty 50 has surged 25%, buoyed by strong GDP growth, robust corporate earnings, and plentiful liquidity. Which sectors have beaten the benchmark, which stocks have been the winners and laggards, and what can investors expect in the medium term? Abhinaba Saha brings a recap of Samvat 2080. 

Europe’s largest paint maker is planning to exit its India business. Anirudh Laskar reports that Akzo Nobel is eyeing a ₹25,000 crore valuation for the sale, with Citigroup managing the transaction. Among the potential bidders are Adani, Aditya Birla, JSW, and Asian Paints. While Asian Paints already owns a 4% stake in Akzo Nobel’s Indian arm, any acquisition bid may attract regulatory scrutiny, given its dominant position in the market.


 

India is positioning itself as the next hub for artificial intelligence. Major players like Nvidia and Meta have already set up operations and are optimistic about India’s role in shaping the AI landscape. However, the government's push for indigenous development presents both challenges and opportunities for global firms. Leslie D'monte writes that initiatives like Viksit Bharat offer tech giants a platform to collaborate with local companies, fostering research and job creation. High-profile visits from tech leaders reflect this growing momentum, while Indian firms are also making strides with localised AI models.


 

In India, where privacy is a coveted luxury, the hotel industry is evolving to cater to the ultra-wealthy. A prime example is Arq by The Leela—a collection of exclusive villas that debuted in Udaipur this month, offering unparalleled seclusion. Despite its premium pricing, demand for these opulent stays remains strong. The luxury travel sector has seen a robust post-pandemic revival, with India's spending on luxury travel hitting $10 billion in 2022. High-end properties are driving this growth, with 39% of the country’s branded hotel rooms classified as upscale or luxury, reports Varuni Khosla.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 324 no Biggest winners from Swiggy's IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/biggest-winners-from-swiggys-ipo-c4BznISm Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   As Sebi comes down hard on futures and options trading, the National Stock Exchange is seeing fewer trades. Turnover and trades on the NSE have hit a six-month low. Ram Sahgal writes that average daily turnover fell nearly 12% to ₹1.07 trillion in October, with only 734.3 million trades taking place. Market experts said that Sebi's incoming clampdown on F&O trading is the main reason for the decline. Additionally, increased selling by foreign investors has contributed to a pessimistic market sentiment.   Swiggy is gearing up to “deliver” an IPO in early November. The quick commerce company is eyeing a valuation of $11.3 billion with a price band of ₹371-390 p er share. The IPO spells huge gains for Swiggy’s early backers like Accel, Apoletto, and Elevation Capital, with returns possibly soaring up to 35 times their initial investments, reports Priyamvada C. The IPO will be a mix of ₹4,499 crore in fresh issues and a secondary sale of 175.1 million shares. Swiggy is looking to expand its quick commerce arm, Instamart, and scale up its network of dark stores. As Swiggy steps into the public market, it's set against the backdrop of its rival Zomato's recent profitability and booming market cap.    Bharti Airtel recently announced a unique CEO transition plan with a 14-month wait before the new chief takes the helm on January 1, 2026. This prolonged handover period raises questions: What’s the ideal CEO transition time? Shelley Singh tackles that question in today’s Primer. Traditionally, CEO transitions can vary. For instance, Starbucks and Boeing witnessed rapid transitions due to performance crises, with new CEOs stepping in within a month. However, planned transitions generally allow six months to a year for a new CEO to settle in, providing clarity on a company’s direction to investors and employees.    India and Canada are at loggerheads. Diplomatic tensions between the two nations have affected geopolitics and harmed their trade. Previously on an upward trajectory, trade has dropped from last year's total to $3.38 billion in the first five months of this fiscal year. India's imports from Canada and exports both saw minor reductions, contributing to a widening trade deficit, reports Rhik Kundu. This slowdown in trade comes at a time when global trade is generally muted due to economic slowdowns in major economies and geopolitical tensions.    It's tough to grow out of your parent company's shadow. Peak XV (pronounced fifteen) Partners is experiencing just that. The venture capital firm is experiencing a decline in brand value since it was hived off from global brand Sequoia last year. Shelley Singh writes that despite inheriting assets worth $9.2 billion, Peak XV  recently announced a reduction of 16% in its growth fund. It also reduced its management fees, reflecting a diminished brand prestige. Its leaders assert that such a move is necessary to remain competitive, and maintain that the firm's image and economics are still unparalleled.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Biggest winners from Swiggy's IPO full 684 Mint - HT Smartcast NSE's diminished volumes, Peak XV's diminished prestige Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   As Sebi comes down hard on futures and options trading, the National Stock Exchange is seeing fewer trades. Turnover and trades on the NSE have hit a six-month low. Ram Sahgal writes that average daily turnover fell nearly 12% to ₹1.07 trillion in October, with only 734.3 million trades taking place. Market experts said that Sebi's incoming clampdown on F&O trading is the main reason for the decline. Additionally, increased selling by foreign investors has contributed to a pessimistic market sentiment.   Swiggy is gearing up to “deliver” an IPO in early November. The quick commerce company is eyeing a valuation of $11.3 billion with a price band of ₹371-390 p er share. The IPO spells huge gains for Swiggy’s early backers like Accel, Apoletto, and Elevation Capital, with returns possibly soaring up to 35 times their initial investments, reports Priyamvada C. The IPO will be a mix of ₹4,499 crore in fresh issues and a secondary sale of 175.1 million shares. Swiggy is looking to expand its quick commerce arm, Instamart, and scale up its network of dark stores. As Swiggy steps into the public market, it's set against the backdrop of its rival Zomato's recent profitability and booming market cap.    Bharti Airtel recently announced a unique CEO transition plan with a 14-month wait before the new chief takes the helm on January 1, 2026. This prolonged handover period raises questions: What’s the ideal CEO transition time? Shelley Singh tackles that question in today’s Primer. Traditionally, CEO transitions can vary. For instance, Starbucks and Boeing witnessed rapid transitions due to performance crises, with new CEOs stepping in within a month. However, planned transitions generally allow six months to a year for a new CEO to settle in, providing clarity on a company’s direction to investors and employees.    India and Canada are at loggerheads. Diplomatic tensions between the two nations have affected geopolitics and harmed their trade. Previously on an upward trajectory, trade has dropped from last year's total to $3.38 billion in the first five months of this fiscal year. India's imports from Canada and exports both saw minor reductions, contributing to a widening trade deficit, reports Rhik Kundu. This slowdown in trade comes at a time when global trade is generally muted due to economic slowdowns in major economies and geopolitical tensions.    It's tough to grow out of your parent company's shadow. Peak XV (pronounced fifteen) Partners is experiencing just that. The venture capital firm is experiencing a decline in brand value since it was hived off from global brand Sequoia last year. Shelley Singh writes that despite inheriting assets worth $9.2 billion, Peak XV  recently announced a reduction of 16% in its growth fund. It also reduced its management fees, reflecting a diminished brand prestige. Its leaders assert that such a move is necessary to remain competitive, and maintain that the firm's image and economics are still unparalleled.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

As Sebi comes down hard on futures and options trading, the National Stock Exchange is seeing fewer trades. Turnover and trades on the NSE have hit a six-month low. Ram Sahgal writes that average daily turnover fell nearly 12% to ₹1.07 trillion in October, with only 734.3 million trades taking place. Market experts said that Sebi's incoming clampdown on F&O trading is the main reason for the decline. Additionally, increased selling by foreign investors has contributed to a pessimistic market sentiment.


 

Swiggy is gearing up to “deliver” an IPO in early November. The quick commerce company is eyeing a valuation of $11.3 billion with a price band of ₹371-390 p er share. The IPO spells huge gains for Swiggy’s early backers like Accel, Apoletto, and Elevation Capital, with returns possibly soaring up to 35 times their initial investments, reports Priyamvada C. The IPO will be a mix of ₹4,499 crore in fresh issues and a secondary sale of 175.1 million shares. Swiggy is looking to expand its quick commerce arm, Instamart, and scale up its network of dark stores. As Swiggy steps into the public market, it's set against the backdrop of its rival Zomato's recent profitability and booming market cap. 


 

Bharti Airtel recently announced a unique CEO transition plan with a 14-month wait before the new chief takes the helm on January 1, 2026. This prolonged handover period raises questions: What’s the ideal CEO transition time? Shelley Singh tackles that question in today’s Primer. Traditionally, CEO transitions can vary. For instance, Starbucks and Boeing witnessed rapid transitions due to performance crises, with new CEOs stepping in within a month. However, planned transitions generally allow six months to a year for a new CEO to settle in, providing clarity on a company’s direction to investors and employees. 


 

India and Canada are at loggerheads. Diplomatic tensions between the two nations have affected geopolitics and harmed their trade. Previously on an upward trajectory, trade has dropped from last year's total to $3.38 billion in the first five months of this fiscal year. India's imports from Canada and exports both saw minor reductions, contributing to a widening trade deficit, reports Rhik Kundu. This slowdown in trade comes at a time when global trade is generally muted due to economic slowdowns in major economies and geopolitical tensions. 


 

It's tough to grow out of your parent company's shadow. Peak XV (pronounced fifteen) Partners is experiencing just that. The venture capital firm is experiencing a decline in brand value since it was hived off from global brand Sequoia last year. Shelley Singh writes that despite inheriting assets worth $9.2 billion, Peak XV  recently announced a reduction of 16% in its growth fund. It also reduced its management fees, reflecting a diminished brand prestige. Its leaders assert that such a move is necessary to remain competitive, and maintain that the firm's image and economics are still unparalleled. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 317 no How big conglomerates survived in India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-big-conglomerates-survived-in-india-zlqDWXoT Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a very happy Dhanteras. Let's get started.   Inflation, no more? That's what the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, thinks. In a recent economic review, the IMF declared that the global battle against inflation has "largely been won". That means that most countries across the globe have either met or are very close to their inflation targets. N. Madhavan explains that despite that, growth forecasts remain low. Projections for global economic growth have stabilised at 3.2% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023. With a growth rate of 7%, India fares well in this aspect. However, global risks such as geopolitical conflicts, trade protectionism, and potential economic slowdowns remain significant — hence the low growth projections.   When the Indian government liberalised the economy in 1991, domestic conglomerates were worried: a sudden change challenged their collective dominance. That was 30 years ago. Safe to say, the dominance of empires like Reliance, Tata, Adani, and Kotak, among others has assuaged those fears. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that corporate India had a resurgence in the late 2010s, led by a huge influx of cash. As banks ran out of credible entities to loan money to, India Inc. stepped up — and never looked back. Ultimately, they conclude that conglomerates aren't going anywhere, anytime soon, while the medium-sized ones might have to reconsider their positions, or perish.   RBI is set to boost its digital security measures by introducing an AI-driven early warning system. This system will be designed to alert users to potential financial fraud during transactions. The initiative aims to tackle emerging threats in the digital finance space by leveraging AI to analyze data, identify high-risk platforms, and notify users of suspicious activities in real time. Subhash Naryan reports that this system will build on existing technologies like the MuleHunter AI, which detects mule accounts used in fraud schemes.    The government is planning to shift its strategy for PSUs. Instead of rushing to sell them off, the government now wants to work on their operational efficiency and governance, reports Gulveen Aulakh. The plan, sources told Gulveen, focuses on transforming these PSUs into professionally managed entities capable of yielding substantial dividends and potentially achieving higher market valuations through future public listings. In recent initiatives, specific PSUs like Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd are receiving targeted interventions to address their financial and operational challenges, with plans ranging from restructuring packages to debt resolution strategies.    The Open Network for Digital Commerce is launching an initiative to deliver groceries and other items within 30 minutes to two hours. The government-backed e-commerce network is looking to tap into the growing popularity of quick commerce in India, Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports. This move will involve collaborations with ElasticRun, Ola, and PhonePe’s buyer app Pincode, utilizing their dark stores and delivery networks to enable rapid delivery services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How big conglomerates survived in India full 683 Mint - HT Smartcast Goodbye inflation, RBI taps into AI for security Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a very happy Dhanteras. Let's get started.   Inflation, no more? That's what the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, thinks. In a recent economic review, the IMF declared that the global battle against inflation has "largely been won". That means that most countries across the globe have either met or are very close to their inflation targets. N. Madhavan explains that despite that, growth forecasts remain low. Projections for global economic growth have stabilised at 3.2% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023. With a growth rate of 7%, India fares well in this aspect. However, global risks such as geopolitical conflicts, trade protectionism, and potential economic slowdowns remain significant — hence the low growth projections.   When the Indian government liberalised the economy in 1991, domestic conglomerates were worried: a sudden change challenged their collective dominance. That was 30 years ago. Safe to say, the dominance of empires like Reliance, Tata, Adani, and Kotak, among others has assuaged those fears. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that corporate India had a resurgence in the late 2010s, led by a huge influx of cash. As banks ran out of credible entities to loan money to, India Inc. stepped up — and never looked back. Ultimately, they conclude that conglomerates aren't going anywhere, anytime soon, while the medium-sized ones might have to reconsider their positions, or perish.   RBI is set to boost its digital security measures by introducing an AI-driven early warning system. This system will be designed to alert users to potential financial fraud during transactions. The initiative aims to tackle emerging threats in the digital finance space by leveraging AI to analyze data, identify high-risk platforms, and notify users of suspicious activities in real time. Subhash Naryan reports that this system will build on existing technologies like the MuleHunter AI, which detects mule accounts used in fraud schemes.    The government is planning to shift its strategy for PSUs. Instead of rushing to sell them off, the government now wants to work on their operational efficiency and governance, reports Gulveen Aulakh. The plan, sources told Gulveen, focuses on transforming these PSUs into professionally managed entities capable of yielding substantial dividends and potentially achieving higher market valuations through future public listings. In recent initiatives, specific PSUs like Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd are receiving targeted interventions to address their financial and operational challenges, with plans ranging from restructuring packages to debt resolution strategies.    The Open Network for Digital Commerce is launching an initiative to deliver groceries and other items within 30 minutes to two hours. The government-backed e-commerce network is looking to tap into the growing popularity of quick commerce in India, Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports. This move will involve collaborations with ElasticRun, Ola, and PhonePe’s buyer app Pincode, utilizing their dark stores and delivery networks to enable rapid delivery services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a very happy Dhanteras. Let's get started.


 

Inflation, no more? That's what the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, thinks. In a recent economic review, the IMF declared that the global battle against inflation has "largely been won". That means that most countries across the globe have either met or are very close to their inflation targets. N. Madhavan explains that despite that, growth forecasts remain low. Projections for global economic growth have stabilised at 3.2% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023. With a growth rate of 7%, India fares well in this aspect. However, global risks such as geopolitical conflicts, trade protectionism, and potential economic slowdowns remain significant — hence the low growth projections.


 

When the Indian government liberalised the economy in 1991, domestic conglomerates were worried: a sudden change challenged their collective dominance. That was 30 years ago. Safe to say, the dominance of empires like Reliance, Tata, Adani, and Kotak, among others has assuaged those fears. Our partners at How India Lives . com write that corporate India had a resurgence in the late 2010s, led by a huge influx of cash. As banks ran out of credible entities to loan money to, India Inc. stepped up — and never looked back. Ultimately, they conclude that conglomerates aren't going anywhere, anytime soon, while the medium-sized ones might have to reconsider their positions, or perish.


 

RBI is set to boost its digital security measures by introducing an AI-driven early warning system. This system will be designed to alert users to potential financial fraud during transactions. The initiative aims to tackle emerging threats in the digital finance space by leveraging AI to analyze data, identify high-risk platforms, and notify users of suspicious activities in real time. Subhash Naryan reports that this system will build on existing technologies like the MuleHunter AI, which detects mule accounts used in fraud schemes. 


 

The government is planning to shift its strategy for PSUs. Instead of rushing to sell them off, the government now wants to work on their operational efficiency and governance, reports Gulveen Aulakh. The plan, sources told Gulveen, focuses on transforming these PSUs into professionally managed entities capable of yielding substantial dividends and potentially achieving higher market valuations through future public listings. In recent initiatives, specific PSUs like Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd are receiving targeted interventions to address their financial and operational challenges, with plans ranging from restructuring packages to debt resolution strategies. 


 

The Open Network for Digital Commerce is launching an initiative to deliver groceries and other items within 30 minutes to two hours. The government-backed e-commerce network is looking to tap into the growing popularity of quick commerce in India, Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports. This move will involve collaborations with ElasticRun, Ola, and PhonePe’s buyer app Pincode, utilizing their dark stores and delivery networks to enable rapid delivery services.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 340 no Why Ratan Tata’s biography didn’t have his final sanction https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-ratan-tatas-biography-didnt-have-his-final-sanction-GINKkg1_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The recent India visits of AI’s godfather Yann LeCun, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and inventor Mustafa Suleyman have put the country in an interesting position when it comes to the tech landscape, especially AI. Following the Global Partnership on AI Summit and India's push to co-create tech IPs, these visits highlight India's strategic importance in tech. Historically, India attracted global tech leaders due to its skilled, cost-effective workforce and proactive government policies, dating back to Bill Gates in 1997 and Google's founders in 2004. So what do these visits by tech CEOs actually mean for India? Shouvik Das explains.  The Adani Group is planning to construct its first greenfield cement factory in Odisha. The conglomerate is aiming to complement its string of recent acquisitions with new builds. The proposed facility, expected to cost between ₹3,000-3,500 crore, will have a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum and is projected to be operational within two to three years, reports Anirudh Laskar. This development is part of a broader strategy by Adani, which also includes a new clinker grinding unit in Bihar, to expand its cement manufacturing capabilities across eastern India. With substantial internal funds, the Adani group is well-positioned to continue its aggressive expansion in the cement sector. The rise of quick commerce is reshaping India's retail landscape. Quick commerce is challenging both traditional and modern retail outlets as fast deliveries become increasingly popular. FMCG companies are witnessing a surge in their quick commerce sales, with significant shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. Adani Wilmar reported a 36% growth in quick commerce sales in the September quarter, while Nestlé stated that quick commerce accounts for half of its e-commerce revenue. Suneera Tandon reports that this shift is leading to changes in inventory management across traditional retail channels. Companies are now adapting by offering channel-specific products and streamlining inventory to better align with the quick commerce model. The biography 'Ratan Tata—A Life' stirred up some controversy as it hit the shelves recently without Ratan Tata's blessing. He had distanced himself from the project due to the overly flattering content, a move that came after the manuscript review last year. Released just weeks after Tata’s death on October 9, the book has been published by HarperCollins and remains in the present tense, a choice made before it was finalized. The author, Thomas Mathew, a retired bureaucrat, initiated this project in 2018 but faced setbacks as Tata withdrew his support, leading to delayed releases. While the book touches on some controversial decisions during Tata's tenure, like the appointment of Cyrus Mistry and the choice of West Bengal for the Nano plant, it remains unendorsed by Tata’s family, Varun Sood and Satish John report.  Delhi, once celebrated for its distinct winter charm, now grapples with toxic air quality that overshadows its historical and seasonal allure. Now that winters are at the doorstep, Delhi and its toxic air is likely to dominate news cycles till at least January. Despite long-standing efforts to improve air quality, including vehicle and industrial emission controls and reduced stubble burning, Delhi remains the world's most polluted city, according to the 2023 World Air Quality report. This persistent issue is compounded by seasonal activities like stubble burning and the use of biomass for heating, exacerbated by geographical and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants. Sayantan Bera examines the factors behind Delhi’s poisonous winter air.    Show notes: Why Ratan Tata’s biography didn’t have his final sanction Mint Primer: Why top tech executives are heading for India Adani plans greenfield Odisha cement factory FMCG firms embrace quick commerce amid shift in urban consumer preferences ‘Severe’ air is coming. Here’s the X-factor behind Delhi’s winter poison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why Ratan Tata’s biography didn’t have his final sanction full 682 Mint - HT Smartcast FMCG firms love quick commerce; X-factor behind Delhi’s toxic air Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The recent India visits of AI’s godfather Yann LeCun, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and inventor Mustafa Suleyman have put the country in an interesting position when it comes to the tech landscape, especially AI. Following the Global Partnership on AI Summit and India's push to co-create tech IPs, these visits highlight India's strategic importance in tech. Historically, India attracted global tech leaders due to its skilled, cost-effective workforce and proactive government policies, dating back to Bill Gates in 1997 and Google's founders in 2004. So what do these visits by tech CEOs actually mean for India? Shouvik Das explains.  The Adani Group is planning to construct its first greenfield cement factory in Odisha. The conglomerate is aiming to complement its string of recent acquisitions with new builds. The proposed facility, expected to cost between ₹3,000-3,500 crore, will have a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum and is projected to be operational within two to three years, reports Anirudh Laskar. This development is part of a broader strategy by Adani, which also includes a new clinker grinding unit in Bihar, to expand its cement manufacturing capabilities across eastern India. With substantial internal funds, the Adani group is well-positioned to continue its aggressive expansion in the cement sector. The rise of quick commerce is reshaping India's retail landscape. Quick commerce is challenging both traditional and modern retail outlets as fast deliveries become increasingly popular. FMCG companies are witnessing a surge in their quick commerce sales, with significant shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. Adani Wilmar reported a 36% growth in quick commerce sales in the September quarter, while Nestlé stated that quick commerce accounts for half of its e-commerce revenue. Suneera Tandon reports that this shift is leading to changes in inventory management across traditional retail channels. Companies are now adapting by offering channel-specific products and streamlining inventory to better align with the quick commerce model. The biography 'Ratan Tata—A Life' stirred up some controversy as it hit the shelves recently without Ratan Tata's blessing. He had distanced himself from the project due to the overly flattering content, a move that came after the manuscript review last year. Released just weeks after Tata’s death on October 9, the book has been published by HarperCollins and remains in the present tense, a choice made before it was finalized. The author, Thomas Mathew, a retired bureaucrat, initiated this project in 2018 but faced setbacks as Tata withdrew his support, leading to delayed releases. While the book touches on some controversial decisions during Tata's tenure, like the appointment of Cyrus Mistry and the choice of West Bengal for the Nano plant, it remains unendorsed by Tata’s family, Varun Sood and Satish John report.  Delhi, once celebrated for its distinct winter charm, now grapples with toxic air quality that overshadows its historical and seasonal allure. Now that winters are at the doorstep, Delhi and its toxic air is likely to dominate news cycles till at least January. Despite long-standing efforts to improve air quality, including vehicle and industrial emission controls and reduced stubble burning, Delhi remains the world's most polluted city, according to the 2023 World Air Quality report. This persistent issue is compounded by seasonal activities like stubble burning and the use of biomass for heating, exacerbated by geographical and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants. Sayantan Bera examines the factors behind Delhi’s poisonous winter air.    Show notes: Why Ratan Tata’s biography didn’t have his final sanction Mint Primer: Why top tech executives are heading for India Adani plans greenfield Odisha cement factory FMCG firms embrace quick commerce amid shift in urban consumer preferences ‘Severe’ air is coming. Here’s the X-factor behind Delhi’s winter poison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

The recent India visits of AI’s godfather Yann LeCun, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and inventor Mustafa Suleyman have put the country in an interesting position when it comes to the tech landscape, especially AI. Following the Global Partnership on AI Summit and India's push to co-create tech IPs, these visits highlight India's strategic importance in tech. Historically, India attracted global tech leaders due to its skilled, cost-effective workforce and proactive government policies, dating back to Bill Gates in 1997 and Google's founders in 2004. So what do these visits by tech CEOs actually mean for India? Shouvik Das explains. 

The Adani Group is planning to construct its first greenfield cement factory in Odisha. The conglomerate is aiming to complement its string of recent acquisitions with new builds. The proposed facility, expected to cost between ₹3,000-3,500 crore, will have a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum and is projected to be operational within two to three years, reports Anirudh Laskar. This development is part of a broader strategy by Adani, which also includes a new clinker grinding unit in Bihar, to expand its cement manufacturing capabilities across eastern India. With substantial internal funds, the Adani group is well-positioned to continue its aggressive expansion in the cement sector.

The rise of quick commerce is reshaping India's retail landscape. Quick commerce is challenging both traditional and modern retail outlets as fast deliveries become increasingly popular. FMCG companies are witnessing a surge in their quick commerce sales, with significant shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. Adani Wilmar reported a 36% growth in quick commerce sales in the September quarter, while Nestlé stated that quick commerce accounts for half of its e-commerce revenue. Suneera Tandon reports that this shift is leading to changes in inventory management across traditional retail channels. Companies are now adapting by offering channel-specific products and streamlining inventory to better align with the quick commerce model.

The biography 'Ratan Tata—A Life' stirred up some controversy as it hit the shelves recently without Ratan Tata's blessing. He had distanced himself from the project due to the overly flattering content, a move that came after the manuscript review last year. Released just weeks after Tata’s death on October 9, the book has been published by HarperCollins and remains in the present tense, a choice made before it was finalized. The author, Thomas Mathew, a retired bureaucrat, initiated this project in 2018 but faced setbacks as Tata withdrew his support, leading to delayed releases. While the book touches on some controversial decisions during Tata's tenure, like the appointment of Cyrus Mistry and the choice of West Bengal for the Nano plant, it remains unendorsed by Tata’s family, Varun Sood and Satish John report. 

Delhi, once celebrated for its distinct winter charm, now grapples with toxic air quality that overshadows its historical and seasonal allure. Now that winters are at the doorstep, Delhi and its toxic air is likely to dominate news cycles till at least January. Despite long-standing efforts to improve air quality, including vehicle and industrial emission controls and reduced stubble burning, Delhi remains the world's most polluted city, according to the 2023 World Air Quality report. This persistent issue is compounded by seasonal activities like stubble burning and the use of biomass for heating, exacerbated by geographical and meteorological conditions that trap pollutants. Sayantan Bera examines the factors behind Delhi’s poisonous winter air. 

 

Show notes:

Why Ratan Tata’s biography didn’t have his final sanction

Mint Primer: Why top tech executives are heading for India

Adani plans greenfield Odisha cement factory

FMCG firms embrace quick commerce amid shift in urban consumer preferences

‘Severe’ air is coming. Here’s the X-factor behind Delhi’s winter poison

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 363 no Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-finance-pros-at-pe-vc-funds-are-flunking-sebi-exam-TUhRwaXq Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Qatar's Nebras Power was supposed to acquire up to a 49 per cent stake in Aditya Birla Group’s renewable energy business for about $400 million, but the deal has been put on hold due to a valuation mismatch. Utpal Bhaskar reports that challenges such as competitive returns and execution risks in the Indian market continue to be concerns for investors. The Aditya Birla Group company is still seeing interest from Alberta Investment Management and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners. India's startups aren't complying with certain rules. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to 11 e-commerce companies including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Meesho for violating declaration rules. These violations include failing to display product manufacturing and expiry dates, among other packaging and labelling norms. Soumya Gupta writes that the CCPA took this action after users complained about receiving perishable items close to or after their expiry dates. After a long and contentious battle, the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India has approved the Burman family's proposed acquisition of Religare, reports Anirudh Laskar. This nod marks a significant step towards the Burmans’ takeover of Religare. Only approvals from the banking and market regulators are now pending. Despite initial resistance from Religare's management, the Burman family, which owns Dabur India, aims to solidify its ownership through an open offer of more than 3,400 crore rupees. In a surprising turn of events, 60 out of 100 private equity and venture capital executives in India failed a mandatory exam set by the National Institute of Securities Management (NISM), under directives from SEBI. This exam, which is crucial for maintaining registration, has stirred concerns within the sector. Critics argue that the exam's content, which spans various fund types—venture capital, private equity and public markets—is disproportionately focused on public markets, and does not reflect the practical differences between these fund categories. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report on the embarrassing situation India’s PE and VC sector is staring at.  Last year, Ecom Express found itself at a crossroads, searching for new leadership after the health-related departure of its co-founder and CEO, T.A. Krishnan. With growth stalling, the company turned to Ajay Chitkara, a veteran of the telecom industry, to inject new life into its operations. Chitkara, known for his successful stint at Airtel, took the reins at a tough time and now faces a daunting task: steering Ecom Express towards profitability and a successful IPO. The company has reduced its losses, but sustaining growth remains a challenge, especially with new players such as Valmo shaking up the logistics market. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan tackles the question of whether Ecom Express’s IPO can succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver.     SUBJECT/Title:  Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam    Pre-head: IRDA approves Burmans’ Religare takeover; CCPA issues notice to quick commerce startups   Qatar's Nebras deal with Aditya Birla Group's green arm on hold Why are e-tailers on notice for legal metrology? IRDA gives Burman family green signal for Religaree takeover    Can Ecom Express’s IPO succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver? Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam full 681 Mint - HT Smartcast IRDA approves Burmans’ Religare takeover; CCPA issues notice to quick commerce startups Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Qatar's Nebras Power was supposed to acquire up to a 49 per cent stake in Aditya Birla Group’s renewable energy business for about $400 million, but the deal has been put on hold due to a valuation mismatch. Utpal Bhaskar reports that challenges such as competitive returns and execution risks in the Indian market continue to be concerns for investors. The Aditya Birla Group company is still seeing interest from Alberta Investment Management and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners. India's startups aren't complying with certain rules. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to 11 e-commerce companies including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Meesho for violating declaration rules. These violations include failing to display product manufacturing and expiry dates, among other packaging and labelling norms. Soumya Gupta writes that the CCPA took this action after users complained about receiving perishable items close to or after their expiry dates. After a long and contentious battle, the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India has approved the Burman family's proposed acquisition of Religare, reports Anirudh Laskar. This nod marks a significant step towards the Burmans’ takeover of Religare. Only approvals from the banking and market regulators are now pending. Despite initial resistance from Religare's management, the Burman family, which owns Dabur India, aims to solidify its ownership through an open offer of more than 3,400 crore rupees. In a surprising turn of events, 60 out of 100 private equity and venture capital executives in India failed a mandatory exam set by the National Institute of Securities Management (NISM), under directives from SEBI. This exam, which is crucial for maintaining registration, has stirred concerns within the sector. Critics argue that the exam's content, which spans various fund types—venture capital, private equity and public markets—is disproportionately focused on public markets, and does not reflect the practical differences between these fund categories. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report on the embarrassing situation India’s PE and VC sector is staring at.  Last year, Ecom Express found itself at a crossroads, searching for new leadership after the health-related departure of its co-founder and CEO, T.A. Krishnan. With growth stalling, the company turned to Ajay Chitkara, a veteran of the telecom industry, to inject new life into its operations. Chitkara, known for his successful stint at Airtel, took the reins at a tough time and now faces a daunting task: steering Ecom Express towards profitability and a successful IPO. The company has reduced its losses, but sustaining growth remains a challenge, especially with new players such as Valmo shaking up the logistics market. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan tackles the question of whether Ecom Express’s IPO can succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver.     SUBJECT/Title:  Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam    Pre-head: IRDA approves Burmans’ Religare takeover; CCPA issues notice to quick commerce startups   Qatar's Nebras deal with Aditya Birla Group's green arm on hold Why are e-tailers on notice for legal metrology? IRDA gives Burman family green signal for Religaree takeover    Can Ecom Express’s IPO succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver? Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Qatar's Nebras Power was supposed to acquire up to a 49 per cent stake in Aditya Birla Group’s renewable energy business for about $400 million, but the deal has been put on hold due to a valuation mismatch. Utpal Bhaskar reports that challenges such as competitive returns and execution risks in the Indian market continue to be concerns for investors. The Aditya Birla Group company is still seeing interest from Alberta Investment Management and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners.

India's startups aren't complying with certain rules. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to 11 e-commerce companies including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Meesho for violating declaration rules. These violations include failing to display product manufacturing and expiry dates, among other packaging and labelling norms. Soumya Gupta writes that the CCPA took this action after users complained about receiving perishable items close to or after their expiry dates.

After a long and contentious battle, the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India has approved the Burman family's proposed acquisition of Religare, reports Anirudh Laskar. This nod marks a significant step towards the Burmans’ takeover of Religare. Only approvals from the banking and market regulators are now pending. Despite initial resistance from Religare's management, the Burman family, which owns Dabur India, aims to solidify its ownership through an open offer of more than 3,400 crore rupees.

In a surprising turn of events, 60 out of 100 private equity and venture capital executives in India failed a mandatory exam set by the National Institute of Securities Management (NISM), under directives from SEBI. This exam, which is crucial for maintaining registration, has stirred concerns within the sector. Critics argue that the exam's content, which spans various fund types—venture capital, private equity and public markets—is disproportionately focused on public markets, and does not reflect the practical differences between these fund categories. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report on the embarrassing situation India’s PE and VC sector is staring at. 

Last year, Ecom Express found itself at a crossroads, searching for new leadership after the health-related departure of its co-founder and CEO, T.A. Krishnan. With growth stalling, the company turned to Ajay Chitkara, a veteran of the telecom industry, to inject new life into its operations. Chitkara, known for his successful stint at Airtel, took the reins at a tough time and now faces a daunting task: steering Ecom Express towards profitability and a successful IPO. The company has reduced its losses, but sustaining growth remains a challenge, especially with new players such as Valmo shaking up the logistics market. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan tackles the question of whether Ecom Express’s IPO can succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver.

 


 

SUBJECT/Title: 

Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam

  

Pre-head: IRDA approves Burmans’ Religare takeover; CCPA issues notice to quick commerce startups


 

Qatar's Nebras deal with Aditya Birla Group's green arm on hold

Why are e-tailers on notice for legal metrology?

IRDA gives Burman family green signal for Religaree takeover 


 

Can Ecom Express’s IPO succeed when Delhivery’s stock has failed to deliver?

Why finance pros at PE, VC funds are flunking Sebi exam

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 315 no What the border pact means for India and China https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-the-border-pact-means-for-india-and-china-kpbIN9bf Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. It was another quiet day for Indian markets as the initial rally in IT stocks, which powered the indices upward, was quickly offset by a sharp downturn in the financial and auto pack, resulting in a flat close for both the Nifty 50 and Sensex on Wednesday. The Sensex and Nifty have fallen more than 5 percent in the last month. One thing is for certain: foreign portfolio investors are pulling out money from Indian markets. But where is this money going? Dipti Sharma writes that while China is the biggest beneficiary, other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia are also seeing inflows. The shift has also happened partly due to profit-taking in India after a strong market rally. Analysts told Dipti that investors feel the potential for returns is higher in other markets, especially like Indonesia and South Korea where the valuations are more moderate. India and China have announced that they have reached an agreement on patrolling their common border. This marks a significant step towards mending the strained relationship between the two countries since the clash in Galwan in 2020. N. Madhavan writes that despite some unresolved issues, bilateral trade has in fact grown between India and China. China became India's largest trading partner this year. However, given the vast restrictions, Chinese investment in Indian companies remains scarce. Madhavan writes that India stands to gain a lot by easing these restrictions, especially in the manufacturing sector. India is rethinking its approach to highway development, shifting focus from the ambitious long-term Vision 2047 plan to prioritizing shorter-term projects. The decision comes as the complexities and delays of lengthy projects prove challenging. While Vision 2047 aimed to guide development up to India’s centennial in 2047, the government now favours projects that can be quickly approved and completed. Ongoing projects under the earlier Bharatmala program will continue, with possible individual approvals for those yet to start. This strategic pivot is about efficiency—getting roads built faster and making them useful sooner, reports Subhash Narayan. Two years ago, HDFC Bank announced a huge merger with its parent company, HDFC Ltd, marking India's biggest-ever M&A deal. The merger aimed to boost synergies and enhance the housing sector and the overall economy. However, despite the initial excitement, which saw the bank's stock jump 10% on announcement day, the performance has been somewhat disappointing. Over two-and-a-half years, the stock has only seen a modest 4.7% increase, underperforming compared to market benchmarks. Market sceptics have pointed to the difficulties of maintaining growth momentum and managing financial metrics like net interest margins and the loan-to-deposit ratio on such a large balance sheet. Abhishek Mukherjee writes on how the bank’s investors can learn a lesson or two on persistence from none other than the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself.  Yann LeCun, Meta Platforms Inc.'s chief AI scientist, decided to visit India for a third time after an encounter with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Inspired by Nilekani's introduction to India's vibrant tech ecosystem, LeCun attended Meta's first 'Build with AI Summit' in Bengaluru, he told Leslie D’Monte. LeCun talked about witnessing the impressive adoption of Meta AI tools across major platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, noting that India has the largest user community globally.    FIIs pulling out of India is not a surprise. But where is their money going? What the border pact means for India and China Centre shifts to short-term goals to build highways Patience vs Payoff: What HDFC Bank’s investors can learn from Sachin Tendulkar ‘Godfather of AI’ is impressed by India’s AI prowess but found something lacking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What the border pact means for India and China full 680 Mint - HT Smartcast FII outflows: where’s the money going? India to focus on short-term road projects Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. It was another quiet day for Indian markets as the initial rally in IT stocks, which powered the indices upward, was quickly offset by a sharp downturn in the financial and auto pack, resulting in a flat close for both the Nifty 50 and Sensex on Wednesday. The Sensex and Nifty have fallen more than 5 percent in the last month. One thing is for certain: foreign portfolio investors are pulling out money from Indian markets. But where is this money going? Dipti Sharma writes that while China is the biggest beneficiary, other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia are also seeing inflows. The shift has also happened partly due to profit-taking in India after a strong market rally. Analysts told Dipti that investors feel the potential for returns is higher in other markets, especially like Indonesia and South Korea where the valuations are more moderate. India and China have announced that they have reached an agreement on patrolling their common border. This marks a significant step towards mending the strained relationship between the two countries since the clash in Galwan in 2020. N. Madhavan writes that despite some unresolved issues, bilateral trade has in fact grown between India and China. China became India's largest trading partner this year. However, given the vast restrictions, Chinese investment in Indian companies remains scarce. Madhavan writes that India stands to gain a lot by easing these restrictions, especially in the manufacturing sector. India is rethinking its approach to highway development, shifting focus from the ambitious long-term Vision 2047 plan to prioritizing shorter-term projects. The decision comes as the complexities and delays of lengthy projects prove challenging. While Vision 2047 aimed to guide development up to India’s centennial in 2047, the government now favours projects that can be quickly approved and completed. Ongoing projects under the earlier Bharatmala program will continue, with possible individual approvals for those yet to start. This strategic pivot is about efficiency—getting roads built faster and making them useful sooner, reports Subhash Narayan. Two years ago, HDFC Bank announced a huge merger with its parent company, HDFC Ltd, marking India's biggest-ever M&A deal. The merger aimed to boost synergies and enhance the housing sector and the overall economy. However, despite the initial excitement, which saw the bank's stock jump 10% on announcement day, the performance has been somewhat disappointing. Over two-and-a-half years, the stock has only seen a modest 4.7% increase, underperforming compared to market benchmarks. Market sceptics have pointed to the difficulties of maintaining growth momentum and managing financial metrics like net interest margins and the loan-to-deposit ratio on such a large balance sheet. Abhishek Mukherjee writes on how the bank’s investors can learn a lesson or two on persistence from none other than the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself.  Yann LeCun, Meta Platforms Inc.'s chief AI scientist, decided to visit India for a third time after an encounter with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Inspired by Nilekani's introduction to India's vibrant tech ecosystem, LeCun attended Meta's first 'Build with AI Summit' in Bengaluru, he told Leslie D’Monte. LeCun talked about witnessing the impressive adoption of Meta AI tools across major platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, noting that India has the largest user community globally.    FIIs pulling out of India is not a surprise. But where is their money going? What the border pact means for India and China Centre shifts to short-term goals to build highways Patience vs Payoff: What HDFC Bank’s investors can learn from Sachin Tendulkar ‘Godfather of AI’ is impressed by India’s AI prowess but found something lacking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

It was another quiet day for Indian markets as the initial rally in IT stocks, which powered the indices upward, was quickly offset by a sharp downturn in the financial and auto pack, resulting in a flat close for both the Nifty 50 and Sensex on Wednesday.

The Sensex and Nifty have fallen more than 5 percent in the last month. One thing is for certain: foreign portfolio investors are pulling out money from Indian markets. But where is this money going? Dipti Sharma writes that while China is the biggest beneficiary, other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia are also seeing inflows. The shift has also happened partly due to profit-taking in India after a strong market rally. Analysts told Dipti that investors feel the potential for returns is higher in other markets, especially like Indonesia and South Korea where the valuations are more moderate.

India and China have announced that they have reached an agreement on patrolling their common border. This marks a significant step towards mending the strained relationship between the two countries since the clash in Galwan in 2020. N. Madhavan writes that despite some unresolved issues, bilateral trade has in fact grown between India and China. China became India's largest trading partner this year. However, given the vast restrictions, Chinese investment in Indian companies remains scarce. Madhavan writes that India stands to gain a lot by easing these restrictions, especially in the manufacturing sector.

India is rethinking its approach to highway development, shifting focus from the ambitious long-term Vision 2047 plan to prioritizing shorter-term projects. The decision comes as the complexities and delays of lengthy projects prove challenging. While Vision 2047 aimed to guide development up to India’s centennial in 2047, the government now favours projects that can be quickly approved and completed. Ongoing projects under the earlier Bharatmala program will continue, with possible individual approvals for those yet to start. This strategic pivot is about efficiency—getting roads built faster and making them useful sooner, reports Subhash Narayan.

Two years ago, HDFC Bank announced a huge merger with its parent company, HDFC Ltd, marking India's biggest-ever M&A deal. The merger aimed to boost synergies and enhance the housing sector and the overall economy. However, despite the initial excitement, which saw the bank's stock jump 10% on announcement day, the performance has been somewhat disappointing. Over two-and-a-half years, the stock has only seen a modest 4.7% increase, underperforming compared to market benchmarks. Market sceptics have pointed to the difficulties of maintaining growth momentum and managing financial metrics like net interest margins and the loan-to-deposit ratio on such a large balance sheet. Abhishek Mukherjee writes on how the bank’s investors can learn a lesson or two on persistence from none other than the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself. 

Yann LeCun, Meta Platforms Inc.'s chief AI scientist, decided to visit India for a third time after an encounter with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Inspired by Nilekani's introduction to India's vibrant tech ecosystem, LeCun attended Meta's first 'Build with AI Summit' in Bengaluru, he told Leslie D’Monte. LeCun talked about witnessing the impressive adoption of Meta AI tools across major platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, noting that India has the largest user community globally. 

 

FIIs pulling out of India is not a surprise. But where is their money going?

What the border pact means for India and China

Centre shifts to short-term goals to build highways

Patience vs Payoff: What HDFC Bank’s investors can learn from Sachin Tendulkar

‘Godfather of AI’ is impressed by India’s AI prowess but found something lacking

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 347 no Coming Soon: A New Noida https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/coming-soon-a-new-noida-ENZJ1zpb Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. A strong wave of selloffs engulfed the Indian stock market on Tuesday, dragging the Sensex and Nifty down by more than one per cent each. The International Monetary Fund kept its global growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 unchanged at 3.2 per cent. It also maintained its India growth projections at 7 per cent for FY25 and 6.5 per cent for FY26 in its October 2024 World Economic Outlook. While global growth is stable, there are changes beneath the surface, IMF said. The US economy saw an upgrade, but European countries faced downgrades. India and Russia boosted growth projections for emerging markets, driven by strong demand for technology.  The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has finally kicked off operations after numerous delays. Managed by Adani Ports and Logistics, this critical development positions it as India's deepest natural port and its sole container shipment hub. However, a significant hiccup remains—the port's poor road connectivity, with improvements not expected for another 12 to 18 months. Kerala faces a broader economic crunch, battling slow growth and steep debt as expenditures overshadow revenues. Demographic shifts, including an ageing population and evolving migration patterns, have obstructed remittance flows. N Madhavan delves deep into Kerala’s economic issues and God’s own country’s efforts to revive its economy.  IPOs aren't only for the big boys: smaller startups are also heading to the public markets.  Venture capital investors are nudging their early- to mid-stage portfolio companies towards IPOs amid a bullish stock market.  Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma write that startups such as IntrCity, BHive, and Leverage Edu P are gearing up for listings soon. India's more lenient IPO requirements compared to the US are encouraging such moves, they add. Another reason investors are pushing for this move is that many funds are now reaching the end of their life cycles and have to return money to their limited partners.   Ambuja Cement has bought more than 46 percent of Orient Cement, marking yet another landmark deal for the Adani-owned cement company. This is the Adani Group's fourth major transaction to bolster Ambuja's prowess in less than a year. Nehal Chaliawala writes that this acquisition marks the latest round in the cement war between Ultratech and Ambuja. Small players continue to be either bought or squeezed out as the two giants look at consolidating a huge chunk of the industry.   Did you know that Noida is an acronym? It stands for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority. Now, there’s a new one on the way – the Uttar Pradesh government has greenlit the development of New Noida near Greater Noida. This new city, planned over 15 years in the Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad region, will unfold in four phases, with the first set to be ready in four years. It's expected to accommodate 600,000 residents and include a mix of industrial hubs, residential areas, commercial spaces and healthcare facilities. Notably, the city plans also feature specialised industrial hubs such as a 'Korean City', a 'Japanese City', and an ‘Olympic City’. Madhurima Nandy explains more in today’s Primer.          IMF keeps India’s FY25 growth forecast unchanged at 7% Kerala’s 500 days challenge: Can ‘God’s own country’ become a Gujarat? No startup’s too small to IPO in a bull market Ambuja's Orient buy steps up cement war New Noida city: Will it spur NCR realty market? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Coming Soon: A New Noida full 679 Mint - HT Smartcast IMF expects India to grow at 7% this year; Ambuja Cement’s acquisition play Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. A strong wave of selloffs engulfed the Indian stock market on Tuesday, dragging the Sensex and Nifty down by more than one per cent each. The International Monetary Fund kept its global growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 unchanged at 3.2 per cent. It also maintained its India growth projections at 7 per cent for FY25 and 6.5 per cent for FY26 in its October 2024 World Economic Outlook. While global growth is stable, there are changes beneath the surface, IMF said. The US economy saw an upgrade, but European countries faced downgrades. India and Russia boosted growth projections for emerging markets, driven by strong demand for technology.  The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has finally kicked off operations after numerous delays. Managed by Adani Ports and Logistics, this critical development positions it as India's deepest natural port and its sole container shipment hub. However, a significant hiccup remains—the port's poor road connectivity, with improvements not expected for another 12 to 18 months. Kerala faces a broader economic crunch, battling slow growth and steep debt as expenditures overshadow revenues. Demographic shifts, including an ageing population and evolving migration patterns, have obstructed remittance flows. N Madhavan delves deep into Kerala’s economic issues and God’s own country’s efforts to revive its economy.  IPOs aren't only for the big boys: smaller startups are also heading to the public markets.  Venture capital investors are nudging their early- to mid-stage portfolio companies towards IPOs amid a bullish stock market.  Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma write that startups such as IntrCity, BHive, and Leverage Edu P are gearing up for listings soon. India's more lenient IPO requirements compared to the US are encouraging such moves, they add. Another reason investors are pushing for this move is that many funds are now reaching the end of their life cycles and have to return money to their limited partners.   Ambuja Cement has bought more than 46 percent of Orient Cement, marking yet another landmark deal for the Adani-owned cement company. This is the Adani Group's fourth major transaction to bolster Ambuja's prowess in less than a year. Nehal Chaliawala writes that this acquisition marks the latest round in the cement war between Ultratech and Ambuja. Small players continue to be either bought or squeezed out as the two giants look at consolidating a huge chunk of the industry.   Did you know that Noida is an acronym? It stands for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority. Now, there’s a new one on the way – the Uttar Pradesh government has greenlit the development of New Noida near Greater Noida. This new city, planned over 15 years in the Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad region, will unfold in four phases, with the first set to be ready in four years. It's expected to accommodate 600,000 residents and include a mix of industrial hubs, residential areas, commercial spaces and healthcare facilities. Notably, the city plans also feature specialised industrial hubs such as a 'Korean City', a 'Japanese City', and an ‘Olympic City’. Madhurima Nandy explains more in today’s Primer.          IMF keeps India’s FY25 growth forecast unchanged at 7% Kerala’s 500 days challenge: Can ‘God’s own country’ become a Gujarat? No startup’s too small to IPO in a bull market Ambuja's Orient buy steps up cement war New Noida city: Will it spur NCR realty market? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

A strong wave of selloffs engulfed the Indian stock market on Tuesday, dragging the Sensex and Nifty down by more than one per cent each.

The International Monetary Fund kept its global growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 unchanged at 3.2 per cent. It also maintained its India growth projections at 7 per cent for FY25 and 6.5 per cent for FY26 in its October 2024 World Economic Outlook. While global growth is stable, there are changes beneath the surface, IMF said. The US economy saw an upgrade, but European countries faced downgrades. India and Russia boosted growth projections for emerging markets, driven by strong demand for technology. 

The Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has finally kicked off operations after numerous delays. Managed by Adani Ports and Logistics, this critical development positions it as India's deepest natural port and its sole container shipment hub. However, a significant hiccup remains—the port's poor road connectivity, with improvements not expected for another 12 to 18 months. Kerala faces a broader economic crunch, battling slow growth and steep debt as expenditures overshadow revenues. Demographic shifts, including an ageing population and evolving migration patterns, have obstructed remittance flows. N Madhavan delves deep into Kerala’s economic issues and God’s own country’s efforts to revive its economy. 

IPOs aren't only for the big boys: smaller startups are also heading to the public markets.  Venture capital investors are nudging their early- to mid-stage portfolio companies towards IPOs amid a bullish stock market.  Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma write that startups such as IntrCity, BHive, and Leverage Edu P are gearing up for listings soon. India's more lenient IPO requirements compared to the US are encouraging such moves, they add. Another reason investors are pushing for this move is that many funds are now reaching the end of their life cycles and have to return money to their limited partners.


 

Ambuja Cement has bought more than 46 percent of Orient Cement, marking yet another landmark deal for the Adani-owned cement company. This is the Adani Group's fourth major transaction to bolster Ambuja's prowess in less than a year. Nehal Chaliawala writes that this acquisition marks the latest round in the cement war between Ultratech and Ambuja. Small players continue to be either bought or squeezed out as the two giants look at consolidating a huge chunk of the industry.


 

Did you know that Noida is an acronym? It stands for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority. Now, there’s a new one on the way – the Uttar Pradesh government has greenlit the development of New Noida near Greater Noida. This new city, planned over 15 years in the Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad region, will unfold in four phases, with the first set to be ready in four years. It's expected to accommodate 600,000 residents and include a mix of industrial hubs, residential areas, commercial spaces and healthcare facilities. Notably, the city plans also feature specialised industrial hubs such as a 'Korean City', a 'Japanese City', and an ‘Olympic City’. Madhurima Nandy explains more in today’s Primer. 

 

 


 


 

IMF keeps India’s FY25 growth forecast unchanged at 7%

Kerala’s 500 days challenge: Can ‘God’s own country’ become a Gujarat?

No startup’s too small to IPO in a bull market

Ambuja's Orient buy steps up cement war

New Noida city: Will it spur NCR realty market?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 332 no Bank Nifty>Nifty50? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bank-niftynifty50-_Jgy_qoX Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   When you don't agree with the outcome, just don't release the data: that's the approach Indian carmakers have taken of late. The release of a crucial carbon emissions compliance report has been delayed because companies like Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra failed to meet norms. Alisha Sachdev reports that the automakers want a five-year period to bring down their emissions, while the government has already issued steep fines. If the companies publish their below par numbers, the fines will increase — leading to this stalemate. Indian emission norms are still better than their European counterparts, but carmakers don't seem like they want to budge as of now.   The Edelweiss Group is set to unleash a sea of IPOs into the market soon. In an interview with Mint, the group's founder and chairman Rashesh Shah said that the company is hoping to list seven subsidiaries soon. The group intends to begin with the IPO of its mutual fund arm and its alternative asset management subsidiary, each valued at 1 billion dollars. Shah admitted that initially, the financial services company chased growth above everything else, which backfired later. The group also plans to pay off debt worth 6,000 crore rupees by the end of this year to prepare for a clean slate as the IPOs approach.   After being a laggard for much of 2024, the Bank Nifty has finally turned a corner, led by HDFC and Axis Banks. Other stocks like Kotak Mahindra have provided mixed results. Ram Sahgal writes that the banks have had to adopt new strategies to adjust their loan books and attract more deposits. Ram also spoke to analysts, who said that the Bank Nifty could now outperform the Nifty50. HDFC's stock performance will be crucial to the Bank Nifty's growth, they added.   Last week, fintech Navi got a huge jolt as it was barred by the Reserve Bank of India from disbursing any more loans. The RBI had banned Navi for charging high interest rates for its loans. Gopika Gopakumar reports that Navi and its founder Sachin Bansal assured its lenders in an unscheduled meeting that the company was well-prepared to manage any fallout until March 2026. Navi outlined a plan to cover 3,027 crore rupees in debt repayments due in the next six months, with expected customer collections touching 4,000 crore rupees. The company also has a liquidity buffer of 1,500 crore rupees, Bansal outlined. Navi focuses on personal loans of up to 20 lakh rupees, disbursed through its app.   We told you yesterday about how gold prices in India are hitting record highs. The prices are peaking over 78,000 rupees per 10 grams, influenced by a mix of global and domestic factors. Initially, a cut in import duty led to a temporary drop in prices, spurring a spike in demand. However, global uncertainties have driven prices back up. Soumya Gupta explains that despite this  volatility, Indian consumers aren't necessarily reducing their gold purchases. Sales of lighter and more affordable jewellery pieces have increased during the festive season, with jewellers responding quickly to cater to this demand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bank Nifty>Nifty50? full 678 Mint - HT Smartcast Why won't automakers release emissions data? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   When you don't agree with the outcome, just don't release the data: that's the approach Indian carmakers have taken of late. The release of a crucial carbon emissions compliance report has been delayed because companies like Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra failed to meet norms. Alisha Sachdev reports that the automakers want a five-year period to bring down their emissions, while the government has already issued steep fines. If the companies publish their below par numbers, the fines will increase — leading to this stalemate. Indian emission norms are still better than their European counterparts, but carmakers don't seem like they want to budge as of now.   The Edelweiss Group is set to unleash a sea of IPOs into the market soon. In an interview with Mint, the group's founder and chairman Rashesh Shah said that the company is hoping to list seven subsidiaries soon. The group intends to begin with the IPO of its mutual fund arm and its alternative asset management subsidiary, each valued at 1 billion dollars. Shah admitted that initially, the financial services company chased growth above everything else, which backfired later. The group also plans to pay off debt worth 6,000 crore rupees by the end of this year to prepare for a clean slate as the IPOs approach.   After being a laggard for much of 2024, the Bank Nifty has finally turned a corner, led by HDFC and Axis Banks. Other stocks like Kotak Mahindra have provided mixed results. Ram Sahgal writes that the banks have had to adopt new strategies to adjust their loan books and attract more deposits. Ram also spoke to analysts, who said that the Bank Nifty could now outperform the Nifty50. HDFC's stock performance will be crucial to the Bank Nifty's growth, they added.   Last week, fintech Navi got a huge jolt as it was barred by the Reserve Bank of India from disbursing any more loans. The RBI had banned Navi for charging high interest rates for its loans. Gopika Gopakumar reports that Navi and its founder Sachin Bansal assured its lenders in an unscheduled meeting that the company was well-prepared to manage any fallout until March 2026. Navi outlined a plan to cover 3,027 crore rupees in debt repayments due in the next six months, with expected customer collections touching 4,000 crore rupees. The company also has a liquidity buffer of 1,500 crore rupees, Bansal outlined. Navi focuses on personal loans of up to 20 lakh rupees, disbursed through its app.   We told you yesterday about how gold prices in India are hitting record highs. The prices are peaking over 78,000 rupees per 10 grams, influenced by a mix of global and domestic factors. Initially, a cut in import duty led to a temporary drop in prices, spurring a spike in demand. However, global uncertainties have driven prices back up. Soumya Gupta explains that despite this  volatility, Indian consumers aren't necessarily reducing their gold purchases. Sales of lighter and more affordable jewellery pieces have increased during the festive season, with jewellers responding quickly to cater to this demand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

When you don't agree with the outcome, just don't release the data: that's the approach Indian carmakers have taken of late. The release of a crucial carbon emissions compliance report has been delayed because companies like Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra failed to meet norms. Alisha Sachdev reports that the automakers want a five-year period to bring down their emissions, while the government has already issued steep fines. If the companies publish their below par numbers, the fines will increase — leading to this stalemate. Indian emission norms are still better than their European counterparts, but carmakers don't seem like they want to budge as of now.


 

The Edelweiss Group is set to unleash a sea of IPOs into the market soon. In an interview with Mint, the group's founder and chairman Rashesh Shah said that the company is hoping to list seven subsidiaries soon. The group intends to begin with the IPO of its mutual fund arm and its alternative asset management subsidiary, each valued at 1 billion dollars. Shah admitted that initially, the financial services company chased growth above everything else, which backfired later. The group also plans to pay off debt worth 6,000 crore rupees by the end of this year to prepare for a clean slate as the IPOs approach.


 

After being a laggard for much of 2024, the Bank Nifty has finally turned a corner, led by HDFC and Axis Banks. Other stocks like Kotak Mahindra have provided mixed results. Ram Sahgal writes that the banks have had to adopt new strategies to adjust their loan books and attract more deposits. Ram also spoke to analysts, who said that the Bank Nifty could now outperform the Nifty50. HDFC's stock performance will be crucial to the Bank Nifty's growth, they added.


 

Last week, fintech Navi got a huge jolt as it was barred by the Reserve Bank of India from disbursing any more loans. The RBI had banned Navi for charging high interest rates for its loans. Gopika Gopakumar reports that Navi and its founder Sachin Bansal assured its lenders in an unscheduled meeting that the company was well-prepared to manage any fallout until March 2026. Navi outlined a plan to cover 3,027 crore rupees in debt repayments due in the next six months, with expected customer collections touching 4,000 crore rupees. The company also has a liquidity buffer of 1,500 crore rupees, Bansal outlined. Navi focuses on personal loans of up to 20 lakh rupees, disbursed through its app.


 

We told you yesterday about how gold prices in India are hitting record highs. The prices are peaking over 78,000 rupees per 10 grams, influenced by a mix of global and domestic factors. Initially, a cut in import duty led to a temporary drop in prices, spurring a spike in demand. However, global uncertainties have driven prices back up. Soumya Gupta explains that despite this  volatility, Indian consumers aren't necessarily reducing their gold purchases. Sales of lighter and more affordable jewellery pieces have increased during the festive season, with jewellers responding quickly to cater to this demand.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 311 no Behind Noel Tata's first decision as Tata chairman https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/behind-noel-tatas-first-decision-as-tata-chairman-OvRV05lm Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Noel Tata's first move at the helm of Tata Sons has been a small but significant one. The philanthropic arm of the Tata group has moved away from having fixed terms, and instead now has permanent members. Varun Sood and Satish John report that this move aims to ensure continuity and stability within the Trusts that collectively hold a majority in Tata Sons. The Tata Trusts are pivotal in the governance of Tata Sons, and have a key say in the conglomerate's strategic direction.   The second-quarter results for India's IT stocks weren't all that great. The four leading companies: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech—all saw some declines. Jas Bardia reports that TCS saw a significant drop in large deal bookings. It attributed this decline to the lack of mega deals, but remained optimistic about its order value range. Infosys also witnessed a decrease in large deal values but saw an increase in smaller deals. Wipro was able to buck the trend and sign more large deals, as it opted for a consulting-led approach and offered more AI services.   It's never a bad time to buy gold, but the recent surge in prices has put off buyers for now. Gold now costs around 80,000 rupees per 10 grams. Such high prices have led to a dent in demand during the festive and wedding season between October and December. Ram Sahgal writes that the increase in prices is due to uncertainties like the US elections, potential geopolitical tensions, and changes in US policy rate. Demand for the precious metal has dropped by around 10 to 12 percent. Some retailers are seeing a rise in exchanges. They are maintaining sales volumes as some consumers continue to buy more gold, worried about even higher prices.   India's rubber production is prone to volatility. Climate change and low volatility have threatened what was once a thriving industry. Despite these hurdles, the demand for rubber has surged in India. George Skaria writes that India's rubber production slightly increased from 8.4 lakh tonnes to 8.6 lakh tonnes from 2022 to 2023, but consumption outpaced supply. That led to a shortage worth 5.5 lakh tonnes. This scenario has impacted tyre manufacturers, who now rely on imports to meet demand. George's story outlines the entire rubber trade in India, and the vast complications that adversely affect both manufacturers as well as consumers.   Since the 1990s, Photoshop has been a staple in photo editing. You would think that the emergence of generative AI would replace Photoshop, but that hasn't been the case. Shouvik Das writes that rather than replacing it, AI is instead augmenting the process of editing images. Tools like Autodesk’s Pixlr and Canva have also embraced AI to expand their user base beyond professional designers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Behind Noel Tata's first decision as Tata chairman full 677 Mint - HT Smartcast IT companies' weak order book, a deep dive into the rubber business Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Noel Tata's first move at the helm of Tata Sons has been a small but significant one. The philanthropic arm of the Tata group has moved away from having fixed terms, and instead now has permanent members. Varun Sood and Satish John report that this move aims to ensure continuity and stability within the Trusts that collectively hold a majority in Tata Sons. The Tata Trusts are pivotal in the governance of Tata Sons, and have a key say in the conglomerate's strategic direction.   The second-quarter results for India's IT stocks weren't all that great. The four leading companies: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech—all saw some declines. Jas Bardia reports that TCS saw a significant drop in large deal bookings. It attributed this decline to the lack of mega deals, but remained optimistic about its order value range. Infosys also witnessed a decrease in large deal values but saw an increase in smaller deals. Wipro was able to buck the trend and sign more large deals, as it opted for a consulting-led approach and offered more AI services.   It's never a bad time to buy gold, but the recent surge in prices has put off buyers for now. Gold now costs around 80,000 rupees per 10 grams. Such high prices have led to a dent in demand during the festive and wedding season between October and December. Ram Sahgal writes that the increase in prices is due to uncertainties like the US elections, potential geopolitical tensions, and changes in US policy rate. Demand for the precious metal has dropped by around 10 to 12 percent. Some retailers are seeing a rise in exchanges. They are maintaining sales volumes as some consumers continue to buy more gold, worried about even higher prices.   India's rubber production is prone to volatility. Climate change and low volatility have threatened what was once a thriving industry. Despite these hurdles, the demand for rubber has surged in India. George Skaria writes that India's rubber production slightly increased from 8.4 lakh tonnes to 8.6 lakh tonnes from 2022 to 2023, but consumption outpaced supply. That led to a shortage worth 5.5 lakh tonnes. This scenario has impacted tyre manufacturers, who now rely on imports to meet demand. George's story outlines the entire rubber trade in India, and the vast complications that adversely affect both manufacturers as well as consumers.   Since the 1990s, Photoshop has been a staple in photo editing. You would think that the emergence of generative AI would replace Photoshop, but that hasn't been the case. Shouvik Das writes that rather than replacing it, AI is instead augmenting the process of editing images. Tools like Autodesk’s Pixlr and Canva have also embraced AI to expand their user base beyond professional designers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Noel Tata's first move at the helm of Tata Sons has been a small but significant one. The philanthropic arm of the Tata group has moved away from having fixed terms, and instead now has permanent members. Varun Sood and Satish John report that this move aims to ensure continuity and stability within the Trusts that collectively hold a majority in Tata Sons. The Tata Trusts are pivotal in the governance of Tata Sons, and have a key say in the conglomerate's strategic direction.


 

The second-quarter results for India's IT stocks weren't all that great. The four leading companies: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech—all saw some declines. Jas Bardia reports that TCS saw a significant drop in large deal bookings. It attributed this decline to the lack of mega deals, but remained optimistic about its order value range. Infosys also witnessed a decrease in large deal values but saw an increase in smaller deals. Wipro was able to buck the trend and sign more large deals, as it opted for a consulting-led approach and offered more AI services.


 

It's never a bad time to buy gold, but the recent surge in prices has put off buyers for now. Gold now costs around 80,000 rupees per 10 grams. Such high prices have led to a dent in demand during the festive and wedding season between October and December. Ram Sahgal writes that the increase in prices is due to uncertainties like the US elections, potential geopolitical tensions, and changes in US policy rate. Demand for the precious metal has dropped by around 10 to 12 percent. Some retailers are seeing a rise in exchanges. They are maintaining sales volumes as some consumers continue to buy more gold, worried about even higher prices.


 

India's rubber production is prone to volatility. Climate change and low volatility have threatened what was once a thriving industry. Despite these hurdles, the demand for rubber has surged in India. George Skaria writes that India's rubber production slightly increased from 8.4 lakh tonnes to 8.6 lakh tonnes from 2022 to 2023, but consumption outpaced supply. That led to a shortage worth 5.5 lakh tonnes. This scenario has impacted tyre manufacturers, who now rely on imports to meet demand. George's story outlines the entire rubber trade in India, and the vast complications that adversely affect both manufacturers as well as consumers.


 

Since the 1990s, Photoshop has been a staple in photo editing. You would think that the emergence of generative AI would replace Photoshop, but that hasn't been the case. Shouvik Das writes that rather than replacing it, AI is instead augmenting the process of editing images. Tools like Autodesk’s Pixlr and Canva have also embraced AI to expand their user base beyond professional designers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 297 no Byju Raveendran plots an edtech comeback https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/byju-raveendran-plots-an-edtech-comeback-eqYWIaak Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty 50—extended their losing streak for a third straight session on Thursday. The Sensex slipped 0.61 per cent, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89 per cent by the close. It's raining bomb scares, with over 22 hoax threats reported in recent days. In response, the civil aviation ministry is engaging with international bodies to devise strategies for managing such incidents. Mihir Mishra reports that proposed measures include imposing flight bans on offenders. The ministry is also in talks with VPN operators to trace the origins of these hoaxes. Over 400,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian universities, but this figure could shrink by 100,000 next year driven by diplomatic tensions and stricter student visa rules. Amid a housing crisis, Canada has introduced a two-year cap on new student permits, with a significant reduction expected by 2025. The financial proof requirement for living expenses has also doubled, prompting students from regions like Punjab and Haryana to explore alternatives in Australia and Europe. The potential drop in Indian enrollments is raising alarms at Canadian universities, where they form a crucial part of the international student community. Devina Sengupta explores the impact of diplomatic strains on the future of Indian students in Canada. Bajaj Auto's stock price plummeted by 11 per cent on Thursday, after the company announced its Q2 results. The automaker posted a bleak domestic demand outlook for two-wheelers this festive season. Despite a 24 percent increase in year-on-year ebidta, Bajaj's results were well below analyst expectations. Abhinaba Saha writes that this massive selloff casts a huge shadow on not just Bajaj, but the entire two-wheeler industry at large. Entry level products, in particular, have been poor as the market moves to more premium options. Not long ago, Northern India's political scene would periodically erupt with sugarcane farmers' protests, disrupting traffic and even threatening the capital's water supply due to the notorious "sugar cycle." However, this cycle has been broken thanks to the ethanol blending programme, which has turned excess sugar production into ethanol, stabilizing the industry and benefiting farmers. This shift has not only aided farmers but has also significantly contributed to India's energy security goals. Yet, challenges persist. Grain-based ethanol producers are grappling with rising feedstock costs for rice and maize, raising concerns of financial losses and potential loan defaults. Additionally, diverting maize to ethanol production has inflated poultry feed prices. Sayantan Bera unpacks the successes and hurdles of India’s ethanol blending programme in today’s Long Story. Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, addressed the challenges facing his company during a candid virtual press conference on Thursday. Amid investor backlash and a bankruptcy filing, Raveendran dismissed rumours of fleeing India, clarifying that his move to Dubai was for his father’s medical treatment and reaffirming his commitment to return and steer the edtech company forward. He defended his leadership, pointing out that the very investors who once backed Byju’s rapid expansion are now retreating as the company grapples with financial troubles. Raveendran also recounted that top investors, including Sofina and Prosus, had sought his ouster, holding him accountable for mismanagement. Despite the setbacks, he emphasized that subsidiaries like Aakash Educational Services remain profitable, contributing to ₹5,500 crore in annual recurring revenue. However, he acknowledged that Byju’s core business has stalled, no longer generating revenue—a stark decline from its peak in 2021.   Govt mulls banning hoax threat culprits from flights, examines global practices India-Canada row: It’s failing Indian students Bajaj Auto investors get a demand reality check Ethanol blending: The good, the bad and the googlies Raveendran blames investors, eyes new edtech avatar, says $533 mn used u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Byju Raveendran plots an edtech comeback full 676 Mint - HT Smartcast Indian students amid India-Canada tensions; Good, bad and googlies of India’s ethanol blending programme Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty 50—extended their losing streak for a third straight session on Thursday. The Sensex slipped 0.61 per cent, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89 per cent by the close. It's raining bomb scares, with over 22 hoax threats reported in recent days. In response, the civil aviation ministry is engaging with international bodies to devise strategies for managing such incidents. Mihir Mishra reports that proposed measures include imposing flight bans on offenders. The ministry is also in talks with VPN operators to trace the origins of these hoaxes. Over 400,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian universities, but this figure could shrink by 100,000 next year driven by diplomatic tensions and stricter student visa rules. Amid a housing crisis, Canada has introduced a two-year cap on new student permits, with a significant reduction expected by 2025. The financial proof requirement for living expenses has also doubled, prompting students from regions like Punjab and Haryana to explore alternatives in Australia and Europe. The potential drop in Indian enrollments is raising alarms at Canadian universities, where they form a crucial part of the international student community. Devina Sengupta explores the impact of diplomatic strains on the future of Indian students in Canada. Bajaj Auto's stock price plummeted by 11 per cent on Thursday, after the company announced its Q2 results. The automaker posted a bleak domestic demand outlook for two-wheelers this festive season. Despite a 24 percent increase in year-on-year ebidta, Bajaj's results were well below analyst expectations. Abhinaba Saha writes that this massive selloff casts a huge shadow on not just Bajaj, but the entire two-wheeler industry at large. Entry level products, in particular, have been poor as the market moves to more premium options. Not long ago, Northern India's political scene would periodically erupt with sugarcane farmers' protests, disrupting traffic and even threatening the capital's water supply due to the notorious "sugar cycle." However, this cycle has been broken thanks to the ethanol blending programme, which has turned excess sugar production into ethanol, stabilizing the industry and benefiting farmers. This shift has not only aided farmers but has also significantly contributed to India's energy security goals. Yet, challenges persist. Grain-based ethanol producers are grappling with rising feedstock costs for rice and maize, raising concerns of financial losses and potential loan defaults. Additionally, diverting maize to ethanol production has inflated poultry feed prices. Sayantan Bera unpacks the successes and hurdles of India’s ethanol blending programme in today’s Long Story. Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, addressed the challenges facing his company during a candid virtual press conference on Thursday. Amid investor backlash and a bankruptcy filing, Raveendran dismissed rumours of fleeing India, clarifying that his move to Dubai was for his father’s medical treatment and reaffirming his commitment to return and steer the edtech company forward. He defended his leadership, pointing out that the very investors who once backed Byju’s rapid expansion are now retreating as the company grapples with financial troubles. Raveendran also recounted that top investors, including Sofina and Prosus, had sought his ouster, holding him accountable for mismanagement. Despite the setbacks, he emphasized that subsidiaries like Aakash Educational Services remain profitable, contributing to ₹5,500 crore in annual recurring revenue. However, he acknowledged that Byju’s core business has stalled, no longer generating revenue—a stark decline from its peak in 2021.   Govt mulls banning hoax threat culprits from flights, examines global practices India-Canada row: It’s failing Indian students Bajaj Auto investors get a demand reality check Ethanol blending: The good, the bad and the googlies Raveendran blames investors, eyes new edtech avatar, says $533 mn used u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty 50—extended their losing streak for a third straight session on Thursday. The Sensex slipped 0.61 per cent, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89 per cent by the close.

It's raining bomb scares, with over 22 hoax threats reported in recent days. In response, the civil aviation ministry is engaging with international bodies to devise strategies for managing such incidents. Mihir Mishra reports that proposed measures include imposing flight bans on offenders. The ministry is also in talks with VPN operators to trace the origins of these hoaxes.

Over 400,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian universities, but this figure could shrink by 100,000 next year driven by diplomatic tensions and stricter student visa rules. Amid a housing crisis, Canada has introduced a two-year cap on new student permits, with a significant reduction expected by 2025. The financial proof requirement for living expenses has also doubled, prompting students from regions like Punjab and Haryana to explore alternatives in Australia and Europe. The potential drop in Indian enrollments is raising alarms at Canadian universities, where they form a crucial part of the international student community. Devina Sengupta explores the impact of diplomatic strains on the future of Indian students in Canada.

Bajaj Auto's stock price plummeted by 11 per cent on Thursday, after the company announced its Q2 results. The automaker posted a bleak domestic demand outlook for two-wheelers this festive season. Despite a 24 percent increase in year-on-year ebidta, Bajaj's results were well below analyst expectations. Abhinaba Saha writes that this massive selloff casts a huge shadow on not just Bajaj, but the entire two-wheeler industry at large. Entry level products, in particular, have been poor as the market moves to more premium options.

Not long ago, Northern India's political scene would periodically erupt with sugarcane farmers' protests, disrupting traffic and even threatening the capital's water supply due to the notorious "sugar cycle." However, this cycle has been broken thanks to the ethanol blending programme, which has turned excess sugar production into ethanol, stabilizing the industry and benefiting farmers. This shift has not only aided farmers but has also significantly contributed to India's energy security goals. Yet, challenges persist. Grain-based ethanol producers are grappling with rising feedstock costs for rice and maize, raising concerns of financial losses and potential loan defaults. Additionally, diverting maize to ethanol production has inflated poultry feed prices. Sayantan Bera unpacks the successes and hurdles of India’s ethanol blending programme in today’s Long Story.

Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, addressed the challenges facing his company during a candid virtual press conference on Thursday. Amid investor backlash and a bankruptcy filing, Raveendran dismissed rumours of fleeing India, clarifying that his move to Dubai was for his father’s medical treatment and reaffirming his commitment to return and steer the edtech company forward. He defended his leadership, pointing out that the very investors who once backed Byju’s rapid expansion are now retreating as the company grapples with financial troubles. Raveendran also recounted that top investors, including Sofina and Prosus, had sought his ouster, holding him accountable for mismanagement. Despite the setbacks, he emphasized that subsidiaries like Aakash Educational Services remain profitable, contributing to ₹5,500 crore in annual recurring revenue. However, he acknowledged that Byju’s core business has stalled, no longer generating revenue—a stark decline from its peak in 2021.

 

Govt mulls banning hoax threat culprits from flights, examines global practices

India-Canada row: It’s failing Indian students

Bajaj Auto investors get a demand reality check

Ethanol blending: The good, the bad and the googlies

Raveendran blames investors, eyes new edtech avatar, says $533 mn used u

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 350 no How much lower can the rupee go? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-lower-can-the-rupee-go-HexuAbSK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian stock markets declined for the second straight session on Wednesday, with the benchmark Sensex shedding 319 points, or 0.39 per cent, and the Nifty 50 slipping 86 points, or 0.34 per cent. In the past three months, several films have been re-released in theatres, driving higher footfalls and occupancy rates for PVR Inox, India's largest cinema chain. Abhinaba Saha reports that re-releases now account for 6 per cent of the chain’s total footfalls. PVR Inox plans to continue this strategy in the coming quarters, with upcoming blockbusters like Singham Again and Pushpa 2 expected to further boost its business and, consequently, its stock performance. Over the past two decades, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) has emerged as Mumbai’s premier business hub, housing giants like the National Stock Exchange, Sebi, ICICI Bank, and Facebook. However, available office space in BKC is now scarce, with vacancy rates hovering at just 3-4%. Khushi Malhotra reports that the intense demand for office space has driven businesses to explore nearby areas such as Kalina, Kurla, Worli, and Lower Parel. Yet, with many projects in these locations still years from completion, companies seeking grade-A offices face a prolonged wait. How much does bhujia cost? According to Haldiram’s, about 10 billion dollars. The leading snack maker initially explored a majority sale, but is now eyeing a smaller stake sale, Sneha Shah reports. Despite the shift, investors like Bain Capital, Blackstone, and Temasek Holdings remain interested, eager to tap into India’s booming snacks market, which is projected to double by 2032. With its status as a profitable market leader and a potential IPO candidate, Haldiram's presents a compelling investment opportunity, Sneha adds. The Indian rupee hit a record low of 84.07 against the US dollar this week, marking a depreciation of over 9% since April 2022—far exceeding the typical 3% annual decline. The slide is attributed to foreign institutional investors pulling out around $8 billion this month, dampening demand for the rupee. With global markets in flux and geopolitical tensions—such as the Israel-Iran conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war—adding pressure, experts anticipate further depreciation, possibly touching 84.20. Sumant Banerji breaks down how the weakening rupee impacts both you and the broader economy. Pratilipi, the platform for long-form regional stories, hit a major milestone in July 2024 by turning cash-flow positive. Founded in 2014, with backing from big names like Tencent and Nexus Ventures, Pratilipi saw its revenue jump 66% to ₹58 crore last year, while it managed to slash its losses by 62%. In a market where many content platforms have struggled or shut down, Pratilipi’s focus on in-depth storytelling in Indian languages has set it apart. While others chased short videos and social media trends, Pratilipi remained true to its core—delivering engaging narratives across 12 regional languages. The platform’s success comes from its loyal reader base, mostly women aged 18-35, and a commitment to its authors, offering workshops and fellowships to support their work. Shadma Shaikh delves into how the platform scripted a rare hit.        PVR Inox re-release bet pays off in Q2, more in the pipeline  With BKC packed, Mumbai hunts for its new business district Haldiram deal turns into a minority stake sale Mint Primer | Rupee's big fall: How much lower can it go? How storytelling platform Pratilipi scripted a rare hit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How much lower can the rupee go? full 675 Mint - HT Smartcast PVR Inox re-release bet pays off in Q2; Haldiram looks to sell a smaller stake Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian stock markets declined for the second straight session on Wednesday, with the benchmark Sensex shedding 319 points, or 0.39 per cent, and the Nifty 50 slipping 86 points, or 0.34 per cent. In the past three months, several films have been re-released in theatres, driving higher footfalls and occupancy rates for PVR Inox, India's largest cinema chain. Abhinaba Saha reports that re-releases now account for 6 per cent of the chain’s total footfalls. PVR Inox plans to continue this strategy in the coming quarters, with upcoming blockbusters like Singham Again and Pushpa 2 expected to further boost its business and, consequently, its stock performance. Over the past two decades, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) has emerged as Mumbai’s premier business hub, housing giants like the National Stock Exchange, Sebi, ICICI Bank, and Facebook. However, available office space in BKC is now scarce, with vacancy rates hovering at just 3-4%. Khushi Malhotra reports that the intense demand for office space has driven businesses to explore nearby areas such as Kalina, Kurla, Worli, and Lower Parel. Yet, with many projects in these locations still years from completion, companies seeking grade-A offices face a prolonged wait. How much does bhujia cost? According to Haldiram’s, about 10 billion dollars. The leading snack maker initially explored a majority sale, but is now eyeing a smaller stake sale, Sneha Shah reports. Despite the shift, investors like Bain Capital, Blackstone, and Temasek Holdings remain interested, eager to tap into India’s booming snacks market, which is projected to double by 2032. With its status as a profitable market leader and a potential IPO candidate, Haldiram's presents a compelling investment opportunity, Sneha adds. The Indian rupee hit a record low of 84.07 against the US dollar this week, marking a depreciation of over 9% since April 2022—far exceeding the typical 3% annual decline. The slide is attributed to foreign institutional investors pulling out around $8 billion this month, dampening demand for the rupee. With global markets in flux and geopolitical tensions—such as the Israel-Iran conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war—adding pressure, experts anticipate further depreciation, possibly touching 84.20. Sumant Banerji breaks down how the weakening rupee impacts both you and the broader economy. Pratilipi, the platform for long-form regional stories, hit a major milestone in July 2024 by turning cash-flow positive. Founded in 2014, with backing from big names like Tencent and Nexus Ventures, Pratilipi saw its revenue jump 66% to ₹58 crore last year, while it managed to slash its losses by 62%. In a market where many content platforms have struggled or shut down, Pratilipi’s focus on in-depth storytelling in Indian languages has set it apart. While others chased short videos and social media trends, Pratilipi remained true to its core—delivering engaging narratives across 12 regional languages. The platform’s success comes from its loyal reader base, mostly women aged 18-35, and a commitment to its authors, offering workshops and fellowships to support their work. Shadma Shaikh delves into how the platform scripted a rare hit.        PVR Inox re-release bet pays off in Q2, more in the pipeline  With BKC packed, Mumbai hunts for its new business district Haldiram deal turns into a minority stake sale Mint Primer | Rupee's big fall: How much lower can it go? How storytelling platform Pratilipi scripted a rare hit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian stock markets declined for the second straight session on Wednesday, with the benchmark Sensex shedding 319 points, or 0.39 per cent, and the Nifty 50 slipping 86 points, or 0.34 per cent.

In the past three months, several films have been re-released in theatres, driving higher footfalls and occupancy rates for PVR Inox, India's largest cinema chain. Abhinaba Saha reports that re-releases now account for 6 per cent of the chain’s total footfalls. PVR Inox plans to continue this strategy in the coming quarters, with upcoming blockbusters like Singham Again and Pushpa 2 expected to further boost its business and, consequently, its stock performance.

Over the past two decades, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) has emerged as Mumbai’s premier business hub, housing giants like the National Stock Exchange, Sebi, ICICI Bank, and Facebook. However, available office space in BKC is now scarce, with vacancy rates hovering at just 3-4%. Khushi Malhotra reports that the intense demand for office space has driven businesses to explore nearby areas such as Kalina, Kurla, Worli, and Lower Parel. Yet, with many projects in these locations still years from completion, companies seeking grade-A offices face a prolonged wait.

How much does bhujia cost? According to Haldiram’s, about 10 billion dollars. The leading snack maker initially explored a majority sale, but is now eyeing a smaller stake sale, Sneha Shah reports. Despite the shift, investors like Bain Capital, Blackstone, and Temasek Holdings remain interested, eager to tap into India’s booming snacks market, which is projected to double by 2032. With its status as a profitable market leader and a potential IPO candidate, Haldiram's presents a compelling investment opportunity, Sneha adds.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 84.07 against the US dollar this week, marking a depreciation of over 9% since April 2022—far exceeding the typical 3% annual decline. The slide is attributed to foreign institutional investors pulling out around $8 billion this month, dampening demand for the rupee. With global markets in flux and geopolitical tensions—such as the Israel-Iran conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war—adding pressure, experts anticipate further depreciation, possibly touching 84.20. Sumant Banerji breaks down how the weakening rupee impacts both you and the broader economy.

Pratilipi, the platform for long-form regional stories, hit a major milestone in July 2024 by turning cash-flow positive. Founded in 2014, with backing from big names like Tencent and Nexus Ventures, Pratilipi saw its revenue jump 66% to ₹58 crore last year, while it managed to slash its losses by 62%. In a market where many content platforms have struggled or shut down, Pratilipi’s focus on in-depth storytelling in Indian languages has set it apart. While others chased short videos and social media trends, Pratilipi remained true to its core—delivering engaging narratives across 12 regional languages. The platform’s success comes from its loyal reader base, mostly women aged 18-35, and a commitment to its authors, offering workshops and fellowships to support their work. Shadma Shaikh delves into how the platform scripted a rare hit. 

 

 


 

PVR Inox re-release bet pays off in Q2, more in the pipeline 

With BKC packed, Mumbai hunts for its new business district

Haldiram deal turns into a minority stake sale

Mint Primer | Rupee's big fall: How much lower can it go?

How storytelling platform Pratilipi scripted a rare hit

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 343 no The escalating India-Canada rift explained https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-escalating-india-canada-rift-explained-69s0MpfD Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Sensex fell 153 points, or 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 71 points, or 0.28 per cent, lower. The country's biggest listed company presented its quarterly earnings report yesterday. Investors didn't like it too much: Reliance Industries' share price dropped by 2 percent on Tuesday. Its oils to chemicals business remains its biggest pain point: ebidta has fallen 19 percent year on year. But Jio made up for this, Manish Joshi writes. There is significant upside for Jio for the coming quarter, while Reliance's retail business is trending upwards too. Investors might not be too happy with the latest results, but future quarters might be much better for RIL. Urban India constantly uses quick commerce apps to order groceries and other household items. This comes at the expense of traditional FMCG players. Dipti Shah writes that this growing trend will affect FMCG stocks negatively. This is also evident from their modest returns, compared to the significant gains seen in shares of companies like Zomato and Trent. Even FMCG giants have acknowledged the rising contribution of quick commerce to their sales, signaling a transformative shift. After a brief break, startups are finally hiring CXOs again. Over two-dozen top-level executives were recruited in the last three months, report Sneha Shah and Devina Sengupta. According to industry insiders, this surge in hiring for roles like chief executives and business heads is a response to more funding coming in. They are also a strategic move by startups to strengthen their leadership teams in preparation for future growth, including IPOs. Such hires are receiving significant stock options as part of their packages, report Sneha and Devina. This week, relations between India and Canada soured further as each country expelled six of the other’s diplomats. This escalation follows Canada's allegations of the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist, in British Columbia in June 2023. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited non-cooperation from India in the investigation as a reason for the expulsion, intensifying tensions amid Canadian political dynamics as Trudeau faces decreasing popularity ahead of the election in 2025. Economic ties between India and Canada, characterised by substantial trade and investment, remain strong despite the diplomatic rift. Elizabeth Roche, associate professor at Jindal Global University, explains the fresh turn in the ongoing tensions.  The Adani Group has its fingers in many pies — from power to ports to even pulses. Now, it is eyeing a new sector: semiconductors. Anirudh Laskar reports that the conglomerate is looking to invest 3 billion dollars with two Israeli tech firms to set up a factory. The total investment in this unit could increase up to 8 billion dollars. The Group hopes to count on the government's help with the setting up of this facility, as they have been bullish on chip manufacturing hubs.     Show notes:  RIL investors wait for oil-to-chemicals business profitability to bottom out  Investors shy away from FMCG stocks but embrace quick commerce platforms: Why?  The great startup CXO hunt: companies beef up top deck as funding winter thaws  Mint Primer | The escalating India-Canada rift and its implications for India Adani plans $3 billion outlay to launch semicon biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The escalating India-Canada rift explained full 674 Mint - HT Smartcast Adani eyes semicon biz; C-Suite hiring ramps up at startups Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Sensex fell 153 points, or 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 71 points, or 0.28 per cent, lower. The country's biggest listed company presented its quarterly earnings report yesterday. Investors didn't like it too much: Reliance Industries' share price dropped by 2 percent on Tuesday. Its oils to chemicals business remains its biggest pain point: ebidta has fallen 19 percent year on year. But Jio made up for this, Manish Joshi writes. There is significant upside for Jio for the coming quarter, while Reliance's retail business is trending upwards too. Investors might not be too happy with the latest results, but future quarters might be much better for RIL. Urban India constantly uses quick commerce apps to order groceries and other household items. This comes at the expense of traditional FMCG players. Dipti Shah writes that this growing trend will affect FMCG stocks negatively. This is also evident from their modest returns, compared to the significant gains seen in shares of companies like Zomato and Trent. Even FMCG giants have acknowledged the rising contribution of quick commerce to their sales, signaling a transformative shift. After a brief break, startups are finally hiring CXOs again. Over two-dozen top-level executives were recruited in the last three months, report Sneha Shah and Devina Sengupta. According to industry insiders, this surge in hiring for roles like chief executives and business heads is a response to more funding coming in. They are also a strategic move by startups to strengthen their leadership teams in preparation for future growth, including IPOs. Such hires are receiving significant stock options as part of their packages, report Sneha and Devina. This week, relations between India and Canada soured further as each country expelled six of the other’s diplomats. This escalation follows Canada's allegations of the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist, in British Columbia in June 2023. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited non-cooperation from India in the investigation as a reason for the expulsion, intensifying tensions amid Canadian political dynamics as Trudeau faces decreasing popularity ahead of the election in 2025. Economic ties between India and Canada, characterised by substantial trade and investment, remain strong despite the diplomatic rift. Elizabeth Roche, associate professor at Jindal Global University, explains the fresh turn in the ongoing tensions.  The Adani Group has its fingers in many pies — from power to ports to even pulses. Now, it is eyeing a new sector: semiconductors. Anirudh Laskar reports that the conglomerate is looking to invest 3 billion dollars with two Israeli tech firms to set up a factory. The total investment in this unit could increase up to 8 billion dollars. The Group hopes to count on the government's help with the setting up of this facility, as they have been bullish on chip manufacturing hubs.     Show notes:  RIL investors wait for oil-to-chemicals business profitability to bottom out  Investors shy away from FMCG stocks but embrace quick commerce platforms: Why?  The great startup CXO hunt: companies beef up top deck as funding winter thaws  Mint Primer | The escalating India-Canada rift and its implications for India Adani plans $3 billion outlay to launch semicon biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

The Sensex fell 153 points, or 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 71 points, or 0.28 per cent, lower.

The country's biggest listed company presented its quarterly earnings report yesterday. Investors didn't like it too much: Reliance Industries' share price dropped by 2 percent on Tuesday. Its oils to chemicals business remains its biggest pain point: ebidta has fallen 19 percent year on year. But Jio made up for this, Manish Joshi writes. There is significant upside for Jio for the coming quarter, while Reliance's retail business is trending upwards too. Investors might not be too happy with the latest results, but future quarters might be much better for RIL.

Urban India constantly uses quick commerce apps to order groceries and other household items. This comes at the expense of traditional FMCG players. Dipti Shah writes that this growing trend will affect FMCG stocks negatively. This is also evident from their modest returns, compared to the significant gains seen in shares of companies like Zomato and Trent. Even FMCG giants have acknowledged the rising contribution of quick commerce to their sales, signaling a transformative shift.

After a brief break, startups are finally hiring CXOs again. Over two-dozen top-level executives were recruited in the last three months, report Sneha Shah and Devina Sengupta. According to industry insiders, this surge in hiring for roles like chief executives and business heads is a response to more funding coming in. They are also a strategic move by startups to strengthen their leadership teams in preparation for future growth, including IPOs. Such hires are receiving significant stock options as part of their packages, report Sneha and Devina.

This week, relations between India and Canada soured further as each country expelled six of the other’s diplomats. This escalation follows Canada's allegations of the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist, in British Columbia in June 2023. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited non-cooperation from India in the investigation as a reason for the expulsion, intensifying tensions amid Canadian political dynamics as Trudeau faces decreasing popularity ahead of the election in 2025. Economic ties between India and Canada, characterised by substantial trade and investment, remain strong despite the diplomatic rift. Elizabeth Roche, associate professor at Jindal Global University, explains the fresh turn in the ongoing tensions. 

The Adani Group has its fingers in many pies — from power to ports to even pulses. Now, it is eyeing a new sector: semiconductors. Anirudh Laskar reports that the conglomerate is looking to invest 3 billion dollars with two Israeli tech firms to set up a factory. The total investment in this unit could increase up to 8 billion dollars. The Group hopes to count on the government's help with the setting up of this facility, as they have been bullish on chip manufacturing hubs.

 

 

Show notes: 

RIL investors wait for oil-to-chemicals business profitability to bottom out 

Investors shy away from FMCG stocks but embrace quick commerce platforms: Why? 

The great startup CXO hunt: companies beef up top deck as funding winter thaws 

Mint Primer | The escalating India-Canada rift and its implications for India

Adani plans $3 billion outlay to launch semicon biz

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 315 no How Surya Kumar Yadav’s endorsement fee is touching the SKY https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-surya-kumar-yadavs-endorsement-fee-is-touching-the-sky-MErhkrey Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Thanks to gains in shares of select banking and IT heavyweights, including HDFC Bank and Infosys, Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- resumed their upward march on Monday. The Sensex rose 0.73 per cent, while the Nifty 50 settled 10.66 per cent, higher.   Vinay Dube, previously at the helm during tumultuous times at Jet Airways and Go First, now leads Akasa Air, facing similar challenges with its fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Akasa Air, aiming to carve a niche in India's aviation market, heavily relies on this model, notorious for its operational issues, despite its economic purchase price. The airline, commanding a modest 4.5% market share, seeks to establish itself against the dominating duo of IndiGo and Air India, which together control over 90% of the market. Akasa's strategy involves mirroring successful practices from industry leaders like IndiGo, which thrived on a sale and leaseback model that Dube intends to replicate. Nehal Chaliawala and Mihir Mishra write on Vinay Dube’s plans to take on the Indigo-Air India duopoly in India’s aviation market.   Class actions are gaining momentum in India, with recent cases against Ola Electric and Jindal Poly Films showcasing their rising prominence. A class action allows people with similar grievances to file a single lawsuit, making it a powerful tool for addressing collective issues. The rise in class actions is largely due to growing awareness among consumers and shareholders, facilitated by technology and easy access to information. More people are now using these legal options to hold companies accountable. The digital age has also amplified opportunities for collective grievances, especially with the collection of vast amounts of personal data. Mint’s Krishna Yadav explains the rise of class actions in India.    Becoming a cricketer in India can lead to vast riches. For Suryakumar Yadav, the money doesn't stop rolling in. Gaurav Laghate writes about how leading India to a recent T20 series win against Bangladesh has bettered Yadav’s financial prospects. Yadav's endorsement fee has jumped by a whopping 350 per cent, with deals worth 2 crore rupees each. Among companies shelling out this money for him are ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Reebok, and Lenskart. Sky, as he is fondly called, is now rubbing shoulders with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the other scions of cricket endorsement deals.   In September, India witnessed a sharp rise in inflation to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent, surpassing the expected 5.1 per cent. This increase was largely driven by a significant hike in vegetable prices, which surged due to a dissipating base effect and unfavorable weather conditions. This unexpected jump underscores the Reserve Bank of India's cautious stance on not cutting the repo rate. With this spike, the inflation rate for the July-September quarter settled at 4.2 per cent, slightly above RBI's projection of 4.1 per cent, suggesting that rate cuts might be postponed to 2025. Payal Bhattacharya reports on how September’s inflation surge proves RBI was right to delay a rate cut.   Rocket science is generally hard, which is why any achievements made in this vast and expensive field should be celebrated. Elon Musk's SpaceX has innovated space travel by using mechanical 'chopsticks' to catch one of its rocket boosters mid air so it can be reused for other rockets. Leslie D'monte writes that this would reduce the costs and turnaround time of future rocket launches. Moreover, this achievement could boost Musk's financial and strategic positions by lowering launch costs and speeding up operations.     Primer: How Musk catches rockets with ‘chopsticks’ Suryakumar Yadav: India’s Mr 360 is changing the game for brand endorsements Mint Explainer: Why Class Action Suits in India Are on the Rise How Akasa Air’s Vinay Dube is taking on the IndiGo-Air India duopoly In charts: September inflation proves why RBI was right to delay a rate cut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How Surya Kumar Yadav’s endorsement fee is touching the SKY full 673 Mint - HT Smartcast How Akasa’s Vinay Dube is taking on a duopoly; Class action lawsuits rise in India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Thanks to gains in shares of select banking and IT heavyweights, including HDFC Bank and Infosys, Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- resumed their upward march on Monday. The Sensex rose 0.73 per cent, while the Nifty 50 settled 10.66 per cent, higher.   Vinay Dube, previously at the helm during tumultuous times at Jet Airways and Go First, now leads Akasa Air, facing similar challenges with its fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Akasa Air, aiming to carve a niche in India's aviation market, heavily relies on this model, notorious for its operational issues, despite its economic purchase price. The airline, commanding a modest 4.5% market share, seeks to establish itself against the dominating duo of IndiGo and Air India, which together control over 90% of the market. Akasa's strategy involves mirroring successful practices from industry leaders like IndiGo, which thrived on a sale and leaseback model that Dube intends to replicate. Nehal Chaliawala and Mihir Mishra write on Vinay Dube’s plans to take on the Indigo-Air India duopoly in India’s aviation market.   Class actions are gaining momentum in India, with recent cases against Ola Electric and Jindal Poly Films showcasing their rising prominence. A class action allows people with similar grievances to file a single lawsuit, making it a powerful tool for addressing collective issues. The rise in class actions is largely due to growing awareness among consumers and shareholders, facilitated by technology and easy access to information. More people are now using these legal options to hold companies accountable. The digital age has also amplified opportunities for collective grievances, especially with the collection of vast amounts of personal data. Mint’s Krishna Yadav explains the rise of class actions in India.    Becoming a cricketer in India can lead to vast riches. For Suryakumar Yadav, the money doesn't stop rolling in. Gaurav Laghate writes about how leading India to a recent T20 series win against Bangladesh has bettered Yadav’s financial prospects. Yadav's endorsement fee has jumped by a whopping 350 per cent, with deals worth 2 crore rupees each. Among companies shelling out this money for him are ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Reebok, and Lenskart. Sky, as he is fondly called, is now rubbing shoulders with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the other scions of cricket endorsement deals.   In September, India witnessed a sharp rise in inflation to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent, surpassing the expected 5.1 per cent. This increase was largely driven by a significant hike in vegetable prices, which surged due to a dissipating base effect and unfavorable weather conditions. This unexpected jump underscores the Reserve Bank of India's cautious stance on not cutting the repo rate. With this spike, the inflation rate for the July-September quarter settled at 4.2 per cent, slightly above RBI's projection of 4.1 per cent, suggesting that rate cuts might be postponed to 2025. Payal Bhattacharya reports on how September’s inflation surge proves RBI was right to delay a rate cut.   Rocket science is generally hard, which is why any achievements made in this vast and expensive field should be celebrated. Elon Musk's SpaceX has innovated space travel by using mechanical 'chopsticks' to catch one of its rocket boosters mid air so it can be reused for other rockets. Leslie D'monte writes that this would reduce the costs and turnaround time of future rocket launches. Moreover, this achievement could boost Musk's financial and strategic positions by lowering launch costs and speeding up operations.     Primer: How Musk catches rockets with ‘chopsticks’ Suryakumar Yadav: India’s Mr 360 is changing the game for brand endorsements Mint Explainer: Why Class Action Suits in India Are on the Rise How Akasa Air’s Vinay Dube is taking on the IndiGo-Air India duopoly In charts: September inflation proves why RBI was right to delay a rate cut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Thanks to gains in shares of select banking and IT heavyweights, including HDFC Bank and Infosys, Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- resumed their upward march on Monday. The Sensex rose 0.73 per cent, while the Nifty 50 settled 10.66 per cent, higher.


 

Vinay Dube, previously at the helm during tumultuous times at Jet Airways and Go First, now leads Akasa Air, facing similar challenges with its fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Akasa Air, aiming to carve a niche in India's aviation market, heavily relies on this model, notorious for its operational issues, despite its economic purchase price. The airline, commanding a modest 4.5% market share, seeks to establish itself against the dominating duo of IndiGo and Air India, which together control over 90% of the market. Akasa's strategy involves mirroring successful practices from industry leaders like IndiGo, which thrived on a sale and leaseback model that Dube intends to replicate. Nehal Chaliawala and Mihir Mishra write on Vinay Dube’s plans to take on the Indigo-Air India duopoly in India’s aviation market.


 

Class actions are gaining momentum in India, with recent cases against Ola Electric and Jindal Poly Films showcasing their rising prominence. A class action allows people with similar grievances to file a single lawsuit, making it a powerful tool for addressing collective issues. The rise in class actions is largely due to growing awareness among consumers and shareholders, facilitated by technology and easy access to information. More people are now using these legal options to hold companies accountable. The digital age has also amplified opportunities for collective grievances, especially with the collection of vast amounts of personal data. Mint’s Krishna Yadav explains the rise of class actions in India. 


 

Becoming a cricketer in India can lead to vast riches. For Suryakumar Yadav, the money doesn't stop rolling in. Gaurav Laghate writes about how leading India to a recent T20 series win against Bangladesh has bettered Yadav’s financial prospects. Yadav's endorsement fee has jumped by a whopping 350 per cent, with deals worth 2 crore rupees each. Among companies shelling out this money for him are ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Reebok, and Lenskart. Sky, as he is fondly called, is now rubbing shoulders with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the other scions of cricket endorsement deals.


 

In September, India witnessed a sharp rise in inflation to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent, surpassing the expected 5.1 per cent. This increase was largely driven by a significant hike in vegetable prices, which surged due to a dissipating base effect and unfavorable weather conditions. This unexpected jump underscores the Reserve Bank of India's cautious stance on not cutting the repo rate. With this spike, the inflation rate for the July-September quarter settled at 4.2 per cent, slightly above RBI's projection of 4.1 per cent, suggesting that rate cuts might be postponed to 2025. Payal Bhattacharya reports on how September’s inflation surge proves RBI was right to delay a rate cut.


 

Rocket science is generally hard, which is why any achievements made in this vast and expensive field should be celebrated. Elon Musk's SpaceX has innovated space travel by using mechanical 'chopsticks' to catch one of its rocket boosters mid air so it can be reused for other rockets. Leslie D'monte writes that this would reduce the costs and turnaround time of future rocket launches. Moreover, this achievement could boost Musk's financial and strategic positions by lowering launch costs and speeding up operations.


 

 

Primer: How Musk catches rockets with ‘chopsticks’

Suryakumar Yadav: India’s Mr 360 is changing the game for brand endorsements

Mint Explainer: Why Class Action Suits in India Are on the Rise

How Akasa Air’s Vinay Dube is taking on the IndiGo-Air India duopoly

In charts: September inflation proves why RBI was right to delay a rate cut

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 353 no How Zomato’s District could be a blockbuster https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-zomatos-district-could-be-a-blockbuster-MIdd_1pU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.  The upcoming festive period is usually a fruitful time for India's retail industry. As the sales increase, so does the advertising. However, companies are scaling back on traditional media spending. Instead, the industry is spending much more on digital ads, as well as those on e-commerce platforms. Varuni Khosla and Gaurav Laghate writes that FMCG and the auto sectors are likely to see good spending through such channels, but not on your TV or billboards.   In 2021, amid a booming market for startup IPOs in India, Zomato was an exception in the landscape, focusing heavily on fresh share issuances rather than facilitating investor exits. Unlike Zomato, which issued new shares worth Rs 9,000 crore, the trend among other startups was to use IPOs as a primary exit strategy for existing investors. In that fiscal year, 48% of total startup IPO shares were sold through offers-for-sale, slightly less than the broader market's 63.3%. This increased to 64% by FY25, indicating a growing preference among startup investors to liquidate their stakes, reports Priyamvada C.  While this trend means startups raise less capital for growth during their IPOs, it opens opportunities for new investors to engage with the startup sector as it rides a wave of market highs.   In another case of poor trade practices, the Competition Commission of India has found WhatsApp and its parent company Meta Inc. guilty of breaching competition laws. The 3-year investigation concluded that WhatsApp violated competition rules by abusing its market dominance with a policy update. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that this update was deemed "exploitative and exclusionary" by CCI's investigation. The penalties could go up to 10 percent of Meta's global revenue.   The latest data on India's industrial production, which showed a slight contraction in August for the first time in 21 months, raises concerns about a potential slowdown in the economy. The Index of Industrial Production dipped by 0.1% compared to a significant 10.9% growth in the same month last year. N Madhavan explains how this drop can be attributed to extraordinary rainfall impacting mining and electricity generation, alongside a high base effect from last year's strong performance. Despite this hiccup, experts suggest this is a one-off event, expecting a rebound in industrial activities starting September, buoyed by government infrastructure spending and other high-frequency indicators.   Zomato evolved from food delivery to include quick commerce and most recently an events business by purchasing Paytm’s subsidiaries Insider and TicketNew. This expansion into live events and dining with the newly dubbed District app aims to integrate Zomato's dining expertise with large-scale events. But the journey isn't straightforward. The events business, like those of old and new competitors, is notoriously tough to monetize, especially with the slim profit margins seen in pure ticket sales, as shown by the industry leader, BookMyShow. Zomato's real bet is on producing and hosting live events, which promise greater returns but also carry higher risks and investments. Sowmya Gupta dives deeper into Zomato’s latest acquisition strategy and how it can do wonders for the company.    Advertising sentiment remains subdued during festive quarter Startup IPOs: Investors rush for exits as new capital takes a backseat   CCI finds WhatsApp, Meta Inc. in breach of competition law; penalty order soon Is the economy slowing down? Not just a cold play: How Zomato can make District a blockbuster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How Zomato’s District could be a blockbuster full 672 Mint - HT Smartcast Is the economy slowing down? Meta in CCI’s crosshairs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.  The upcoming festive period is usually a fruitful time for India's retail industry. As the sales increase, so does the advertising. However, companies are scaling back on traditional media spending. Instead, the industry is spending much more on digital ads, as well as those on e-commerce platforms. Varuni Khosla and Gaurav Laghate writes that FMCG and the auto sectors are likely to see good spending through such channels, but not on your TV or billboards.   In 2021, amid a booming market for startup IPOs in India, Zomato was an exception in the landscape, focusing heavily on fresh share issuances rather than facilitating investor exits. Unlike Zomato, which issued new shares worth Rs 9,000 crore, the trend among other startups was to use IPOs as a primary exit strategy for existing investors. In that fiscal year, 48% of total startup IPO shares were sold through offers-for-sale, slightly less than the broader market's 63.3%. This increased to 64% by FY25, indicating a growing preference among startup investors to liquidate their stakes, reports Priyamvada C.  While this trend means startups raise less capital for growth during their IPOs, it opens opportunities for new investors to engage with the startup sector as it rides a wave of market highs.   In another case of poor trade practices, the Competition Commission of India has found WhatsApp and its parent company Meta Inc. guilty of breaching competition laws. The 3-year investigation concluded that WhatsApp violated competition rules by abusing its market dominance with a policy update. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that this update was deemed "exploitative and exclusionary" by CCI's investigation. The penalties could go up to 10 percent of Meta's global revenue.   The latest data on India's industrial production, which showed a slight contraction in August for the first time in 21 months, raises concerns about a potential slowdown in the economy. The Index of Industrial Production dipped by 0.1% compared to a significant 10.9% growth in the same month last year. N Madhavan explains how this drop can be attributed to extraordinary rainfall impacting mining and electricity generation, alongside a high base effect from last year's strong performance. Despite this hiccup, experts suggest this is a one-off event, expecting a rebound in industrial activities starting September, buoyed by government infrastructure spending and other high-frequency indicators.   Zomato evolved from food delivery to include quick commerce and most recently an events business by purchasing Paytm’s subsidiaries Insider and TicketNew. This expansion into live events and dining with the newly dubbed District app aims to integrate Zomato's dining expertise with large-scale events. But the journey isn't straightforward. The events business, like those of old and new competitors, is notoriously tough to monetize, especially with the slim profit margins seen in pure ticket sales, as shown by the industry leader, BookMyShow. Zomato's real bet is on producing and hosting live events, which promise greater returns but also carry higher risks and investments. Sowmya Gupta dives deeper into Zomato’s latest acquisition strategy and how it can do wonders for the company.    Advertising sentiment remains subdued during festive quarter Startup IPOs: Investors rush for exits as new capital takes a backseat   CCI finds WhatsApp, Meta Inc. in breach of competition law; penalty order soon Is the economy slowing down? Not just a cold play: How Zomato can make District a blockbuster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

 

The upcoming festive period is usually a fruitful time for India's retail industry. As the sales increase, so does the advertising. However, companies are scaling back on traditional media spending. Instead, the industry is spending much more on digital ads, as well as those on e-commerce platforms. Varuni Khosla and Gaurav Laghate writes that FMCG and the auto sectors are likely to see good spending through such channels, but not on your TV or billboards.


 

In 2021, amid a booming market for startup IPOs in India, Zomato was an exception in the landscape, focusing heavily on fresh share issuances rather than facilitating investor exits. Unlike Zomato, which issued new shares worth Rs 9,000 crore, the trend among other startups was to use IPOs as a primary exit strategy for existing investors. In that fiscal year, 48% of total startup IPO shares were sold through offers-for-sale, slightly less than the broader market's 63.3%. This increased to 64% by FY25, indicating a growing preference among startup investors to liquidate their stakes, reports Priyamvada C.  While this trend means startups raise less capital for growth during their IPOs, it opens opportunities for new investors to engage with the startup sector as it rides a wave of market highs.


 

In another case of poor trade practices, the Competition Commission of India has found WhatsApp and its parent company Meta Inc. guilty of breaching competition laws. The 3-year investigation concluded that WhatsApp violated competition rules by abusing its market dominance with a policy update. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that this update was deemed "exploitative and exclusionary" by CCI's investigation. The penalties could go up to 10 percent of Meta's global revenue.


 

The latest data on India's industrial production, which showed a slight contraction in August for the first time in 21 months, raises concerns about a potential slowdown in the economy. The Index of Industrial Production dipped by 0.1% compared to a significant 10.9% growth in the same month last year. N Madhavan explains how this drop can be attributed to extraordinary rainfall impacting mining and electricity generation, alongside a high base effect from last year's strong performance. Despite this hiccup, experts suggest this is a one-off event, expecting a rebound in industrial activities starting September, buoyed by government infrastructure spending and other high-frequency indicators.


 

Zomato evolved from food delivery to include quick commerce and most recently an events business by purchasing Paytm’s subsidiaries Insider and TicketNew. This expansion into live events and dining with the newly dubbed District app aims to integrate Zomato's dining expertise with large-scale events. But the journey isn't straightforward. The events business, like those of old and new competitors, is notoriously tough to monetize, especially with the slim profit margins seen in pure ticket sales, as shown by the industry leader, BookMyShow. Zomato's real bet is on producing and hosting live events, which promise greater returns but also carry higher risks and investments. Sowmya Gupta dives deeper into Zomato’s latest acquisition strategy and how it can do wonders for the company. 

 

Advertising sentiment remains subdued during festive quarter

Startup IPOs: Investors rush for exits as new capital takes a backseat


 

CCI finds WhatsApp, Meta Inc. in breach of competition law; penalty order soon

Is the economy slowing down?

Not just a cold play: How Zomato can make District a blockbuster

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 329 no Farewell, RNT https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/farewell-rnt-s6M5dFeR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   A stalwart of India’s corporate world passed away on Wednesday night. We'll bring you some stories on his legacy and work over the decades.   After retiring as the chair of Tata Sons in 2012, Ratan Tata shifted his focus to supporting startups through his investment vehicle, RNT Associates. By 2019, he was actively engaging with budding entrepreneurs on Instagram. However, he was clear that getting funded didn't guarantee success. Tata’s investments, though modest, were a mark of credibility in the startup community, especially when capital was hard to come by. His approach wasn't just about writing checks; he invested in mentoring the founders, focusing on their long-term vision and passion rather than immediate financial metrics. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan takes a look at the former Tata group chairman’s vision for Indian startups.   Ratan Tata, the visionary driving force behind Tata Motors, transformed it from a local truck maker into a global automotive powerhouse. During his tenure, the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, was launched, aimed at democratizing car ownership in India. Though it didn't hit commercial targets, the Nano exemplified Tata's visionary approach. Under his leadership in 1998, Tata Motors introduced the Indica, India's first indigenously developed passenger car. A landmark moment came in 2008 when Tata Motors acquired the iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover for 2.3 billion dollars from Ford. This was a stunning reversal of fortune, as Ford had previously considered buying Tata's car division. Tata turned these struggling brands into profitable entities, significantly enhancing Tata Motors' stature and revenues. Alisha Sachdev writes about Ratan Tata’s legacy at one of India’s biggest automobile companies.    For over a century, the Tata group has been a cornerstone of the Indian industry, spanning multiple sectors. While JRD Tata was at the helm for 51 long years, his son Ratan was the one who did the heavy lifting. He took over right as India was on the cusp of opening up its economy. An opportunity, for sure — but it also would have led to a lot of challenges. Sundeep Khanna writes about the leadership at the Tata group, from JRD to RNT to now, N. Chandrasekaran, and how it has shaped not only the conglomerate, but also corporate India as a whole. He takes a retrospective look at its progress, pitfalls, and even some controversies over the years.   The Indian equity market's rally has paused, with the Nifty50 index down 3% in the first seven trading sessions of October. India's volatility index rose 13%, indicating heightened risk aversion. Harsha Jethmalani writes that foreign investors are showing renewed interest in China, following the announcement of a stimulus package. That has led to investors pulling money out of Indian markets. This further raises the possibility of India's equities underperforming against the broader Asia markets, according to a Nomura report from 7 October.   India's commercial office sector is set for a record-breaking year, signalling a strong bounce back from the pandemic lows. The sector is expected to surpass its previous high, with anticipated leases reaching over 70 million square feet across major cities by the end of 2024. This surge is largely driven by the return of multinational corporations to physical offices and a significant increase in demand from global capability centres and flexible office operators. Bengaluru is leading the charge in space absorption, followed by Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, with tech companies, financial services and manufacturers actively snapping up office space. Madhurima Nandy explains how this leasing boom is not just good news for real estate but also a positive sign for the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Farewell, RNT full 671 Mint - HT Smartcast Indian markets finally hit a wall? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   A stalwart of India’s corporate world passed away on Wednesday night. We'll bring you some stories on his legacy and work over the decades.   After retiring as the chair of Tata Sons in 2012, Ratan Tata shifted his focus to supporting startups through his investment vehicle, RNT Associates. By 2019, he was actively engaging with budding entrepreneurs on Instagram. However, he was clear that getting funded didn't guarantee success. Tata’s investments, though modest, were a mark of credibility in the startup community, especially when capital was hard to come by. His approach wasn't just about writing checks; he invested in mentoring the founders, focusing on their long-term vision and passion rather than immediate financial metrics. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan takes a look at the former Tata group chairman’s vision for Indian startups.   Ratan Tata, the visionary driving force behind Tata Motors, transformed it from a local truck maker into a global automotive powerhouse. During his tenure, the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, was launched, aimed at democratizing car ownership in India. Though it didn't hit commercial targets, the Nano exemplified Tata's visionary approach. Under his leadership in 1998, Tata Motors introduced the Indica, India's first indigenously developed passenger car. A landmark moment came in 2008 when Tata Motors acquired the iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover for 2.3 billion dollars from Ford. This was a stunning reversal of fortune, as Ford had previously considered buying Tata's car division. Tata turned these struggling brands into profitable entities, significantly enhancing Tata Motors' stature and revenues. Alisha Sachdev writes about Ratan Tata’s legacy at one of India’s biggest automobile companies.    For over a century, the Tata group has been a cornerstone of the Indian industry, spanning multiple sectors. While JRD Tata was at the helm for 51 long years, his son Ratan was the one who did the heavy lifting. He took over right as India was on the cusp of opening up its economy. An opportunity, for sure — but it also would have led to a lot of challenges. Sundeep Khanna writes about the leadership at the Tata group, from JRD to RNT to now, N. Chandrasekaran, and how it has shaped not only the conglomerate, but also corporate India as a whole. He takes a retrospective look at its progress, pitfalls, and even some controversies over the years.   The Indian equity market's rally has paused, with the Nifty50 index down 3% in the first seven trading sessions of October. India's volatility index rose 13%, indicating heightened risk aversion. Harsha Jethmalani writes that foreign investors are showing renewed interest in China, following the announcement of a stimulus package. That has led to investors pulling money out of Indian markets. This further raises the possibility of India's equities underperforming against the broader Asia markets, according to a Nomura report from 7 October.   India's commercial office sector is set for a record-breaking year, signalling a strong bounce back from the pandemic lows. The sector is expected to surpass its previous high, with anticipated leases reaching over 70 million square feet across major cities by the end of 2024. This surge is largely driven by the return of multinational corporations to physical offices and a significant increase in demand from global capability centres and flexible office operators. Bengaluru is leading the charge in space absorption, followed by Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, with tech companies, financial services and manufacturers actively snapping up office space. Madhurima Nandy explains how this leasing boom is not just good news for real estate but also a positive sign for the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

A stalwart of India’s corporate world passed away on Wednesday night. We'll bring you some stories on his legacy and work over the decades.


 

After retiring as the chair of Tata Sons in 2012, Ratan Tata shifted his focus to supporting startups through his investment vehicle, RNT Associates. By 2019, he was actively engaging with budding entrepreneurs on Instagram. However, he was clear that getting funded didn't guarantee success. Tata’s investments, though modest, were a mark of credibility in the startup community, especially when capital was hard to come by. His approach wasn't just about writing checks; he invested in mentoring the founders, focusing on their long-term vision and passion rather than immediate financial metrics. Mint’s startups editor Ranjani Raghavan takes a look at the former Tata group chairman’s vision for Indian startups.


 

Ratan Tata, the visionary driving force behind Tata Motors, transformed it from a local truck maker into a global automotive powerhouse. During his tenure, the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, was launched, aimed at democratizing car ownership in India. Though it didn't hit commercial targets, the Nano exemplified Tata's visionary approach. Under his leadership in 1998, Tata Motors introduced the Indica, India's first indigenously developed passenger car. A landmark moment came in 2008 when Tata Motors acquired the iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover for 2.3 billion dollars from Ford. This was a stunning reversal of fortune, as Ford had previously considered buying Tata's car division. Tata turned these struggling brands into profitable entities, significantly enhancing Tata Motors' stature and revenues. Alisha Sachdev writes about Ratan Tata’s legacy at one of India’s biggest automobile companies. 


 

For over a century, the Tata group has been a cornerstone of the Indian industry, spanning multiple sectors. While JRD Tata was at the helm for 51 long years, his son Ratan was the one who did the heavy lifting. He took over right as India was on the cusp of opening up its economy. An opportunity, for sure — but it also would have led to a lot of challenges. Sundeep Khanna writes about the leadership at the Tata group, from JRD to RNT to now, N. Chandrasekaran, and how it has shaped not only the conglomerate, but also corporate India as a whole. He takes a retrospective look at its progress, pitfalls, and even some controversies over the years.


 

The Indian equity market's rally has paused, with the Nifty50 index down 3% in the first seven trading sessions of October. India's volatility index rose 13%, indicating heightened risk aversion. Harsha Jethmalani writes that foreign investors are showing renewed interest in China, following the announcement of a stimulus package. That has led to investors pulling money out of Indian markets. This further raises the possibility of India's equities underperforming against the broader Asia markets, according to a Nomura report from 7 October.


 

India's commercial office sector is set for a record-breaking year, signalling a strong bounce back from the pandemic lows. The sector is expected to surpass its previous high, with anticipated leases reaching over 70 million square feet across major cities by the end of 2024. This surge is largely driven by the return of multinational corporations to physical offices and a significant increase in demand from global capability centres and flexible office operators. Bengaluru is leading the charge in space absorption, followed by Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, with tech companies, financial services and manufacturers actively snapping up office space. Madhurima Nandy explains how this leasing boom is not just good news for real estate but also a positive sign for the economy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 346 no Is your real estate agent a social media influencer? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-your-real-estate-agent-a-social-media-influencer-W_oHZKF4 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India left key policy rates unchanged, maintaining the repo rate at 6.5 percent. The RBI’s decision comes amid rate cuts by central banks worldwide, notably the US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England. The RBI remains wary of inflation, and thus doesn't want to cut rates just yet. Gopika Gopakumar writes that the decision still leaves room for a rate cut at the monetary policy committee's meeting in December.    Faced with cost pressures, companies are keen on retaining their employees. Some plan to disburse more than 90 percent of variable pay since raises are expected to be modest this year. Key sectors such as manufacturing, auto, and IT are likely to pay bonuses in full, while the retail and consumer sectors will be more cautious. Anandorup Ghose from Deloitte India tells Devina Sengupta that while bonus payouts are typically within 90-110 percent of the target, variable pay differs by seniority. Roopank Chaudhary of consulting firm Aon notes that though some sectors have seen improvements, overall bonus projections for 2025 are similar to last year's, at about 13.6 percent of fixed pay. Salary hikes are expected to be around 9.5 percent next year, a slight increase from 9.3 percent this year.   India is pumping 25 billion dollars into its semiconductor sector as it looks to get at least four more chipmakers to set up fabs. The focus is on legacy chips, which are essential in industries such as auto, aerospace and defence. These older chips are cheaper to make and maintain than the most advanced ones, such as those used in iPhones. The Tata-PSMC facility, the only commercial fab in India right now, is set to make chips ranging from 28 nanometers to 90 nanometers. While these are more advanced than typical legacy chips, the plant will also churn out the older variety to meet domestic needs and reduce imports, boosting India's revenue in the process. Shouvik Das takes a closer look at India’s big gamble on legacy chips.    The Kalyanis, known for their substantial holdings in India’s industrial sector, including Bharat Forge, are embroiled in a contentious legal battle over the family’s wealth. Gaurishankar Kalyani, the youngest brother of Bharat Forge chief Baba Kalyani, has challenged a 2012 will of their late mother Sulochana Kalyani. He claims a newer will from December 2022 names him as the main heir, but Gaurishankar accuses him of coercing their mother into sidelining him.  Priyanka Gawande explains the legal battle for control over multibillion-dollar assets.    Is your real estate agent a social media influencer as well? Madhurima Nandy writes about such agents, who earn nearly 2 crore rupees a year from brokerage and influencer marketing fees. But they also offer other services: advice on what to avoid, whom to trust, and a rundown of real estate basics. As younger generations start buying property, social media has become fertile ground to attract such clients. Madhurima writes that real estate developers are getting into this as well, partnering with influencers to build hype around their projects. After fashion, beauty, food and finance, it looks like influencers have a new sector to sink their teeth into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Is your real estate agent a social media influencer? full 670 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding RBI's MPC decision, Kalyani family's legal battle Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India left key policy rates unchanged, maintaining the repo rate at 6.5 percent. The RBI’s decision comes amid rate cuts by central banks worldwide, notably the US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England. The RBI remains wary of inflation, and thus doesn't want to cut rates just yet. Gopika Gopakumar writes that the decision still leaves room for a rate cut at the monetary policy committee's meeting in December.    Faced with cost pressures, companies are keen on retaining their employees. Some plan to disburse more than 90 percent of variable pay since raises are expected to be modest this year. Key sectors such as manufacturing, auto, and IT are likely to pay bonuses in full, while the retail and consumer sectors will be more cautious. Anandorup Ghose from Deloitte India tells Devina Sengupta that while bonus payouts are typically within 90-110 percent of the target, variable pay differs by seniority. Roopank Chaudhary of consulting firm Aon notes that though some sectors have seen improvements, overall bonus projections for 2025 are similar to last year's, at about 13.6 percent of fixed pay. Salary hikes are expected to be around 9.5 percent next year, a slight increase from 9.3 percent this year.   India is pumping 25 billion dollars into its semiconductor sector as it looks to get at least four more chipmakers to set up fabs. The focus is on legacy chips, which are essential in industries such as auto, aerospace and defence. These older chips are cheaper to make and maintain than the most advanced ones, such as those used in iPhones. The Tata-PSMC facility, the only commercial fab in India right now, is set to make chips ranging from 28 nanometers to 90 nanometers. While these are more advanced than typical legacy chips, the plant will also churn out the older variety to meet domestic needs and reduce imports, boosting India's revenue in the process. Shouvik Das takes a closer look at India’s big gamble on legacy chips.    The Kalyanis, known for their substantial holdings in India’s industrial sector, including Bharat Forge, are embroiled in a contentious legal battle over the family’s wealth. Gaurishankar Kalyani, the youngest brother of Bharat Forge chief Baba Kalyani, has challenged a 2012 will of their late mother Sulochana Kalyani. He claims a newer will from December 2022 names him as the main heir, but Gaurishankar accuses him of coercing their mother into sidelining him.  Priyanka Gawande explains the legal battle for control over multibillion-dollar assets.    Is your real estate agent a social media influencer as well? Madhurima Nandy writes about such agents, who earn nearly 2 crore rupees a year from brokerage and influencer marketing fees. But they also offer other services: advice on what to avoid, whom to trust, and a rundown of real estate basics. As younger generations start buying property, social media has become fertile ground to attract such clients. Madhurima writes that real estate developers are getting into this as well, partnering with influencers to build hype around their projects. After fashion, beauty, food and finance, it looks like influencers have a new sector to sink their teeth into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India left key policy rates unchanged, maintaining the repo rate at 6.5 percent. The RBI’s decision comes amid rate cuts by central banks worldwide, notably the US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England. The RBI remains wary of inflation, and thus doesn't want to cut rates just yet. Gopika Gopakumar writes that the decision still leaves room for a rate cut at the monetary policy committee's meeting in December. 


 

Faced with cost pressures, companies are keen on retaining their employees. Some plan to disburse more than 90 percent of variable pay since raises are expected to be modest this year. Key sectors such as manufacturing, auto, and IT are likely to pay bonuses in full, while the retail and consumer sectors will be more cautious. Anandorup Ghose from Deloitte India tells Devina Sengupta that while bonus payouts are typically within 90-110 percent of the target, variable pay differs by seniority. Roopank Chaudhary of consulting firm Aon notes that though some sectors have seen improvements, overall bonus projections for 2025 are similar to last year's, at about 13.6 percent of fixed pay. Salary hikes are expected to be around 9.5 percent next year, a slight increase from 9.3 percent this year.


 

India is pumping 25 billion dollars into its semiconductor sector as it looks to get at least four more chipmakers to set up fabs. The focus is on legacy chips, which are essential in industries such as auto, aerospace and defence. These older chips are cheaper to make and maintain than the most advanced ones, such as those used in iPhones. The Tata-PSMC facility, the only commercial fab in India right now, is set to make chips ranging from 28 nanometers to 90 nanometers. While these are more advanced than typical legacy chips, the plant will also churn out the older variety to meet domestic needs and reduce imports, boosting India's revenue in the process. Shouvik Das takes a closer look at India’s big gamble on legacy chips. 


 

The Kalyanis, known for their substantial holdings in India’s industrial sector, including Bharat Forge, are embroiled in a contentious legal battle over the family’s wealth. Gaurishankar Kalyani, the youngest brother of Bharat Forge chief Baba Kalyani, has challenged a 2012 will of their late mother Sulochana Kalyani. He claims a newer will from December 2022 names him as the main heir, but Gaurishankar accuses him of coercing their mother into sidelining him. 

Priyanka Gawande explains the legal battle for control over multibillion-dollar assets. 


 

Is your real estate agent a social media influencer as well? Madhurima Nandy writes about such agents, who earn nearly 2 crore rupees a year from brokerage and influencer marketing fees. But they also offer other services: advice on what to avoid, whom to trust, and a rundown of real estate basics. As younger generations start buying property, social media has become fertile ground to attract such clients. Madhurima writes that real estate developers are getting into this as well, partnering with influencers to build hype around their projects. After fashion, beauty, food and finance, it looks like influencers have a new sector to sink their teeth into.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 322 no Goodbye zero brokerage fee apps https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/goodbye-zero-brokerage-fee-apps-P1D3zERj Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Do you use a zero-brokerage app? That won't last too long. Soon, brokers such as Zerodha, Groww and AngelOne have to overhaul their business, as the market regulator has barred them from pocketing exchange fee waivers. It will force these brokers to raise their fees to make money. Dipti Sharma writes that these new-age brokers will now either charge a flat fee or a percentage of the order—much like their traditional counterparts. Sebi believes this will bring a balance in the market.   Agricultural employment in India is rising. A recent survey showed that 46.1 percent of Indians now work in the farm sector, as opposed to 42.5 percent before the 2020 covid-19 outbreak. The primary drivers are the lack of better-paying jobs and more participation from women. Sayantan Bera writes that this raises concerns about productivity and disguised unemployment. Meanwhile, the political pressure for more state support due to agriculture's uncertain income continues to increase. He makes sense of the survey and proposes some solutions to counter this worrying trend.   Bigger TVs are about to get cheaper! Televisions and ACs are in for a boost, thanks to some new government perks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology plans to scrap import duties on TV panel open cells, Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra report. This cut could make big-screen TVs cheaper in the country and is part of a bigger plan to crank up domestic TV production from 28 to 45 percent. The government is also looking at dropping customs duties on some TV parts and reducing the GST on local production of display panels from 28 to 18 percent. The Centre is also considering setting up local factories to boost domestic manufacturing of display components. Why does this matter? Well, the cost of display panels and open cells can make up half the price of a TV. Currently, most of these parts are imported, meaning a lot of the money from TV sales ends up outside India. But with these changes, we could see more of this cash staying in the country.   India's renewable energy sector is seeing an unusual trend—companies are trading grid connectivity, with some aiming to profit quickly. Nehal Chaliawala spoke to executives who revealed that up to 10 gigawatts of the capacity to transfer renewable energy to the grid is up for grabs, priced between Rs 15-25 lakh per megawatt. In FY24, India ramped up its renewable capacity by 18.5 gigawatts to a total of 153 gigawatts. However, the infrastructure needed to connect these new green power sources to the Inter-State Transmission System hasn't kept pace. This mismatch has opened a door for middlemen and opportunists. The sellers range from companies altering their business strategies to opportunistic entities looking to cash in. Some engineering and construction firms even secure connectivity to resell it, tying it to contracts for building renewable projects.   For more than two decades, India's domestic hockey leagues have struggled to maintain any continuity. Seven years after its last season, the Hockey India League is back with its latest stint, this time featuring both men and women. Last week's announcement comes on the heels of back-to-back bronze medal finishes over the last two Olympics. We invited Venkat Ananth to write about this year's edition, its financials, and the possible marketing plans to make hockey a widely-watched sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Goodbye zero brokerage fee apps full 669 Mint - HT Smartcast Bigger TVs get cheaper, welcome back Hockey India League Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Do you use a zero-brokerage app? That won't last too long. Soon, brokers such as Zerodha, Groww and AngelOne have to overhaul their business, as the market regulator has barred them from pocketing exchange fee waivers. It will force these brokers to raise their fees to make money. Dipti Sharma writes that these new-age brokers will now either charge a flat fee or a percentage of the order—much like their traditional counterparts. Sebi believes this will bring a balance in the market.   Agricultural employment in India is rising. A recent survey showed that 46.1 percent of Indians now work in the farm sector, as opposed to 42.5 percent before the 2020 covid-19 outbreak. The primary drivers are the lack of better-paying jobs and more participation from women. Sayantan Bera writes that this raises concerns about productivity and disguised unemployment. Meanwhile, the political pressure for more state support due to agriculture's uncertain income continues to increase. He makes sense of the survey and proposes some solutions to counter this worrying trend.   Bigger TVs are about to get cheaper! Televisions and ACs are in for a boost, thanks to some new government perks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology plans to scrap import duties on TV panel open cells, Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra report. This cut could make big-screen TVs cheaper in the country and is part of a bigger plan to crank up domestic TV production from 28 to 45 percent. The government is also looking at dropping customs duties on some TV parts and reducing the GST on local production of display panels from 28 to 18 percent. The Centre is also considering setting up local factories to boost domestic manufacturing of display components. Why does this matter? Well, the cost of display panels and open cells can make up half the price of a TV. Currently, most of these parts are imported, meaning a lot of the money from TV sales ends up outside India. But with these changes, we could see more of this cash staying in the country.   India's renewable energy sector is seeing an unusual trend—companies are trading grid connectivity, with some aiming to profit quickly. Nehal Chaliawala spoke to executives who revealed that up to 10 gigawatts of the capacity to transfer renewable energy to the grid is up for grabs, priced between Rs 15-25 lakh per megawatt. In FY24, India ramped up its renewable capacity by 18.5 gigawatts to a total of 153 gigawatts. However, the infrastructure needed to connect these new green power sources to the Inter-State Transmission System hasn't kept pace. This mismatch has opened a door for middlemen and opportunists. The sellers range from companies altering their business strategies to opportunistic entities looking to cash in. Some engineering and construction firms even secure connectivity to resell it, tying it to contracts for building renewable projects.   For more than two decades, India's domestic hockey leagues have struggled to maintain any continuity. Seven years after its last season, the Hockey India League is back with its latest stint, this time featuring both men and women. Last week's announcement comes on the heels of back-to-back bronze medal finishes over the last two Olympics. We invited Venkat Ananth to write about this year's edition, its financials, and the possible marketing plans to make hockey a widely-watched sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Do you use a zero-brokerage app? That won't last too long. Soon, brokers such as Zerodha, Groww and AngelOne have to overhaul their business, as the market regulator has barred them from pocketing exchange fee waivers. It will force these brokers to raise their fees to make money. Dipti Sharma writes that these new-age brokers will now either charge a flat fee or a percentage of the order—much like their traditional counterparts. Sebi believes this will bring a balance in the market.


 

Agricultural employment in India is rising. A recent survey showed that 46.1 percent of Indians now work in the farm sector, as opposed to 42.5 percent before the 2020 covid-19 outbreak. The primary drivers are the lack of better-paying jobs and more participation from women. Sayantan Bera writes that this raises concerns about productivity and disguised unemployment. Meanwhile, the political pressure for more state support due to agriculture's uncertain income continues to increase. He makes sense of the survey and proposes some solutions to counter this worrying trend.


 

Bigger TVs are about to get cheaper! Televisions and ACs are in for a boost, thanks to some new government perks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology plans to scrap import duties on TV panel open cells, Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra report. This cut could make big-screen TVs cheaper in the country and is part of a bigger plan to crank up domestic TV production from 28 to 45 percent. The government is also looking at dropping customs duties on some TV parts and reducing the GST on local production of display panels from 28 to 18 percent. The Centre is also considering setting up local factories to boost domestic manufacturing of display components. Why does this matter? Well, the cost of display panels and open cells can make up half the price of a TV. Currently, most of these parts are imported, meaning a lot of the money from TV sales ends up outside India. But with these changes, we could see more of this cash staying in the country.


 

India's renewable energy sector is seeing an unusual trend—companies are trading grid connectivity, with some aiming to profit quickly. Nehal Chaliawala spoke to executives who revealed that up to 10 gigawatts of the capacity to transfer renewable energy to the grid is up for grabs, priced between Rs 15-25 lakh per megawatt. In FY24, India ramped up its renewable capacity by 18.5 gigawatts to a total of 153 gigawatts. However, the infrastructure needed to connect these new green power sources to the Inter-State Transmission System hasn't kept pace. This mismatch has opened a door for middlemen and opportunists. The sellers range from companies altering their business strategies to opportunistic entities looking to cash in. Some engineering and construction firms even secure connectivity to resell it, tying it to contracts for building renewable projects.


 

For more than two decades, India's domestic hockey leagues have struggled to maintain any continuity. Seven years after its last season, the Hockey India League is back with its latest stint, this time featuring both men and women. Last week's announcement comes on the heels of back-to-back bronze medal finishes over the last two Olympics. We invited Venkat Ananth to write about this year's edition, its financials, and the possible marketing plans to make hockey a widely-watched sport.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 335 no What's in store for IT stocks? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-in-store-for-it-stocks-F2x5o0CR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Over the previous quarter, the Nifty IT index rose around 14%, while the Nifty50 increased by around half that number. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this happened after the US Federal Reserve cut its interest rates by half a percent. That spurred BFSI clients to increase their IT spending. However, this money will only be seen on the books in the quarter next year. Harsha adds that recent comments from Accenture suggest a continued focus on cost-optimisation by clients, but the overall outlook does look better than it did a few months ago.   Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is in India, aiming to patch up strained ties and get Indian tourists heading back to his country’s stunning islands. Even though overall tourist numbers in the Maldives are up by 10 per cent this year, the number of Indian visitors has plummeted. Politics and international relations have nudged Indian travellers toward other destinations, which is a real hit to the Maldives where tourism isn't just big business—it's essential, contributing about 30% directly to its GDP. Back in 2023, Indian tourists made up 12 per cent of all visitors to the Maldives, but this year, that's halved to just 6 per cent. N Madhavan explains how Muizzu is planning to mend his country’s relationship with its biggest and most important neighbour - India.    Hero Motocorp has dominated the two-wheeler sector for more than three decades. However, its former partner Honda now threatens to overtake this lead. This is the first time in years that the automative market has seen any sort of competitive action to this extent. The two companies were partners from 1984 to 2010. After their split, Hero and Honda ruled the motorcycle and scooter markets respectively. Sumant Banerji writes that both companies are making significant inroads into each other's strongholds. Sumant writes about the segment battles in detail, and outlines who is winning what — including the up and coming EV market.   India's Ministry of Law and Justice is considering updates to the Civil Procedure Code to streamline civil lawsuits and reduce court backlogs. Inspired by the effective Commercial Courts Act, the proposed reforms aim to incorporate mandatory timelines and mediation efforts to expedite legal processes. This initiative is part of broader judicial reforms, including recent revisions to major criminal laws, aimed at speeding up justice. With over 5.6 million pending civil cases, these reforms are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of India's judicial system. The goal is to modernise the CPC, established in 1908, and ensure it meets contemporary legal needs more effectively, reports Manas Pimpalkhare.   The festive season is here, and so is the season of festive foods. The joy of Hilsa, a favourite among fish enthusiasts, is marred this year by skyrocketing prices and scarce supplies. In Kolkata, the cost of a 1.5 kg Hilsa has surged by 600 rupees compared to last year, now fetching 2,000-2,200 rupees at wholesale and even more at retail. In Delhi's C.R. Park, daily arrivals have plummeted from up to four quintals in previous years to just one quintal. With Durga Puja around the corner, demand is spiking, and prices are expected to climb even higher, potentially increasing by 400-500 rupees per kg. Puja Das reports on the root of the problem, which lies in the dwindling catch—down over 70% since the 1980s—and a reduced import window from Bangladesh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What's in store for IT stocks? full 668 Mint - HT Smartcast Hero vs Honda, why Pujo might go by without any hilsa Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Over the previous quarter, the Nifty IT index rose around 14%, while the Nifty50 increased by around half that number. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this happened after the US Federal Reserve cut its interest rates by half a percent. That spurred BFSI clients to increase their IT spending. However, this money will only be seen on the books in the quarter next year. Harsha adds that recent comments from Accenture suggest a continued focus on cost-optimisation by clients, but the overall outlook does look better than it did a few months ago.   Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is in India, aiming to patch up strained ties and get Indian tourists heading back to his country’s stunning islands. Even though overall tourist numbers in the Maldives are up by 10 per cent this year, the number of Indian visitors has plummeted. Politics and international relations have nudged Indian travellers toward other destinations, which is a real hit to the Maldives where tourism isn't just big business—it's essential, contributing about 30% directly to its GDP. Back in 2023, Indian tourists made up 12 per cent of all visitors to the Maldives, but this year, that's halved to just 6 per cent. N Madhavan explains how Muizzu is planning to mend his country’s relationship with its biggest and most important neighbour - India.    Hero Motocorp has dominated the two-wheeler sector for more than three decades. However, its former partner Honda now threatens to overtake this lead. This is the first time in years that the automative market has seen any sort of competitive action to this extent. The two companies were partners from 1984 to 2010. After their split, Hero and Honda ruled the motorcycle and scooter markets respectively. Sumant Banerji writes that both companies are making significant inroads into each other's strongholds. Sumant writes about the segment battles in detail, and outlines who is winning what — including the up and coming EV market.   India's Ministry of Law and Justice is considering updates to the Civil Procedure Code to streamline civil lawsuits and reduce court backlogs. Inspired by the effective Commercial Courts Act, the proposed reforms aim to incorporate mandatory timelines and mediation efforts to expedite legal processes. This initiative is part of broader judicial reforms, including recent revisions to major criminal laws, aimed at speeding up justice. With over 5.6 million pending civil cases, these reforms are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of India's judicial system. The goal is to modernise the CPC, established in 1908, and ensure it meets contemporary legal needs more effectively, reports Manas Pimpalkhare.   The festive season is here, and so is the season of festive foods. The joy of Hilsa, a favourite among fish enthusiasts, is marred this year by skyrocketing prices and scarce supplies. In Kolkata, the cost of a 1.5 kg Hilsa has surged by 600 rupees compared to last year, now fetching 2,000-2,200 rupees at wholesale and even more at retail. In Delhi's C.R. Park, daily arrivals have plummeted from up to four quintals in previous years to just one quintal. With Durga Puja around the corner, demand is spiking, and prices are expected to climb even higher, potentially increasing by 400-500 rupees per kg. Puja Das reports on the root of the problem, which lies in the dwindling catch—down over 70% since the 1980s—and a reduced import window from Bangladesh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Over the previous quarter, the Nifty IT index rose around 14%, while the Nifty50 increased by around half that number. Harsha Jethmalani writes that this happened after the US Federal Reserve cut its interest rates by half a percent. That spurred BFSI clients to increase their IT spending. However, this money will only be seen on the books in the quarter next year. Harsha adds that recent comments from Accenture suggest a continued focus on cost-optimisation by clients, but the overall outlook does look better than it did a few months ago.


 

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is in India, aiming to patch up strained ties and get Indian tourists heading back to his country’s stunning islands. Even though overall tourist numbers in the Maldives are up by 10 per cent this year, the number of Indian visitors has plummeted. Politics and international relations have nudged Indian travellers toward other destinations, which is a real hit to the Maldives where tourism isn't just big business—it's essential, contributing about 30% directly to its GDP. Back in 2023, Indian tourists made up 12 per cent of all visitors to the Maldives, but this year, that's halved to just 6 per cent. N Madhavan explains how Muizzu is planning to mend his country’s relationship with its biggest and most important neighbour - India. 


 

Hero Motocorp has dominated the two-wheeler sector for more than three decades. However, its former partner Honda now threatens to overtake this lead. This is the first time in years that the automative market has seen any sort of competitive action to this extent. The two companies were partners from 1984 to 2010. After their split, Hero and Honda ruled the motorcycle and scooter markets respectively. Sumant Banerji writes that both companies are making significant inroads into each other's strongholds. Sumant writes about the segment battles in detail, and outlines who is winning what — including the up and coming EV market.


 

India's Ministry of Law and Justice is considering updates to the Civil Procedure Code to streamline civil lawsuits and reduce court backlogs. Inspired by the effective Commercial Courts Act, the proposed reforms aim to incorporate mandatory timelines and mediation efforts to expedite legal processes. This initiative is part of broader judicial reforms, including recent revisions to major criminal laws, aimed at speeding up justice. With over 5.6 million pending civil cases, these reforms are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of India's judicial system. The goal is to modernise the CPC, established in 1908, and ensure it meets contemporary legal needs more effectively, reports Manas Pimpalkhare.


 

The festive season is here, and so is the season of festive foods. The joy of Hilsa, a favourite among fish enthusiasts, is marred this year by skyrocketing prices and scarce supplies. In Kolkata, the cost of a 1.5 kg Hilsa has surged by 600 rupees compared to last year, now fetching 2,000-2,200 rupees at wholesale and even more at retail. In Delhi's C.R. Park, daily arrivals have plummeted from up to four quintals in previous years to just one quintal. With Durga Puja around the corner, demand is spiking, and prices are expected to climb even higher, potentially increasing by 400-500 rupees per kg. Puja Das reports on the root of the problem, which lies in the dwindling catch—down over 70% since the 1980s—and a reduced import window from Bangladesh.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 332 no How will your portfolio react to a World War 3? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-will-your-portfolio-react-to-a-world-war-3-xlHshVms Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Last week was a bit of a disaster for the markets: the Nifty fell 5% over the previous four trading sessions. This selling-heavy trend was in contrast to a bullish market from the prior week, which saw Nifty hitting a record high. Ram Sahgal writes that foreign investors sold heavily, booking profits. Meanwhile, a stimulus by the Chinese government into its economy too attracted investors. Ram analyses the current trends, and speaks to market experts on when a bounceback is expected.   As tensions in West Asia escalate, you might be worried about your portfolio. But despite historical volatility, stock markets have shown resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions. Notably, the US stock market has, on average, only dipped 5% during major events since World War II — and recovered quickly. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that the pattern is similar for Indian markets.  The NSE Nifty in India quickly rebounded after initial losses following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the tensions in Gaza. However, for India, the primary concern amid such conflicts remains the impact on oil prices. India has a significant dependence on oil imports, which are crucial to its macroeconomic stability. If any war-related tensions lead to prices of oil rising, the markets may not take to it very kindly.   India’s shipping ministry is setting new guidelines that could significantly benefit domestic shipping companies. They're proposing that international container lines operating in Indian waters reserve at least 5% of their cargo space for local operators. This initiative is designed to bolster Indian container lines and non-vessel operating common carriers  — companies that arrange shipments but don't own the vessels themselves, reports Subhash Narayan. Currently, Indian entities handle less than 1% of the nation’s trade, a figure this policy aims to increase by enhancing their access to global markets. This policy also supports the domestic shipbuilding industry and lessens India’s dependency on foreign shipping services, which often leads to high freight charges during global disruptions.   RP Sanjiv Goenka Group’s music label Saregama India is eyeing a big move into the film industry by potentially snagging a majority stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This isn't a done deal yet—sources told Lata Jha that the deal is still up in the air. This follows its acquisition of digital entertainment player Pocket Aces Pictures. Why the interest in Dharma Productions? Well, Dharma’s been feeling the heat from the unpredictable box office, pricey star fees, and shrinking revenue from traditional rights deals. These challenges are pushing it to find a financial lifeline to keep up its operations.    Indians eager to travel abroad face a mixed bag of options, with the Indian passport ranking 81st globally. It offers visa-free access to 29 countries and visa-on-arrival in 28 others. However, the rise of e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations brings both convenience and potential pitfalls. For a smoother experience, e-visas are increasingly popular among Indian tourists. These allow you to apply from home without visiting an embassy. But remember, these come with variable processing times and fees. Common pitfalls include documentation errors leading to application rejections. It's critical to ensure your application details match your documents perfectly and to apply well in advance of your travel. Read this piece by Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani if you want to streamline your international travel by using e-visas.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How will your portfolio react to a World War 3? full 667 Mint - HT Smartcast Making sense of last week's falling markets, how e-visas work Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Last week was a bit of a disaster for the markets: the Nifty fell 5% over the previous four trading sessions. This selling-heavy trend was in contrast to a bullish market from the prior week, which saw Nifty hitting a record high. Ram Sahgal writes that foreign investors sold heavily, booking profits. Meanwhile, a stimulus by the Chinese government into its economy too attracted investors. Ram analyses the current trends, and speaks to market experts on when a bounceback is expected.   As tensions in West Asia escalate, you might be worried about your portfolio. But despite historical volatility, stock markets have shown resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions. Notably, the US stock market has, on average, only dipped 5% during major events since World War II — and recovered quickly. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that the pattern is similar for Indian markets.  The NSE Nifty in India quickly rebounded after initial losses following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the tensions in Gaza. However, for India, the primary concern amid such conflicts remains the impact on oil prices. India has a significant dependence on oil imports, which are crucial to its macroeconomic stability. If any war-related tensions lead to prices of oil rising, the markets may not take to it very kindly.   India’s shipping ministry is setting new guidelines that could significantly benefit domestic shipping companies. They're proposing that international container lines operating in Indian waters reserve at least 5% of their cargo space for local operators. This initiative is designed to bolster Indian container lines and non-vessel operating common carriers  — companies that arrange shipments but don't own the vessels themselves, reports Subhash Narayan. Currently, Indian entities handle less than 1% of the nation’s trade, a figure this policy aims to increase by enhancing their access to global markets. This policy also supports the domestic shipbuilding industry and lessens India’s dependency on foreign shipping services, which often leads to high freight charges during global disruptions.   RP Sanjiv Goenka Group’s music label Saregama India is eyeing a big move into the film industry by potentially snagging a majority stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This isn't a done deal yet—sources told Lata Jha that the deal is still up in the air. This follows its acquisition of digital entertainment player Pocket Aces Pictures. Why the interest in Dharma Productions? Well, Dharma’s been feeling the heat from the unpredictable box office, pricey star fees, and shrinking revenue from traditional rights deals. These challenges are pushing it to find a financial lifeline to keep up its operations.    Indians eager to travel abroad face a mixed bag of options, with the Indian passport ranking 81st globally. It offers visa-free access to 29 countries and visa-on-arrival in 28 others. However, the rise of e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations brings both convenience and potential pitfalls. For a smoother experience, e-visas are increasingly popular among Indian tourists. These allow you to apply from home without visiting an embassy. But remember, these come with variable processing times and fees. Common pitfalls include documentation errors leading to application rejections. It's critical to ensure your application details match your documents perfectly and to apply well in advance of your travel. Read this piece by Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani if you want to streamline your international travel by using e-visas.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, October 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Last week was a bit of a disaster for the markets: the Nifty fell 5% over the previous four trading sessions. This selling-heavy trend was in contrast to a bullish market from the prior week, which saw Nifty hitting a record high. Ram Sahgal writes that foreign investors sold heavily, booking profits. Meanwhile, a stimulus by the Chinese government into its economy too attracted investors. Ram analyses the current trends, and speaks to market experts on when a bounceback is expected.


 

As tensions in West Asia escalate, you might be worried about your portfolio. But despite historical volatility, stock markets have shown resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions. Notably, the US stock market has, on average, only dipped 5% during major events since World War II — and recovered quickly. Abhishek Mukherjee writes that the pattern is similar for Indian markets.  The NSE Nifty in India quickly rebounded after initial losses following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the tensions in Gaza. However, for India, the primary concern amid such conflicts remains the impact on oil prices. India has a significant dependence on oil imports, which are crucial to its macroeconomic stability. If any war-related tensions lead to prices of oil rising, the markets may not take to it very kindly.


 

India’s shipping ministry is setting new guidelines that could significantly benefit domestic shipping companies. They're proposing that international container lines operating in Indian waters reserve at least 5% of their cargo space for local operators. This initiative is designed to bolster Indian container lines and non-vessel operating common carriers  — companies that arrange shipments but don't own the vessels themselves, reports Subhash Narayan. Currently, Indian entities handle less than 1% of the nation’s trade, a figure this policy aims to increase by enhancing their access to global markets. This policy also supports the domestic shipbuilding industry and lessens India’s dependency on foreign shipping services, which often leads to high freight charges during global disruptions.


 

RP Sanjiv Goenka Group’s music label Saregama India is eyeing a big move into the film industry by potentially snagging a majority stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This isn't a done deal yet—sources told Lata Jha that the deal is still up in the air. This follows its acquisition of digital entertainment player Pocket Aces Pictures. Why the interest in Dharma Productions? Well, Dharma’s been feeling the heat from the unpredictable box office, pricey star fees, and shrinking revenue from traditional rights deals. These challenges are pushing it to find a financial lifeline to keep up its operations. 


 

Indians eager to travel abroad face a mixed bag of options, with the Indian passport ranking 81st globally. It offers visa-free access to 29 countries and visa-on-arrival in 28 others. However, the rise of e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations brings both convenience and potential pitfalls. For a smoother experience, e-visas are increasingly popular among Indian tourists. These allow you to apply from home without visiting an embassy. But remember, these come with variable processing times and fees. Common pitfalls include documentation errors leading to application rejections. It's critical to ensure your application details match your documents perfectly and to apply well in advance of your travel. Read this piece by Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani if you want to streamline your international travel by using e-visas. 


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 339 no Bloodbath on D-street as hot money races to China https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bloodbath-on-d-street-as-hot-money-races-to-china-ItRp_mAj Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The festive season usually brings a buzz to India's stock markets, but this year it's been anything but cheerful. Over July and August, investors saw their wealth shrink by a whopping Rs 11 trillion due to a record exodus of foreign investors, a bounce in Chinese stocks, and brewing tensions in the Middle East – not to mention steep valuations of Indian stocks. Here's the kicker: all this drama synced up with the weekly Nifty expiry on Thursday, known for causing wild swings, so the Nifty and Sensex dropped more than 2%. This was the steepest in two months, driven by a record single-day sale of shares worth more than 15,000 crore rupees by foreign institutional investors. While domestic institutional investors did step up with purchases worth nearly 13,000 crore, it wasn't enough to prevent the dip. Catch Ram Sahgal’s report chronicling the bloodbath on D-street in the show notes.    Direct-to-consumer fem-tech startups are gaining traction in India. This trend is driven by increased female employment, higher disposable incomes, and savvy social media marketing. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon write that despite capturing less than 10% of the market, these startups are already worrying major players. There are obvious challenges, such as cultural stigmas and affordability, especially in rural areas. However, the sector has seen modest investments so far.    It's placement season for engineering colleges. Last year was rough, with many companies backing out as they faced financial crunches. Devina Sengupta reports this year looks much the same, unfortunately, with recruiters staying cautious. Global economic uncertainties, including wars, inflation, and the US presidential election's potential impact on offshoring policies are to blame. Devina explains how colleges are responding to this problem, and the salaries graduates can expect in such a job market.   Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has ended up as the sole candidate to pick up a majority stake in Yes Bank, after other potential buyers Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Emirates NBD backed out due to India’s strict caps on voting rights, Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar report. MUFG sees big potential in India's financial sector and has begun conducting due diligence with help from JP Morgan. The road hasn’t been smooth, though. Yes Bank has been looking for a new owner for more than six months, but India's rules limiting voting rights in private banks to 26% have turned many away. Despite the restrictions, MUFG is exploring ways to buy more than 26% of Yes Bank.  India's goods exports have grown marginally in the first five months of the fiscal year, rising only 1.1% year-on-year. The post-covid surge in goods exports appears to have subsided. But, the real story is the boom in services exports, which shot up by about 11% during the same period. In August alone, services exports jumped to $30.7 billion, inching closer to goods exports at $34.7 billion. If this trend holds, services could outpace goods exports soon, marking a major shift that’s been brewing for over two decades. Our partners at HowIndiaLives.com delve deeper into the changing landscape of Indian exports. A decade ago, services exports were just a third of India’s total exports, but this July they accounted for 47%. Since 1993, services exports have grown by an average of 14% a year, outpacing the 10.7% annual growth rate of goods exports. India is now the world’s 7th-largest services exporter, up from 24th in 2001.    Show notes: Bloodbath on D-street as hot money races to China Menstrual hygiene products are stuck in time. These startups want to change that IIT hiring: Will it be a rocky one for the batch of ‘25? MUFG: Last man standing in Yes Bank sale The silver lining in India’s exports basket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bloodbath on D-street as hot money races to China full 666 Mint - HT Smartcast MUFG is sole bidder for Yes Bank; Silver lining in India’s exports basket Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The festive season usually brings a buzz to India's stock markets, but this year it's been anything but cheerful. Over July and August, investors saw their wealth shrink by a whopping Rs 11 trillion due to a record exodus of foreign investors, a bounce in Chinese stocks, and brewing tensions in the Middle East – not to mention steep valuations of Indian stocks. Here's the kicker: all this drama synced up with the weekly Nifty expiry on Thursday, known for causing wild swings, so the Nifty and Sensex dropped more than 2%. This was the steepest in two months, driven by a record single-day sale of shares worth more than 15,000 crore rupees by foreign institutional investors. While domestic institutional investors did step up with purchases worth nearly 13,000 crore, it wasn't enough to prevent the dip. Catch Ram Sahgal’s report chronicling the bloodbath on D-street in the show notes.    Direct-to-consumer fem-tech startups are gaining traction in India. This trend is driven by increased female employment, higher disposable incomes, and savvy social media marketing. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon write that despite capturing less than 10% of the market, these startups are already worrying major players. There are obvious challenges, such as cultural stigmas and affordability, especially in rural areas. However, the sector has seen modest investments so far.    It's placement season for engineering colleges. Last year was rough, with many companies backing out as they faced financial crunches. Devina Sengupta reports this year looks much the same, unfortunately, with recruiters staying cautious. Global economic uncertainties, including wars, inflation, and the US presidential election's potential impact on offshoring policies are to blame. Devina explains how colleges are responding to this problem, and the salaries graduates can expect in such a job market.   Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has ended up as the sole candidate to pick up a majority stake in Yes Bank, after other potential buyers Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Emirates NBD backed out due to India’s strict caps on voting rights, Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar report. MUFG sees big potential in India's financial sector and has begun conducting due diligence with help from JP Morgan. The road hasn’t been smooth, though. Yes Bank has been looking for a new owner for more than six months, but India's rules limiting voting rights in private banks to 26% have turned many away. Despite the restrictions, MUFG is exploring ways to buy more than 26% of Yes Bank.  India's goods exports have grown marginally in the first five months of the fiscal year, rising only 1.1% year-on-year. The post-covid surge in goods exports appears to have subsided. But, the real story is the boom in services exports, which shot up by about 11% during the same period. In August alone, services exports jumped to $30.7 billion, inching closer to goods exports at $34.7 billion. If this trend holds, services could outpace goods exports soon, marking a major shift that’s been brewing for over two decades. Our partners at HowIndiaLives.com delve deeper into the changing landscape of Indian exports. A decade ago, services exports were just a third of India’s total exports, but this July they accounted for 47%. Since 1993, services exports have grown by an average of 14% a year, outpacing the 10.7% annual growth rate of goods exports. India is now the world’s 7th-largest services exporter, up from 24th in 2001.    Show notes: Bloodbath on D-street as hot money races to China Menstrual hygiene products are stuck in time. These startups want to change that IIT hiring: Will it be a rocky one for the batch of ‘25? MUFG: Last man standing in Yes Bank sale The silver lining in India’s exports basket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, October 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The festive season usually brings a buzz to India's stock markets, but this year it's been anything but cheerful. Over July and August, investors saw their wealth shrink by a whopping Rs 11 trillion due to a record exodus of foreign investors, a bounce in Chinese stocks, and brewing tensions in the Middle East – not to mention steep valuations of Indian stocks. Here's the kicker: all this drama synced up with the weekly Nifty expiry on Thursday, known for causing wild swings, so the Nifty and Sensex dropped more than 2%. This was the steepest in two months, driven by a record single-day sale of shares worth more than 15,000 crore rupees by foreign institutional investors. While domestic institutional investors did step up with purchases worth nearly 13,000 crore, it wasn't enough to prevent the dip. Catch Ram Sahgal’s report chronicling the bloodbath on D-street in the show notes. 


 

Direct-to-consumer fem-tech startups are gaining traction in India. This trend is driven by increased female employment, higher disposable incomes, and savvy social media marketing. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon write that despite capturing less than 10% of the market, these startups are already worrying major players. There are obvious challenges, such as cultural stigmas and affordability, especially in rural areas. However, the sector has seen modest investments so far. 


 

It's placement season for engineering colleges. Last year was rough, with many companies backing out as they faced financial crunches. Devina Sengupta reports this year looks much the same, unfortunately, with recruiters staying cautious. Global economic uncertainties, including wars, inflation, and the US presidential election's potential impact on offshoring policies are to blame. Devina explains how colleges are responding to this problem, and the salaries graduates can expect in such a job market.


 

Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has ended up as the sole candidate to pick up a majority stake in Yes Bank, after other potential buyers Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Emirates NBD backed out due to India’s strict caps on voting rights, Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar report. MUFG sees big potential in India's financial sector and has begun conducting due diligence with help from JP Morgan. The road hasn’t been smooth, though. Yes Bank has been looking for a new owner for more than six months, but India's rules limiting voting rights in private banks to 26% have turned many away. Despite the restrictions, MUFG is exploring ways to buy more than 26% of Yes Bank. 

India's goods exports have grown marginally in the first five months of the fiscal year, rising only 1.1% year-on-year. The post-covid surge in goods exports appears to have subsided. But, the real story is the boom in services exports, which shot up by about 11% during the same period. In August alone, services exports jumped to $30.7 billion, inching closer to goods exports at $34.7 billion. If this trend holds, services could outpace goods exports soon, marking a major shift that’s been brewing for over two decades. Our partners at HowIndiaLives.com delve deeper into the changing landscape of Indian exports. A decade ago, services exports were just a third of India’s total exports, but this July they accounted for 47%. Since 1993, services exports have grown by an average of 14% a year, outpacing the 10.7% annual growth rate of goods exports. India is now the world’s 7th-largest services exporter, up from 24th in 2001. 

 

Show notes:

Bloodbath on D-street as hot money races to China

Menstrual hygiene products are stuck in time. These startups want to change that

IIT hiring: Will it be a rocky one for the batch of ‘25?

MUFG: Last man standing in Yes Bank sale

The silver lining in India’s exports basket

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 336 no What’s next in the Israel-Iran conflict https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-next-in-the-israel-iran-conflict-Fa0o9OhY Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   We might be on the verge of world war three, as Iran's recent airstrikes on Israel underscore Tehran's readiness to confront any perceived threat. Shweta Singh explains why the situation could escalate, and how the US is involved in the mess. Shweta also explains the implications of this development on India, including how it could affect trade, and helps you understand the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.   In a move to slash legal costs, the Indian government is setting the stage for a new national litigation policy, targeting cases where government entities end up suing each other. With this step, the law ministry aims to curb the financial drain caused by such disputes, particularly among public sector undertakings, Dhirendra Kumar reports. The initiative targets disputes like tender disagreements between PSUs, which not only incur substantial legal costs but also burden the judiciary. With over 50 million pending cases nationwide, such disputes exacerbate the backlog and strain on the legal system. The policy aims to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary legal confrontations.    If you qualify as ultra-rich, chances are you’re tired of five-star hotels. Varuni Khosla writes that super-rich travellers are increasingly drawn to boutique resorts, which offer an intimate and luxurious experience accompanied by meals by high-profile chefs. These resorts are typically in remote locations and cater to the demand for unique and personalised vacations. Affluent millennials are spending more than 25,000 rupees a night to stay at such resorts.   Google's in a bit of a spot in India. The tech giant has decided to settle an antitrust case after the Competition Commission of India flagged its deals with smart TV makers as a no-go under the competition laws. This is a big deal because it's the first time a company is testing India's new settlement process, writes Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Introduced last year, the process could get Google a 15% reduction on the penalty. The CCI initiated the probe in 2021, based on allegations that Google violated competition laws in the Android TV market, specifically through its restrictive agreements with smart TV manufacturers. These agreements allegedly limited the manufacturers' ability to use or develop alternative Android systems. Indian IT services are gearing up for their September quarter results, with Infosys expected to lead in revenue growth among the top five firms. Analyst forecasts suggest Infosys could achieve revenue growth exceeding 3%, driven by the ramp-up of previously secured deals and the integration of the newly acquired In-tech, Jas Bardia reports. TCS is also expected to grow, though at a more modest 1.5% to 2.4%, supported by its substantial 4G network deployment deal with BSNL. As for the others, HCL Technologies could see growth of up to 1.9%, while Wipro's projections indicate a slight increase or even a minor decline in revenue. TCS will release its results on the 10th, followed by other major firms.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Iran strikes Israel: What next? Government’s new litigation policy to target costly PSU disputes Boutique resorts with celebrity chefs: For the uber-rich bored with luxury stays Google offers to settle anti-trust case in smart TV probe Infosys to lead Indian IT pack this festive season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What’s next in the Israel-Iran conflict full 665 Mint - HT Smartcast Google offers to settle antitrust case; Infosys to lead Indian IT pack this festive season Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   We might be on the verge of world war three, as Iran's recent airstrikes on Israel underscore Tehran's readiness to confront any perceived threat. Shweta Singh explains why the situation could escalate, and how the US is involved in the mess. Shweta also explains the implications of this development on India, including how it could affect trade, and helps you understand the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.   In a move to slash legal costs, the Indian government is setting the stage for a new national litigation policy, targeting cases where government entities end up suing each other. With this step, the law ministry aims to curb the financial drain caused by such disputes, particularly among public sector undertakings, Dhirendra Kumar reports. The initiative targets disputes like tender disagreements between PSUs, which not only incur substantial legal costs but also burden the judiciary. With over 50 million pending cases nationwide, such disputes exacerbate the backlog and strain on the legal system. The policy aims to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary legal confrontations.    If you qualify as ultra-rich, chances are you’re tired of five-star hotels. Varuni Khosla writes that super-rich travellers are increasingly drawn to boutique resorts, which offer an intimate and luxurious experience accompanied by meals by high-profile chefs. These resorts are typically in remote locations and cater to the demand for unique and personalised vacations. Affluent millennials are spending more than 25,000 rupees a night to stay at such resorts.   Google's in a bit of a spot in India. The tech giant has decided to settle an antitrust case after the Competition Commission of India flagged its deals with smart TV makers as a no-go under the competition laws. This is a big deal because it's the first time a company is testing India's new settlement process, writes Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Introduced last year, the process could get Google a 15% reduction on the penalty. The CCI initiated the probe in 2021, based on allegations that Google violated competition laws in the Android TV market, specifically through its restrictive agreements with smart TV manufacturers. These agreements allegedly limited the manufacturers' ability to use or develop alternative Android systems. Indian IT services are gearing up for their September quarter results, with Infosys expected to lead in revenue growth among the top five firms. Analyst forecasts suggest Infosys could achieve revenue growth exceeding 3%, driven by the ramp-up of previously secured deals and the integration of the newly acquired In-tech, Jas Bardia reports. TCS is also expected to grow, though at a more modest 1.5% to 2.4%, supported by its substantial 4G network deployment deal with BSNL. As for the others, HCL Technologies could see growth of up to 1.9%, while Wipro's projections indicate a slight increase or even a minor decline in revenue. TCS will release its results on the 10th, followed by other major firms.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Iran strikes Israel: What next? Government’s new litigation policy to target costly PSU disputes Boutique resorts with celebrity chefs: For the uber-rich bored with luxury stays Google offers to settle anti-trust case in smart TV probe Infosys to lead Indian IT pack this festive season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, October 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

We might be on the verge of world war three, as Iran's recent airstrikes on Israel underscore Tehran's readiness to confront any perceived threat. Shweta Singh explains why the situation could escalate, and how the US is involved in the mess. Shweta also explains the implications of this development on India, including how it could affect trade, and helps you understand the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.


 

In a move to slash legal costs, the Indian government is setting the stage for a new national litigation policy, targeting cases where government entities end up suing each other. With this step, the law ministry aims to curb the financial drain caused by such disputes, particularly among public sector undertakings, Dhirendra Kumar reports. The initiative targets disputes like tender disagreements between PSUs, which not only incur substantial legal costs but also burden the judiciary. With over 50 million pending cases nationwide, such disputes exacerbate the backlog and strain on the legal system. The policy aims to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary legal confrontations. 


 

If you qualify as ultra-rich, chances are you’re tired of five-star hotels. Varuni Khosla writes that super-rich travellers are increasingly drawn to boutique resorts, which offer an intimate and luxurious experience accompanied by meals by high-profile chefs. These resorts are typically in remote locations and cater to the demand for unique and personalised vacations. Affluent millennials are spending more than 25,000 rupees a night to stay at such resorts.


 

Google's in a bit of a spot in India. The tech giant has decided to settle an antitrust case after the Competition Commission of India flagged its deals with smart TV makers as a no-go under the competition laws. This is a big deal because it's the first time a company is testing India's new settlement process, writes Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Introduced last year, the process could get Google a 15% reduction on the penalty. The CCI initiated the probe in 2021, based on allegations that Google violated competition laws in the Android TV market, specifically through its restrictive agreements with smart TV manufacturers. These agreements allegedly limited the manufacturers' ability to use or develop alternative Android systems.

Indian IT services are gearing up for their September quarter results, with Infosys expected to lead in revenue growth among the top five firms. Analyst forecasts suggest Infosys could achieve revenue growth exceeding 3%, driven by the ramp-up of previously secured deals and the integration of the newly acquired In-tech, Jas Bardia reports. TCS is also expected to grow, though at a more modest 1.5% to 2.4%, supported by its substantial 4G network deployment deal with BSNL. As for the others, HCL Technologies could see growth of up to 1.9%, while Wipro's projections indicate a slight increase or even a minor decline in revenue. TCS will release its results on the 10th, followed by other major firms.



 

Show notes:


 

Mint Primer | Iran strikes Israel: What next?

Government’s new litigation policy to target costly PSU disputes

Boutique resorts with celebrity chefs: For the uber-rich bored with luxury stays

Google offers to settle anti-trust case in smart TV probe

Infosys to lead Indian IT pack this festive season

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 317 no GST: Anti-profiteering regime to end soon https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/gst-anti-profiteering-regime-to-end-soon-0_N9dYuj Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market closed the volatile trading session on a flat note on Tuesday, October 1, amid mixed global signals and uncertain economic indicators. The Nifty 50 closed the session 0.05% lower while the Sensex ended with a slight decline of 0.04%..   The Goods and Services Tax has undergone a series of amendments since it was introduced in 2017. Yesterday the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs announced yet another important change: an end to the anti-profiteering regime. This had been put in place to ensure that businesses passed on the benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that with its removal, businesses will have more freedom to set prices. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify GST compliance, Gireesh adds.   The Leela group of hotels filed papers for a 5,000 crore rupee IPO last month, reflecting a growing appetite for both luxury tourism and luxury hotel stocks. Experts told Abhinaba Saha they expect healthy demand for Leela’s IPO, the largest in the hospitality segment to date, as luxury tourism is just getting started in India. Luxury hotel chain operator Ventive Hospitality announced an IPO worth at least Rs 2,000 crore just a few weeks ago, while Juniper Hotels and Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels were listed in February.    Ever seen ads for music CDs and glass tumblers? They are all over billboards and TV sets, but you’d be hard pressed to find the actual products on sale. That’s because they’re surrogate ads for products such as alcohol. Liquor manufacturers aren't allowed to advertise their products, so resort to such tactics. However, Dhirendra Kumar reports that the Central Consumer Protection Authority is now cracking down on companies that use surrogate advertising and could fine repeat violators 50 lakh rupees.   When Ranveer Allahbadia's YouTube account – which has 17.33 million subscribers – was hacked on September 25th, it highlighted a growing concern about cybersecurity among content creators. Allahbadia's experience served as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats. Pratishtha Bagai writes about a recent Kaspersky study that revealed 20% of Indian internet users were victims of cyber threats in the first half of 2024 alone. Influencers are now increasingly using two-factor authentication (2FA) and limiting device access to their accounts. Yet, many creators rely on platform support after the fact, rather than taking proactive steps to secure their accounts. Industry experts suggest that influencers, like businesses, should seek professional cyber protection services. In India's film industry, big-budget spectacles such as Baahubali and Pathaan rake in massive sums at the box office but often see modest profits owing to high production costs. Conversely, mid-budget films have delivered impressive returns. Stree 2, which cost around ₹60 crore to make, grossed more than ₹600 crore. Such films manage to appeal to both urban and regional audiences, often without major stars, and thus have a better return on investment, writes Lata Jha. Sequels such as Gadar 2 and Stree 2 continue to attract audiences by leveraging the success of their predecessors, maintaining interest without the hefty marketing budgets that larger films typically require.    GST-related anti-profiteering regime to end in March next year, marking shift towards free pricing Leela's IPO is a bet that luxury tourism in India is just getting started Liquor makers in crosshairs over surrogate ads, CCPA calls for punitive action Are social media influencers equipped to dodge cyber attacks? The curious case of mid-budget breakout hits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0000 GST: Anti-profiteering regime to end soon full 664 Mint - HT Smartcast Is luxury tourism in India just getting started? Liquor makers in crosshairs over surrogate ads Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market closed the volatile trading session on a flat note on Tuesday, October 1, amid mixed global signals and uncertain economic indicators. The Nifty 50 closed the session 0.05% lower while the Sensex ended with a slight decline of 0.04%..   The Goods and Services Tax has undergone a series of amendments since it was introduced in 2017. Yesterday the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs announced yet another important change: an end to the anti-profiteering regime. This had been put in place to ensure that businesses passed on the benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that with its removal, businesses will have more freedom to set prices. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify GST compliance, Gireesh adds.   The Leela group of hotels filed papers for a 5,000 crore rupee IPO last month, reflecting a growing appetite for both luxury tourism and luxury hotel stocks. Experts told Abhinaba Saha they expect healthy demand for Leela’s IPO, the largest in the hospitality segment to date, as luxury tourism is just getting started in India. Luxury hotel chain operator Ventive Hospitality announced an IPO worth at least Rs 2,000 crore just a few weeks ago, while Juniper Hotels and Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels were listed in February.    Ever seen ads for music CDs and glass tumblers? They are all over billboards and TV sets, but you’d be hard pressed to find the actual products on sale. That’s because they’re surrogate ads for products such as alcohol. Liquor manufacturers aren't allowed to advertise their products, so resort to such tactics. However, Dhirendra Kumar reports that the Central Consumer Protection Authority is now cracking down on companies that use surrogate advertising and could fine repeat violators 50 lakh rupees.   When Ranveer Allahbadia's YouTube account – which has 17.33 million subscribers – was hacked on September 25th, it highlighted a growing concern about cybersecurity among content creators. Allahbadia's experience served as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats. Pratishtha Bagai writes about a recent Kaspersky study that revealed 20% of Indian internet users were victims of cyber threats in the first half of 2024 alone. Influencers are now increasingly using two-factor authentication (2FA) and limiting device access to their accounts. Yet, many creators rely on platform support after the fact, rather than taking proactive steps to secure their accounts. Industry experts suggest that influencers, like businesses, should seek professional cyber protection services. In India's film industry, big-budget spectacles such as Baahubali and Pathaan rake in massive sums at the box office but often see modest profits owing to high production costs. Conversely, mid-budget films have delivered impressive returns. Stree 2, which cost around ₹60 crore to make, grossed more than ₹600 crore. Such films manage to appeal to both urban and regional audiences, often without major stars, and thus have a better return on investment, writes Lata Jha. Sequels such as Gadar 2 and Stree 2 continue to attract audiences by leveraging the success of their predecessors, maintaining interest without the hefty marketing budgets that larger films typically require.    GST-related anti-profiteering regime to end in March next year, marking shift towards free pricing Leela's IPO is a bet that luxury tourism in India is just getting started Liquor makers in crosshairs over surrogate ads, CCPA calls for punitive action Are social media influencers equipped to dodge cyber attacks? The curious case of mid-budget breakout hits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, October 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Indian stock market closed the volatile trading session on a flat note on Tuesday, October 1, amid mixed global signals and uncertain economic indicators. The Nifty 50 closed the session 0.05% lower while the Sensex ended with a slight decline of 0.04%..


 

The Goods and Services Tax has undergone a series of amendments since it was introduced in 2017. Yesterday the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs announced yet another important change: an end to the anti-profiteering regime. This had been put in place to ensure that businesses passed on the benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that with its removal, businesses will have more freedom to set prices. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify GST compliance, Gireesh adds.


 

The Leela group of hotels filed papers for a 5,000 crore rupee IPO last month, reflecting a growing appetite for both luxury tourism and luxury hotel stocks. Experts told Abhinaba Saha they expect healthy demand for Leela’s IPO, the largest in the hospitality segment to date, as luxury tourism is just getting started in India. Luxury hotel chain operator Ventive Hospitality announced an IPO worth at least Rs 2,000 crore just a few weeks ago, while Juniper Hotels and Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels were listed in February. 


 

Ever seen ads for music CDs and glass tumblers? They are all over billboards and TV sets, but you’d be hard pressed to find the actual products on sale. That’s because they’re surrogate ads for products such as alcohol. Liquor manufacturers aren't allowed to advertise their products, so resort to such tactics. However, Dhirendra Kumar reports that the Central Consumer Protection Authority is now cracking down on companies that use surrogate advertising and could fine repeat violators 50 lakh rupees.

 

When Ranveer Allahbadia's YouTube account – which has 17.33 million subscribers – was hacked on September 25th, it highlighted a growing concern about cybersecurity among content creators. Allahbadia's experience served as a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats. Pratishtha Bagai writes about a recent Kaspersky study that revealed 20% of Indian internet users were victims of cyber threats in the first half of 2024 alone. Influencers are now increasingly using two-factor authentication (2FA) and limiting device access to their accounts. Yet, many creators rely on platform support after the fact, rather than taking proactive steps to secure their accounts. Industry experts suggest that influencers, like businesses, should seek professional cyber protection services.

In India's film industry, big-budget spectacles such as Baahubali and Pathaan rake in massive sums at the box office but often see modest profits owing to high production costs. Conversely, mid-budget films have delivered impressive returns. Stree 2, which cost around ₹60 crore to make, grossed more than ₹600 crore. Such films manage to appeal to both urban and regional audiences, often without major stars, and thus have a better return on investment, writes Lata Jha. Sequels such as Gadar 2 and Stree 2 continue to attract audiences by leveraging the success of their predecessors, maintaining interest without the hefty marketing budgets that larger films typically require. 


 

GST-related anti-profiteering regime to end in March next year, marking shift towards free pricing

Leela's IPO is a bet that luxury tourism in India is just getting started

Liquor makers in crosshairs over surrogate ads, CCPA calls for punitive action

Are social media influencers equipped to dodge cyber attacks?

The curious case of mid-budget breakout hits

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 330 no What way will Haryana vote this time? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-way-will-haryana-vote-this-time-xpXqz_bH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Nearly 300 stocks, including JSW Steel and NTPC, reached one-year highs on the BSE, despite the Sensex and Nifty 50 dropping over one per cent amid weak global cues. Last week, the government of China infused 143 billion dollars into its economy to try and revive it out of a slump. This led the Chinese public markets to experience their best week in more than 16 years. Initiatives also included a 2 trillion yuan bond, easing rules for buying homes, and revival of consumer spending. N. Madhavan explains this stimulus package, and how it might affect the Indian economy. Investors always wondered when Swiggy would list on the public markets. After its rival Zomato touched record highs this year, that intrigue turned into a fertile ground for Swiggy to have its IPO. This has also led Swiggy's shares being sold and re-sold all over at sky-high prices in the grey market. While Swiggy's current market cap is around 80 to 90,000 crore rupees, investors are hoping that this amount at least doubles to reach the vicinity of Zomato's 2.5 trillion rupee valuation. Neil Borate and Anil Poste speak to Swiggy's investors, and outline the current situation in the grey markets. Infamous Shark Tank judge and co-founder of BharatPe Ashneer Grover reached a settlement with the fintech unicorn yesterday. He officially ended all associations with the company. Mansi Verma writes that as part of the agreement, some of Grover's shares will be transferred to the Resilient Growth Trust, while the remainder will be managed by his family trust. All ongoing legal cases between the parties will be dropped. Placement teams at India's top tech schools, notably the IITs, are getting proactive. They're reaching out to potential recruiters early this year, hoping to avoid last year’s job placement struggles. Devina Sengupta however reports that companies from IT, manufacturing, and banking sectors are still on the fence about how many grads they’ll hire from the 2025 batch. The older IITs, like those in Madras, Bombay, and Delhi, typically start their placement season in December, while the newer ones begin as early as August to get a head start. Last year didn’t end well for many grads who remained unplaced due to a cautious hiring climate amid economic uncertainties. Some early recruiters like Samsung, Accenture, and Larsen & Toubro have already shown interest, and companies like Godrej Properties are looking to increase their hires from these institutes. IITs are also targeting startups and quick commerce platforms, with companies like Meesho planning to significantly increase their campus hires from last year. In Haryana, despite its economic prowess, life isn't as rosy for everyone. The state, boasting a per capita income much above the national average, hides a different reality in its villages, which make up about 65% of its population. As the state gears up for elections, this stark contrast between the prosperous urban areas like Gurgaon and the struggling rural regions like Kulana is shaping the political battleground. This year, the fight is straightforward, boiling down to a direct clash between the BJP, holding the fort for two terms, and the Congress. The real issues fueling this face-off aren't just economic stats but real-world problems affecting daily lives—agricultural distress, contentious army recruitment policies, and a heavy reliance on unreliable migrant labour. Sayantan Bera takes a deep dive into the issues, challenges, and problems faced by Haryana voters as the state goes to polls this coming Saturday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:28:31 -0000 What way will Haryana vote this time? full 663 Mint - HT Smartcast IITs prep for placement season; BharatPe settles up with co-founder Ashneer Grover Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Nearly 300 stocks, including JSW Steel and NTPC, reached one-year highs on the BSE, despite the Sensex and Nifty 50 dropping over one per cent amid weak global cues. Last week, the government of China infused 143 billion dollars into its economy to try and revive it out of a slump. This led the Chinese public markets to experience their best week in more than 16 years. Initiatives also included a 2 trillion yuan bond, easing rules for buying homes, and revival of consumer spending. N. Madhavan explains this stimulus package, and how it might affect the Indian economy. Investors always wondered when Swiggy would list on the public markets. After its rival Zomato touched record highs this year, that intrigue turned into a fertile ground for Swiggy to have its IPO. This has also led Swiggy's shares being sold and re-sold all over at sky-high prices in the grey market. While Swiggy's current market cap is around 80 to 90,000 crore rupees, investors are hoping that this amount at least doubles to reach the vicinity of Zomato's 2.5 trillion rupee valuation. Neil Borate and Anil Poste speak to Swiggy's investors, and outline the current situation in the grey markets. Infamous Shark Tank judge and co-founder of BharatPe Ashneer Grover reached a settlement with the fintech unicorn yesterday. He officially ended all associations with the company. Mansi Verma writes that as part of the agreement, some of Grover's shares will be transferred to the Resilient Growth Trust, while the remainder will be managed by his family trust. All ongoing legal cases between the parties will be dropped. Placement teams at India's top tech schools, notably the IITs, are getting proactive. They're reaching out to potential recruiters early this year, hoping to avoid last year’s job placement struggles. Devina Sengupta however reports that companies from IT, manufacturing, and banking sectors are still on the fence about how many grads they’ll hire from the 2025 batch. The older IITs, like those in Madras, Bombay, and Delhi, typically start their placement season in December, while the newer ones begin as early as August to get a head start. Last year didn’t end well for many grads who remained unplaced due to a cautious hiring climate amid economic uncertainties. Some early recruiters like Samsung, Accenture, and Larsen & Toubro have already shown interest, and companies like Godrej Properties are looking to increase their hires from these institutes. IITs are also targeting startups and quick commerce platforms, with companies like Meesho planning to significantly increase their campus hires from last year. In Haryana, despite its economic prowess, life isn't as rosy for everyone. The state, boasting a per capita income much above the national average, hides a different reality in its villages, which make up about 65% of its population. As the state gears up for elections, this stark contrast between the prosperous urban areas like Gurgaon and the struggling rural regions like Kulana is shaping the political battleground. This year, the fight is straightforward, boiling down to a direct clash between the BJP, holding the fort for two terms, and the Congress. The real issues fueling this face-off aren't just economic stats but real-world problems affecting daily lives—agricultural distress, contentious army recruitment policies, and a heavy reliance on unreliable migrant labour. Sayantan Bera takes a deep dive into the issues, challenges, and problems faced by Haryana voters as the state goes to polls this coming Saturday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, October 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Nearly 300 stocks, including JSW Steel and NTPC, reached one-year highs on the BSE, despite the Sensex and Nifty 50 dropping over one per cent amid weak global cues.

Last week, the government of China infused 143 billion dollars into its economy to try and revive it out of a slump. This led the Chinese public markets to experience their best week in more than 16 years. Initiatives also included a 2 trillion yuan bond, easing rules for buying homes, and revival of consumer spending. N. Madhavan explains this stimulus package, and how it might affect the Indian economy.

Investors always wondered when Swiggy would list on the public markets. After its rival Zomato touched record highs this year, that intrigue turned into a fertile ground for Swiggy to have its IPO. This has also led Swiggy's shares being sold and re-sold all over at sky-high prices in the grey market. While Swiggy's current market cap is around 80 to 90,000 crore rupees, investors are hoping that this amount at least doubles to reach the vicinity of Zomato's 2.5 trillion rupee valuation. Neil Borate and Anil Poste speak to Swiggy's investors, and outline the current situation in the grey markets.

Infamous Shark Tank judge and co-founder of BharatPe Ashneer Grover reached a settlement with the fintech unicorn yesterday. He officially ended all associations with the company. Mansi Verma writes that as part of the agreement, some of Grover's shares will be transferred to the Resilient Growth Trust, while the remainder will be managed by his family trust. All ongoing legal cases between the parties will be dropped.

Placement teams at India's top tech schools, notably the IITs, are getting proactive. They're reaching out to potential recruiters early this year, hoping to avoid last year’s job placement struggles. Devina Sengupta however reports that companies from IT, manufacturing, and banking sectors are still on the fence about how many grads they’ll hire from the 2025 batch. The older IITs, like those in Madras, Bombay, and Delhi, typically start their placement season in December, while the newer ones begin as early as August to get a head start. Last year didn’t end well for many grads who remained unplaced due to a cautious hiring climate amid economic uncertainties. Some early recruiters like Samsung, Accenture, and Larsen & Toubro have already shown interest, and companies like Godrej Properties are looking to increase their hires from these institutes. IITs are also targeting startups and quick commerce platforms, with companies like Meesho planning to significantly increase their campus hires from last year.

In Haryana, despite its economic prowess, life isn't as rosy for everyone. The state, boasting a per capita income much above the national average, hides a different reality in its villages, which make up about 65% of its population. As the state gears up for elections, this stark contrast between the prosperous urban areas like Gurgaon and the struggling rural regions like Kulana is shaping the political battleground. This year, the fight is straightforward, boiling down to a direct clash between the BJP, holding the fort for two terms, and the Congress. The real issues fueling this face-off aren't just economic stats but real-world problems affecting daily lives—agricultural distress, contentious army recruitment policies, and a heavy reliance on unreliable migrant labour. Sayantan Bera takes a deep dive into the issues, challenges, and problems faced by Haryana voters as the state goes to polls this coming Saturday. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 325 no Stockbrokers raise alarm against fake WhatsApp groups https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/stockbrokers-raise-alarm-against-fake-whatsapp-groups-2lJ3bKop Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.WhatsApp groups are full of people pretending to be legitimate advisors offering stock market advice. These groups promise unrealistic returns and insider information, and have caught the attention of market regulators. Stockbrokers are also raising alarms to such practices. The scams have not only duped investors, but also posed significant reputation risks to the impersonated firms. Dipti Sharma, Neha Joshi, and Shayan Ghosh bring you the details of how the authorities are fighting back to regain the public's trust. The subsidies provided by the Indian government keep dwindling. Now, the focus has shifted towards incentivising players to set up their manufacturing facilities in India. Alisha Sachdev reports that from next April, manufacturers will be required to locally source even the smallest components, otherwise known as child parts. The new phased manufacturing plan also outlines detailed processes for each component to ensure that key steps are performed domestically. Accenture's recent earnings report has sparked optimism within the 260 billion dollar Indian IT sector. Accenture has forecasted a better financial year moving head, especially in the Generative AI-related space. Shelley Singh writes that the Indian IT sector is using Accenture's report as a bellwether and hoping for better revenues moving forward. In particular, there are hopes that banking and the financial sector at large are likely to also spend more towards IT. In November 2010, then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai to invite Tamil Nadu textile entrepreneurs to set up spinning units in Gujarat. In a state where cotton was plentiful, and power was reliable, this invitation meant big savings on transport and energy. Despite his compelling argument, Tamil Nadu's textile industry, with its robust workforce and deep-rooted infrastructure, chose to stay put. Over a decade later, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu faces even greater challenges, from heavy reliance on migrant labour to increased operational costs. N Madhavan examines how this has prompted some units to consider relocation to states like Madhya Pradesh and Odisha for better proximity to labour and lower wages. Despite Tamil Nadu resolving its power issues, the textile sector's future in the state remains uncertain due to these compounded challenges. IBM and Accenture are making significant strides in the generative AI sector. IBM has reported over $2 billion in GenAI bookings and sales, with Accenture close behind at $3 billion for the fiscal year. Both companies attribute much of their success to their robust consulting services, a strategy not fully embraced by India’s top IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and HCL Technologies, which do not report their AI or consulting revenues separately. This approach isn't just about leveraging AI technology; it's integral to their business development strategies. Jas Bardia reports on how both firms are proactive in integrating AI into their client engagement processes, often starting with proof of concepts at early sales stages.   Stockbrokers raise alarm against fake WhatsApp groups India's local sourcing rules for EV subsidies to tighten  Will Accenture’s gain have a ripple effect on Indian IT?  Why texpreneurs are unable to capitalize on the shift from China & Bangladesh Lessons for Indian IT services firms as Accenture, IBM lead GenAI charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Stockbrokers raise alarm against fake WhatsApp groups full 662 Mint - HT Smartcast Will Accenture’s gain ripple into Indian IT; Inside Tamil Nadu’s changing textile industry Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.WhatsApp groups are full of people pretending to be legitimate advisors offering stock market advice. These groups promise unrealistic returns and insider information, and have caught the attention of market regulators. Stockbrokers are also raising alarms to such practices. The scams have not only duped investors, but also posed significant reputation risks to the impersonated firms. Dipti Sharma, Neha Joshi, and Shayan Ghosh bring you the details of how the authorities are fighting back to regain the public's trust. The subsidies provided by the Indian government keep dwindling. Now, the focus has shifted towards incentivising players to set up their manufacturing facilities in India. Alisha Sachdev reports that from next April, manufacturers will be required to locally source even the smallest components, otherwise known as child parts. The new phased manufacturing plan also outlines detailed processes for each component to ensure that key steps are performed domestically. Accenture's recent earnings report has sparked optimism within the 260 billion dollar Indian IT sector. Accenture has forecasted a better financial year moving head, especially in the Generative AI-related space. Shelley Singh writes that the Indian IT sector is using Accenture's report as a bellwether and hoping for better revenues moving forward. In particular, there are hopes that banking and the financial sector at large are likely to also spend more towards IT. In November 2010, then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai to invite Tamil Nadu textile entrepreneurs to set up spinning units in Gujarat. In a state where cotton was plentiful, and power was reliable, this invitation meant big savings on transport and energy. Despite his compelling argument, Tamil Nadu's textile industry, with its robust workforce and deep-rooted infrastructure, chose to stay put. Over a decade later, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu faces even greater challenges, from heavy reliance on migrant labour to increased operational costs. N Madhavan examines how this has prompted some units to consider relocation to states like Madhya Pradesh and Odisha for better proximity to labour and lower wages. Despite Tamil Nadu resolving its power issues, the textile sector's future in the state remains uncertain due to these compounded challenges. IBM and Accenture are making significant strides in the generative AI sector. IBM has reported over $2 billion in GenAI bookings and sales, with Accenture close behind at $3 billion for the fiscal year. Both companies attribute much of their success to their robust consulting services, a strategy not fully embraced by India’s top IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and HCL Technologies, which do not report their AI or consulting revenues separately. This approach isn't just about leveraging AI technology; it's integral to their business development strategies. Jas Bardia reports on how both firms are proactive in integrating AI into their client engagement processes, often starting with proof of concepts at early sales stages.   Stockbrokers raise alarm against fake WhatsApp groups India's local sourcing rules for EV subsidies to tighten  Will Accenture’s gain have a ripple effect on Indian IT?  Why texpreneurs are unable to capitalize on the shift from China & Bangladesh Lessons for Indian IT services firms as Accenture, IBM lead GenAI charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

WhatsApp groups are full of people pretending to be legitimate advisors offering stock market advice. These groups promise unrealistic returns and insider information, and have caught the attention of market regulators. Stockbrokers are also raising alarms to such practices. The scams have not only duped investors, but also posed significant reputation risks to the impersonated firms. Dipti Sharma, Neha Joshi, and Shayan Ghosh bring you the details of how the authorities are fighting back to regain the public's trust.

The subsidies provided by the Indian government keep dwindling. Now, the focus has shifted towards incentivising players to set up their manufacturing facilities in India. Alisha Sachdev reports that from next April, manufacturers will be required to locally source even the smallest components, otherwise known as child parts. The new phased manufacturing plan also outlines detailed processes for each component to ensure that key steps are performed domestically.

Accenture's recent earnings report has sparked optimism within the 260 billion dollar Indian IT sector. Accenture has forecasted a better financial year moving head, especially in the Generative AI-related space. Shelley Singh writes that the Indian IT sector is using Accenture's report as a bellwether and hoping for better revenues moving forward. In particular, there are hopes that banking and the financial sector at large are likely to also spend more towards IT.

In November 2010, then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai to invite Tamil Nadu textile entrepreneurs to set up spinning units in Gujarat. In a state where cotton was plentiful, and power was reliable, this invitation meant big savings on transport and energy. Despite his compelling argument, Tamil Nadu's textile industry, with its robust workforce and deep-rooted infrastructure, chose to stay put. Over a decade later, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu faces even greater challenges, from heavy reliance on migrant labour to increased operational costs. N Madhavan examines how this has prompted some units to consider relocation to states like Madhya Pradesh and Odisha for better proximity to labour and lower wages. Despite Tamil Nadu resolving its power issues, the textile sector's future in the state remains uncertain due to these compounded challenges.

IBM and Accenture are making significant strides in the generative AI sector. IBM has reported over $2 billion in GenAI bookings and sales, with Accenture close behind at $3 billion for the fiscal year. Both companies attribute much of their success to their robust consulting services, a strategy not fully embraced by India’s top IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and HCL Technologies, which do not report their AI or consulting revenues separately. This approach isn't just about leveraging AI technology; it's integral to their business development strategies. Jas Bardia reports on how both firms are proactive in integrating AI into their client engagement processes, often starting with proof of concepts at early sales stages.


 

Stockbrokers raise alarm against fake WhatsApp groups

India's local sourcing rules for EV subsidies to tighten 

Will Accenture’s gain have a ripple effect on Indian IT? 

Why texpreneurs are unable to capitalize on the shift from China & Bangladesh

Lessons for Indian IT services firms as Accenture, IBM lead GenAI charge

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 324 no Another telecom revolution brewing? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/another-telecom-revolution-brewing-KGYbgA0p Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Online brokerage firm Zerodha generated over ₹8,000 crore in revenue last fiscal year, with profits reaching ₹4,700 crore, according to founder Nithin Kamath. However, Kamath cautioned that the coming year might not be as bright, with a significant revenue drop on the horizon. Recent regulatory changes, aimed at protecting retail investors, are expected to hit brokerages hard. Abhinaba Saha delves into these new rules and their potential impact on both brokerages and retail investors. India's National Medical Commission (NMC), responsible for overseeing medical education, is grappling with internal conflicts among its four autonomous boards. Poor coordination has led to the cancellation of several public notices, prompting the NMC to seek intervention from the Union health ministry, sources told Mint’s Priyanka Sharma. The issue came to light when the boards issued conflicting decisions while reviewing applications from medical colleges. In one instance, a college was penalized by one board while another approved an increase in its seat capacity. This inconsistency is raising alarm, especially in the wake of recent controversies, such as the NEET exam paper leak. Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding its footprint in India, capitalizing on opportunities in both major cities and growing smaller towns. Nikhil Sharma, Radisson’s managing director for India, told Varuni Khosla that while the country has 200,000 branded hotel rooms, there's still a significant gap between supply and demand. This imbalance is driving Radisson’s aggressive growth strategy, which includes tapping into religious tourism markets with new properties in Ayodhya and Vrindavan. This move is part of a larger strategy that has already placed Radisson ahead of competitors like IHG and Hilton in India, with its 115 hotels generating around ₹4,000 crore in revenue. The group, which manages brands like Radisson Blu and Park Inn, has 80 more hotels under development as part of its broader expansion plan. The telecom department is exploring a major policy shift by potentially waiving the requirement for telcos to deposit bank guarantees for spectrum acquired before 2022. The move is part of the broader reforms in the telecom sector. Starting in 2024, companies will no longer need to provide these guarantees under the new rules. The potential waiver is backed by precedents set in 2017, when the government extended the payment period for spectrum purchases from 10 to 16 years and reduced interest on penalties. The recent wave of harassment allegations in the movie industry reveals that little has changed in Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. Lata Jha highlights that this misconduct manifests in various ways, including demands for sexual favours, unwarranted attention on and off sets, unequal pay, and inadequate facilities for women's hygiene. The Hema committee report reinforced what many in the industry already knew—widespread misbehaviour and misconduct remain pervasive. In this piece, Lata delves into the industry’s culture, the allegations, and the persistent lack of accountability within the system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Another telecom revolution brewing? full 661 Mint - HT Smartcast Brokerages' profits suffer due to Sebi's rules, film industry is confronted with its action Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Online brokerage firm Zerodha generated over ₹8,000 crore in revenue last fiscal year, with profits reaching ₹4,700 crore, according to founder Nithin Kamath. However, Kamath cautioned that the coming year might not be as bright, with a significant revenue drop on the horizon. Recent regulatory changes, aimed at protecting retail investors, are expected to hit brokerages hard. Abhinaba Saha delves into these new rules and their potential impact on both brokerages and retail investors. India's National Medical Commission (NMC), responsible for overseeing medical education, is grappling with internal conflicts among its four autonomous boards. Poor coordination has led to the cancellation of several public notices, prompting the NMC to seek intervention from the Union health ministry, sources told Mint’s Priyanka Sharma. The issue came to light when the boards issued conflicting decisions while reviewing applications from medical colleges. In one instance, a college was penalized by one board while another approved an increase in its seat capacity. This inconsistency is raising alarm, especially in the wake of recent controversies, such as the NEET exam paper leak. Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding its footprint in India, capitalizing on opportunities in both major cities and growing smaller towns. Nikhil Sharma, Radisson’s managing director for India, told Varuni Khosla that while the country has 200,000 branded hotel rooms, there's still a significant gap between supply and demand. This imbalance is driving Radisson’s aggressive growth strategy, which includes tapping into religious tourism markets with new properties in Ayodhya and Vrindavan. This move is part of a larger strategy that has already placed Radisson ahead of competitors like IHG and Hilton in India, with its 115 hotels generating around ₹4,000 crore in revenue. The group, which manages brands like Radisson Blu and Park Inn, has 80 more hotels under development as part of its broader expansion plan. The telecom department is exploring a major policy shift by potentially waiving the requirement for telcos to deposit bank guarantees for spectrum acquired before 2022. The move is part of the broader reforms in the telecom sector. Starting in 2024, companies will no longer need to provide these guarantees under the new rules. The potential waiver is backed by precedents set in 2017, when the government extended the payment period for spectrum purchases from 10 to 16 years and reduced interest on penalties. The recent wave of harassment allegations in the movie industry reveals that little has changed in Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. Lata Jha highlights that this misconduct manifests in various ways, including demands for sexual favours, unwarranted attention on and off sets, unequal pay, and inadequate facilities for women's hygiene. The Hema committee report reinforced what many in the industry already knew—widespread misbehaviour and misconduct remain pervasive. In this piece, Lata delves into the industry’s culture, the allegations, and the persistent lack of accountability within the system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Online brokerage firm Zerodha generated over ₹8,000 crore in revenue last fiscal year, with profits reaching ₹4,700 crore, according to founder Nithin Kamath. However, Kamath cautioned that the coming year might not be as bright, with a significant revenue drop on the horizon. Recent regulatory changes, aimed at protecting retail investors, are expected to hit brokerages hard. Abhinaba Saha delves into these new rules and their potential impact on both brokerages and retail investors.

India's National Medical Commission (NMC), responsible for overseeing medical education, is grappling with internal conflicts among its four autonomous boards. Poor coordination has led to the cancellation of several public notices, prompting the NMC to seek intervention from the Union health ministry, sources told Mint’s Priyanka Sharma. The issue came to light when the boards issued conflicting decisions while reviewing applications from medical colleges. In one instance, a college was penalized by one board while another approved an increase in its seat capacity. This inconsistency is raising alarm, especially in the wake of recent controversies, such as the NEET exam paper leak.

Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding its footprint in India, capitalizing on opportunities in both major cities and growing smaller towns. Nikhil Sharma, Radisson’s managing director for India, told Varuni Khosla that while the country has 200,000 branded hotel rooms, there's still a significant gap between supply and demand. This imbalance is driving Radisson’s aggressive growth strategy, which includes tapping into religious tourism markets with new properties in Ayodhya and Vrindavan. This move is part of a larger strategy that has already placed Radisson ahead of competitors like IHG and Hilton in India, with its 115 hotels generating around ₹4,000 crore in revenue. The group, which manages brands like Radisson Blu and Park Inn, has 80 more hotels under development as part of its broader expansion plan.

The telecom department is exploring a major policy shift by potentially waiving the requirement for telcos to deposit bank guarantees for spectrum acquired before 2022. The move is part of the broader reforms in the telecom sector. Starting in 2024, companies will no longer need to provide these guarantees under the new rules. The potential waiver is backed by precedents set in 2017, when the government extended the payment period for spectrum purchases from 10 to 16 years and reduced interest on penalties.

The recent wave of harassment allegations in the movie industry reveals that little has changed in Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam cinema. Lata Jha highlights that this misconduct manifests in various ways, including demands for sexual favours, unwarranted attention on and off sets, unequal pay, and inadequate facilities for women's hygiene. The Hema committee report reinforced what many in the industry already knew—widespread misbehaviour and misconduct remain pervasive. In this piece, Lata delves into the industry’s culture, the allegations, and the persistent lack of accountability within the system.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 313 no How much will it cost to watch Coldplay in Abu Dhabi? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-will-it-cost-to-watch-coldplay-in-abu-dhabi-pXWalPxu Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Were you one of the thousands of Coldplay fans stuck to their screens, trying to score a ticket? The rush for Coldplay tickets turned intense on September 22, with 13 million fans chasing just 150,000 spots for their Navi Mumbai concert next January. The original ticket price was 6,450 rupees, but now resellers are listing them for upwards of 36,000 rupees! Given the high resale prices, some fans are thinking outside the box by considering a trip to Abu Dhabi for Coldplay's January 11 concert, where tickets start at a more reasonable ₹4,411. After crunching the numbers, Sashind Ningthoukjam writes that flying to Abu Dhabi could end up cheaper than snagging a resale ticket for the Navi Mumbai show. A round trip from Mumbai, a couple of nights’ stay, and a short-term visa totals about ₹30,000. That's a savings tip and a mini-vacation rolled into one for die-hard Coldplay enthusiasts! India is setting its sights on becoming a major global maritime player by 2047. It currently holds less than 1% of the global market share in shipping. Spearheaded by Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal, the government’s new strategy aims to revolutionize maritime activities through twelve targeted missions. These include enhancing shipbuilding, reducing dependency on foreign vessels, and launching a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to fuel these ambitions, Subhash Narayan reports. On top of boosting local shipbuilding and repair capacities, India is also stepping up its game in maritime arbitration with the new Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre, aligning with the "Resolve in India" mantra. Mahindra & Mahindra and the Volkswagen Group are in advanced talks to intensify their partnership. The two companies are aiming to leverage shared investments in future technologies rather than engaging in cash transactions. Sources told Alisha Sachdev that Mahindra might make significant investments in platforms and technologies to acquire a sizeable stake in Volkswagen's India operations, with a formal agreement potentially being finalized by early 2024. The focus of this collaboration is on utilizing Volkswagen's underutilized Pune plant, which has a substantial expansion capacity.  After a long and successful run, home sales and project launches have gone tepid. All eyes are now on the coming festive season, which is traditionally considered as the best-performing period for the property sector. This could revive the momentum in sales and launches. Madhurima Nandy explains what's at stake for the real estate market this Diwali season. After a huge rise in the disbursal of small-ticket loans, borrowers are defaulting. The volume of credit card dues where repayments are delayed by over 90 days has increased 17 basis points year-on-year, reports Shayan Ghosh. Analysts said this might be happening because a section of borrowers are exhausting their credit limits but are unable to repay. We hope you’re up to date with your outstanding bills! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How much will it cost to watch Coldplay in Abu Dhabi? full 660 Mint - HT Smartcast What’s at stake for India’s real estate sector? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Were you one of the thousands of Coldplay fans stuck to their screens, trying to score a ticket? The rush for Coldplay tickets turned intense on September 22, with 13 million fans chasing just 150,000 spots for their Navi Mumbai concert next January. The original ticket price was 6,450 rupees, but now resellers are listing them for upwards of 36,000 rupees! Given the high resale prices, some fans are thinking outside the box by considering a trip to Abu Dhabi for Coldplay's January 11 concert, where tickets start at a more reasonable ₹4,411. After crunching the numbers, Sashind Ningthoukjam writes that flying to Abu Dhabi could end up cheaper than snagging a resale ticket for the Navi Mumbai show. A round trip from Mumbai, a couple of nights’ stay, and a short-term visa totals about ₹30,000. That's a savings tip and a mini-vacation rolled into one for die-hard Coldplay enthusiasts! India is setting its sights on becoming a major global maritime player by 2047. It currently holds less than 1% of the global market share in shipping. Spearheaded by Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal, the government’s new strategy aims to revolutionize maritime activities through twelve targeted missions. These include enhancing shipbuilding, reducing dependency on foreign vessels, and launching a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to fuel these ambitions, Subhash Narayan reports. On top of boosting local shipbuilding and repair capacities, India is also stepping up its game in maritime arbitration with the new Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre, aligning with the "Resolve in India" mantra. Mahindra & Mahindra and the Volkswagen Group are in advanced talks to intensify their partnership. The two companies are aiming to leverage shared investments in future technologies rather than engaging in cash transactions. Sources told Alisha Sachdev that Mahindra might make significant investments in platforms and technologies to acquire a sizeable stake in Volkswagen's India operations, with a formal agreement potentially being finalized by early 2024. The focus of this collaboration is on utilizing Volkswagen's underutilized Pune plant, which has a substantial expansion capacity.  After a long and successful run, home sales and project launches have gone tepid. All eyes are now on the coming festive season, which is traditionally considered as the best-performing period for the property sector. This could revive the momentum in sales and launches. Madhurima Nandy explains what's at stake for the real estate market this Diwali season. After a huge rise in the disbursal of small-ticket loans, borrowers are defaulting. The volume of credit card dues where repayments are delayed by over 90 days has increased 17 basis points year-on-year, reports Shayan Ghosh. Analysts said this might be happening because a section of borrowers are exhausting their credit limits but are unable to repay. We hope you’re up to date with your outstanding bills! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Were you one of the thousands of Coldplay fans stuck to their screens, trying to score a ticket? The rush for Coldplay tickets turned intense on September 22, with 13 million fans chasing just 150,000 spots for their Navi Mumbai concert next January. The original ticket price was 6,450 rupees, but now resellers are listing them for upwards of 36,000 rupees! Given the high resale prices, some fans are thinking outside the box by considering a trip to Abu Dhabi for Coldplay's January 11 concert, where tickets start at a more reasonable ₹4,411. After crunching the numbers, Sashind Ningthoukjam writes that flying to Abu Dhabi could end up cheaper than snagging a resale ticket for the Navi Mumbai show. A round trip from Mumbai, a couple of nights’ stay, and a short-term visa totals about ₹30,000. That's a savings tip and a mini-vacation rolled into one for die-hard Coldplay enthusiasts!

India is setting its sights on becoming a major global maritime player by 2047. It currently holds less than 1% of the global market share in shipping. Spearheaded by Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal, the government’s new strategy aims to revolutionize maritime activities through twelve targeted missions. These include enhancing shipbuilding, reducing dependency on foreign vessels, and launching a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to fuel these ambitions, Subhash Narayan reports. On top of boosting local shipbuilding and repair capacities, India is also stepping up its game in maritime arbitration with the new Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre, aligning with the "Resolve in India" mantra.

Mahindra & Mahindra and the Volkswagen Group are in advanced talks to intensify their partnership. The two companies are aiming to leverage shared investments in future technologies rather than engaging in cash transactions. Sources told Alisha Sachdev that Mahindra might make significant investments in platforms and technologies to acquire a sizeable stake in Volkswagen's India operations, with a formal agreement potentially being finalized by early 2024. The focus of this collaboration is on utilizing Volkswagen's underutilized Pune plant, which has a substantial expansion capacity. 

After a long and successful run, home sales and project launches have gone tepid. All eyes are now on the coming festive season, which is traditionally considered as the best-performing period for the property sector. This could revive the momentum in sales and launches. Madhurima Nandy explains what's at stake for the real estate market this Diwali season.

After a huge rise in the disbursal of small-ticket loans, borrowers are defaulting. The volume of credit card dues where repayments are delayed by over 90 days has increased 17 basis points year-on-year, reports Shayan Ghosh. Analysts said this might be happening because a section of borrowers are exhausting their credit limits but are unable to repay. We hope you’re up to date with your outstanding bills!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 299 no Why does LTIMindtree continue to struggle? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-does-ltimindtree-continue-to-struggle-XkzAji4Y Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Anura Dissanayake became Sri Lanka's new president this week. Leading a socialist alliance, he won on the back of an anti-corruption campaign. We invited Shweta Singh, an associate professor in the department of international relations at the South Asian University, to explain the implication of his win. A massive focus on economic reforms is expected to be Dissanayake's first move as president. Shweta also explains the ramifications of the election result on relations between India and Sri Lanka, as well as China's growing influence in India’s southern neighbour. Boutique investment banks are expanding their roles in the startup ecosystem by not only advising on fundraising but also investing directly. Sprout Capital, Merisis Advisors, and Dexter Ventures have established micro-venture capital funds to tap into diverse revenue streams and capitalize on the potential of various stages of startup growth. These banks are particularly interested in unique investment opportunities, such as buying secondary blocks from ESOP holders and early angel investors looking for liquidity, Priyamvada C reports for Mint. This approach provides a solution for founders who want to avoid wealth firms//what’s that?// but need to create liquidity. For instance, IndigoEdge is setting up a $40-50 million fund to invest in late-stage startups, focusing on small, less attractive investment blocks that do not interest larger investors. India is ramping up its aviation game by planning 29 new airports in small towns over the next two decades, aiming to transform these areas into aviation hubs. The plan, spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India, targets states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with Gujarat getting the lion's share—nine airports. Mihir Mishra reports on the move, which is part of a broader initiative that includes a five-year strategy to upgrade 50 existing airports and develop additional ones in major cities to handle growing passenger numbers. These future airports, geared to accommodate large aircraft, are part of an effort to ensure long-term growth and connectivity, especially to international destinations. While the ambitious plan promises to enhance regional air travel and boost economies, experts advise that these expansions be driven by genuine passenger demand rather than political agendas. Foreign streaming giants are treading cautiously in India, a market notorious for its tough competition and price sensitivity. Companies like Warner Bros have delayed launching their own apps, opting instead to license content to local platforms like JioCinema. Similarly, Apple has partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer Apple TV+ without creating local originals. The hesitation stems from modest ad and subscription revenues, driven by the niche appeal of their content. Experts who spoke to Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent, Lata Jha, suggest that to win in India, global streamers must tailor their strategies to align with the unique preferences of Indian viewers, such as offering affordable subscription plans and ad-supported models. It's been two years since Larsen and Toubro and Mindtree had their giant merger to create a new IT company. However, till today, the cultural differences between the two entities have not subsided: some 20-odd senior leaders have quit. Over the last two years, LTIMindtree has only been able to record 700 million dollars worth of revenue. Shelley Singh writes about how the falling profits are emblematic of the lack of successes in India's IT sector, outlined by LTIMindtree's merger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Sep 2024 01:42:17 -0000 Why does LTIMindtree continue to struggle? full 659 Mint - HT Smartcast Sri Lanka's new president, new airports across India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Anura Dissanayake became Sri Lanka's new president this week. Leading a socialist alliance, he won on the back of an anti-corruption campaign. We invited Shweta Singh, an associate professor in the department of international relations at the South Asian University, to explain the implication of his win. A massive focus on economic reforms is expected to be Dissanayake's first move as president. Shweta also explains the ramifications of the election result on relations between India and Sri Lanka, as well as China's growing influence in India’s southern neighbour. Boutique investment banks are expanding their roles in the startup ecosystem by not only advising on fundraising but also investing directly. Sprout Capital, Merisis Advisors, and Dexter Ventures have established micro-venture capital funds to tap into diverse revenue streams and capitalize on the potential of various stages of startup growth. These banks are particularly interested in unique investment opportunities, such as buying secondary blocks from ESOP holders and early angel investors looking for liquidity, Priyamvada C reports for Mint. This approach provides a solution for founders who want to avoid wealth firms//what’s that?// but need to create liquidity. For instance, IndigoEdge is setting up a $40-50 million fund to invest in late-stage startups, focusing on small, less attractive investment blocks that do not interest larger investors. India is ramping up its aviation game by planning 29 new airports in small towns over the next two decades, aiming to transform these areas into aviation hubs. The plan, spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India, targets states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with Gujarat getting the lion's share—nine airports. Mihir Mishra reports on the move, which is part of a broader initiative that includes a five-year strategy to upgrade 50 existing airports and develop additional ones in major cities to handle growing passenger numbers. These future airports, geared to accommodate large aircraft, are part of an effort to ensure long-term growth and connectivity, especially to international destinations. While the ambitious plan promises to enhance regional air travel and boost economies, experts advise that these expansions be driven by genuine passenger demand rather than political agendas. Foreign streaming giants are treading cautiously in India, a market notorious for its tough competition and price sensitivity. Companies like Warner Bros have delayed launching their own apps, opting instead to license content to local platforms like JioCinema. Similarly, Apple has partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer Apple TV+ without creating local originals. The hesitation stems from modest ad and subscription revenues, driven by the niche appeal of their content. Experts who spoke to Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent, Lata Jha, suggest that to win in India, global streamers must tailor their strategies to align with the unique preferences of Indian viewers, such as offering affordable subscription plans and ad-supported models. It's been two years since Larsen and Toubro and Mindtree had their giant merger to create a new IT company. However, till today, the cultural differences between the two entities have not subsided: some 20-odd senior leaders have quit. Over the last two years, LTIMindtree has only been able to record 700 million dollars worth of revenue. Shelley Singh writes about how the falling profits are emblematic of the lack of successes in India's IT sector, outlined by LTIMindtree's merger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Anura Dissanayake became Sri Lanka's new president this week. Leading a socialist alliance, he won on the back of an anti-corruption campaign. We invited Shweta Singh, an associate professor in the department of international relations at the South Asian University, to explain the implication of his win. A massive focus on economic reforms is expected to be Dissanayake's first move as president. Shweta also explains the ramifications of the election result on relations between India and Sri Lanka, as well as China's growing influence in India’s southern neighbour.

Boutique investment banks are expanding their roles in the startup ecosystem by not only advising on fundraising but also investing directly. Sprout Capital, Merisis Advisors, and Dexter Ventures have established micro-venture capital funds to tap into diverse revenue streams and capitalize on the potential of various stages of startup growth. These banks are particularly interested in unique investment opportunities, such as buying secondary blocks from ESOP holders and early angel investors looking for liquidity, Priyamvada C reports for Mint. This approach provides a solution for founders who want to avoid wealth firms//what’s that?// but need to create liquidity. For instance, IndigoEdge is setting up a $40-50 million fund to invest in late-stage startups, focusing on small, less attractive investment blocks that do not interest larger investors.

India is ramping up its aviation game by planning 29 new airports in small towns over the next two decades, aiming to transform these areas into aviation hubs. The plan, spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India, targets states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with Gujarat getting the lion's share—nine airports. Mihir Mishra reports on the move, which is part of a broader initiative that includes a five-year strategy to upgrade 50 existing airports and develop additional ones in major cities to handle growing passenger numbers. These future airports, geared to accommodate large aircraft, are part of an effort to ensure long-term growth and connectivity, especially to international destinations. While the ambitious plan promises to enhance regional air travel and boost economies, experts advise that these expansions be driven by genuine passenger demand rather than political agendas.

Foreign streaming giants are treading cautiously in India, a market notorious for its tough competition and price sensitivity. Companies like Warner Bros have delayed launching their own apps, opting instead to license content to local platforms like JioCinema. Similarly, Apple has partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer Apple TV+ without creating local originals. The hesitation stems from modest ad and subscription revenues, driven by the niche appeal of their content. Experts who spoke to Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent, Lata Jha, suggest that to win in India, global streamers must tailor their strategies to align with the unique preferences of Indian viewers, such as offering affordable subscription plans and ad-supported models.

It's been two years since Larsen and Toubro and Mindtree had their giant merger to create a new IT company. However, till today, the cultural differences between the two entities have not subsided: some 20-odd senior leaders have quit. Over the last two years, LTIMindtree has only been able to record 700 million dollars worth of revenue. Shelley Singh writes about how the falling profits are emblematic of the lack of successes in India's IT sector, outlined by LTIMindtree's merger.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 344 no Cheaper diamonds are here https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cheaper-diamonds-are-here-iT96oBJ6 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Banks are finding creative ways to attract new customers amid a deposit crunch. Smaller banks in particular are spicing up their offerings to stand out. They're partnering with fintechs and rolling out products such as standalone fixed deposits and secured loan-linked deposits. Anshika Kayastha reports on how this shift is helping banks compete with mutual funds and insurance options which have been drawing in more household savings. Banks are also teaming up with platforms such as PhonePe and Mobikwik to offer FDs without the need for a bank account, aiming to make banking as convenient as online shopping.  As the festive season approaches, online sellers of refurbished electronics such as smartphones and laptops are gearing up for a sales boost. ReFit Global and Cashify, leaders in the refurbished market, are expecting significant increases in sales figures during the festive months, which is traditionally a high point for electronics purchases. Despite the availability of newer devices at competitive prices, refurbished models continue to attract consumers looking for cost-effective alternatives, reports Sowmya Ramasubramanian. These are particularly popular in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where budget-conscious consumers can access premium brands at reduced prices. Moreover, the convenience of monthly payment options and the increased presence of these products on major e-commerce platforms enhance their appeal.   Speaking of smartphones, let's talk about Samsung. A workers' union is protesting against low wages at the company's plant in Chennai. Talks with Samsung’s management have not progressed and the protests are in their third week. Sumant Banerji and N Madhavan teamed up to bring you an on-ground report of this stalemate. The workers have three main demands: recognising the labour union, increasing wages and improving working conditions. For now, Samsung has hired contractual workers to ensure that its production isn't halted for too long. But who will blink first? The union doesn't seem like it will budge, while Samsung has faced a slew of issues that has reduced its market share.   JSW Group is moving its massive 40,000 crore rupee EV and battery project from Odisha to Maharashtra, chasing political stability and new opportunities. Initially planned for Cuttack and Paradip, they're now eyeing Aurangabad and Nagpur, Alisha Sachdev reports. This switch follows Maharashtra's welcoming of big-ticket projects such as JSW Energy's 25,000 crore rupee lithium battery venture in Nagpur and a 27,200 crore rupee electric vehicle plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. This isn't the first time a big name has shifted a plant because of regional politics—remember Tata’s Nano move to Gujarat in 2008? Similarly, JSW’s pivot aligns with its strategy to enhance supply chains and secure a stable setup.   If you've been in the market for diamonds in the past couple of years, you may have been tempted to buy lab-grown ones, which are nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that as the festive season approaches, customers are likely to find great deals as the diamond market is seeing a massive correction in prices. Real diamonds are about 20 percent cheaper, while lab-grown diamonds have seen a whopping 100 percent drop in prices. This is also an important development for India, as roughly 90 percent of the world's diamonds are polished here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Cheaper diamonds are here full 658 Mint - HT Smartcast How banks are solving the deposit crisis, Samsung's India woes Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Banks are finding creative ways to attract new customers amid a deposit crunch. Smaller banks in particular are spicing up their offerings to stand out. They're partnering with fintechs and rolling out products such as standalone fixed deposits and secured loan-linked deposits. Anshika Kayastha reports on how this shift is helping banks compete with mutual funds and insurance options which have been drawing in more household savings. Banks are also teaming up with platforms such as PhonePe and Mobikwik to offer FDs without the need for a bank account, aiming to make banking as convenient as online shopping.  As the festive season approaches, online sellers of refurbished electronics such as smartphones and laptops are gearing up for a sales boost. ReFit Global and Cashify, leaders in the refurbished market, are expecting significant increases in sales figures during the festive months, which is traditionally a high point for electronics purchases. Despite the availability of newer devices at competitive prices, refurbished models continue to attract consumers looking for cost-effective alternatives, reports Sowmya Ramasubramanian. These are particularly popular in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where budget-conscious consumers can access premium brands at reduced prices. Moreover, the convenience of monthly payment options and the increased presence of these products on major e-commerce platforms enhance their appeal.   Speaking of smartphones, let's talk about Samsung. A workers' union is protesting against low wages at the company's plant in Chennai. Talks with Samsung’s management have not progressed and the protests are in their third week. Sumant Banerji and N Madhavan teamed up to bring you an on-ground report of this stalemate. The workers have three main demands: recognising the labour union, increasing wages and improving working conditions. For now, Samsung has hired contractual workers to ensure that its production isn't halted for too long. But who will blink first? The union doesn't seem like it will budge, while Samsung has faced a slew of issues that has reduced its market share.   JSW Group is moving its massive 40,000 crore rupee EV and battery project from Odisha to Maharashtra, chasing political stability and new opportunities. Initially planned for Cuttack and Paradip, they're now eyeing Aurangabad and Nagpur, Alisha Sachdev reports. This switch follows Maharashtra's welcoming of big-ticket projects such as JSW Energy's 25,000 crore rupee lithium battery venture in Nagpur and a 27,200 crore rupee electric vehicle plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. This isn't the first time a big name has shifted a plant because of regional politics—remember Tata’s Nano move to Gujarat in 2008? Similarly, JSW’s pivot aligns with its strategy to enhance supply chains and secure a stable setup.   If you've been in the market for diamonds in the past couple of years, you may have been tempted to buy lab-grown ones, which are nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that as the festive season approaches, customers are likely to find great deals as the diamond market is seeing a massive correction in prices. Real diamonds are about 20 percent cheaper, while lab-grown diamonds have seen a whopping 100 percent drop in prices. This is also an important development for India, as roughly 90 percent of the world's diamonds are polished here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Banks are finding creative ways to attract new customers amid a deposit crunch. Smaller banks in particular are spicing up their offerings to stand out. They're partnering with fintechs and rolling out products such as standalone fixed deposits and secured loan-linked deposits. Anshika Kayastha reports on how this shift is helping banks compete with mutual funds and insurance options which have been drawing in more household savings. Banks are also teaming up with platforms such as PhonePe and Mobikwik to offer FDs without the need for a bank account, aiming to make banking as convenient as online shopping. 

As the festive season approaches, online sellers of refurbished electronics such as smartphones and laptops are gearing up for a sales boost. ReFit Global and Cashify, leaders in the refurbished market, are expecting significant increases in sales figures during the festive months, which is traditionally a high point for electronics purchases. Despite the availability of newer devices at competitive prices, refurbished models continue to attract consumers looking for cost-effective alternatives, reports Sowmya Ramasubramanian. These are particularly popular in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where budget-conscious consumers can access premium brands at reduced prices. Moreover, the convenience of monthly payment options and the increased presence of these products on major e-commerce platforms enhance their appeal.


 

Speaking of smartphones, let's talk about Samsung. A workers' union is protesting against low wages at the company's plant in Chennai. Talks with Samsung’s management have not progressed and the protests are in their third week. Sumant Banerji and N Madhavan teamed up to bring you an on-ground report of this stalemate. The workers have three main demands: recognising the labour union, increasing wages and improving working conditions. For now, Samsung has hired contractual workers to ensure that its production isn't halted for too long. But who will blink first? The union doesn't seem like it will budge, while Samsung has faced a slew of issues that has reduced its market share.


 

JSW Group is moving its massive 40,000 crore rupee EV and battery project from Odisha to Maharashtra, chasing political stability and new opportunities. Initially planned for Cuttack and Paradip, they're now eyeing Aurangabad and Nagpur, Alisha Sachdev reports. This switch follows Maharashtra's welcoming of big-ticket projects such as JSW Energy's 25,000 crore rupee lithium battery venture in Nagpur and a 27,200 crore rupee electric vehicle plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. This isn't the first time a big name has shifted a plant because of regional politics—remember Tata’s Nano move to Gujarat in 2008? Similarly, JSW’s pivot aligns with its strategy to enhance supply chains and secure a stable setup.


 

If you've been in the market for diamonds in the past couple of years, you may have been tempted to buy lab-grown ones, which are nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that as the festive season approaches, customers are likely to find great deals as the diamond market is seeing a massive correction in prices. Real diamonds are about 20 percent cheaper, while lab-grown diamonds have seen a whopping 100 percent drop in prices. This is also an important development for India, as roughly 90 percent of the world's diamonds are polished here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 324 no Time to work from Dubai? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/time-to-work-from-dubai-PMa_0ZeT Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Aswath Damodaran is known as the "dean of valuation". In a free-wheeling conversation with Abhishek Mukherjee, Damodaran talks about how he assesses companies — especially family-run ones, as well as the current dynamics of the Indian stock market, and how to read the corporate life cycle. Retail investors should not miss out on his answers about Zomato's stock price valuation, which is up more than 130 percent year to date. The Competition Commission of India is nearing the end of its four-year antitrust investigation into Amazon and Flipkart. They've been asked to hand over financials which could determine hefty fines based on global sales if found guilty of anti-competitive practices like favoring certain sellers and pushing aggressive discounts. This move comes as the CCI looks to ensure fair play in India’s rapidly growing digital market. With the law now requiring a thorough hearing before a final decision, all parties involved will get a chance to present their case, making sure the process is transparent and just. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the antitrust body’s push for a level playing field where small businesses can compete fairly against the big e-commerce platforms. Brands are tweaking their influencer strategies to maximize their marketing spend. The growth in influencer marketing in India is strong, but figuring out the actual return on investment is tricky. Pratishtha Bagai reports on how new-age companies are cutting down on influencer marketing budgets. For instance, beauty brand Plum slashed its influencer budget to half after seeing the real numbers. Similarly, Libas, an ethnic wear brand, is honing in on affiliate links and coupon codes to directly track sales from specific influencers, paying them based on performance. Smaller brands are also eyeing nano influencers—those with fewer than 10,000 followers—since they engage more and cost less, despite not always getting the spotlight from big agencies. Some brands even bypass agencies altogether, managing influencer relations themselves to ensure a better fit and efficiency. Netflix and other streaming platforms are on edge after a recent controversy over a Netflix series prompted calls for stricter content regulation. Already cautious under the 2021 IT Rules, these platforms are worried that the outcry might lead to tighter controls. A senior streaming executive told Lata Jha that companies are closely monitoring social media reactions to avoid potential legal battles. The fear is that any new regulatory body could slow content approval processes, akin to the current film censorship board, stifling creative expression. This anxiety comes as streaming services see stagnating subscription growth in India, despite a broad viewer base. Controversies not only threaten to derail individual shows but could tarnish the entire industry's image.  Ever since Covid, an ever-growing number of Indian professionals have moved to Dubai to work. The Gulf city offers a year-long working visa for Indians. Moreover, you can avail of facilities like banking and housing rather seamlessly. The catch? You need to earn a minimum of 3,500 us dollars a month, roughly 3 lakh rupees. You would also need adequate health insurance with coverage in the entirety of UAE. Jash Kriplani brings you the details of such a move, which would still make you liable to pay taxes in India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Time to work from Dubai? full 657 Mint - HT Smartcast How Damodaran values a corporate life cycle Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Aswath Damodaran is known as the "dean of valuation". In a free-wheeling conversation with Abhishek Mukherjee, Damodaran talks about how he assesses companies — especially family-run ones, as well as the current dynamics of the Indian stock market, and how to read the corporate life cycle. Retail investors should not miss out on his answers about Zomato's stock price valuation, which is up more than 130 percent year to date. The Competition Commission of India is nearing the end of its four-year antitrust investigation into Amazon and Flipkart. They've been asked to hand over financials which could determine hefty fines based on global sales if found guilty of anti-competitive practices like favoring certain sellers and pushing aggressive discounts. This move comes as the CCI looks to ensure fair play in India’s rapidly growing digital market. With the law now requiring a thorough hearing before a final decision, all parties involved will get a chance to present their case, making sure the process is transparent and just. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the antitrust body’s push for a level playing field where small businesses can compete fairly against the big e-commerce platforms. Brands are tweaking their influencer strategies to maximize their marketing spend. The growth in influencer marketing in India is strong, but figuring out the actual return on investment is tricky. Pratishtha Bagai reports on how new-age companies are cutting down on influencer marketing budgets. For instance, beauty brand Plum slashed its influencer budget to half after seeing the real numbers. Similarly, Libas, an ethnic wear brand, is honing in on affiliate links and coupon codes to directly track sales from specific influencers, paying them based on performance. Smaller brands are also eyeing nano influencers—those with fewer than 10,000 followers—since they engage more and cost less, despite not always getting the spotlight from big agencies. Some brands even bypass agencies altogether, managing influencer relations themselves to ensure a better fit and efficiency. Netflix and other streaming platforms are on edge after a recent controversy over a Netflix series prompted calls for stricter content regulation. Already cautious under the 2021 IT Rules, these platforms are worried that the outcry might lead to tighter controls. A senior streaming executive told Lata Jha that companies are closely monitoring social media reactions to avoid potential legal battles. The fear is that any new regulatory body could slow content approval processes, akin to the current film censorship board, stifling creative expression. This anxiety comes as streaming services see stagnating subscription growth in India, despite a broad viewer base. Controversies not only threaten to derail individual shows but could tarnish the entire industry's image.  Ever since Covid, an ever-growing number of Indian professionals have moved to Dubai to work. The Gulf city offers a year-long working visa for Indians. Moreover, you can avail of facilities like banking and housing rather seamlessly. The catch? You need to earn a minimum of 3,500 us dollars a month, roughly 3 lakh rupees. You would also need adequate health insurance with coverage in the entirety of UAE. Jash Kriplani brings you the details of such a move, which would still make you liable to pay taxes in India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Aswath Damodaran is known as the "dean of valuation". In a free-wheeling conversation with Abhishek Mukherjee, Damodaran talks about how he assesses companies — especially family-run ones, as well as the current dynamics of the Indian stock market, and how to read the corporate life cycle. Retail investors should not miss out on his answers about Zomato's stock price valuation, which is up more than 130 percent year to date.

The Competition Commission of India is nearing the end of its four-year antitrust investigation into Amazon and Flipkart. They've been asked to hand over financials which could determine hefty fines based on global sales if found guilty of anti-competitive practices like favoring certain sellers and pushing aggressive discounts. This move comes as the CCI looks to ensure fair play in India’s rapidly growing digital market. With the law now requiring a thorough hearing before a final decision, all parties involved will get a chance to present their case, making sure the process is transparent and just. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the antitrust body’s push for a level playing field where small businesses can compete fairly against the big e-commerce platforms.

Brands are tweaking their influencer strategies to maximize their marketing spend. The growth in influencer marketing in India is strong, but figuring out the actual return on investment is tricky. Pratishtha Bagai reports on how new-age companies are cutting down on influencer marketing budgets. For instance, beauty brand Plum slashed its influencer budget to half after seeing the real numbers. Similarly, Libas, an ethnic wear brand, is honing in on affiliate links and coupon codes to directly track sales from specific influencers, paying them based on performance. Smaller brands are also eyeing nano influencers—those with fewer than 10,000 followers—since they engage more and cost less, despite not always getting the spotlight from big agencies. Some brands even bypass agencies altogether, managing influencer relations themselves to ensure a better fit and efficiency.

Netflix and other streaming platforms are on edge after a recent controversy over a Netflix series prompted calls for stricter content regulation. Already cautious under the 2021 IT Rules, these platforms are worried that the outcry might lead to tighter controls. A senior streaming executive told Lata Jha that companies are closely monitoring social media reactions to avoid potential legal battles. The fear is that any new regulatory body could slow content approval processes, akin to the current film censorship board, stifling creative expression. This anxiety comes as streaming services see stagnating subscription growth in India, despite a broad viewer base. Controversies not only threaten to derail individual shows but could tarnish the entire industry's image. 

Ever since Covid, an ever-growing number of Indian professionals have moved to Dubai to work. The Gulf city offers a year-long working visa for Indians. Moreover, you can avail of facilities like banking and housing rather seamlessly. The catch? You need to earn a minimum of 3,500 us dollars a month, roughly 3 lakh rupees. You would also need adequate health insurance with coverage in the entirety of UAE. Jash Kriplani brings you the details of such a move, which would still make you liable to pay taxes in India.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 326 no Adani readies $7 billion war chest https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-readies-7-billion-war-chest-Q4CCvkxb Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   On Thursday, Indian equity markets hit another record high following the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points—double the expected 25-point reduction. Harsha Jethmalani notes that Indian markets are anticipating further rate cuts ahead. While the European Central Bank has already reduced rates, Harsha points out that the RBI may refrain from doing the same due to persistent inflationary pressures. This week, dozens were injured and some killed across Lebanon and Syria after pagers exploded. Hezbollah had been using these low-tech devices to communicate, fearing smartphones could be tracked. These pagers, which only receive messages via radio frequencies and aren't connected to any network, offer a lower-tech alternative. Leslie D'Monte reports that despite their perceived redundancy, pagers and walkie-talkies are still widely sold. He also notes that cellphones and smartphones, equipped with GPS tracking, are even more vulnerable to such attacks. The Adani Group is on a shopping spree. The budget? Around 7 billion dollars. Anirudh Laskar reports that this amount would be spread across cement, airports, defence, ports, and FMCG. The deals are supposed to be concluded in the current financial year. While the conglomerate has completed over 60 acquisitions in recent years, activity paused following the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023. Anirudh notes that in its three-decade history, the company has never embarked on such an aggressive expansion plan. In the pre-pandemic era, Indian startups and their investors were fixated on one key metric: Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), which measures total sales without accounting for discounts or operational costs. This focus drove rapid growth, backed by abundant investment. However, the pandemic shifted attention towards unit economics, pushing investors to scrutinize profitability per rupee spent as startup losses mounted. This transition marked a shift from celebrating growth at any cost to prioritizing financial sustainability. Priyamvada C reports that many Indian startups are now adopting this more sustainable approach, with a renewed focus on improving their unit economics. Goa’s picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife have long been a magnet for tourists, but in recent years, the region has also emerged as a hotbed for real estate development. Spurred by the pandemic, demand for 'second homes' in Goa has surged, with luxury homes and premium plots reaching record prices. Property portals like 99acres.com and Housing.com now list residential plots in Goa for up to ₹5 crore, highlighting the intense interest in the market. However, this boom is not without challenges, writes Madhurima Nandy. The rapid transformation has raised local concerns about the sustainability of such growth and the preservation of Goa’s cultural and environmental heritage.   Markets want Fed to go fast and furious on rate cuts Pager bombs: Are low-tech devices sitting ducks? Adani’s resurgence: A $5-7 bn war chest for cement, ports, defence acquisitions From growth at all costs to sustainable growth: the maturing of Indian startups Living in paradise: The great Goa realty rush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani readies $7 billion war chest full 656 Mint - HT Smartcast As AI rises, low-tech gadgets falls; Markets push for faster Fed rate cuts Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   On Thursday, Indian equity markets hit another record high following the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points—double the expected 25-point reduction. Harsha Jethmalani notes that Indian markets are anticipating further rate cuts ahead. While the European Central Bank has already reduced rates, Harsha points out that the RBI may refrain from doing the same due to persistent inflationary pressures. This week, dozens were injured and some killed across Lebanon and Syria after pagers exploded. Hezbollah had been using these low-tech devices to communicate, fearing smartphones could be tracked. These pagers, which only receive messages via radio frequencies and aren't connected to any network, offer a lower-tech alternative. Leslie D'Monte reports that despite their perceived redundancy, pagers and walkie-talkies are still widely sold. He also notes that cellphones and smartphones, equipped with GPS tracking, are even more vulnerable to such attacks. The Adani Group is on a shopping spree. The budget? Around 7 billion dollars. Anirudh Laskar reports that this amount would be spread across cement, airports, defence, ports, and FMCG. The deals are supposed to be concluded in the current financial year. While the conglomerate has completed over 60 acquisitions in recent years, activity paused following the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023. Anirudh notes that in its three-decade history, the company has never embarked on such an aggressive expansion plan. In the pre-pandemic era, Indian startups and their investors were fixated on one key metric: Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), which measures total sales without accounting for discounts or operational costs. This focus drove rapid growth, backed by abundant investment. However, the pandemic shifted attention towards unit economics, pushing investors to scrutinize profitability per rupee spent as startup losses mounted. This transition marked a shift from celebrating growth at any cost to prioritizing financial sustainability. Priyamvada C reports that many Indian startups are now adopting this more sustainable approach, with a renewed focus on improving their unit economics. Goa’s picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife have long been a magnet for tourists, but in recent years, the region has also emerged as a hotbed for real estate development. Spurred by the pandemic, demand for 'second homes' in Goa has surged, with luxury homes and premium plots reaching record prices. Property portals like 99acres.com and Housing.com now list residential plots in Goa for up to ₹5 crore, highlighting the intense interest in the market. However, this boom is not without challenges, writes Madhurima Nandy. The rapid transformation has raised local concerns about the sustainability of such growth and the preservation of Goa’s cultural and environmental heritage.   Markets want Fed to go fast and furious on rate cuts Pager bombs: Are low-tech devices sitting ducks? Adani’s resurgence: A $5-7 bn war chest for cement, ports, defence acquisitions From growth at all costs to sustainable growth: the maturing of Indian startups Living in paradise: The great Goa realty rush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

On Thursday, Indian equity markets hit another record high following the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points—double the expected 25-point reduction. Harsha Jethmalani notes that Indian markets are anticipating further rate cuts ahead. While the European Central Bank has already reduced rates, Harsha points out that the RBI may refrain from doing the same due to persistent inflationary pressures.

This week, dozens were injured and some killed across Lebanon and Syria after pagers exploded. Hezbollah had been using these low-tech devices to communicate, fearing smartphones could be tracked. These pagers, which only receive messages via radio frequencies and aren't connected to any network, offer a lower-tech alternative. Leslie D'Monte reports that despite their perceived redundancy, pagers and walkie-talkies are still widely sold. He also notes that cellphones and smartphones, equipped with GPS tracking, are even more vulnerable to such attacks.

The Adani Group is on a shopping spree. The budget? Around 7 billion dollars. Anirudh Laskar reports that this amount would be spread across cement, airports, defence, ports, and FMCG. The deals are supposed to be concluded in the current financial year. While the conglomerate has completed over 60 acquisitions in recent years, activity paused following the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023. Anirudh notes that in its three-decade history, the company has never embarked on such an aggressive expansion plan.

In the pre-pandemic era, Indian startups and their investors were fixated on one key metric: Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), which measures total sales without accounting for discounts or operational costs. This focus drove rapid growth, backed by abundant investment. However, the pandemic shifted attention towards unit economics, pushing investors to scrutinize profitability per rupee spent as startup losses mounted. This transition marked a shift from celebrating growth at any cost to prioritizing financial sustainability. Priyamvada C reports that many Indian startups are now adopting this more sustainable approach, with a renewed focus on improving their unit economics.

Goa’s picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife have long been a magnet for tourists, but in recent years, the region has also emerged as a hotbed for real estate development. Spurred by the pandemic, demand for 'second homes' in Goa has surged, with luxury homes and premium plots reaching record prices. Property portals like 99acres.com and Housing.com now list residential plots in Goa for up to ₹5 crore, highlighting the intense interest in the market. However, this boom is not without challenges, writes Madhurima Nandy. The rapid transformation has raised local concerns about the sustainability of such growth and the preservation of Goa’s cultural and environmental heritage.


 

Markets want Fed to go fast and furious on rate cuts

Pager bombs: Are low-tech devices sitting ducks?

Adani’s resurgence: A $5-7 bn war chest for cement, ports, defence acquisitions

From growth at all costs to sustainable growth: the maturing of Indian startups

Living in paradise: The great Goa realty rush

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 294 no Be aware of the bull market’s investing myths https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/be-aware-of-the-bull-markets-investing-myths-AaiplQqB Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   India’s frontline equity indices traded within a narrow range on Wednesday amid market volatility, as investors remained cautious ahead of a crucial US Federal Reserve meeting. The Nifty ended the session down 0.16 percent, while the Sensex also slipped 0.16 percent from its previous close.   As the festive season approaches, online shoppers might find it harder to return fashion, accessories, home decor, and kidswear. Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports that companies like Flipkart and Amazon are setting tougher return policies to boost profits and cut logistics costs. Typically, returns jump 30% during festival sales, but this year, firms might shorten return periods, charge fees, or offer store credit only, particularly for serial returners. While loyal customers might enjoy some leniency, the aim is to curb the costly trend of impulse buys and returns that surge during sales. This strategy includes not just the major e-commerce players but also direct-to-consumer brands, all navigating the trade-offs between customer service and profitability.   With the festival season in full swing, Indians are shopping in bulk, and metro cities are witnessing a shift in large purchases—more people now prefer home delivery. This spells good business for e-commerce and quick commerce firms. However, as demand surges, these companies will need additional manpower to manage and deliver orders. Sowmya Ramasubramanian, Suneera Tandon, and Devina Sengupta report that these firms are expected to increase their workforce by up to 20 per cent between August and December. To meet the rising demand, logistics firms are offering gig workers both monetary and non-monetary incentives.   Many investors place all their bets on equities, driven by their bullish outlook on the Indian stock market and the hope of reaping windfall gains as their portfolios rise. The broader market supports this optimism, with Nifty and Sensex both up over 20 percent in the past year. Finfluencers often advocate for a strong equity-focused approach as well. However, through a fun narrative, Vivek Kaul explains why it’s still wise to consider less thrilling assets like fixed deposits or PPF to maximize your returns.   Singapore's Temasek Holdings is set to acquire an 18-20 percent stake in Cloudnine Hospitals from Peak XV for approximately $125 million. This move comes as Cloudnine, a specialist in mother and baby care, prepares for a public listing next year, with the deal valuing the company at around $600 million, reports Sneha Shah. Peak XV is making its exit after more than a decade, securing a substantial return on its 2013 investment. The transaction is part of a broader cap table realignment for Cloudnine, which also raised funds earlier this year to support its expansion across India's major cities. India is reassessing parts of its new criminal laws after feedback and judicial observations flagged the risk of potential misuse. The focus is on Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which address domestic violence against women. These sections mirror the old IPC's Section 498A, which was designed to protect women from dowry-related abuse but faced criticism for being misused against husbands and their families. Concerns raised by the Supreme Court over the lack of safeguards have spurred this reevaluation, reports Manas Pimpalkhare. Simultaneously, the law ministry is advocating for arbitration to help address the massive backlog of over 50 million cases in Indian courts, promoting alternative dispute resolution to expedite justice and reduce the burden on the judiciary.     E-commerce orders may be harder to return this festive season Consumer firms shower gig workers with festive incentives Invest 100% in stocks? Be aware of the bull market’s investing myths Temasek set to buy PeakXV’s 20% stake in Cloudnine Section 498A: Centre may review the domestic violence law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Be aware of the bull market’s investing myths full 655 Mint - HT Smartcast Temasek to buy a stake in Cloudnine Hospitals; Q-comm trumps e-comm this festive season Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   India’s frontline equity indices traded within a narrow range on Wednesday amid market volatility, as investors remained cautious ahead of a crucial US Federal Reserve meeting. The Nifty ended the session down 0.16 percent, while the Sensex also slipped 0.16 percent from its previous close.   As the festive season approaches, online shoppers might find it harder to return fashion, accessories, home decor, and kidswear. Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports that companies like Flipkart and Amazon are setting tougher return policies to boost profits and cut logistics costs. Typically, returns jump 30% during festival sales, but this year, firms might shorten return periods, charge fees, or offer store credit only, particularly for serial returners. While loyal customers might enjoy some leniency, the aim is to curb the costly trend of impulse buys and returns that surge during sales. This strategy includes not just the major e-commerce players but also direct-to-consumer brands, all navigating the trade-offs between customer service and profitability.   With the festival season in full swing, Indians are shopping in bulk, and metro cities are witnessing a shift in large purchases—more people now prefer home delivery. This spells good business for e-commerce and quick commerce firms. However, as demand surges, these companies will need additional manpower to manage and deliver orders. Sowmya Ramasubramanian, Suneera Tandon, and Devina Sengupta report that these firms are expected to increase their workforce by up to 20 per cent between August and December. To meet the rising demand, logistics firms are offering gig workers both monetary and non-monetary incentives.   Many investors place all their bets on equities, driven by their bullish outlook on the Indian stock market and the hope of reaping windfall gains as their portfolios rise. The broader market supports this optimism, with Nifty and Sensex both up over 20 percent in the past year. Finfluencers often advocate for a strong equity-focused approach as well. However, through a fun narrative, Vivek Kaul explains why it’s still wise to consider less thrilling assets like fixed deposits or PPF to maximize your returns.   Singapore's Temasek Holdings is set to acquire an 18-20 percent stake in Cloudnine Hospitals from Peak XV for approximately $125 million. This move comes as Cloudnine, a specialist in mother and baby care, prepares for a public listing next year, with the deal valuing the company at around $600 million, reports Sneha Shah. Peak XV is making its exit after more than a decade, securing a substantial return on its 2013 investment. The transaction is part of a broader cap table realignment for Cloudnine, which also raised funds earlier this year to support its expansion across India's major cities. India is reassessing parts of its new criminal laws after feedback and judicial observations flagged the risk of potential misuse. The focus is on Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which address domestic violence against women. These sections mirror the old IPC's Section 498A, which was designed to protect women from dowry-related abuse but faced criticism for being misused against husbands and their families. Concerns raised by the Supreme Court over the lack of safeguards have spurred this reevaluation, reports Manas Pimpalkhare. Simultaneously, the law ministry is advocating for arbitration to help address the massive backlog of over 50 million cases in Indian courts, promoting alternative dispute resolution to expedite justice and reduce the burden on the judiciary.     E-commerce orders may be harder to return this festive season Consumer firms shower gig workers with festive incentives Invest 100% in stocks? Be aware of the bull market’s investing myths Temasek set to buy PeakXV’s 20% stake in Cloudnine Section 498A: Centre may review the domestic violence law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

India’s frontline equity indices traded within a narrow range on Wednesday amid market volatility, as investors remained cautious ahead of a crucial US Federal Reserve meeting. The Nifty ended the session down 0.16 percent, while the Sensex also slipped 0.16 percent from its previous close.


 

As the festive season approaches, online shoppers might find it harder to return fashion, accessories, home decor, and kidswear. Sowmya Ramasubramanian reports that companies like Flipkart and Amazon are setting tougher return policies to boost profits and cut logistics costs. Typically, returns jump 30% during festival sales, but this year, firms might shorten return periods, charge fees, or offer store credit only, particularly for serial returners. While loyal customers might enjoy some leniency, the aim is to curb the costly trend of impulse buys and returns that surge during sales. This strategy includes not just the major e-commerce players but also direct-to-consumer brands, all navigating the trade-offs between customer service and profitability.


 

With the festival season in full swing, Indians are shopping in bulk, and metro cities are witnessing a shift in large purchases—more people now prefer home delivery. This spells good business for e-commerce and quick commerce firms. However, as demand surges, these companies will need additional manpower to manage and deliver orders. Sowmya Ramasubramanian, Suneera Tandon, and Devina Sengupta report that these firms are expected to increase their workforce by up to 20 per cent between August and December. To meet the rising demand, logistics firms are offering gig workers both monetary and non-monetary incentives.


 

Many investors place all their bets on equities, driven by their bullish outlook on the Indian stock market and the hope of reaping windfall gains as their portfolios rise. The broader market supports this optimism, with Nifty and Sensex both up over 20 percent in the past year. Finfluencers often advocate for a strong equity-focused approach as well. However, through a fun narrative, Vivek Kaul explains why it’s still wise to consider less thrilling assets like fixed deposits or PPF to maximize your returns.


 

Singapore's Temasek Holdings is set to acquire an 18-20 percent stake in Cloudnine Hospitals from Peak XV for approximately $125 million. This move comes as Cloudnine, a specialist in mother and baby care, prepares for a public listing next year, with the deal valuing the company at around $600 million, reports Sneha Shah. Peak XV is making its exit after more than a decade, securing a substantial return on its 2013 investment. The transaction is part of a broader cap table realignment for Cloudnine, which also raised funds earlier this year to support its expansion across India's major cities.

India is reassessing parts of its new criminal laws after feedback and judicial observations flagged the risk of potential misuse. The focus is on Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which address domestic violence against women. These sections mirror the old IPC's Section 498A, which was designed to protect women from dowry-related abuse but faced criticism for being misused against husbands and their families. Concerns raised by the Supreme Court over the lack of safeguards have spurred this reevaluation, reports Manas Pimpalkhare. Simultaneously, the law ministry is advocating for arbitration to help address the massive backlog of over 50 million cases in Indian courts, promoting alternative dispute resolution to expedite justice and reduce the burden on the judiciary.



 


 

E-commerce orders may be harder to return this festive season

Consumer firms shower gig workers with festive incentives

Invest 100% in stocks? Be aware of the bull market’s investing myths

Temasek set to buy PeakXV’s 20% stake in Cloudnine

Section 498A: Centre may review the domestic violence law

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 341 no Adani’s semiconductor play https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adanis-semiconductor-play-s3RU7Npx Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 18 September 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark indices, the Nifty and the Sensex, saw a marginal rise on Tuesday as traders remained cautious ahead of US Fed’s policy decision. The Nifty ended the session with a 0.14% gain while the Sensex ended with a 0.11% rise. On Tuesday, we wrote about Brookfield's plans to venture into the semiconductor fabrication sector. The sector is hot — today, Gulveen Aulakh and Shouvik Das report that the Adani Group wants a piece of this pie too. It's planning a joint venture with Israel-based company “Tower Semiconductor”. The JV will be based in Maharashtra's Raigad district. While the chips to come out of this factory will meet the Adani Group's requirements, they will also cater to foreign demand. Millions of investors are trying to make a small fortune in IPOs. Every new listing, irrespective of its size, is oversubscribed dozens of times at least. Why? Cases like Bajaj Housing Finance, which doubled when it debuted on Dalal Street on Monday. Listing day gains aren't a new concept, but it's incredibly difficult to secure an allotment for a new IPO. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about strategies one could adopt if they want better chances at securing allotment. You can apply via the shareholder quota, or the small high net investor quota as well. This is a good read for you if you've missed out on some of the blockbuster IPOs we've had this year. Urban Company's early investors, Steadview Capital, Elevation Capital, and Accel, are eyeing a partial exit, planning to sell off stakes worth $100-150 million. This move is part of a broader trend where early backers cash out before a company hits the public markets, and Urban Company is preparing for an IPO next year. These secondary sales let old investors liquidate at a valuation slightly under Urban Company's estimated $2.6 billion—a strategic move as they near the end of their fund cycles. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Priyamvada C report on the secondary share sale at Urban Company - something that reflects a broader trend in the Indian startup scene. What's your portfolio mix?.... Most savvy investors would say stocks, mutual funds, gold and real estate. But there's a new player in town: “Rare Collectibles”. Dipti Sharma writes that Indian investors are diversifying into luxury items like art, vintage cars and luxury watches. Rare Japanese whiskeys are part of such investments too, as the market now has both buyers and sellers. Some experts believe that these collectibles will turn into a key asset class. What rich Indians once bought for personal enjoyments, are now treated as investments that could give you decent returns. Back in 2013, India launched a plan to strengthen small farmers by creating Farmer Producer Companies  or FPCs, giving them the power to negotiate better deals and manage resources collectively, similar to successful dairy co-ops like Amul. Farmers buy shares in these FPCs, which then operate under the Companies Act—this shields them from political and bureaucratic hassles and allows them to tap into government grants. Fast forward to today, and there are over 9,000 FPCs with more than 2 million members, about 28% of whom are women, writes Sayantan Bera. These FPCs have broadened their reach, securing licences to sell everything from seeds to processed foods, helping farmers get better prices and market access. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Many FPCs struggle with getting enough working capital; high interest rates from loans make growth tough.   Is Adani's semiconductor play a long term game? Struggling with IPO allotments? Tips to boost your chances Urban Company’s early backers Steadview, Elevation, Accel to sell partial stake From pink dogs to fine wine, India’s wealthy diversify into rare collectibles Micro Amul: Are farmer-run companies the next big idea in Indian agriculture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani’s semiconductor play full 654 Mint - HT Smartcast Urban Company’s early investors seek exit; Are farmer-run companies the next big thing? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 18 September 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark indices, the Nifty and the Sensex, saw a marginal rise on Tuesday as traders remained cautious ahead of US Fed’s policy decision. The Nifty ended the session with a 0.14% gain while the Sensex ended with a 0.11% rise. On Tuesday, we wrote about Brookfield's plans to venture into the semiconductor fabrication sector. The sector is hot — today, Gulveen Aulakh and Shouvik Das report that the Adani Group wants a piece of this pie too. It's planning a joint venture with Israel-based company “Tower Semiconductor”. The JV will be based in Maharashtra's Raigad district. While the chips to come out of this factory will meet the Adani Group's requirements, they will also cater to foreign demand. Millions of investors are trying to make a small fortune in IPOs. Every new listing, irrespective of its size, is oversubscribed dozens of times at least. Why? Cases like Bajaj Housing Finance, which doubled when it debuted on Dalal Street on Monday. Listing day gains aren't a new concept, but it's incredibly difficult to secure an allotment for a new IPO. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about strategies one could adopt if they want better chances at securing allotment. You can apply via the shareholder quota, or the small high net investor quota as well. This is a good read for you if you've missed out on some of the blockbuster IPOs we've had this year. Urban Company's early investors, Steadview Capital, Elevation Capital, and Accel, are eyeing a partial exit, planning to sell off stakes worth $100-150 million. This move is part of a broader trend where early backers cash out before a company hits the public markets, and Urban Company is preparing for an IPO next year. These secondary sales let old investors liquidate at a valuation slightly under Urban Company's estimated $2.6 billion—a strategic move as they near the end of their fund cycles. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Priyamvada C report on the secondary share sale at Urban Company - something that reflects a broader trend in the Indian startup scene. What's your portfolio mix?.... Most savvy investors would say stocks, mutual funds, gold and real estate. But there's a new player in town: “Rare Collectibles”. Dipti Sharma writes that Indian investors are diversifying into luxury items like art, vintage cars and luxury watches. Rare Japanese whiskeys are part of such investments too, as the market now has both buyers and sellers. Some experts believe that these collectibles will turn into a key asset class. What rich Indians once bought for personal enjoyments, are now treated as investments that could give you decent returns. Back in 2013, India launched a plan to strengthen small farmers by creating Farmer Producer Companies  or FPCs, giving them the power to negotiate better deals and manage resources collectively, similar to successful dairy co-ops like Amul. Farmers buy shares in these FPCs, which then operate under the Companies Act—this shields them from political and bureaucratic hassles and allows them to tap into government grants. Fast forward to today, and there are over 9,000 FPCs with more than 2 million members, about 28% of whom are women, writes Sayantan Bera. These FPCs have broadened their reach, securing licences to sell everything from seeds to processed foods, helping farmers get better prices and market access. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Many FPCs struggle with getting enough working capital; high interest rates from loans make growth tough.   Is Adani's semiconductor play a long term game? Struggling with IPO allotments? Tips to boost your chances Urban Company’s early backers Steadview, Elevation, Accel to sell partial stake From pink dogs to fine wine, India’s wealthy diversify into rare collectibles Micro Amul: Are farmer-run companies the next big idea in Indian agriculture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 18 September 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian benchmark indices, the Nifty and the Sensex, saw a marginal rise on Tuesday as traders remained cautious ahead of US Fed’s policy decision. The Nifty ended the session with a 0.14% gain while the Sensex ended with a 0.11% rise.

On Tuesday, we wrote about Brookfield's plans to venture into the semiconductor fabrication sector. The sector is hot — today, Gulveen Aulakh and Shouvik Das report that the Adani Group wants a piece of this pie too. It's planning a joint venture with Israel-based company “Tower Semiconductor”. The JV will be based in Maharashtra's Raigad district. While the chips to come out of this factory will meet the Adani Group's requirements, they will also cater to foreign demand.

Millions of investors are trying to make a small fortune in IPOs. Every new listing, irrespective of its size, is oversubscribed dozens of times at least. Why? Cases like Bajaj Housing Finance, which doubled when it debuted on Dalal Street on Monday. Listing day gains aren't a new concept, but it's incredibly difficult to secure an allotment for a new IPO. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about strategies one could adopt if they want better chances at securing allotment. You can apply via the shareholder quota, or the small high net investor quota as well. This is a good read for you if you've missed out on some of the blockbuster IPOs we've had this year.

Urban Company's early investors, Steadview Capital, Elevation Capital, and Accel, are eyeing a partial exit, planning to sell off stakes worth $100-150 million. This move is part of a broader trend where early backers cash out before a company hits the public markets, and Urban Company is preparing for an IPO next year. These secondary sales let old investors liquidate at a valuation slightly under Urban Company's estimated $2.6 billion—a strategic move as they near the end of their fund cycles. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Priyamvada C report on the secondary share sale at Urban Company - something that reflects a broader trend in the Indian startup scene.

What's your portfolio mix?.... Most savvy investors would say stocks, mutual funds, gold and real estate. But there's a new player in town: “Rare Collectibles”. Dipti Sharma writes that Indian investors are diversifying into luxury items like art, vintage cars and luxury watches. Rare Japanese whiskeys are part of such investments too, as the market now has both buyers and sellers. Some experts believe that these collectibles will turn into a key asset class. What rich Indians once bought for personal enjoyments, are now treated as investments that could give you decent returns.

Back in 2013, India launched a plan to strengthen small farmers by creating Farmer Producer Companies  or FPCs, giving them the power to negotiate better deals and manage resources collectively, similar to successful dairy co-ops like Amul. Farmers buy shares in these FPCs, which then operate under the Companies Act—this shields them from political and bureaucratic hassles and allows them to tap into government grants. Fast forward to today, and there are over 9,000 FPCs with more than 2 million members, about 28% of whom are women, writes Sayantan Bera. These FPCs have broadened their reach, securing licences to sell everything from seeds to processed foods, helping farmers get better prices and market access. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Many FPCs struggle with getting enough working capital; high interest rates from loans make growth tough.

 

Is Adani's semiconductor play a long term game?

Struggling with IPO allotments? Tips to boost your chances

Urban Company’s early backers Steadview, Elevation, Accel to sell partial stake

From pink dogs to fine wine, India’s wealthy diversify into rare collectibles

Micro Amul: Are farmer-run companies the next big idea in Indian agriculture?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 335 no Govt boost for drone industry https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-boost-for-drone-industry-NBqyKHjK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian frontline indices ended Monday's trading session with modest gains despite hitting fresh record highs intraday. The Nifty 50 ended the session 0.11 per cent higher, while the BSE Sensex ended with a 0.12 per cent gain.     After delaying hikes last year, Wipro is likely to give a raise to its staff on time this year. Jas Bardia reports that India's fourth-largest IT company is doling out hikes to its 2 lakh employees just in time for the festive season. The hikes will be around three to eight percent on average. The company had rolled out smaller increments in December last year, as opposed to the usual cycle of September or October. Slowly, but surely, India's IT sector is getting back on track.   Millions of soft drink bottles are sold today in India. While glass bottles ruled the sales, plastic bottles are more common today. One thing's clear: it's a good time to be a bottler in India. Coca Cola is considering listing its subsidiary in India. Priyamvada C writes that this move allows the popular soft drink company to cash in on its investment. The parent company can also reduce its exposure risk to seasonal problems. Moreover, FMCGs might consider spinning off their subsidiaries to optimise their balance sheets — much like Coca Cola hopes to do, if the IPO goes through.   The Reserve Bank of India's tightening grip on unsecured loans has fintechs pivoting to secured loans, using assets like stocks and mutual funds as collateral. Companies like PhonePe and Mobikwik are teaming up with non-bank lenders to offer these digital loans, appealing to a tech-savvy crowd that prefers to skip bank visits. Mint’s Anshika Kayastha spoke to fintech insiders who shared that leveraging their digital prowess can reshape secured lending, making it more accessible and efficient. This shift comes as unsecured loan growth cools off, thanks to stricter regulations.   The central government's production-linked incentive schemes have been successful in invigorating certain sectors: solar energy, mobile phone components, semiconductors, and automobiles. Soon, drones too might get such a financial incentive, report Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra. At 165 crore rupees, the government already has a tiny purse for developing drones. Shouvik and Mihir report that this kitty might go up to 3,000 crore rupees to facilitate better research and local manufacturing of components.    As India gears up for the festive season, starting in October and stretching until Holi next year, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 are queuing up major releases. They're timing big releases like Netflix’s "CTRL" starring Ananya Pandey and Amazon’s spy series "Citadel: Honey Bunny" with Varun Dhawan, to coincide with holidays and long weekends, aiming to capture the festive binge-watching crowd. During this season, platforms typically see a spike in viewership, writes Lata Jha. While new subscriptions might not jump dramatically, renewals keep steady thanks to special festive offers and campaigns that keep existing viewers hooked.      Wipro to hand out an average 8% salary hike to its top performers this year Mint Explainer: Inside the lucrative world of soft-drink bottling manufacturers Loans against stocks, MFs, FDs on fintech radar amid regulator’s scrutiny Centre plans ₹3,000-cr PLI scheme to indigenise domestic drone ecosystem Streaming platforms line up big releases for festive season engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Govt boost for drone industry full 653 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside soft drink bottle manufacturing in India; OTTs line up festive releases Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian frontline indices ended Monday's trading session with modest gains despite hitting fresh record highs intraday. The Nifty 50 ended the session 0.11 per cent higher, while the BSE Sensex ended with a 0.12 per cent gain.     After delaying hikes last year, Wipro is likely to give a raise to its staff on time this year. Jas Bardia reports that India's fourth-largest IT company is doling out hikes to its 2 lakh employees just in time for the festive season. The hikes will be around three to eight percent on average. The company had rolled out smaller increments in December last year, as opposed to the usual cycle of September or October. Slowly, but surely, India's IT sector is getting back on track.   Millions of soft drink bottles are sold today in India. While glass bottles ruled the sales, plastic bottles are more common today. One thing's clear: it's a good time to be a bottler in India. Coca Cola is considering listing its subsidiary in India. Priyamvada C writes that this move allows the popular soft drink company to cash in on its investment. The parent company can also reduce its exposure risk to seasonal problems. Moreover, FMCGs might consider spinning off their subsidiaries to optimise their balance sheets — much like Coca Cola hopes to do, if the IPO goes through.   The Reserve Bank of India's tightening grip on unsecured loans has fintechs pivoting to secured loans, using assets like stocks and mutual funds as collateral. Companies like PhonePe and Mobikwik are teaming up with non-bank lenders to offer these digital loans, appealing to a tech-savvy crowd that prefers to skip bank visits. Mint’s Anshika Kayastha spoke to fintech insiders who shared that leveraging their digital prowess can reshape secured lending, making it more accessible and efficient. This shift comes as unsecured loan growth cools off, thanks to stricter regulations.   The central government's production-linked incentive schemes have been successful in invigorating certain sectors: solar energy, mobile phone components, semiconductors, and automobiles. Soon, drones too might get such a financial incentive, report Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra. At 165 crore rupees, the government already has a tiny purse for developing drones. Shouvik and Mihir report that this kitty might go up to 3,000 crore rupees to facilitate better research and local manufacturing of components.    As India gears up for the festive season, starting in October and stretching until Holi next year, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 are queuing up major releases. They're timing big releases like Netflix’s "CTRL" starring Ananya Pandey and Amazon’s spy series "Citadel: Honey Bunny" with Varun Dhawan, to coincide with holidays and long weekends, aiming to capture the festive binge-watching crowd. During this season, platforms typically see a spike in viewership, writes Lata Jha. While new subscriptions might not jump dramatically, renewals keep steady thanks to special festive offers and campaigns that keep existing viewers hooked.      Wipro to hand out an average 8% salary hike to its top performers this year Mint Explainer: Inside the lucrative world of soft-drink bottling manufacturers Loans against stocks, MFs, FDs on fintech radar amid regulator’s scrutiny Centre plans ₹3,000-cr PLI scheme to indigenise domestic drone ecosystem Streaming platforms line up big releases for festive season engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Indian frontline indices ended Monday's trading session with modest gains despite hitting fresh record highs intraday. The Nifty 50 ended the session 0.11 per cent higher, while the BSE Sensex ended with a 0.12 per cent gain.


 


 

After delaying hikes last year, Wipro is likely to give a raise to its staff on time this year. Jas Bardia reports that India's fourth-largest IT company is doling out hikes to its 2 lakh employees just in time for the festive season. The hikes will be around three to eight percent on average. The company had rolled out smaller increments in December last year, as opposed to the usual cycle of September or October. Slowly, but surely, India's IT sector is getting back on track.


 

Millions of soft drink bottles are sold today in India. While glass bottles ruled the sales, plastic bottles are more common today. One thing's clear: it's a good time to be a bottler in India. Coca Cola is considering listing its subsidiary in India. Priyamvada C writes that this move allows the popular soft drink company to cash in on its investment. The parent company can also reduce its exposure risk to seasonal problems. Moreover, FMCGs might consider spinning off their subsidiaries to optimise their balance sheets — much like Coca Cola hopes to do, if the IPO goes through.


 

The Reserve Bank of India's tightening grip on unsecured loans has fintechs pivoting to secured loans, using assets like stocks and mutual funds as collateral. Companies like PhonePe and Mobikwik are teaming up with non-bank lenders to offer these digital loans, appealing to a tech-savvy crowd that prefers to skip bank visits. Mint’s Anshika Kayastha spoke to fintech insiders who shared that leveraging their digital prowess can reshape secured lending, making it more accessible and efficient. This shift comes as unsecured loan growth cools off, thanks to stricter regulations.


 

The central government's production-linked incentive schemes have been successful in invigorating certain sectors: solar energy, mobile phone components, semiconductors, and automobiles. Soon, drones too might get such a financial incentive, report Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra. At 165 crore rupees, the government already has a tiny purse for developing drones. Shouvik and Mihir report that this kitty might go up to 3,000 crore rupees to facilitate better research and local manufacturing of components. 


 

As India gears up for the festive season, starting in October and stretching until Holi next year, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 are queuing up major releases. They're timing big releases like Netflix’s "CTRL" starring Ananya Pandey and Amazon’s spy series "Citadel: Honey Bunny" with Varun Dhawan, to coincide with holidays and long weekends, aiming to capture the festive binge-watching crowd. During this season, platforms typically see a spike in viewership, writes Lata Jha. While new subscriptions might not jump dramatically, renewals keep steady thanks to special festive offers and campaigns that keep existing viewers hooked. 


 


 

Wipro to hand out an average 8% salary hike to its top performers this year

Mint Explainer: Inside the lucrative world of soft-drink bottling manufacturers

Loans against stocks, MFs, FDs on fintech radar amid regulator’s scrutiny

Centre plans ₹3,000-cr PLI scheme to indigenise domestic drone ecosystem

Streaming platforms line up big releases for festive season engagement

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 302 no Will this leap of ‘faith’ pay off? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-this-leap-of-faith-pay-off-rR43ioDC Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. India’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, just made it easier for companies to get their hands on up to 25% of another company's shares without asking for permission first. This tweak in the merger and acquisition rules is a big deal, especially for those looking at hostile takeovers. Before, you'd have to pause and get a nod from the CCI before buying shares off the market, which wasn't exactly speedy. Now, as long as you're not trying to take control right away, you can go ahead without waiting on that green light. This change means businesses can move faster during the initial buying phases without getting tangled up in red tape, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. It’s all part of a bigger push to cut down on the hassle and make doing business a bit smoother in India. In India, where tradition meets tech, there’s a rising star sector: faith-tech. It’s catching the eye of big-time investors like PeakXV Partners, Blume Ventures, and Matrix Partners. Just recently, AppsForBharat bagged $18 million in a round led by Fundamentum, highlighting the surge in interest. This year alone, the faith-tech sector saw its funding leap to more than $50 million from just $4.3 million last year. This booming sector offers everything from virtual pilgrimages to digital pooja bookings and astrological services, targeting both young Indians and the global diaspora craving a slice of home. However, the sector is not without its challenges. The seasonal nature of religious activities and the necessity to establish trusted partnerships with religious institutions are hurdles these companies continue to navigate. Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into a sector which is possibly unique to India and has carved a niche for itself. Family businesses are usually well-oiled machines, as there is a clear hierarchy and established workflows. But when it comes to succession, things get murky. That's exactly what happened with Bharat Forge and its promoter family. A dispute between the managing director Baba Kalyani and his sister Sugandha Hiremath ended up in court after the brother refused to transfer shares to another pharma company. Now, a new court affidavit has come to light that might rule the verdict in favour of Sugandha. Priyanka Gawande and Anirudh Laskar report that this affidavit goes against the claims made by Baba Kalyani, who has allegedly diverted significant assets away from his father.   The Reserve Bank of India has been cautioning the Indian banking industry about the ever-growing amount of loans being disbursed. Finally, the banks are listening: the gap between the credit and deposits is finally narrowing, reports Shayan Ghosh. RBI now wants banks to get innovative in its ways to hold more deposits. It has also come down hard on unsecured loans, fearing a fracture in India's vast financial systems.   Crude oil prices have been crashing, and currently cost around 70 to 75 US dollars. Naturally, expectations of a cut in the price of petrol and diesel have risen. These rates were last revised prior to the general election. Sumant Banerji explains why crude prices have fallen,  the various factors involved in making such a decision, and how likely a price cut is.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! CCI greenlights secondary share purchases, opens the door for hostile takeovers Bigger than food delivery? Investors rush to bless faith-tech startups Kalyani family feud could take a fresh turn as a crucial will surfaces Credit, deposit rates converging on the back of RBI caution Global crude prices at 3-year low. Will petrol prices see a cut? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Will this leap of ‘faith’ pay off? full 652 Mint - HT Smartcast Hostile takeovers may become easier, thanks to CCI; fall in oil prices explained Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. India’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, just made it easier for companies to get their hands on up to 25% of another company's shares without asking for permission first. This tweak in the merger and acquisition rules is a big deal, especially for those looking at hostile takeovers. Before, you'd have to pause and get a nod from the CCI before buying shares off the market, which wasn't exactly speedy. Now, as long as you're not trying to take control right away, you can go ahead without waiting on that green light. This change means businesses can move faster during the initial buying phases without getting tangled up in red tape, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. It’s all part of a bigger push to cut down on the hassle and make doing business a bit smoother in India. In India, where tradition meets tech, there’s a rising star sector: faith-tech. It’s catching the eye of big-time investors like PeakXV Partners, Blume Ventures, and Matrix Partners. Just recently, AppsForBharat bagged $18 million in a round led by Fundamentum, highlighting the surge in interest. This year alone, the faith-tech sector saw its funding leap to more than $50 million from just $4.3 million last year. This booming sector offers everything from virtual pilgrimages to digital pooja bookings and astrological services, targeting both young Indians and the global diaspora craving a slice of home. However, the sector is not without its challenges. The seasonal nature of religious activities and the necessity to establish trusted partnerships with religious institutions are hurdles these companies continue to navigate. Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into a sector which is possibly unique to India and has carved a niche for itself. Family businesses are usually well-oiled machines, as there is a clear hierarchy and established workflows. But when it comes to succession, things get murky. That's exactly what happened with Bharat Forge and its promoter family. A dispute between the managing director Baba Kalyani and his sister Sugandha Hiremath ended up in court after the brother refused to transfer shares to another pharma company. Now, a new court affidavit has come to light that might rule the verdict in favour of Sugandha. Priyanka Gawande and Anirudh Laskar report that this affidavit goes against the claims made by Baba Kalyani, who has allegedly diverted significant assets away from his father.   The Reserve Bank of India has been cautioning the Indian banking industry about the ever-growing amount of loans being disbursed. Finally, the banks are listening: the gap between the credit and deposits is finally narrowing, reports Shayan Ghosh. RBI now wants banks to get innovative in its ways to hold more deposits. It has also come down hard on unsecured loans, fearing a fracture in India's vast financial systems.   Crude oil prices have been crashing, and currently cost around 70 to 75 US dollars. Naturally, expectations of a cut in the price of petrol and diesel have risen. These rates were last revised prior to the general election. Sumant Banerji explains why crude prices have fallen,  the various factors involved in making such a decision, and how likely a price cut is.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! CCI greenlights secondary share purchases, opens the door for hostile takeovers Bigger than food delivery? Investors rush to bless faith-tech startups Kalyani family feud could take a fresh turn as a crucial will surfaces Credit, deposit rates converging on the back of RBI caution Global crude prices at 3-year low. Will petrol prices see a cut? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

India’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, just made it easier for companies to get their hands on up to 25% of another company's shares without asking for permission first. This tweak in the merger and acquisition rules is a big deal, especially for those looking at hostile takeovers. Before, you'd have to pause and get a nod from the CCI before buying shares off the market, which wasn't exactly speedy. Now, as long as you're not trying to take control right away, you can go ahead without waiting on that green light. This change means businesses can move faster during the initial buying phases without getting tangled up in red tape, Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. It’s all part of a bigger push to cut down on the hassle and make doing business a bit smoother in India.

In India, where tradition meets tech, there’s a rising star sector: faith-tech. It’s catching the eye of big-time investors like PeakXV Partners, Blume Ventures, and Matrix Partners. Just recently, AppsForBharat bagged $18 million in a round led by Fundamentum, highlighting the surge in interest. This year alone, the faith-tech sector saw its funding leap to more than $50 million from just $4.3 million last year. This booming sector offers everything from virtual pilgrimages to digital pooja bookings and astrological services, targeting both young Indians and the global diaspora craving a slice of home. However, the sector is not without its challenges. The seasonal nature of religious activities and the necessity to establish trusted partnerships with religious institutions are hurdles these companies continue to navigate. Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into a sector which is possibly unique to India and has carved a niche for itself.

Family businesses are usually well-oiled machines, as there is a clear hierarchy and established workflows. But when it comes to succession, things get murky. That's exactly what happened with Bharat Forge and its promoter family. A dispute between the managing director Baba Kalyani and his sister Sugandha Hiremath ended up in court after the brother refused to transfer shares to another pharma company. Now, a new court affidavit has come to light that might rule the verdict in favour of Sugandha. Priyanka Gawande and Anirudh Laskar report that this affidavit goes against the claims made by Baba Kalyani, who has allegedly diverted significant assets away from his father.


 

The Reserve Bank of India has been cautioning the Indian banking industry about the ever-growing amount of loans being disbursed. Finally, the banks are listening: the gap between the credit and deposits is finally narrowing, reports Shayan Ghosh. RBI now wants banks to get innovative in its ways to hold more deposits. It has also come down hard on unsecured loans, fearing a fracture in India's vast financial systems.


 

Crude oil prices have been crashing, and currently cost around 70 to 75 US dollars. Naturally, expectations of a cut in the price of petrol and diesel have risen. These rates were last revised prior to the general election. Sumant Banerji explains why crude prices have fallen,  the various factors involved in making such a decision, and how likely a price cut is.


 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.


 

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!

CCI greenlights secondary share purchases, opens the door for hostile takeovers

Bigger than food delivery? Investors rush to bless faith-tech startups

Kalyani family feud could take a fresh turn as a crucial will surfaces

Credit, deposit rates converging on the back of RBI caution

Global crude prices at 3-year low. Will petrol prices see a cut?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 322 no Why did the markets hit record highs yesterday? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-did-the-markets-hit-record-highs-yesterday-OHAKp_Lg Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock markets set new record highs yesterday. Nifty was up by 1.9 percent, while Sensex rose by 1.8 percent. But this time it wasn't just benchmark indices that were setting records — even midcaps joined the party. Dipti Sharma explains that Thursday's rally involved a lot of hopes of rate cuts – in China, Europe, and the US. Dipti also answers a crucial question for investors: will the uptrend continue or will investors look to book profits?   Imagine buying a cake but not being allowed to eat it. Confused? Me too. But that's exactly what the Reserve Bank of India wants from a Japanese bank. The Sumitomo Mitsui Bank wants to buy 51 percent of Yes Bank. Fair enough — RBI has been looking for a majority buyer since it intervened to prevent a collapse. But the banking authority wants to cap Sumitomo's voting rights at just 26 percent. The RBI doesn't want the Japanese bank to have the power to veto any big policy decisions, yet is fine with it bankrolling the entire operation. Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar bring you the inside details of this rather confusing development.   Lately, several venture-capital insiders have been leaving their jobs at big firms to start their own funds. However, they’re hitting a wall when it comes to drumming up investor interest. It turns out investors are currently more captivated by the juicier returns of the public markets. For example, while some public stocks are offering returns of around 25%, private ventures are lagging behind at about 15%, making them a harder sell as they are also riskier and less liquid. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada report on these new VC firms that are finding it hard to raise funds, especially as limited partners prefer to stick with established managers they trust.    Sashind Ningthoukhongjam's sister has been pestering him with questions about the best mutual funds to invest in. To help her, and you, Sashind took a deep dive into thematic and sectoral funds, which have been growing by leaps and bounds of late, owing to stellar returns. But here’s the catch. Every year, a different new sector does well. By the time most investors catch on to the trend, the returns start petering out and a new sector takes the top spot. This can lead to excessive churn and more tax. If you’ve been thinking about investing in thematic or sector funds, you can’t afford to miss this story.   The Central Consumer Protection Authority is finalising new guidelines to prevent misleading practices by IAS coaching institutes. Under these guidelines, coaching centres will no longer be able to require UPSC aspirants to sign agreements upon enrollment, allowing the use of their personal details for advertising. Soon, those who pass the exam will be able to choose whether or not to sign such agreements. The new rules clarify that any promotional content featuring former students must be based on explicit consent, helping potential candidates better assess the advertised claims. This policy change is a big win for transparency and protects young aspirants who may not grasp the full implications of signing such agreements when they join an institute, writes Dhirendra Kumar.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why did the markets hit record highs yesterday? full 651 Mint - HT Smartcast RBI's confusing decision on Yes Bank, understanding sectoral funds Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock markets set new record highs yesterday. Nifty was up by 1.9 percent, while Sensex rose by 1.8 percent. But this time it wasn't just benchmark indices that were setting records — even midcaps joined the party. Dipti Sharma explains that Thursday's rally involved a lot of hopes of rate cuts – in China, Europe, and the US. Dipti also answers a crucial question for investors: will the uptrend continue or will investors look to book profits?   Imagine buying a cake but not being allowed to eat it. Confused? Me too. But that's exactly what the Reserve Bank of India wants from a Japanese bank. The Sumitomo Mitsui Bank wants to buy 51 percent of Yes Bank. Fair enough — RBI has been looking for a majority buyer since it intervened to prevent a collapse. But the banking authority wants to cap Sumitomo's voting rights at just 26 percent. The RBI doesn't want the Japanese bank to have the power to veto any big policy decisions, yet is fine with it bankrolling the entire operation. Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar bring you the inside details of this rather confusing development.   Lately, several venture-capital insiders have been leaving their jobs at big firms to start their own funds. However, they’re hitting a wall when it comes to drumming up investor interest. It turns out investors are currently more captivated by the juicier returns of the public markets. For example, while some public stocks are offering returns of around 25%, private ventures are lagging behind at about 15%, making them a harder sell as they are also riskier and less liquid. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada report on these new VC firms that are finding it hard to raise funds, especially as limited partners prefer to stick with established managers they trust.    Sashind Ningthoukhongjam's sister has been pestering him with questions about the best mutual funds to invest in. To help her, and you, Sashind took a deep dive into thematic and sectoral funds, which have been growing by leaps and bounds of late, owing to stellar returns. But here’s the catch. Every year, a different new sector does well. By the time most investors catch on to the trend, the returns start petering out and a new sector takes the top spot. This can lead to excessive churn and more tax. If you’ve been thinking about investing in thematic or sector funds, you can’t afford to miss this story.   The Central Consumer Protection Authority is finalising new guidelines to prevent misleading practices by IAS coaching institutes. Under these guidelines, coaching centres will no longer be able to require UPSC aspirants to sign agreements upon enrollment, allowing the use of their personal details for advertising. Soon, those who pass the exam will be able to choose whether or not to sign such agreements. The new rules clarify that any promotional content featuring former students must be based on explicit consent, helping potential candidates better assess the advertised claims. This policy change is a big win for transparency and protects young aspirants who may not grasp the full implications of signing such agreements when they join an institute, writes Dhirendra Kumar.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Indian stock markets set new record highs yesterday. Nifty was up by 1.9 percent, while Sensex rose by 1.8 percent. But this time it wasn't just benchmark indices that were setting records — even midcaps joined the party. Dipti Sharma explains that Thursday's rally involved a lot of hopes of rate cuts – in China, Europe, and the US. Dipti also answers a crucial question for investors: will the uptrend continue or will investors look to book profits?


 

Imagine buying a cake but not being allowed to eat it. Confused? Me too. But that's exactly what the Reserve Bank of India wants from a Japanese bank. The Sumitomo Mitsui Bank wants to buy 51 percent of Yes Bank. Fair enough — RBI has been looking for a majority buyer since it intervened to prevent a collapse. But the banking authority wants to cap Sumitomo's voting rights at just 26 percent. The RBI doesn't want the Japanese bank to have the power to veto any big policy decisions, yet is fine with it bankrolling the entire operation. Anirudh Laskar and Gopika Gopakumar bring you the inside details of this rather confusing development.


 

Lately, several venture-capital insiders have been leaving their jobs at big firms to start their own funds. However, they’re hitting a wall when it comes to drumming up investor interest. It turns out investors are currently more captivated by the juicier returns of the public markets. For example, while some public stocks are offering returns of around 25%, private ventures are lagging behind at about 15%, making them a harder sell as they are also riskier and less liquid. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada report on these new VC firms that are finding it hard to raise funds, especially as limited partners prefer to stick with established managers they trust. 


 

Sashind Ningthoukhongjam's sister has been pestering him with questions about the best mutual funds to invest in. To help her, and you, Sashind took a deep dive into thematic and sectoral funds, which have been growing by leaps and bounds of late, owing to stellar returns. But here’s the catch. Every year, a different new sector does well. By the time most investors catch on to the trend, the returns start petering out and a new sector takes the top spot. This can lead to excessive churn and more tax. If you’ve been thinking about investing in thematic or sector funds, you can’t afford to miss this story.


 

The Central Consumer Protection Authority is finalising new guidelines to prevent misleading practices by IAS coaching institutes. Under these guidelines, coaching centres will no longer be able to require UPSC aspirants to sign agreements upon enrollment, allowing the use of their personal details for advertising. Soon, those who pass the exam will be able to choose whether or not to sign such agreements. The new rules clarify that any promotional content featuring former students must be based on explicit consent, helping potential candidates better assess the advertised claims. This policy change is a big win for transparency and protects young aspirants who may not grasp the full implications of signing such agreements when they join an institute, writes Dhirendra Kumar. 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 314 no What's wrong with a millet burger bun? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-wrong-with-a-millet-burger-bun-OWmnSrz9 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Bigbasket's quick commerce game is going strong — not just in big cities, but also in smaller towns. Customers from these cities are spending upwards of 500 rupees per order, Bigbasket CEO Hari Menon told Priyamvada C in an interview. This success points to a wider trend where quick commerce is catching on fast, thanks to the ease of ordering through platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. As Bigbasket pushes its quick commerce branch, BB Now, it’s also bulking up its offerings. It is adding up to 25,000 different products and setting up more dark stores, Menon said.   Influencers who partner with multiple brands will now need to pick just one. Companies want influencers to exclusively promote their products on long-term contracts. Pratishtha Bagai reports that such deals have a wide-ranging impact on the influencer marketing industry that's currently worth 1,900 crore rupees. Pratishtha spoke to companies and influencers, who might soon be at loggerheads due to such conditions.    The Competition Commission of India is gearing up to potentially hit Amazon with a hefty fine, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. This development occurs following an investigation that confirmed the e-commerce giant's anti-competitive behaviour. Amazon is at fault under the new competition laws that could see it facing penalties up to 10% of its global turnover. The case stems from a complaint by a Delhi-based trade association in January 2020, which led to a detailed probe into Amazon’s business practices. The report said that Amazon indulged in preferential treatment and exclusive product strategies of certain sellers.   The market for wearable tech products like smartwatches, earphones, and rings has exploded in India over the past few years. They might not serve much utility outside of tracking your sleep, but they've become a fashion accessory, almost. Four Indian startups — Boat, Noise, Boult, and Fire Bolt are powering this industry. The scale of opportunity in India is so large that these companies turned into global leaders in the wearables category just a couple of years after starting operations. However, the demand has finally tapered off. Sumant Banerji explains the perils of these companies, who are now left holding massive inventory and muted demand in both India and around the world.   Last week, during National Nutrition Week, McDonald’s introduced a multi-millet burger bun in its South and Western India outlets. It was an attempt to offer a healthier alternative to the regular refined flour bun. This new bun comprises around 22% millets like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi. However, the move has sparked controversy among nutritionists who argue that partnering a government-funded research institute with a fast-food giant like McDonald's could undermine public health objectives. They point out that despite the inclusion of millets, the buns are still processed foods with additives and preservatives. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains the controversy around McD’s millet bun in today’s primer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What's wrong with a millet burger bun? full 650 Mint - HT Smartcast Brands want exclusivity from influencers, Bigbasket finds adoption in smaller towns Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Bigbasket's quick commerce game is going strong — not just in big cities, but also in smaller towns. Customers from these cities are spending upwards of 500 rupees per order, Bigbasket CEO Hari Menon told Priyamvada C in an interview. This success points to a wider trend where quick commerce is catching on fast, thanks to the ease of ordering through platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. As Bigbasket pushes its quick commerce branch, BB Now, it’s also bulking up its offerings. It is adding up to 25,000 different products and setting up more dark stores, Menon said.   Influencers who partner with multiple brands will now need to pick just one. Companies want influencers to exclusively promote their products on long-term contracts. Pratishtha Bagai reports that such deals have a wide-ranging impact on the influencer marketing industry that's currently worth 1,900 crore rupees. Pratishtha spoke to companies and influencers, who might soon be at loggerheads due to such conditions.    The Competition Commission of India is gearing up to potentially hit Amazon with a hefty fine, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. This development occurs following an investigation that confirmed the e-commerce giant's anti-competitive behaviour. Amazon is at fault under the new competition laws that could see it facing penalties up to 10% of its global turnover. The case stems from a complaint by a Delhi-based trade association in January 2020, which led to a detailed probe into Amazon’s business practices. The report said that Amazon indulged in preferential treatment and exclusive product strategies of certain sellers.   The market for wearable tech products like smartwatches, earphones, and rings has exploded in India over the past few years. They might not serve much utility outside of tracking your sleep, but they've become a fashion accessory, almost. Four Indian startups — Boat, Noise, Boult, and Fire Bolt are powering this industry. The scale of opportunity in India is so large that these companies turned into global leaders in the wearables category just a couple of years after starting operations. However, the demand has finally tapered off. Sumant Banerji explains the perils of these companies, who are now left holding massive inventory and muted demand in both India and around the world.   Last week, during National Nutrition Week, McDonald’s introduced a multi-millet burger bun in its South and Western India outlets. It was an attempt to offer a healthier alternative to the regular refined flour bun. This new bun comprises around 22% millets like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi. However, the move has sparked controversy among nutritionists who argue that partnering a government-funded research institute with a fast-food giant like McDonald's could undermine public health objectives. They point out that despite the inclusion of millets, the buns are still processed foods with additives and preservatives. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains the controversy around McD’s millet bun in today’s primer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Bigbasket's quick commerce game is going strong — not just in big cities, but also in smaller towns. Customers from these cities are spending upwards of 500 rupees per order, Bigbasket CEO Hari Menon told Priyamvada C in an interview. This success points to a wider trend where quick commerce is catching on fast, thanks to the ease of ordering through platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. As Bigbasket pushes its quick commerce branch, BB Now, it’s also bulking up its offerings. It is adding up to 25,000 different products and setting up more dark stores, Menon said.


 

Influencers who partner with multiple brands will now need to pick just one. Companies want influencers to exclusively promote their products on long-term contracts. Pratishtha Bagai reports that such deals have a wide-ranging impact on the influencer marketing industry that's currently worth 1,900 crore rupees. Pratishtha spoke to companies and influencers, who might soon be at loggerheads due to such conditions. 


 

The Competition Commission of India is gearing up to potentially hit Amazon with a hefty fine, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. This development occurs following an investigation that confirmed the e-commerce giant's anti-competitive behaviour. Amazon is at fault under the new competition laws that could see it facing penalties up to 10% of its global turnover. The case stems from a complaint by a Delhi-based trade association in January 2020, which led to a detailed probe into Amazon’s business practices. The report said that Amazon indulged in preferential treatment and exclusive product strategies of certain sellers.


 

The market for wearable tech products like smartwatches, earphones, and rings has exploded in India over the past few years. They might not serve much utility outside of tracking your sleep, but they've become a fashion accessory, almost. Four Indian startups — Boat, Noise, Boult, and Fire Bolt are powering this industry. The scale of opportunity in India is so large that these companies turned into global leaders in the wearables category just a couple of years after starting operations. However, the demand has finally tapered off. Sumant Banerji explains the perils of these companies, who are now left holding massive inventory and muted demand in both India and around the world.


 

Last week, during National Nutrition Week, McDonald’s introduced a multi-millet burger bun in its South and Western India outlets. It was an attempt to offer a healthier alternative to the regular refined flour bun. This new bun comprises around 22% millets like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi. However, the move has sparked controversy among nutritionists who argue that partnering a government-funded research institute with a fast-food giant like McDonald's could undermine public health objectives. They point out that despite the inclusion of millets, the buns are still processed foods with additives and preservatives. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains the controversy around McD’s millet bun in today’s primer. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 300 no Apple's new iPhone expected to sell well in India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/apples-new-iphone-expected-to-sell-well-in-india-G1cUSg3s Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian equities markets rose for a second consecutive trading session yesterday. Both the Sensex and the Nifty rose by around 0.4 percent on Tuesday. After a lull the previous two years, startup IPOs are back. 10 such new age companies have gone public so far this year. The market is now conducive for such listings, and investors continue to pour in more money than ever. But this isn't just an IPO momentum: investors have held on to their shares well after a bumper listing. But in his detailed story, Abhishek Mukherjee advises some caution. He writes that even the most promising startup will have to beat incredible odds to emerge as a market leader. This process takes many years, if not decades. In a bull market, every stock seems like the next best thing — investors would do well to keep a long-term outlook in mind. On Monday, Apple's Tim Cook unveiled the latest iPhones. While other companies like Google and Samsung have dipped their toes into AI-driven phones, Apple’s global reach—boasting about 1.3 billion active users—means it has the clout to push AI into the mainstream. Apple's track record of transforming industries, like it did with music through the iPod and iTunes, suggests it could do the same with AI technology, writes Shouvik Das. However, there's some debate about how essential AI is in smartphones right now. While previous Apple innovations like the touchscreen became indispensable, AI features are seen more as helpful extras rather than must-haves at this stage.  Shouvik also spoke to analysts and retailers, who expect Apple's new phones to make a significant dent in India. A sales boost of nearly 20 percent is expected in the next three months, as the launch coincides with the festive period in India. The average price of the new iphone is likely to be 75,000 rupees, up from 69,000 for the previous model. However, analysts expect a rise in demand due to the new AI features. Get ready to see a host of people with shiny new iphones soon. India's retail inflation for August is anticipated to remain stable at 3.5%, buoyed by a favourable statistical base effect, according to a survey by Mint of 27 economists. This level is comfortably below RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, suggesting inflation is under control for the second consecutive month. While this might seem like good news, experts who spoke to Mint’s Payal Bhattacharya and Manjul Paul, advised not to jump to conclusions about long-term trends just yet. The stability in August's inflation is partly due to expected declines in food prices, which make up nearly 40% of the inflation basket, but again, this too would be because of a favourable base effect. The real test will be the impact of September's rainfall on food inflation, as adverse weather could disrupt this positive trend.  Biryani has truly become India's favourite go-to food, not just at festive gatherings but as an everyday meal. Thanks to food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy, grabbing a plate of biryani is now as easy as ordering a pizza. Swiggy, in fact, saw a whopping 250 biryani orders per minute during last year's India-Pakistan world cup match! This biryani boom is also spurring a surge in basmati rice sales, especially in bulk. Ayush Gupta from KRBL, a rice processing company, told Mint’s Suneera Tandon that their bulk rice sales have skyrocketed, growing 20-25% each year post-COVID, particularly in the South where biryani is a staple. But the craze isn't just a southern phenomenon anymore; it's nationwide. Recognizing this trend, rice companies are getting creative, rolling out biryani mixes and kits for easy home cooking, aiming to replicate the restaurant experience in your kitchen. Whether it's a match day or any day, it seems like biryani is on everyone's menu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Apple's new iPhone expected to sell well in India full 649 Mint - HT Smartcast Startup IPOs regain momentum, biryani demand makes basmati retailers happy Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian equities markets rose for a second consecutive trading session yesterday. Both the Sensex and the Nifty rose by around 0.4 percent on Tuesday. After a lull the previous two years, startup IPOs are back. 10 such new age companies have gone public so far this year. The market is now conducive for such listings, and investors continue to pour in more money than ever. But this isn't just an IPO momentum: investors have held on to their shares well after a bumper listing. But in his detailed story, Abhishek Mukherjee advises some caution. He writes that even the most promising startup will have to beat incredible odds to emerge as a market leader. This process takes many years, if not decades. In a bull market, every stock seems like the next best thing — investors would do well to keep a long-term outlook in mind. On Monday, Apple's Tim Cook unveiled the latest iPhones. While other companies like Google and Samsung have dipped their toes into AI-driven phones, Apple’s global reach—boasting about 1.3 billion active users—means it has the clout to push AI into the mainstream. Apple's track record of transforming industries, like it did with music through the iPod and iTunes, suggests it could do the same with AI technology, writes Shouvik Das. However, there's some debate about how essential AI is in smartphones right now. While previous Apple innovations like the touchscreen became indispensable, AI features are seen more as helpful extras rather than must-haves at this stage.  Shouvik also spoke to analysts and retailers, who expect Apple's new phones to make a significant dent in India. A sales boost of nearly 20 percent is expected in the next three months, as the launch coincides with the festive period in India. The average price of the new iphone is likely to be 75,000 rupees, up from 69,000 for the previous model. However, analysts expect a rise in demand due to the new AI features. Get ready to see a host of people with shiny new iphones soon. India's retail inflation for August is anticipated to remain stable at 3.5%, buoyed by a favourable statistical base effect, according to a survey by Mint of 27 economists. This level is comfortably below RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, suggesting inflation is under control for the second consecutive month. While this might seem like good news, experts who spoke to Mint’s Payal Bhattacharya and Manjul Paul, advised not to jump to conclusions about long-term trends just yet. The stability in August's inflation is partly due to expected declines in food prices, which make up nearly 40% of the inflation basket, but again, this too would be because of a favourable base effect. The real test will be the impact of September's rainfall on food inflation, as adverse weather could disrupt this positive trend.  Biryani has truly become India's favourite go-to food, not just at festive gatherings but as an everyday meal. Thanks to food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy, grabbing a plate of biryani is now as easy as ordering a pizza. Swiggy, in fact, saw a whopping 250 biryani orders per minute during last year's India-Pakistan world cup match! This biryani boom is also spurring a surge in basmati rice sales, especially in bulk. Ayush Gupta from KRBL, a rice processing company, told Mint’s Suneera Tandon that their bulk rice sales have skyrocketed, growing 20-25% each year post-COVID, particularly in the South where biryani is a staple. But the craze isn't just a southern phenomenon anymore; it's nationwide. Recognizing this trend, rice companies are getting creative, rolling out biryani mixes and kits for easy home cooking, aiming to replicate the restaurant experience in your kitchen. Whether it's a match day or any day, it seems like biryani is on everyone's menu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

The Indian equities markets rose for a second consecutive trading session yesterday. Both the Sensex and the Nifty rose by around 0.4 percent on Tuesday.

After a lull the previous two years, startup IPOs are back. 10 such new age companies have gone public so far this year. The market is now conducive for such listings, and investors continue to pour in more money than ever. But this isn't just an IPO momentum: investors have held on to their shares well after a bumper listing. But in his detailed story, Abhishek Mukherjee advises some caution. He writes that even the most promising startup will have to beat incredible odds to emerge as a market leader. This process takes many years, if not decades. In a bull market, every stock seems like the next best thing — investors would do well to keep a long-term outlook in mind.

On Monday, Apple's Tim Cook unveiled the latest iPhones. While other companies like Google and Samsung have dipped their toes into AI-driven phones, Apple’s global reach—boasting about 1.3 billion active users—means it has the clout to push AI into the mainstream. Apple's track record of transforming industries, like it did with music through the iPod and iTunes, suggests it could do the same with AI technology, writes Shouvik Das. However, there's some debate about how essential AI is in smartphones right now. While previous Apple innovations like the touchscreen became indispensable, AI features are seen more as helpful extras rather than must-haves at this stage. 

Shouvik also spoke to analysts and retailers, who expect Apple's new phones to make a significant dent in India. A sales boost of nearly 20 percent is expected in the next three months, as the launch coincides with the festive period in India. The average price of the new iphone is likely to be 75,000 rupees, up from 69,000 for the previous model. However, analysts expect a rise in demand due to the new AI features. Get ready to see a host of people with shiny new iphones soon.

India's retail inflation for August is anticipated to remain stable at 3.5%, buoyed by a favourable statistical base effect, according to a survey by Mint of 27 economists. This level is comfortably below RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, suggesting inflation is under control for the second consecutive month. While this might seem like good news, experts who spoke to Mint’s Payal Bhattacharya and Manjul Paul, advised not to jump to conclusions about long-term trends just yet. The stability in August's inflation is partly due to expected declines in food prices, which make up nearly 40% of the inflation basket, but again, this too would be because of a favourable base effect. The real test will be the impact of September's rainfall on food inflation, as adverse weather could disrupt this positive trend. 

Biryani has truly become India's favourite go-to food, not just at festive gatherings but as an everyday meal. Thanks to food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy, grabbing a plate of biryani is now as easy as ordering a pizza. Swiggy, in fact, saw a whopping 250 biryani orders per minute during last year's India-Pakistan world cup match! This biryani boom is also spurring a surge in basmati rice sales, especially in bulk. Ayush Gupta from KRBL, a rice processing company, told Mint’s Suneera Tandon that their bulk rice sales have skyrocketed, growing 20-25% each year post-COVID, particularly in the South where biryani is a staple. But the craze isn't just a southern phenomenon anymore; it's nationwide. Recognizing this trend, rice companies are getting creative, rolling out biryani mixes and kits for easy home cooking, aiming to replicate the restaurant experience in your kitchen. Whether it's a match day or any day, it seems like biryani is on everyone's menu.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 362 no From pennies to billionaire, thanks to Adani https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/from-pennies-to-billionaire-thanks-to-adani-tgiNTRCE   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets rose on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.34 percent, while Sensex increased by 0.46 percent. India Inc is tightening its employment contracts and policies to eliminate any ambiguity around remote working. Firms are now clearly stating who is eligible to work from home and the specific hours employees must be available, ensuring remote work isn't seen as an automatic entitlement. Mint’s Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that this shift helps manage expectations and prevent habitual absenteeism, reflecting a broader move to formalize work-from-home setups. Moreover, to cater to a diverse workforce, companies are expanding their leave categories, including options like pet-parenting leave and marriage preparation leave, which accommodate various personal needs.  Just two years after climbing out of bankruptcy, Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd., based in Ahmedabad and known for its electric cables and transmission towers, has seen its fortunes soar to nearly a one billion dollar market cap. A big part of this turnaround? A steady stream of business from the Adani conglomerate, led by Gautam Adani, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Diamond Power's chairman, Rakesh Ramanlal Shah. Although a hefty chunk of Diamond Power’s orders come from Adani companies, these aren’t flagged as related-party transactions in their reports, sparking debate among experts about whether regulations need tightening. Varun Sood reports on how a company on the brink of bankruptcy is now worth almost a billion dollars, thanks to a push from the Adani Group.     It seems that whatever Vodafone Idea does to get its act together, investors remain unimpressed. Last Friday, its share price sank by 14 percent, after receiving a sell rating by Goldman Sachs. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the report was surprising, given that Vodafone has been desperately trying to raise funds to fill its coffers. It raised 18,000 crore rupees in April, and is in talks with banks to raise nearly 35,000 crore rupees more. It has also taken care of some long-standing debt on its books. However, Vodafone continues to lose market share to Airtel and Jio. Gulveen analyses the company, and writes about its potential in India's deeply worrying telecom sector.   The central government wants everyone to sell EVs. And if the companies don't want to, they might still be forced to. Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said automakers that are not manufacturing EVs will be forced to make the shift, due to the competitive nature of the market. Manas Pimpalkhare wrote about Gadkari's speech, where he reiterated that the the government does not feel the need to provide subsidies for EVs any more. He expects the price of I-C-E and EV cars to achieve parity in a couple of years.   Movie theatres are getting savvy with their strategies for re-releasing classic films, seeing a golden opportunity as new releases often get delayed. Films like "Rockstar" and "Mohabbatein" are making a comeback, drawing crowds who are either revisiting old favourites or discovering them for the first time. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis told Mint’s Lata Jha that their marketing isn't just about digital ads anymore; they're also hosting special events and collaborating with influencers to hype these re-releases. They are even roping in original stars like Shah Rukh Khan to help spread the word on social media. Will you be going for a re-released movie?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 From pennies to billionaire, thanks to Adani full 648 Mint - HT Smartcast Vodafone Idea's misfortunes   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets rose on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.34 percent, while Sensex increased by 0.46 percent. India Inc is tightening its employment contracts and policies to eliminate any ambiguity around remote working. Firms are now clearly stating who is eligible to work from home and the specific hours employees must be available, ensuring remote work isn't seen as an automatic entitlement. Mint’s Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that this shift helps manage expectations and prevent habitual absenteeism, reflecting a broader move to formalize work-from-home setups. Moreover, to cater to a diverse workforce, companies are expanding their leave categories, including options like pet-parenting leave and marriage preparation leave, which accommodate various personal needs.  Just two years after climbing out of bankruptcy, Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd., based in Ahmedabad and known for its electric cables and transmission towers, has seen its fortunes soar to nearly a one billion dollar market cap. A big part of this turnaround? A steady stream of business from the Adani conglomerate, led by Gautam Adani, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Diamond Power's chairman, Rakesh Ramanlal Shah. Although a hefty chunk of Diamond Power’s orders come from Adani companies, these aren’t flagged as related-party transactions in their reports, sparking debate among experts about whether regulations need tightening. Varun Sood reports on how a company on the brink of bankruptcy is now worth almost a billion dollars, thanks to a push from the Adani Group.     It seems that whatever Vodafone Idea does to get its act together, investors remain unimpressed. Last Friday, its share price sank by 14 percent, after receiving a sell rating by Goldman Sachs. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the report was surprising, given that Vodafone has been desperately trying to raise funds to fill its coffers. It raised 18,000 crore rupees in April, and is in talks with banks to raise nearly 35,000 crore rupees more. It has also taken care of some long-standing debt on its books. However, Vodafone continues to lose market share to Airtel and Jio. Gulveen analyses the company, and writes about its potential in India's deeply worrying telecom sector.   The central government wants everyone to sell EVs. And if the companies don't want to, they might still be forced to. Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said automakers that are not manufacturing EVs will be forced to make the shift, due to the competitive nature of the market. Manas Pimpalkhare wrote about Gadkari's speech, where he reiterated that the the government does not feel the need to provide subsidies for EVs any more. He expects the price of I-C-E and EV cars to achieve parity in a couple of years.   Movie theatres are getting savvy with their strategies for re-releasing classic films, seeing a golden opportunity as new releases often get delayed. Films like "Rockstar" and "Mohabbatein" are making a comeback, drawing crowds who are either revisiting old favourites or discovering them for the first time. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis told Mint’s Lata Jha that their marketing isn't just about digital ads anymore; they're also hosting special events and collaborating with influencers to hype these re-releases. They are even roping in original stars like Shah Rukh Khan to help spread the word on social media. Will you be going for a re-released movie?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian equity markets rose on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.34 percent, while Sensex increased by 0.46 percent.

India Inc is tightening its employment contracts and policies to eliminate any ambiguity around remote working. Firms are now clearly stating who is eligible to work from home and the specific hours employees must be available, ensuring remote work isn't seen as an automatic entitlement. Mint’s Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to industry insiders who highlighted that this shift helps manage expectations and prevent habitual absenteeism, reflecting a broader move to formalize work-from-home setups. Moreover, to cater to a diverse workforce, companies are expanding their leave categories, including options like pet-parenting leave and marriage preparation leave, which accommodate various personal needs. 

Just two years after climbing out of bankruptcy, Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd., based in Ahmedabad and known for its electric cables and transmission towers, has seen its fortunes soar to nearly a one billion dollar market cap. A big part of this turnaround? A steady stream of business from the Adani conglomerate, led by Gautam Adani, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Diamond Power's chairman, Rakesh Ramanlal Shah. Although a hefty chunk of Diamond Power’s orders come from Adani companies, these aren’t flagged as related-party transactions in their reports, sparking debate among experts about whether regulations need tightening. Varun Sood reports on how a company on the brink of bankruptcy is now worth almost a billion dollars, thanks to a push from the Adani Group.  


 

It seems that whatever Vodafone Idea does to get its act together, investors remain unimpressed. Last Friday, its share price sank by 14 percent, after receiving a sell rating by Goldman Sachs. Gulveen Aulakh writes that the report was surprising, given that Vodafone has been desperately trying to raise funds to fill its coffers. It raised 18,000 crore rupees in April, and is in talks with banks to raise nearly 35,000 crore rupees more. It has also taken care of some long-standing debt on its books. However, Vodafone continues to lose market share to Airtel and Jio. Gulveen analyses the company, and writes about its potential in India's deeply worrying telecom sector.


 

The central government wants everyone to sell EVs. And if the companies don't want to, they might still be forced to. Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said automakers that are not manufacturing EVs will be forced to make the shift, due to the competitive nature of the market. Manas Pimpalkhare wrote about Gadkari's speech, where he reiterated that the the government does not feel the need to provide subsidies for EVs any more. He expects the price of I-C-E and EV cars to achieve parity in a couple of years.


 

Movie theatres are getting savvy with their strategies for re-releasing classic films, seeing a golden opportunity as new releases often get delayed. Films like "Rockstar" and "Mohabbatein" are making a comeback, drawing crowds who are either revisiting old favourites or discovering them for the first time. Devang Sampat from Cinepolis told Mint’s Lata Jha that their marketing isn't just about digital ads anymore; they're also hosting special events and collaborating with influencers to hype these re-releases. They are even roping in original stars like Shah Rukh Khan to help spread the word on social media. Will you be going for a re-released movie?


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 323 no Why are Indians buying fewer cars? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-are-indians-buying-fewer-cars-EeTcpKlM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian government is exploring the creation of its first sovereign wealth fund by pooling shares it owns in publicly traded companies. This proposed fund could control assets worth around 50 trillion rupees, sources told Mint’s Mihir Mishra. The government would maintain control by possibly issuing non-voting shares and exploring a "golden share" concept, which grants specific rights without affecting voting power. Globally, about 40 countries have sovereign wealth funds, using them to secure critical assets and improve infrastructure. This new fund could also enhance public sector efficiency by encouraging mergers or reorganizations. Are you planning on buying an electric vehicle soon? You might want to hurry up, otherwise you’d be forced to upload selfies with your new car to qualify for a subsidy. Alisha Sachdev reports that the central government plans to issue digital certificates to EV buyers under the third phase of its flagship FAME scheme. These certificates will note the subsidy provided by the government. This initiative seeks to vocalise the government’s role in popularising EVs for the masses, but might rub some buyers the wrong way.  Just ahead of the festive season, India's passenger vehicle sales have taken a hit, dropping for two months straight, with dealers facing a glut of unsold cars. Over 7.8 lakh units worth close to  78,000 crore rupees remain unsold. This year started strong, with sales initially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, but recent figures show a decline of 2.5% and 1.4% in July and August, with a similar trend in retail sales. The current dip in demand is attributed to a high base effect from previous growth spurts and dwindling pandemic-era demand, despite improved production rates due to resolved semiconductor shortages. Sumant Banerji explains why the sale of passenger cars has slowed down in today’s Primer.  Sundaram Finance controls nearly 6,000 crore rupees worth of deposits. Its loyal customer base has unwaveringly placed its support, despite the company being a non banking financial company. However, Sundaram Finance lags behind peers like Bajaj Finance due to its conservative approach focused on serving the underserved, resulting in slower growth. The Reserve Bank of India wants NBFCs like Sundaram to turn into full fledged banks. Will Shriram Finance take the bait and march towards growth? N. Madhavan tries to answer.I The UAE's Golden Visa program is catching the eye of wealthy Indians, with about 4,300 people expected to relocate to the Emirate in 2024. The top choice? Dubai. A 10-year renewable residency that can be yours with a minimum real estate investment of around 4.57 crore rupees. Once you've invested, you'll snag a six-month multi-entry visa to start, then head to the UAE for your ID and medical checks. It takes a couple of months to process, but it’s a straightforward path to planting roots in Dubai. This visa isn’t just a ticket to the UAE; it's a gateway to tax benefits and global connectivity. In this piece, Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani takes you through the process of applying for a golden visa. Head to the show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why are Indians buying fewer cars? full 647 Mint - HT Smartcast India to create its own wealth fund, EV subsidy certificates soon Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian government is exploring the creation of its first sovereign wealth fund by pooling shares it owns in publicly traded companies. This proposed fund could control assets worth around 50 trillion rupees, sources told Mint’s Mihir Mishra. The government would maintain control by possibly issuing non-voting shares and exploring a "golden share" concept, which grants specific rights without affecting voting power. Globally, about 40 countries have sovereign wealth funds, using them to secure critical assets and improve infrastructure. This new fund could also enhance public sector efficiency by encouraging mergers or reorganizations. Are you planning on buying an electric vehicle soon? You might want to hurry up, otherwise you’d be forced to upload selfies with your new car to qualify for a subsidy. Alisha Sachdev reports that the central government plans to issue digital certificates to EV buyers under the third phase of its flagship FAME scheme. These certificates will note the subsidy provided by the government. This initiative seeks to vocalise the government’s role in popularising EVs for the masses, but might rub some buyers the wrong way.  Just ahead of the festive season, India's passenger vehicle sales have taken a hit, dropping for two months straight, with dealers facing a glut of unsold cars. Over 7.8 lakh units worth close to  78,000 crore rupees remain unsold. This year started strong, with sales initially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, but recent figures show a decline of 2.5% and 1.4% in July and August, with a similar trend in retail sales. The current dip in demand is attributed to a high base effect from previous growth spurts and dwindling pandemic-era demand, despite improved production rates due to resolved semiconductor shortages. Sumant Banerji explains why the sale of passenger cars has slowed down in today’s Primer.  Sundaram Finance controls nearly 6,000 crore rupees worth of deposits. Its loyal customer base has unwaveringly placed its support, despite the company being a non banking financial company. However, Sundaram Finance lags behind peers like Bajaj Finance due to its conservative approach focused on serving the underserved, resulting in slower growth. The Reserve Bank of India wants NBFCs like Sundaram to turn into full fledged banks. Will Shriram Finance take the bait and march towards growth? N. Madhavan tries to answer.I The UAE's Golden Visa program is catching the eye of wealthy Indians, with about 4,300 people expected to relocate to the Emirate in 2024. The top choice? Dubai. A 10-year renewable residency that can be yours with a minimum real estate investment of around 4.57 crore rupees. Once you've invested, you'll snag a six-month multi-entry visa to start, then head to the UAE for your ID and medical checks. It takes a couple of months to process, but it’s a straightforward path to planting roots in Dubai. This visa isn’t just a ticket to the UAE; it's a gateway to tax benefits and global connectivity. In this piece, Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani takes you through the process of applying for a golden visa. Head to the show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

The Indian government is exploring the creation of its first sovereign wealth fund by pooling shares it owns in publicly traded companies. This proposed fund could control assets worth around 50 trillion rupees, sources told Mint’s Mihir Mishra. The government would maintain control by possibly issuing non-voting shares and exploring a "golden share" concept, which grants specific rights without affecting voting power. Globally, about 40 countries have sovereign wealth funds, using them to secure critical assets and improve infrastructure. This new fund could also enhance public sector efficiency by encouraging mergers or reorganizations.

Are you planning on buying an electric vehicle soon? You might want to hurry up, otherwise you’d be forced to upload selfies with your new car to qualify for a subsidy. Alisha Sachdev reports that the central government plans to issue digital certificates to EV buyers under the third phase of its flagship FAME scheme. These certificates will note the subsidy provided by the government. This initiative seeks to vocalise the government’s role in popularising EVs for the masses, but might rub some buyers the wrong way. 

Just ahead of the festive season, India's passenger vehicle sales have taken a hit, dropping for two months straight, with dealers facing a glut of unsold cars. Over 7.8 lakh units worth close to  78,000 crore rupees remain unsold. This year started strong, with sales initially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, but recent figures show a decline of 2.5% and 1.4% in July and August, with a similar trend in retail sales. The current dip in demand is attributed to a high base effect from previous growth spurts and dwindling pandemic-era demand, despite improved production rates due to resolved semiconductor shortages. Sumant Banerji explains why the sale of passenger cars has slowed down in today’s Primer. 

Sundaram Finance controls nearly 6,000 crore rupees worth of deposits. Its loyal customer base has unwaveringly placed its support, despite the company being a non banking financial company. However, Sundaram Finance lags behind peers like Bajaj Finance due to its conservative approach focused on serving the underserved, resulting in slower growth. The Reserve Bank of India wants NBFCs like Sundaram to turn into full fledged banks. Will Shriram Finance take the bait and march towards growth? N. Madhavan tries to answer.I

The UAE's Golden Visa program is catching the eye of wealthy Indians, with about 4,300 people expected to relocate to the Emirate in 2024. The top choice? Dubai. A 10-year renewable residency that can be yours with a minimum real estate investment of around 4.57 crore rupees. Once you've invested, you'll snag a six-month multi-entry visa to start, then head to the UAE for your ID and medical checks. It takes a couple of months to process, but it’s a straightforward path to planting roots in Dubai. This visa isn’t just a ticket to the UAE; it's a gateway to tax benefits and global connectivity. In this piece, Mint Money’s Jash Kriplani takes you through the process of applying for a golden visa. Head to the show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 311 no The looming threat of a US recession https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-looming-threat-of-a-us-recession-Wovu0X1d   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity markets fell for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The benchmark Nifty index was down 0.21 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.18 percent.   Concerns are growing over the possibility of a US recession, with rising unemployment rates and inflation serving as key indicators. However, as N. Madhavan points out, the US GDP growth remains strong despite these warning signs. Some economists suggest a potential soft landing, where inflation is controlled without leading to a full-blown recession. In his primer, Madhavan explores these scenarios and their potential impact on India. The market has seen a frenzy of SME IPOs, with many getting oversubscribed by over a thousand times, despite warnings from regulators about potential malpractices. Some of these could soon become penny stocks. Aprajita Sharma highlights the warning signs investors should be mindful of, noting that SME stocks, with their relatively low market cap, are more susceptible to manipulation. In her story, she emphasizes the importance of thorough research to avoid falling victim to promoters looking to offload their holdings at inflated prices.Change is indeed afoot in Bollywood, with actors becoming more selective about projects they take on. Many are opting out of films that may not resonate with today’s post-pandemic audience, industry insiders told Lata Jha. Biopics and dramas, once staples of the big screen, are now increasingly seen as better suited for streaming platforms. A notable example is Ayushmann Khurrana stepping away from a Sourav Ganguly biopic. So, what’s driving this shift? While the rise of the OTT industry plays a major role, the evolving dynamics of the film industry run deeper. Audiences have raised their expectations, and stars are adjusting by being more cautious about their choices. This year is proving highly lucrative for lawyers as India's top law firms engage in an intense competition for talent. With retention and discretionary bonuses, faster paths to partnership, and larger salary hikes on offer, firms are pulling out all the stops to retain their best employees. Leading law firms are even bringing in consultants to overhaul their compensation structures. Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to insiders who revealed that firms are incentivizing talent primarily through two strategies: offering a quicker path to partnership and enhancing performance-linked incentives. Law firms typically have two types of partners—equity partners, who generate business and receive a share of the firm's revenue, and non-equity partners, who are paid a fixed salary with bonuses. The latter group is now the main focus of these efforts. Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, plans to invest $100 million in the Indian market over the next three years, aiming to expand its portfolio of premium spirits. Over the past decade, Diageo has already poured around $3.5 billion into India, focusing on expansion, acquisitions, and investments in cricket properties such as the Indian Premier League. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that the company now plans to introduce "craft spirits" for both domestic and international markets, seeking to further boost its dominant market share.   Show notes: Mint Primer: The chances of a US recession and its impact on India SME IPO frenzy: The red flags that investors shouldn't ignore Talent War in Legal Sector: Firms Boost Pay and Partnership Opportunities Bollywood sees flight to safety as moviegoers raise the bar Diageo to invest $100 mn to craft new products in India, says top boss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The looming threat of a US recession full 646 Mint - HT Smartcast Red flags to look out for in SME IPOs; Talent wars in legal sector   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity markets fell for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The benchmark Nifty index was down 0.21 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.18 percent.   Concerns are growing over the possibility of a US recession, with rising unemployment rates and inflation serving as key indicators. However, as N. Madhavan points out, the US GDP growth remains strong despite these warning signs. Some economists suggest a potential soft landing, where inflation is controlled without leading to a full-blown recession. In his primer, Madhavan explores these scenarios and their potential impact on India. The market has seen a frenzy of SME IPOs, with many getting oversubscribed by over a thousand times, despite warnings from regulators about potential malpractices. Some of these could soon become penny stocks. Aprajita Sharma highlights the warning signs investors should be mindful of, noting that SME stocks, with their relatively low market cap, are more susceptible to manipulation. In her story, she emphasizes the importance of thorough research to avoid falling victim to promoters looking to offload their holdings at inflated prices.Change is indeed afoot in Bollywood, with actors becoming more selective about projects they take on. Many are opting out of films that may not resonate with today’s post-pandemic audience, industry insiders told Lata Jha. Biopics and dramas, once staples of the big screen, are now increasingly seen as better suited for streaming platforms. A notable example is Ayushmann Khurrana stepping away from a Sourav Ganguly biopic. So, what’s driving this shift? While the rise of the OTT industry plays a major role, the evolving dynamics of the film industry run deeper. Audiences have raised their expectations, and stars are adjusting by being more cautious about their choices. This year is proving highly lucrative for lawyers as India's top law firms engage in an intense competition for talent. With retention and discretionary bonuses, faster paths to partnership, and larger salary hikes on offer, firms are pulling out all the stops to retain their best employees. Leading law firms are even bringing in consultants to overhaul their compensation structures. Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to insiders who revealed that firms are incentivizing talent primarily through two strategies: offering a quicker path to partnership and enhancing performance-linked incentives. Law firms typically have two types of partners—equity partners, who generate business and receive a share of the firm's revenue, and non-equity partners, who are paid a fixed salary with bonuses. The latter group is now the main focus of these efforts. Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, plans to invest $100 million in the Indian market over the next three years, aiming to expand its portfolio of premium spirits. Over the past decade, Diageo has already poured around $3.5 billion into India, focusing on expansion, acquisitions, and investments in cricket properties such as the Indian Premier League. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that the company now plans to introduce "craft spirits" for both domestic and international markets, seeking to further boost its dominant market share.   Show notes: Mint Primer: The chances of a US recession and its impact on India SME IPO frenzy: The red flags that investors shouldn't ignore Talent War in Legal Sector: Firms Boost Pay and Partnership Opportunities Bollywood sees flight to safety as moviegoers raise the bar Diageo to invest $100 mn to craft new products in India, says top boss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, September 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Indian equity markets fell for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The benchmark Nifty index was down 0.21 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.18 percent.


 

Concerns are growing over the possibility of a US recession, with rising unemployment rates and inflation serving as key indicators. However, as N. Madhavan points out, the US GDP growth remains strong despite these warning signs. Some economists suggest a potential soft landing, where inflation is controlled without leading to a full-blown recession. In his primer, Madhavan explores these scenarios and their potential impact on India.

The market has seen a frenzy of SME IPOs, with many getting oversubscribed by over a thousand times, despite warnings from regulators about potential malpractices. Some of these could soon become penny stocks. Aprajita Sharma highlights the warning signs investors should be mindful of, noting that SME stocks, with their relatively low market cap, are more susceptible to manipulation. In her story, she emphasizes the importance of thorough research to avoid falling victim to promoters looking to offload their holdings at inflated prices.

Change is indeed afoot in Bollywood, with actors becoming more selective about projects they take on. Many are opting out of films that may not resonate with today’s post-pandemic audience, industry insiders told Lata Jha. Biopics and dramas, once staples of the big screen, are now increasingly seen as better suited for streaming platforms. A notable example is Ayushmann Khurrana stepping away from a Sourav Ganguly biopic. So, what’s driving this shift? While the rise of the OTT industry plays a major role, the evolving dynamics of the film industry run deeper. Audiences have raised their expectations, and stars are adjusting by being more cautious about their choices.

This year is proving highly lucrative for lawyers as India's top law firms engage in an intense competition for talent. With retention and discretionary bonuses, faster paths to partnership, and larger salary hikes on offer, firms are pulling out all the stops to retain their best employees. Leading law firms are even bringing in consultants to overhaul their compensation structures. Neha Joshi and Devina Sengupta spoke to insiders who revealed that firms are incentivizing talent primarily through two strategies: offering a quicker path to partnership and enhancing performance-linked incentives. Law firms typically have two types of partners—equity partners, who generate business and receive a share of the firm's revenue, and non-equity partners, who are paid a fixed salary with bonuses. The latter group is now the main focus of these efforts.

Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, plans to invest $100 million in the Indian market over the next three years, aiming to expand its portfolio of premium spirits. Over the past decade, Diageo has already poured around $3.5 billion into India, focusing on expansion, acquisitions, and investments in cricket properties such as the Indian Premier League. Varuni Khosla and Suneera Tandon report that the company now plans to introduce "craft spirits" for both domestic and international markets, seeking to further boost its dominant market share.

 

Show notes:

Mint Primer: The chances of a US recession and its impact on India

SME IPO frenzy: The red flags that investors shouldn't ignore

Talent War in Legal Sector: Firms Boost Pay and Partnership Opportunities

Bollywood sees flight to safety as moviegoers raise the bar

Diageo to invest $100 mn to craft new products in India, says top boss

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 320 no Mamata Banerjee faces her biggest challenge yet https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mamata-banerjee-faces-her-biggest-challenge-yet-YcCKivFp Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity markets fell on Wednesday. The benchmark Nifty50 index was down by 0.32 percent, while the Sensex dropped 0.25 percent.   Just a few years ago, dining out was a special occasion—something you did to celebrate or treat yourself. Then the pandemic hit, and if you didn’t feel like cooking, ordering in became the only option. This shift fundamentally changed consumer behaviour, particularly for fast-food diners. Suneera Tandon and Varuni Khosla report that quick-service restaurants like Domino’s, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut are now struggling to draw customers back to their outlets. Dine-in sales remain under pressure, while competition in the delivery space has intensified. To entice customers off their couches, these chains are offering discounts and promotions to boost in-store demand.   Tata Motors launched its popular EV, the Nexon, in 2020. Early buyers may now be considering selling their first-generation green cars. Alisha Sachdev brings encouraging news: the resale value of Indian EVs is outperforming their global counterparts. However, EVs still depreciate faster than petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite this, Alisha notes that as the EV market continues to mature and the availability of used electric vehicles grows, this depreciation gap is likely to shrink, potentially making electric mobility more accessible and appealing to a wider range of consumers. India’s festival season, kicking off in early September and culminating with Diwali sometime in November, is a critical period for e-commerce players. It's traditionally marked by a surge in offers as consumers' buying appetite increases. This year, India’s quick commerce sector is taking on e-commerce head-on during this busy time. Zomato is expanding its "dark stores" and introducing more consumer electronics categories to meet festive demand, while Tata-owned Big Basket has ventured into selling large appliances. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon report on the trend. Pharmaceutical companies have long been criticized for their aggressive marketing tactics aimed at doctors. A prime example is Dolo-650, which became the most prescribed drug during the pandemic in 2020. By 2022, however, Dolo’s manufacturer, Micro Labs, was facing scrutiny from the tax department for allegedly offering ₹1,000 crore in freebies to doctors to promote the pain and fever reliever. Now, the government is tightening its focus on such ethically questionable practices, writes Priyanka Sharma. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has mandated that companies disclose details of their spending on free samples, conferences, workshops, and other promotional activities, including specifics on sample distribution, event expenses, and recipient information. The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on 9 August shocked the entire nation. The capital of West Bengal—currently the only state led by a woman chief minister—has since been gripped by protests and unrest following the horrific crime. Mamata Banerjee, who has led the West Bengal government for 13 years and been an active politician for over four decades, now faces perhaps the toughest test of her career. Despite a history of leading protests against the state’s previous Left regime, this tragedy has emerged as her most significant challenge yet. Mint's Romita Datta delves into how the Kolkata rape and murder has become a defining moment in Mamata Banerjee’s political journey.   Eating at a fast-food outlet may be a better bargain than ordering in   EV resale value improving in India—but still less attractive than ICE siblings   It’s e-commerce versus quick commerce this festive season   Govt targets drugmakers offering freebies to doctors to promote their medicines   Bengal: Mamata Banerjee, who wrote the book on protests, faces her biggest test   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Mamata Banerjee faces her biggest challenge yet full 645 Mint - HT Smartcast Fast food outlets struggling to attract footfall; This festive season its e-commerce vs quick commerce Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity markets fell on Wednesday. The benchmark Nifty50 index was down by 0.32 percent, while the Sensex dropped 0.25 percent.   Just a few years ago, dining out was a special occasion—something you did to celebrate or treat yourself. Then the pandemic hit, and if you didn’t feel like cooking, ordering in became the only option. This shift fundamentally changed consumer behaviour, particularly for fast-food diners. Suneera Tandon and Varuni Khosla report that quick-service restaurants like Domino’s, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut are now struggling to draw customers back to their outlets. Dine-in sales remain under pressure, while competition in the delivery space has intensified. To entice customers off their couches, these chains are offering discounts and promotions to boost in-store demand.   Tata Motors launched its popular EV, the Nexon, in 2020. Early buyers may now be considering selling their first-generation green cars. Alisha Sachdev brings encouraging news: the resale value of Indian EVs is outperforming their global counterparts. However, EVs still depreciate faster than petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite this, Alisha notes that as the EV market continues to mature and the availability of used electric vehicles grows, this depreciation gap is likely to shrink, potentially making electric mobility more accessible and appealing to a wider range of consumers. India’s festival season, kicking off in early September and culminating with Diwali sometime in November, is a critical period for e-commerce players. It's traditionally marked by a surge in offers as consumers' buying appetite increases. This year, India’s quick commerce sector is taking on e-commerce head-on during this busy time. Zomato is expanding its "dark stores" and introducing more consumer electronics categories to meet festive demand, while Tata-owned Big Basket has ventured into selling large appliances. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon report on the trend. Pharmaceutical companies have long been criticized for their aggressive marketing tactics aimed at doctors. A prime example is Dolo-650, which became the most prescribed drug during the pandemic in 2020. By 2022, however, Dolo’s manufacturer, Micro Labs, was facing scrutiny from the tax department for allegedly offering ₹1,000 crore in freebies to doctors to promote the pain and fever reliever. Now, the government is tightening its focus on such ethically questionable practices, writes Priyanka Sharma. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has mandated that companies disclose details of their spending on free samples, conferences, workshops, and other promotional activities, including specifics on sample distribution, event expenses, and recipient information. The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on 9 August shocked the entire nation. The capital of West Bengal—currently the only state led by a woman chief minister—has since been gripped by protests and unrest following the horrific crime. Mamata Banerjee, who has led the West Bengal government for 13 years and been an active politician for over four decades, now faces perhaps the toughest test of her career. Despite a history of leading protests against the state’s previous Left regime, this tragedy has emerged as her most significant challenge yet. Mint's Romita Datta delves into how the Kolkata rape and murder has become a defining moment in Mamata Banerjee’s political journey.   Eating at a fast-food outlet may be a better bargain than ordering in   EV resale value improving in India—but still less attractive than ICE siblings   It’s e-commerce versus quick commerce this festive season   Govt targets drugmakers offering freebies to doctors to promote their medicines   Bengal: Mamata Banerjee, who wrote the book on protests, faces her biggest test   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, September 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Indian equity markets fell on Wednesday. The benchmark Nifty50 index was down by 0.32 percent, while the Sensex dropped 0.25 percent.


 

Just a few years ago, dining out was a special occasion—something you did to celebrate or treat yourself. Then the pandemic hit, and if you didn’t feel like cooking, ordering in became the only option. This shift fundamentally changed consumer behaviour, particularly for fast-food diners. Suneera Tandon and Varuni Khosla report that quick-service restaurants like Domino’s, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut are now struggling to draw customers back to their outlets. Dine-in sales remain under pressure, while competition in the delivery space has intensified. To entice customers off their couches, these chains are offering discounts and promotions to boost in-store demand.


 

Tata Motors launched its popular EV, the Nexon, in 2020. Early buyers may now be considering selling their first-generation green cars. Alisha Sachdev brings encouraging news: the resale value of Indian EVs is outperforming their global counterparts. However, EVs still depreciate faster than petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite this, Alisha notes that as the EV market continues to mature and the availability of used electric vehicles grows, this depreciation gap is likely to shrink, potentially making electric mobility more accessible and appealing to a wider range of consumers.

India’s festival season, kicking off in early September and culminating with Diwali sometime in November, is a critical period for e-commerce players. It's traditionally marked by a surge in offers as consumers' buying appetite increases. This year, India’s quick commerce sector is taking on e-commerce head-on during this busy time. Zomato is expanding its "dark stores" and introducing more consumer electronics categories to meet festive demand, while Tata-owned Big Basket has ventured into selling large appliances. Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Suneera Tandon report on the trend.

Pharmaceutical companies have long been criticized for their aggressive marketing tactics aimed at doctors. A prime example is Dolo-650, which became the most prescribed drug during the pandemic in 2020. By 2022, however, Dolo’s manufacturer, Micro Labs, was facing scrutiny from the tax department for allegedly offering ₹1,000 crore in freebies to doctors to promote the pain and fever reliever. Now, the government is tightening its focus on such ethically questionable practices, writes Priyanka Sharma. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has mandated that companies disclose details of their spending on free samples, conferences, workshops, and other promotional activities, including specifics on sample distribution, event expenses, and recipient information.

The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on 9 August shocked the entire nation. The capital of West Bengal—currently the only state led by a woman chief minister—has since been gripped by protests and unrest following the horrific crime. Mamata Banerjee, who has led the West Bengal government for 13 years and been an active politician for over four decades, now faces perhaps the toughest test of her career. Despite a history of leading protests against the state’s previous Left regime, this tragedy has emerged as her most significant challenge yet. Mint's Romita Datta delves into how the Kolkata rape and murder has become a defining moment in Mamata Banerjee’s political journey.



 

Eating at a fast-food outlet may be a better bargain than ordering in


 

EV resale value improving in India—but still less attractive than ICE siblings


 

It’s e-commerce versus quick commerce this festive season


 

Govt targets drugmakers offering freebies to doctors to promote their medicines


 

Bengal: Mamata Banerjee, who wrote the book on protests, faces her biggest test


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 337 no Are our Paralympians better than able-bodied Olympians? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/are-our-paralympians-better-than-able-bodied-olympians-25xhiVtg   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets were little changed on Tuesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty moving less than 0.01 percent during the day. Seventeen-year-old Sheetal Devi, an armless Indian Paralympian archer, has captured the world's attention by scoring a perfect 10  earning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, using her foot, jaw, and shoulder with remarkable precision. Her achievement underscores a significant advancement in tech for Paralympians. Leslie D'Monte writes that Devi's success is part of a broader narrative of technological evolution in Paralympic sports. From rudimentary equipment to today's customised, high-tech aids like 3D-printed prosthetics, Paralympics have come a long way. This ensures fair competition, and showcases incredible human spirit and determination. India is currently at 15 medals in these Games — watch out for a better tally in the days to come. At R-I-L's annual general meeting last week, Mukesh Ambani formally announced the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This deal has stirred unease among producers and content creators, who fear it could lead to a market monopoly. With one fewer player in the market, their bargaining power is diminished, and the commissioning of new shows and films may decline. Lata Jha reports that Disney+ Hotstar had already been slowing down on commissioning new content. Despite these concerns, some media experts see potential benefits in the merger. It turns out you can have your brownie and eat it too. The sale of Theobroma Foods is nearing its final stages, reports Ranjani Raghavan, drawing strong interest from private equity firms like Bain Capital, Carlyle Group, and Chrys Capital. The sale, initiated by its major private equity partner ICICI Venture, involves offloading a 42% stake. The patisserie brand is valued at ₹2,800 crore, with an asking price slightly higher by a few hundred crores. IT companies are making it clear they want employees back in the office. LTI Mindtree has revised its leave policy to deduct a quarter-day of leave for each day an employee misses office, reports Jas Bardia. This policy categorizes employees into three groups based on their work requirements: those required in the office full-time, those working at client locations as needed, and those on a hybrid model. Hybrid employees must come to the office at least two days per week, with total leave deductions capped at 1.5 days per month. Jas notes that employees are generally receptive to the change, viewing it as the formalization of previously understood expectations. Currently, the minimum limit for starting an SIP is ₹500. Sebi chief Madhavi Puri Buch has proposed reducing this to ₹250—a 'micro SIP,' if you will. The move aims to democratize wealth creation and cater to small investors, including rural residents and daily wage earners, writes Abhinaba Saha. However, mutual fund houses see micro SIPs more as charitable efforts, citing operational challenges and low profitability in managing numerous small transactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Are our Paralympians better than able-bodied Olympians? full 644 Mint - HT Smartcast Theobroma sale close to completion, why OTT consolidation isn't good for movie industry   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets were little changed on Tuesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty moving less than 0.01 percent during the day. Seventeen-year-old Sheetal Devi, an armless Indian Paralympian archer, has captured the world's attention by scoring a perfect 10  earning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, using her foot, jaw, and shoulder with remarkable precision. Her achievement underscores a significant advancement in tech for Paralympians. Leslie D'Monte writes that Devi's success is part of a broader narrative of technological evolution in Paralympic sports. From rudimentary equipment to today's customised, high-tech aids like 3D-printed prosthetics, Paralympics have come a long way. This ensures fair competition, and showcases incredible human spirit and determination. India is currently at 15 medals in these Games — watch out for a better tally in the days to come. At R-I-L's annual general meeting last week, Mukesh Ambani formally announced the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This deal has stirred unease among producers and content creators, who fear it could lead to a market monopoly. With one fewer player in the market, their bargaining power is diminished, and the commissioning of new shows and films may decline. Lata Jha reports that Disney+ Hotstar had already been slowing down on commissioning new content. Despite these concerns, some media experts see potential benefits in the merger. It turns out you can have your brownie and eat it too. The sale of Theobroma Foods is nearing its final stages, reports Ranjani Raghavan, drawing strong interest from private equity firms like Bain Capital, Carlyle Group, and Chrys Capital. The sale, initiated by its major private equity partner ICICI Venture, involves offloading a 42% stake. The patisserie brand is valued at ₹2,800 crore, with an asking price slightly higher by a few hundred crores. IT companies are making it clear they want employees back in the office. LTI Mindtree has revised its leave policy to deduct a quarter-day of leave for each day an employee misses office, reports Jas Bardia. This policy categorizes employees into three groups based on their work requirements: those required in the office full-time, those working at client locations as needed, and those on a hybrid model. Hybrid employees must come to the office at least two days per week, with total leave deductions capped at 1.5 days per month. Jas notes that employees are generally receptive to the change, viewing it as the formalization of previously understood expectations. Currently, the minimum limit for starting an SIP is ₹500. Sebi chief Madhavi Puri Buch has proposed reducing this to ₹250—a 'micro SIP,' if you will. The move aims to democratize wealth creation and cater to small investors, including rural residents and daily wage earners, writes Abhinaba Saha. However, mutual fund houses see micro SIPs more as charitable efforts, citing operational challenges and low profitability in managing numerous small transactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, September 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian equity markets were little changed on Tuesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty moving less than 0.01 percent during the day.

Seventeen-year-old Sheetal Devi, an armless Indian Paralympian archer, has captured the world's attention by scoring a perfect 10  earning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, using her foot, jaw, and shoulder with remarkable precision. Her achievement underscores a significant advancement in tech for Paralympians. Leslie D'Monte writes that Devi's success is part of a broader narrative of technological evolution in Paralympic sports. From rudimentary equipment to today's customised, high-tech aids like 3D-printed prosthetics, Paralympics have come a long way. This ensures fair competition, and showcases incredible human spirit and determination. India is currently at 15 medals in these Games — watch out for a better tally in the days to come.

At R-I-L's annual general meeting last week, Mukesh Ambani formally announced the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This deal has stirred unease among producers and content creators, who fear it could lead to a market monopoly. With one fewer player in the market, their bargaining power is diminished, and the commissioning of new shows and films may decline. Lata Jha reports that Disney+ Hotstar had already been slowing down on commissioning new content. Despite these concerns, some media experts see potential benefits in the merger.

It turns out you can have your brownie and eat it too. The sale of Theobroma Foods is nearing its final stages, reports Ranjani Raghavan, drawing strong interest from private equity firms like Bain Capital, Carlyle Group, and Chrys Capital. The sale, initiated by its major private equity partner ICICI Venture, involves offloading a 42% stake. The patisserie brand is valued at ₹2,800 crore, with an asking price slightly higher by a few hundred crores.

IT companies are making it clear they want employees back in the office. LTI Mindtree has revised its leave policy to deduct a quarter-day of leave for each day an employee misses office, reports Jas Bardia. This policy categorizes employees into three groups based on their work requirements: those required in the office full-time, those working at client locations as needed, and those on a hybrid model. Hybrid employees must come to the office at least two days per week, with total leave deductions capped at 1.5 days per month. Jas notes that employees are generally receptive to the change, viewing it as the formalization of previously understood expectations.

Currently, the minimum limit for starting an SIP is ₹500. Sebi chief Madhavi Puri Buch has proposed reducing this to ₹250—a 'micro SIP,' if you will. The move aims to democratize wealth creation and cater to small investors, including rural residents and daily wage earners, writes Abhinaba Saha. However, mutual fund houses see micro SIPs more as charitable efforts, citing operational challenges and low profitability in managing numerous small transactions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 320 no How to spot a "ghost job" https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-spot-a-ghost-job-mW970ZK_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets set another record on Monday, with the Nifty rising by 0.17 percent and the Sensex gaining 0.24 percent. This marks the thirteenth consecutive trading session where the markets have closed in the green. Last week, the Securities and Exchange Board of India proposed a major regulatory change for stock brokers, requiring them to implement a payment mechanism that blocks funds for trading in the secondary market. Mint’s Neha Joshi explains that this type of block mechanism, where investors set aside money for transactions, enhances security while allowing them to earn interest on the funds held in their accounts. Ever encountered a "ghost job"? These are fake vacancies posted by companies to gather resumes for future use and test market interest. Additionally, they might also post such jobs to maintain their brand image or signal growth. Devina Sengupta reports that these postings are usually done by smaller companies. Read her primer on this trend, and find out how to avoid wasting your time by applying for a ghost job. Regulatory challenges for India Inc. have been steadily increasing, prompting companies to seek assistance from "crisis consultants" to navigate these issues. Recent incidents, such as the problems with IT systems at Kotak Mahindra Bank, highlight this sectoral shift. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta write that the emergence of crisis consulting as a sector is imminent. They also note that the use of artificial intelligence is significantly reducing resolution times from months and weeks to mere days. In July, SBI Card reported a rise in non-performing assets, attributing it to customers over-leveraging by securing multiple credit lines, which directly affected their repayment capacity. Our partners at How India Lives highlight that this trend reflects a broader issue of rising household debt in India, exacerbated by the pandemic. Soaring household debt is impacting savings and expenditure, raising concerns about the broader implications for economic growth and the urgent need for a rebound in household financial savings. In New Delhi, the renewable power sector is facing a challenge as nearly 30 gigawatts of capacity is struggling to find buyers. Potential buyers expect uniform tariffs and improved grid connectivity, both of which are missing. Rituraj Baruah reports that projects worth at least 15 gigawatt lacks Power Purchase Agreements, while around 14 gigwatts are awaiting Power Supply Agreements. India aims to significantly increase its green power project tendering to meet an ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigwatts of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030. Such a backlog by the authorities in approving projects is spooking investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How to spot a "ghost job" full 643 Mint - HT Smartcast The worrying increase in household debt, the emergence of crisis consulting Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian equity markets set another record on Monday, with the Nifty rising by 0.17 percent and the Sensex gaining 0.24 percent. This marks the thirteenth consecutive trading session where the markets have closed in the green. Last week, the Securities and Exchange Board of India proposed a major regulatory change for stock brokers, requiring them to implement a payment mechanism that blocks funds for trading in the secondary market. Mint’s Neha Joshi explains that this type of block mechanism, where investors set aside money for transactions, enhances security while allowing them to earn interest on the funds held in their accounts. Ever encountered a "ghost job"? These are fake vacancies posted by companies to gather resumes for future use and test market interest. Additionally, they might also post such jobs to maintain their brand image or signal growth. Devina Sengupta reports that these postings are usually done by smaller companies. Read her primer on this trend, and find out how to avoid wasting your time by applying for a ghost job. Regulatory challenges for India Inc. have been steadily increasing, prompting companies to seek assistance from "crisis consultants" to navigate these issues. Recent incidents, such as the problems with IT systems at Kotak Mahindra Bank, highlight this sectoral shift. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta write that the emergence of crisis consulting as a sector is imminent. They also note that the use of artificial intelligence is significantly reducing resolution times from months and weeks to mere days. In July, SBI Card reported a rise in non-performing assets, attributing it to customers over-leveraging by securing multiple credit lines, which directly affected their repayment capacity. Our partners at How India Lives highlight that this trend reflects a broader issue of rising household debt in India, exacerbated by the pandemic. Soaring household debt is impacting savings and expenditure, raising concerns about the broader implications for economic growth and the urgent need for a rebound in household financial savings. In New Delhi, the renewable power sector is facing a challenge as nearly 30 gigawatts of capacity is struggling to find buyers. Potential buyers expect uniform tariffs and improved grid connectivity, both of which are missing. Rituraj Baruah reports that projects worth at least 15 gigawatt lacks Power Purchase Agreements, while around 14 gigwatts are awaiting Power Supply Agreements. India aims to significantly increase its green power project tendering to meet an ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigwatts of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030. Such a backlog by the authorities in approving projects is spooking investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, September 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian equity markets set another record on Monday, with the Nifty rising by 0.17 percent and the Sensex gaining 0.24 percent. This marks the thirteenth consecutive trading session where the markets have closed in the green.

Last week, the Securities and Exchange Board of India proposed a major regulatory change for stock brokers, requiring them to implement a payment mechanism that blocks funds for trading in the secondary market. Mint’s Neha Joshi explains that this type of block mechanism, where investors set aside money for transactions, enhances security while allowing them to earn interest on the funds held in their accounts.

Ever encountered a "ghost job"? These are fake vacancies posted by companies to gather resumes for future use and test market interest. Additionally, they might also post such jobs to maintain their brand image or signal growth. Devina Sengupta reports that these postings are usually done by smaller companies. Read her primer on this trend, and find out how to avoid wasting your time by applying for a ghost job.

Regulatory challenges for India Inc. have been steadily increasing, prompting companies to seek assistance from "crisis consultants" to navigate these issues. Recent incidents, such as the problems with IT systems at Kotak Mahindra Bank, highlight this sectoral shift. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta write that the emergence of crisis consulting as a sector is imminent. They also note that the use of artificial intelligence is significantly reducing resolution times from months and weeks to mere days.

In July, SBI Card reported a rise in non-performing assets, attributing it to customers over-leveraging by securing multiple credit lines, which directly affected their repayment capacity. Our partners at How India Lives highlight that this trend reflects a broader issue of rising household debt in India, exacerbated by the pandemic. Soaring household debt is impacting savings and expenditure, raising concerns about the broader implications for economic growth and the urgent need for a rebound in household financial savings.

In New Delhi, the renewable power sector is facing a challenge as nearly 30 gigawatts of capacity is struggling to find buyers. Potential buyers expect uniform tariffs and improved grid connectivity, both of which are missing. Rituraj Baruah reports that projects worth at least 15 gigawatt lacks Power Purchase Agreements, while around 14 gigwatts are awaiting Power Supply Agreements. India aims to significantly increase its green power project tendering to meet an ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigwatts of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030. Such a backlog by the authorities in approving projects is spooking investors

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 292 no Adani’s FMCG expansion https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adanis-fmcg-expansion-t9gWbY3d Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Adani Group plans to invest $1 billion in acquiring packaged consumer goods brands in southern and eastern India. Anirudh Laskar reports that the investment will be made through its subsidiary, Adani Wilmar. This move is part of the group's strategy to expand its presence in the fast-moving consumer goods segment. Adani Wilmar aims to make multiple acquisitions over the next few years and anticipates a surge in demand for its products. The Group has previously used this strategy in other sectors too, like renewable energy and the cements business.   India's audit authority plans to close a loophole that lets companies escape scrutiny over fund misuse by making lead auditors of conglomerates more responsible. This addresses a gap in accounting standards that let main auditors depend on subsidiary auditors without accountability. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that the previous practice posed a potential risk and additional burden for auditors. The National Financial Reporting Authority aims to issue new, stricter guidelines to ensure lead auditors fully oversee and answer for the entire group's financial statements — this would be aligned more with global practices.   In July, a massive digital attack on a popular cryptocurrency platform led to half the depositors losing their money. India's largest crypto platform WazirX saw a massive attack that led to a huge chunk of their user base of 42 lakh people lose some money. But since this is a decentralised currency, the government isn't safeguarding investors. Neil Borate and Anil Poste spoke to investors who lost their money in this attack, who have no redressal mechanisms so far. A lack of regulatory clarity and no action from WazirX has baffled those who used the platform to buy crypto currencies.   Even though online betting is mostly illegal in India, global betting platforms are finding clever ways to sneak back into public view. They're popping up everywhere, from digital ads to sports jersey sponsorships, and they're using celebrities to grab attention. For instance, cricketer Dinesh Karthik and actor Jacqueline Fernandez are just a few of the faces you might see promoting brands like Parimatch and FairPlay India. These companies are cleverly leveraging the massive social media followings of these celebrities to reach millions, despite ongoing government crackdowns on such ads. Varuni Khosla reports on how betting apps in India are circumventing the legal hurdles with the help of surrogate advertising.    Food prices in India have been persistently high, driven by a combination of climatic events and policy responses. According to RBI data, food inflation has been notably higher in recent years, averaging 6.3% from June 2020 to June 2024, compared to 2.9% in the previous four years. Consumers have felt the pinch of rising prices, but farmers haven't necessarily benefited proportionately. High market prices for crops like pulses and vegetables often result from reduced production due to climate impacts rather than increased farmer income. Rainfall plays a critical role in agricultural output and, consequently, in food prices. The India Meteorological Department's forecast of a wet September could affect the Kharif crops, with potential for both beneficial and adverse impacts depending on the timing and intensity of the rains. Sayantan Bera examines how a bountiful monsoon could result in a fall in prices of food crops.  That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.  We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani’s FMCG expansion full 642 Mint - HT Smartcast More accountability on auditors; Surrogate advertising from betting apps Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Adani Group plans to invest $1 billion in acquiring packaged consumer goods brands in southern and eastern India. Anirudh Laskar reports that the investment will be made through its subsidiary, Adani Wilmar. This move is part of the group's strategy to expand its presence in the fast-moving consumer goods segment. Adani Wilmar aims to make multiple acquisitions over the next few years and anticipates a surge in demand for its products. The Group has previously used this strategy in other sectors too, like renewable energy and the cements business.   India's audit authority plans to close a loophole that lets companies escape scrutiny over fund misuse by making lead auditors of conglomerates more responsible. This addresses a gap in accounting standards that let main auditors depend on subsidiary auditors without accountability. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that the previous practice posed a potential risk and additional burden for auditors. The National Financial Reporting Authority aims to issue new, stricter guidelines to ensure lead auditors fully oversee and answer for the entire group's financial statements — this would be aligned more with global practices.   In July, a massive digital attack on a popular cryptocurrency platform led to half the depositors losing their money. India's largest crypto platform WazirX saw a massive attack that led to a huge chunk of their user base of 42 lakh people lose some money. But since this is a decentralised currency, the government isn't safeguarding investors. Neil Borate and Anil Poste spoke to investors who lost their money in this attack, who have no redressal mechanisms so far. A lack of regulatory clarity and no action from WazirX has baffled those who used the platform to buy crypto currencies.   Even though online betting is mostly illegal in India, global betting platforms are finding clever ways to sneak back into public view. They're popping up everywhere, from digital ads to sports jersey sponsorships, and they're using celebrities to grab attention. For instance, cricketer Dinesh Karthik and actor Jacqueline Fernandez are just a few of the faces you might see promoting brands like Parimatch and FairPlay India. These companies are cleverly leveraging the massive social media followings of these celebrities to reach millions, despite ongoing government crackdowns on such ads. Varuni Khosla reports on how betting apps in India are circumventing the legal hurdles with the help of surrogate advertising.    Food prices in India have been persistently high, driven by a combination of climatic events and policy responses. According to RBI data, food inflation has been notably higher in recent years, averaging 6.3% from June 2020 to June 2024, compared to 2.9% in the previous four years. Consumers have felt the pinch of rising prices, but farmers haven't necessarily benefited proportionately. High market prices for crops like pulses and vegetables often result from reduced production due to climate impacts rather than increased farmer income. Rainfall plays a critical role in agricultural output and, consequently, in food prices. The India Meteorological Department's forecast of a wet September could affect the Kharif crops, with potential for both beneficial and adverse impacts depending on the timing and intensity of the rains. Sayantan Bera examines how a bountiful monsoon could result in a fall in prices of food crops.  That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.  We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, September 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Adani Group plans to invest $1 billion in acquiring packaged consumer goods brands in southern and eastern India. Anirudh Laskar reports that the investment will be made through its subsidiary, Adani Wilmar. This move is part of the group's strategy to expand its presence in the fast-moving consumer goods segment. Adani Wilmar aims to make multiple acquisitions over the next few years and anticipates a surge in demand for its products. The Group has previously used this strategy in other sectors too, like renewable energy and the cements business.


 

India's audit authority plans to close a loophole that lets companies escape scrutiny over fund misuse by making lead auditors of conglomerates more responsible. This addresses a gap in accounting standards that let main auditors depend on subsidiary auditors without accountability. Gireesh Chandra Prasad writes that the previous practice posed a potential risk and additional burden for auditors. The National Financial Reporting Authority aims to issue new, stricter guidelines to ensure lead auditors fully oversee and answer for the entire group's financial statements — this would be aligned more with global practices.


 

In July, a massive digital attack on a popular cryptocurrency platform led to half the depositors losing their money. India's largest crypto platform WazirX saw a massive attack that led to a huge chunk of their user base of 42 lakh people lose some money. But since this is a decentralised currency, the government isn't safeguarding investors. Neil Borate and Anil Poste spoke to investors who lost their money in this attack, who have no redressal mechanisms so far. A lack of regulatory clarity and no action from WazirX has baffled those who used the platform to buy crypto currencies.


 

Even though online betting is mostly illegal in India, global betting platforms are finding clever ways to sneak back into public view. They're popping up everywhere, from digital ads to sports jersey sponsorships, and they're using celebrities to grab attention. For instance, cricketer Dinesh Karthik and actor Jacqueline Fernandez are just a few of the faces you might see promoting brands like Parimatch and FairPlay India. These companies are cleverly leveraging the massive social media followings of these celebrities to reach millions, despite ongoing government crackdowns on such ads. Varuni Khosla reports on how betting apps in India are circumventing the legal hurdles with the help of surrogate advertising. 


 

Food prices in India have been persistently high, driven by a combination of climatic events and policy responses. According to RBI data, food inflation has been notably higher in recent years, averaging 6.3% from June 2020 to June 2024, compared to 2.9% in the previous four years. Consumers have felt the pinch of rising prices, but farmers haven't necessarily benefited proportionately. High market prices for crops like pulses and vegetables often result from reduced production due to climate impacts rather than increased farmer income. Rainfall plays a critical role in agricultural output and, consequently, in food prices. The India Meteorological Department's forecast of a wet September could affect the Kharif crops, with potential for both beneficial and adverse impacts depending on the timing and intensity of the rains. Sayantan Bera examines how a bountiful monsoon could result in a fall in prices of food crops. 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. 

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 314 no Reliance’s 47th annual general meeting https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliances-47th-annual-general-meeting-Z9Ol2wo7   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 30 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian equity markets touched record highs on Thursday. The Sensex rose by 0.43 percent, while the Nifty was up by 0.33 percent.   Messaging app Telegram's founder Pavel Durov was recently arrested in France. He is accused of not acting against harmful content on the app. Allegations include drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying, and generating fake images. Earlier, John McAfee and Julian Assange have been arrested on similar grounds. Shelley Singh explains the reasons for the arrest, which might have more to do with politics and diplomacy than crimes. Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, announced ambitious plans for Reliance Industries during the company's 47th annual general meeting. He revealed a strategy to double the income of Reliance’s digital and retail branches under the brands Jio and Reliance Retail in the next 3-4 years. Ambani envisions RIL’s new energy venture to match the size of its oil-to-chemical business, which generated ₹5.64 trillion in FY24, in just five years. Ambani highlighted the transformative plans for Reliance Industries, detailing initiatives across five key business areas: O2C, retail, Jio, media, and green energy, Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports. Ambani is betting big on a future where Reliance isn't just a heavyweight in traditional sectors but also leads in green energy and tech. The plan includes a massive green energy complex in Jamnagar, envisioned as a future global energy hub.   Up until a few years ago, you could only take an international flight from one of India's major airports. Flying outside India meant you'd first have to go to either New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru to hail a long-distance flight. But that changed when many non-metro airports secured the rights to fly internationally. Anu Sharma reports that airports such as Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow and Kozhikode are seeing robust growth in international travel. Travellers from these regions usually go to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Anu writes.    Millions of students pursue an engineering degree every year in hopes of getting a job offer from India’s top IT companies. Last year’s graduates were caught in the midst of a storm as many IT firms refused to go for campus placements. This year, Wipro has decided to come back for this exercise. A student might be excited to see that they have been placed in the “elite” category at Wipro, but the salary comes in at only 3.5 lakh rupees per annum. Jas Bardia reports that while Wipro will be going to recruit in a couple of weeks, they will only be rolling out their lowest packages to students. In previous hiring cycles, packages for freshers went as high as 10.5 lakh rupees. Last year’s struggles continue for IT sector aspirants.    In India, companies are now required to have a certain number of women on their boards, but this often just ticks a box rather than ensuring their voices are truly heard in decision-making. Speaking to Mint’s Devina Sengupta, Aparna Mittal from the Samāna Centre for Gender, Policy and Law pointed out that it's not just about having women on boards but whether they're genuinely independent and their opinions valued. Despite this, there's a silver lining as pay for women directors has seen a significant boost, doubling over the last five years due to their increased responsibilities.       Wipro to up fresher hiring, but at lowest pay grade of Rs 3.5 lakh per year Reliance to double Jio, retail biz in 3-4 years Overseas travel picks up at non-metros Women independent directors’ pay doubles in 5 years Pavel Durov: Why tech and global geeks worry govts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Reliance’s 47th annual general meeting full 641 Mint - HT Smartcast Why Telegram CEO was arrested; Wipro back to campus hiring   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 30 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian equity markets touched record highs on Thursday. The Sensex rose by 0.43 percent, while the Nifty was up by 0.33 percent.   Messaging app Telegram's founder Pavel Durov was recently arrested in France. He is accused of not acting against harmful content on the app. Allegations include drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying, and generating fake images. Earlier, John McAfee and Julian Assange have been arrested on similar grounds. Shelley Singh explains the reasons for the arrest, which might have more to do with politics and diplomacy than crimes. Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, announced ambitious plans for Reliance Industries during the company's 47th annual general meeting. He revealed a strategy to double the income of Reliance’s digital and retail branches under the brands Jio and Reliance Retail in the next 3-4 years. Ambani envisions RIL’s new energy venture to match the size of its oil-to-chemical business, which generated ₹5.64 trillion in FY24, in just five years. Ambani highlighted the transformative plans for Reliance Industries, detailing initiatives across five key business areas: O2C, retail, Jio, media, and green energy, Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports. Ambani is betting big on a future where Reliance isn't just a heavyweight in traditional sectors but also leads in green energy and tech. The plan includes a massive green energy complex in Jamnagar, envisioned as a future global energy hub.   Up until a few years ago, you could only take an international flight from one of India's major airports. Flying outside India meant you'd first have to go to either New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru to hail a long-distance flight. But that changed when many non-metro airports secured the rights to fly internationally. Anu Sharma reports that airports such as Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow and Kozhikode are seeing robust growth in international travel. Travellers from these regions usually go to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Anu writes.    Millions of students pursue an engineering degree every year in hopes of getting a job offer from India’s top IT companies. Last year’s graduates were caught in the midst of a storm as many IT firms refused to go for campus placements. This year, Wipro has decided to come back for this exercise. A student might be excited to see that they have been placed in the “elite” category at Wipro, but the salary comes in at only 3.5 lakh rupees per annum. Jas Bardia reports that while Wipro will be going to recruit in a couple of weeks, they will only be rolling out their lowest packages to students. In previous hiring cycles, packages for freshers went as high as 10.5 lakh rupees. Last year’s struggles continue for IT sector aspirants.    In India, companies are now required to have a certain number of women on their boards, but this often just ticks a box rather than ensuring their voices are truly heard in decision-making. Speaking to Mint’s Devina Sengupta, Aparna Mittal from the Samāna Centre for Gender, Policy and Law pointed out that it's not just about having women on boards but whether they're genuinely independent and their opinions valued. Despite this, there's a silver lining as pay for women directors has seen a significant boost, doubling over the last five years due to their increased responsibilities.       Wipro to up fresher hiring, but at lowest pay grade of Rs 3.5 lakh per year Reliance to double Jio, retail biz in 3-4 years Overseas travel picks up at non-metros Women independent directors’ pay doubles in 5 years Pavel Durov: Why tech and global geeks worry govts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 30 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Indian equity markets touched record highs on Thursday. The Sensex rose by 0.43 percent, while the Nifty was up by 0.33 percent.


 

Messaging app Telegram's founder Pavel Durov was recently arrested in France. He is accused of not acting against harmful content on the app. Allegations include drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying, and generating fake images. Earlier, John McAfee and Julian Assange have been arrested on similar grounds. Shelley Singh explains the reasons for the arrest, which might have more to do with politics and diplomacy than crimes.

Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, announced ambitious plans for Reliance Industries during the company's 47th annual general meeting. He revealed a strategy to double the income of Reliance’s digital and retail branches under the brands Jio and Reliance Retail in the next 3-4 years. Ambani envisions RIL’s new energy venture to match the size of its oil-to-chemical business, which generated ₹5.64 trillion in FY24, in just five years. Ambani highlighted the transformative plans for Reliance Industries, detailing initiatives across five key business areas: O2C, retail, Jio, media, and green energy, Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports. Ambani is betting big on a future where Reliance isn't just a heavyweight in traditional sectors but also leads in green energy and tech. The plan includes a massive green energy complex in Jamnagar, envisioned as a future global energy hub.


 

Up until a few years ago, you could only take an international flight from one of India's major airports. Flying outside India meant you'd first have to go to either New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru to hail a long-distance flight. But that changed when many non-metro airports secured the rights to fly internationally. Anu Sharma reports that airports such as Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow and Kozhikode are seeing robust growth in international travel. Travellers from these regions usually go to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Anu writes. 


 

Millions of students pursue an engineering degree every year in hopes of getting a job offer from India’s top IT companies. Last year’s graduates were caught in the midst of a storm as many IT firms refused to go for campus placements. This year, Wipro has decided to come back for this exercise. A student might be excited to see that they have been placed in the “elite” category at Wipro, but the salary comes in at only 3.5 lakh rupees per annum. Jas Bardia reports that while Wipro will be going to recruit in a couple of weeks, they will only be rolling out their lowest packages to students. In previous hiring cycles, packages for freshers went as high as 10.5 lakh rupees. Last year’s struggles continue for IT sector aspirants. 


 

In India, companies are now required to have a certain number of women on their boards, but this often just ticks a box rather than ensuring their voices are truly heard in decision-making. Speaking to Mint’s Devina Sengupta, Aparna Mittal from the Samāna Centre for Gender, Policy and Law pointed out that it's not just about having women on boards but whether they're genuinely independent and their opinions valued. Despite this, there's a silver lining as pay for women directors has seen a significant boost, doubling over the last five years due to their increased responsibilities.


 


 

 

Wipro to up fresher hiring, but at lowest pay grade of Rs 3.5 lakh per year

Reliance to double Jio, retail biz in 3-4 years

Overseas travel picks up at non-metros

Women independent directors’ pay doubles in 5 years

Pavel Durov: Why tech and global geeks worry govts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 317 no ISRO plans to launch home-made space station by 2028 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/isro-plans-to-launch-home-made-space-station-by-2028-a04yzHJD Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. India’s benchmark index Nifty 50 hit a new high on Wednesday, marking 10th straight day of gains. It ended the day 0.14 per cent above its previous close. BSE’s Sensex too edged into the green, surging 0.9 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India is gearing up to launch the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) nationwide, aiming to revolutionize the lending process much like the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, transformed payments. So, what exactly is ULI? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains. It's a digital hub that helps fast-track loan approvals by pulling together digital info like land records from various sources right to the lenders' fingertips. This could seriously cut down the time it takes to get a loan, especially for sectors craving credit like agriculture and small businesses.  The Competition Commission of India has greenlit the merger of Disney Star and Reliance's Viacom18, setting the stage for a colossal shake-up in India's media landscape, creating an $8.5-billion behemoth. This merger, bringing under one roof entities like Reliance Industries, Viacom18 Media, and Star India, is set for completion following voluntary modifications agreed by the parties, reports Gaurav Laghate. The combined entity, to be primarily owned by Reliance and its affiliates, marks a significant consolidation in the media and entertainment sector. Post-merger, the landscape will see Disney Star and Viacom18 merging their considerable media assets, ranging from television channels to OTT platforms, potentially reaching over 750 million viewers. This move is poised to streamline operations and enhance content delivery but could lead to significant job redundancies, affecting around 1,000 employees. The integration process is expected to kick off by October. India's renewable energy scene is buzzing, but it's hitting a snag with regulatory grey areas, especially around Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. These aren't your typical energy deals; they let energy be sold at fixed prices on an exchange, not directly through the grid. This setup skirts around the traditional system and should be a game-changer, right? Well, there's a catch. The problem lies with the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, which have made companies cautious of stepping into potential legal grey areas with these contracts, Nehal Chaliawal reports. Though the Supreme Court has clarified that physical electricity delivery falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, the industry is still treading carefully.  Indians might lose over three years of life expectancy due to air pollution, reveals the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index report. Despite a 19.3% reduction in particulate levels from 2021 to 2022, persistent pollution levels still pose a severe health risk. Northern India is particularly affected, where residents could lose up to 5.4 years of life expectancy despite recent improvements, Mint’s Puja Das reports. Other heavily impacted areas include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where residents could lose about 2.9 years on average. The report also noted a significant 18% decrease in air pollution across South Asia in 2022, influenced by factors like the La Niña-induced above-normal monsoon, which enhanced the effects of modest emission reductions from residential and transport sectors. An ISRO-made space station may soon be orbiting the earth. India is gearing up to launch its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), by 2028 with operational goals set for 2035. This development comes as the International Space Station is expected to be decommissioned by the end of 2030. The BAS, entirely engineered domestically, aims to become a new hub for global research collaborations, especially as the West seeks alternatives post-ISS. The final engineering and cost plans are awaiting cabinet approval, with ISRO confirming progress in recent statements. The BAS will stand alongside China's Tiangong Space Station as one of the only nation-operated space stations globally, reports Mint’s Shouvik Das. However, the emergence of private space stations could pose competition, potentially limiting BAS's global impact. Despite these challenges, India's space station is seen as an opportunity to leverage geopolitical advantages and foster collaborations.    Show notes:  Mint Primer | Will ULI change the lending landscape? Competition watchdog CCI approves Disney, RIL-owned Viacom18’s $8.5-bn merger India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords Indians risk losing 3.4 years of life expectancy due to persistent air pollution, says report India puts space station on priority eyeing geopolitical gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 ISRO plans to launch home-made space station by 2028 full 640 Mint - HT Smartcast Will ULI change the lending ecosystem? CCI greenlights Disney-Reliance merger Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. India’s benchmark index Nifty 50 hit a new high on Wednesday, marking 10th straight day of gains. It ended the day 0.14 per cent above its previous close. BSE’s Sensex too edged into the green, surging 0.9 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India is gearing up to launch the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) nationwide, aiming to revolutionize the lending process much like the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, transformed payments. So, what exactly is ULI? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains. It's a digital hub that helps fast-track loan approvals by pulling together digital info like land records from various sources right to the lenders' fingertips. This could seriously cut down the time it takes to get a loan, especially for sectors craving credit like agriculture and small businesses.  The Competition Commission of India has greenlit the merger of Disney Star and Reliance's Viacom18, setting the stage for a colossal shake-up in India's media landscape, creating an $8.5-billion behemoth. This merger, bringing under one roof entities like Reliance Industries, Viacom18 Media, and Star India, is set for completion following voluntary modifications agreed by the parties, reports Gaurav Laghate. The combined entity, to be primarily owned by Reliance and its affiliates, marks a significant consolidation in the media and entertainment sector. Post-merger, the landscape will see Disney Star and Viacom18 merging their considerable media assets, ranging from television channels to OTT platforms, potentially reaching over 750 million viewers. This move is poised to streamline operations and enhance content delivery but could lead to significant job redundancies, affecting around 1,000 employees. The integration process is expected to kick off by October. India's renewable energy scene is buzzing, but it's hitting a snag with regulatory grey areas, especially around Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. These aren't your typical energy deals; they let energy be sold at fixed prices on an exchange, not directly through the grid. This setup skirts around the traditional system and should be a game-changer, right? Well, there's a catch. The problem lies with the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, which have made companies cautious of stepping into potential legal grey areas with these contracts, Nehal Chaliawal reports. Though the Supreme Court has clarified that physical electricity delivery falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, the industry is still treading carefully.  Indians might lose over three years of life expectancy due to air pollution, reveals the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index report. Despite a 19.3% reduction in particulate levels from 2021 to 2022, persistent pollution levels still pose a severe health risk. Northern India is particularly affected, where residents could lose up to 5.4 years of life expectancy despite recent improvements, Mint’s Puja Das reports. Other heavily impacted areas include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where residents could lose about 2.9 years on average. The report also noted a significant 18% decrease in air pollution across South Asia in 2022, influenced by factors like the La Niña-induced above-normal monsoon, which enhanced the effects of modest emission reductions from residential and transport sectors. An ISRO-made space station may soon be orbiting the earth. India is gearing up to launch its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), by 2028 with operational goals set for 2035. This development comes as the International Space Station is expected to be decommissioned by the end of 2030. The BAS, entirely engineered domestically, aims to become a new hub for global research collaborations, especially as the West seeks alternatives post-ISS. The final engineering and cost plans are awaiting cabinet approval, with ISRO confirming progress in recent statements. The BAS will stand alongside China's Tiangong Space Station as one of the only nation-operated space stations globally, reports Mint’s Shouvik Das. However, the emergence of private space stations could pose competition, potentially limiting BAS's global impact. Despite these challenges, India's space station is seen as an opportunity to leverage geopolitical advantages and foster collaborations.    Show notes:  Mint Primer | Will ULI change the lending landscape? Competition watchdog CCI approves Disney, RIL-owned Viacom18’s $8.5-bn merger India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords Indians risk losing 3.4 years of life expectancy due to persistent air pollution, says report India puts space station on priority eyeing geopolitical gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

India’s benchmark index Nifty 50 hit a new high on Wednesday, marking 10th straight day of gains. It ended the day 0.14 per cent above its previous close. BSE’s Sensex too edged into the green, surging 0.9 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India is gearing up to launch the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) nationwide, aiming to revolutionize the lending process much like the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, transformed payments. So, what exactly is ULI? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar explains. It's a digital hub that helps fast-track loan approvals by pulling together digital info like land records from various sources right to the lenders' fingertips. This could seriously cut down the time it takes to get a loan, especially for sectors craving credit like agriculture and small businesses. 

The Competition Commission of India has greenlit the merger of Disney Star and Reliance's Viacom18, setting the stage for a colossal shake-up in India's media landscape, creating an $8.5-billion behemoth. This merger, bringing under one roof entities like Reliance Industries, Viacom18 Media, and Star India, is set for completion following voluntary modifications agreed by the parties, reports Gaurav Laghate. The combined entity, to be primarily owned by Reliance and its affiliates, marks a significant consolidation in the media and entertainment sector. Post-merger, the landscape will see Disney Star and Viacom18 merging their considerable media assets, ranging from television channels to OTT platforms, potentially reaching over 750 million viewers. This move is poised to streamline operations and enhance content delivery but could lead to significant job redundancies, affecting around 1,000 employees. The integration process is expected to kick off by October.

India's renewable energy scene is buzzing, but it's hitting a snag with regulatory grey areas, especially around Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. These aren't your typical energy deals; they let energy be sold at fixed prices on an exchange, not directly through the grid. This setup skirts around the traditional system and should be a game-changer, right? Well, there's a catch. The problem lies with the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, which have made companies cautious of stepping into potential legal grey areas with these contracts, Nehal Chaliawal reports. Though the Supreme Court has clarified that physical electricity delivery falls under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, the industry is still treading carefully. 

Indians might lose over three years of life expectancy due to air pollution, reveals the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index report. Despite a 19.3% reduction in particulate levels from 2021 to 2022, persistent pollution levels still pose a severe health risk. Northern India is particularly affected, where residents could lose up to 5.4 years of life expectancy despite recent improvements, Mint’s Puja Das reports. Other heavily impacted areas include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where residents could lose about 2.9 years on average. The report also noted a significant 18% decrease in air pollution across South Asia in 2022, influenced by factors like the La Niña-induced above-normal monsoon, which enhanced the effects of modest emission reductions from residential and transport sectors.

An ISRO-made space station may soon be orbiting the earth. India is gearing up to launch its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), by 2028 with operational goals set for 2035. This development comes as the International Space Station is expected to be decommissioned by the end of 2030. The BAS, entirely engineered domestically, aims to become a new hub for global research collaborations, especially as the West seeks alternatives post-ISS. The final engineering and cost plans are awaiting cabinet approval, with ISRO confirming progress in recent statements. The BAS will stand alongside China's Tiangong Space Station as one of the only nation-operated space stations globally, reports Mint’s Shouvik Das. However, the emergence of private space stations could pose competition, potentially limiting BAS's global impact. Despite these challenges, India's space station is seen as an opportunity to leverage geopolitical advantages and foster collaborations. 

 

Show notes: 

Mint Primer | Will ULI change the lending landscape?

Competition watchdog CCI approves Disney, RIL-owned Viacom18’s $8.5-bn merger

India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords

Indians risk losing 3.4 years of life expectancy due to persistent air pollution, says report

India puts space station on priority eyeing geopolitical gains

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 401 no It's easy to get a US visa — just spend ₹9 crore https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/its-easy-to-get-a-us-visa-just-spend-9-crore-Otj391Yd Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian equities markets edged just slightly upwards on Tuesday. Sensex increased by 0.03 percent, while Nifty was up by 0.02 percent. Getting a US visa seems to be getting more difficult by the day. But if you have some money in your bank account, the process might be easier. Neil Borate writes that the US investor visa programme, known as the EB-5, allows individuals to obtain a green card. The programme means that one needs to invest in a US-based project that leads directly to the creation of at least 10 jobs. Neil outlines this process and speaks to immigration experts to find out the fine print of this deal. For many kirana stores, quick commerce has proven to be a bit of a death knell. Foot traffic in these mom-and-pop shops has dwindled. Whatever customers that do walk in, rarely want big, heavy items. Suneera Tandon spoke to owners of small grocery stores, who reported dips of 20 percent in their business. Quick commerce players like Zepto, Dunzo, BlinkIt, and Instamart are now becoming direct distributors for major FMCG companies. While this phenomenon is restricted largely to major metro cities, smaller retail stores are increasingly feeling threatened, Suneera writes. Will the government intervene? After suffering through the effects of the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023, the Adani Group is focusing on improving its financial health. The Gautam Adani-led Group is reducing debt and contemplating selling stakes in certain entities. While it still has plans for expansion, the group is cautiously balancing its debt. Mayur Bhalerao and Niti Kiran report that debt growth slowed to 6 percent in 2023-24. That included a significant shift from domestic bank debt to bonds—from 86 percent to 15 percent. The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS, is an important body that ensures standardised products for the Indian consumer. BIS is used to certify items like children's toys, LPG cylinders, electronics, and even cement. Soon, it could be used to certify... artificial intelligence, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The Indian government has decided to start certifying, and to some extent standardising, generative AI. Gen AI finds usage in areas such as healthcare, finance, and education. Regulating it will help prevent unintended consequences that might have far-ranging impact, Dhirendra notes. In almost every sport, backups exist — those who can play in a pinch in case of an injury, usually. But that's not restricted to just sports: IT companies have their version of a substitute bench, too. These employees are on the sidelines, waiting to be deployed on a project. But need for continuity and poor interviews lead to many employees being on the bench for extended periods of time. Clients sometimes interview employees before choosing them for a project. Jas Bardia reports that IT companies are now culling those on the bench for more than a month or two. As demand for IT services is falling, growth slows as well, leading to IT companies taking such decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 It's easy to get a US visa — just spend ₹9 crore full 639 Mint - HT Smartcast BIS standards for Gen AI, quick commerce threatens kirana stores Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. The Indian equities markets edged just slightly upwards on Tuesday. Sensex increased by 0.03 percent, while Nifty was up by 0.02 percent. Getting a US visa seems to be getting more difficult by the day. But if you have some money in your bank account, the process might be easier. Neil Borate writes that the US investor visa programme, known as the EB-5, allows individuals to obtain a green card. The programme means that one needs to invest in a US-based project that leads directly to the creation of at least 10 jobs. Neil outlines this process and speaks to immigration experts to find out the fine print of this deal. For many kirana stores, quick commerce has proven to be a bit of a death knell. Foot traffic in these mom-and-pop shops has dwindled. Whatever customers that do walk in, rarely want big, heavy items. Suneera Tandon spoke to owners of small grocery stores, who reported dips of 20 percent in their business. Quick commerce players like Zepto, Dunzo, BlinkIt, and Instamart are now becoming direct distributors for major FMCG companies. While this phenomenon is restricted largely to major metro cities, smaller retail stores are increasingly feeling threatened, Suneera writes. Will the government intervene? After suffering through the effects of the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023, the Adani Group is focusing on improving its financial health. The Gautam Adani-led Group is reducing debt and contemplating selling stakes in certain entities. While it still has plans for expansion, the group is cautiously balancing its debt. Mayur Bhalerao and Niti Kiran report that debt growth slowed to 6 percent in 2023-24. That included a significant shift from domestic bank debt to bonds—from 86 percent to 15 percent. The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS, is an important body that ensures standardised products for the Indian consumer. BIS is used to certify items like children's toys, LPG cylinders, electronics, and even cement. Soon, it could be used to certify... artificial intelligence, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The Indian government has decided to start certifying, and to some extent standardising, generative AI. Gen AI finds usage in areas such as healthcare, finance, and education. Regulating it will help prevent unintended consequences that might have far-ranging impact, Dhirendra notes. In almost every sport, backups exist — those who can play in a pinch in case of an injury, usually. But that's not restricted to just sports: IT companies have their version of a substitute bench, too. These employees are on the sidelines, waiting to be deployed on a project. But need for continuity and poor interviews lead to many employees being on the bench for extended periods of time. Clients sometimes interview employees before choosing them for a project. Jas Bardia reports that IT companies are now culling those on the bench for more than a month or two. As demand for IT services is falling, growth slows as well, leading to IT companies taking such decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

The Indian equities markets edged just slightly upwards on Tuesday. Sensex increased by 0.03 percent, while Nifty was up by 0.02 percent.

Getting a US visa seems to be getting more difficult by the day. But if you have some money in your bank account, the process might be easier. Neil Borate writes that the US investor visa programme, known as the EB-5, allows individuals to obtain a green card. The programme means that one needs to invest in a US-based project that leads directly to the creation of at least 10 jobs. Neil outlines this process and speaks to immigration experts to find out the fine print of this deal.

For many kirana stores, quick commerce has proven to be a bit of a death knell. Foot traffic in these mom-and-pop shops has dwindled. Whatever customers that do walk in, rarely want big, heavy items. Suneera Tandon spoke to owners of small grocery stores, who reported dips of 20 percent in their business. Quick commerce players like Zepto, Dunzo, BlinkIt, and Instamart are now becoming direct distributors for major FMCG companies. While this phenomenon is restricted largely to major metro cities, smaller retail stores are increasingly feeling threatened, Suneera writes. Will the government intervene?

After suffering through the effects of the Hindenburg Research report in early 2023, the Adani Group is focusing on improving its financial health. The Gautam Adani-led Group is reducing debt and contemplating selling stakes in certain entities. While it still has plans for expansion, the group is cautiously balancing its debt. Mayur Bhalerao and Niti Kiran report that debt growth slowed to 6 percent in 2023-24. That included a significant shift from domestic bank debt to bonds—from 86 percent to 15 percent.

The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS, is an important body that ensures standardised products for the Indian consumer. BIS is used to certify items like children's toys, LPG cylinders, electronics, and even cement. Soon, it could be used to certify... artificial intelligence, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The Indian government has decided to start certifying, and to some extent standardising, generative AI. Gen AI finds usage in areas such as healthcare, finance, and education. Regulating it will help prevent unintended consequences that might have far-ranging impact, Dhirendra notes.

In almost every sport, backups exist — those who can play in a pinch in case of an injury, usually. But that's not restricted to just sports: IT companies have their version of a substitute bench, too. These employees are on the sidelines, waiting to be deployed on a project. But need for continuity and poor interviews lead to many employees being on the bench for extended periods of time. Clients sometimes interview employees before choosing them for a project. Jas Bardia reports that IT companies are now culling those on the bench for more than a month or two. As demand for IT services is falling, growth slows as well, leading to IT companies taking such decisions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 308 no Will you get more time to buy an imported laptop? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-you-get-more-time-to-buy-an-imported-laptop-HKzo87mK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 27 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market saw solid gains on Monday, with the Nifty and the Sensex climbing nearly 1 per cent each.  India is setting the stage to enhance its local manufacturing with a new initiative called 'Rapid', which stands for Research, Analysis, Programme Implementation and Data Intelligence. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra write that the mission aims to boost domestic private-sector research and development through strategic incentives. ‘Rapid’ will target key sectors like automobiles, electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. Chaired by Pawan Goenka - who is also at the helm of INSPACE -  the initiative is part of India's broader strategy to build a design-led manufacturing ecosystem. This is essential for advancing India's manufacturing goals and aligning with its ambitious targets to grow the economy to $5 trillion by FY28.  Last year, India briefly banned imports of certain IT hardware products like laptops, desktops, and tablets. This decision was quickly reversed after pressure from industry leaders such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and the US Trade Representative. However, the government is now reassessing whether to extend deadlines for import restrictions, reports Gulveen Aulakh. This comes as local manufacturing shows signs of improvement, though not fast enough to fully replace imports. Through the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, local production has increased. About 30-35 per cent of laptops sold in India in 2023 were made domestically. This figure is expected to rise above 40 per cent. Global manufacturers are expanding their local production bases. Yet, most won’t start significant production until next year. With ongoing analysis of import and production data, the government has not made a final decision on extending import restrictions.  The recruitment industry is hitting a rough patch after the post-pandemic hiring boom. Companies like Teamlease have to tighten their belts, adjust team sizes and tweak incentive targets because projects are drying up, clients are squeezing costs, and the deadlines to fill positions are stretching out. This shake-up has led to a shortage of hiring agents, with sourcing fees dipping well below the usual 8.33 per cent of a candidate’s annual salary, reports Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. This slowdown marks a stark shift from the 'Great Resignation' era when the demand for recruiters surged. Firms are now refining their strategies; for example, ABC Consultants is zeroing in on senior management roles, while Xpheno pivots towards contract staffing, especially targeting global captive centres. This shift comes as IT bigwigs like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro scale back their workforces significantly.   Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans for a nationwide rollout of the Unified Lending Interface, or ULI, aimed at transforming credit distribution like UPI transformed payments. Speaking at a conference in Bengaluru, Das outlined that ULI would expedite loan processing, especially for smaller and rural borrowers, by integrating various data sources through a seamless digital platform. The platform, which has evolved from pilot projects like digitizing Kisan Credit Card loans, promises quicker loan approvals with reduced paperwork by connecting banks with diverse data services, reports Mint’s banking editor, Gopika Gopakumar. The RBI's initiative is set to simplify borrowing, reflecting a significant shift towards digital infrastructure in banking, enhancing efficiency and accessibility of credit. Ola Electric recently launched a successful IPO, which was oversubscribed by 4.27 times, raising more than 6,000 crore rupees. This move solidified the company's standing as India’s premier electric two-wheeler maker, a title it has held since its explosive entry into the market in 2022. The IPO not only raised substantial funds but also significantly boosted the profile of its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, who has been a prominent figure in India’s entrepreneurial scene, transitioning from Ola Cabs to Ola Electric, and now to AI with his new venture Krutrim. Mint’s Sumant Benerjee and Abhishek Mukherjee examine Ola Electric’s future, answering questions about the future of the company’s CEO Bhavish Aggarwal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Will you get more time to buy an imported laptop? full 638 Mint - HT Smartcast RBI to launch Unified Lending Interface; The future of Ola Electric and Bhavish Aggarwal Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 27 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market saw solid gains on Monday, with the Nifty and the Sensex climbing nearly 1 per cent each.  India is setting the stage to enhance its local manufacturing with a new initiative called 'Rapid', which stands for Research, Analysis, Programme Implementation and Data Intelligence. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra write that the mission aims to boost domestic private-sector research and development through strategic incentives. ‘Rapid’ will target key sectors like automobiles, electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. Chaired by Pawan Goenka - who is also at the helm of INSPACE -  the initiative is part of India's broader strategy to build a design-led manufacturing ecosystem. This is essential for advancing India's manufacturing goals and aligning with its ambitious targets to grow the economy to $5 trillion by FY28.  Last year, India briefly banned imports of certain IT hardware products like laptops, desktops, and tablets. This decision was quickly reversed after pressure from industry leaders such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and the US Trade Representative. However, the government is now reassessing whether to extend deadlines for import restrictions, reports Gulveen Aulakh. This comes as local manufacturing shows signs of improvement, though not fast enough to fully replace imports. Through the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, local production has increased. About 30-35 per cent of laptops sold in India in 2023 were made domestically. This figure is expected to rise above 40 per cent. Global manufacturers are expanding their local production bases. Yet, most won’t start significant production until next year. With ongoing analysis of import and production data, the government has not made a final decision on extending import restrictions.  The recruitment industry is hitting a rough patch after the post-pandemic hiring boom. Companies like Teamlease have to tighten their belts, adjust team sizes and tweak incentive targets because projects are drying up, clients are squeezing costs, and the deadlines to fill positions are stretching out. This shake-up has led to a shortage of hiring agents, with sourcing fees dipping well below the usual 8.33 per cent of a candidate’s annual salary, reports Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. This slowdown marks a stark shift from the 'Great Resignation' era when the demand for recruiters surged. Firms are now refining their strategies; for example, ABC Consultants is zeroing in on senior management roles, while Xpheno pivots towards contract staffing, especially targeting global captive centres. This shift comes as IT bigwigs like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro scale back their workforces significantly.   Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans for a nationwide rollout of the Unified Lending Interface, or ULI, aimed at transforming credit distribution like UPI transformed payments. Speaking at a conference in Bengaluru, Das outlined that ULI would expedite loan processing, especially for smaller and rural borrowers, by integrating various data sources through a seamless digital platform. The platform, which has evolved from pilot projects like digitizing Kisan Credit Card loans, promises quicker loan approvals with reduced paperwork by connecting banks with diverse data services, reports Mint’s banking editor, Gopika Gopakumar. The RBI's initiative is set to simplify borrowing, reflecting a significant shift towards digital infrastructure in banking, enhancing efficiency and accessibility of credit. Ola Electric recently launched a successful IPO, which was oversubscribed by 4.27 times, raising more than 6,000 crore rupees. This move solidified the company's standing as India’s premier electric two-wheeler maker, a title it has held since its explosive entry into the market in 2022. The IPO not only raised substantial funds but also significantly boosted the profile of its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, who has been a prominent figure in India’s entrepreneurial scene, transitioning from Ola Cabs to Ola Electric, and now to AI with his new venture Krutrim. Mint’s Sumant Benerjee and Abhishek Mukherjee examine Ola Electric’s future, answering questions about the future of the company’s CEO Bhavish Aggarwal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 27 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Indian stock market saw solid gains on Monday, with the Nifty and the Sensex climbing nearly 1 per cent each. 

India is setting the stage to enhance its local manufacturing with a new initiative called 'Rapid', which stands for Research, Analysis, Programme Implementation and Data Intelligence. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Mihir Mishra write that the mission aims to boost domestic private-sector research and development through strategic incentives. ‘Rapid’ will target key sectors like automobiles, electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. Chaired by Pawan Goenka - who is also at the helm of INSPACE -  the initiative is part of India's broader strategy to build a design-led manufacturing ecosystem. This is essential for advancing India's manufacturing goals and aligning with its ambitious targets to grow the economy to $5 trillion by FY28. 

Last year, India briefly banned imports of certain IT hardware products like laptops, desktops, and tablets. This decision was quickly reversed after pressure from industry leaders such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and the US Trade Representative. However, the government is now reassessing whether to extend deadlines for import restrictions, reports Gulveen Aulakh. This comes as local manufacturing shows signs of improvement, though not fast enough to fully replace imports. Through the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, local production has increased. About 30-35 per cent of laptops sold in India in 2023 were made domestically. This figure is expected to rise above 40 per cent. Global manufacturers are expanding their local production bases. Yet, most won’t start significant production until next year. With ongoing analysis of import and production data, the government has not made a final decision on extending import restrictions. 

The recruitment industry is hitting a rough patch after the post-pandemic hiring boom. Companies like Teamlease have to tighten their belts, adjust team sizes and tweak incentive targets because projects are drying up, clients are squeezing costs, and the deadlines to fill positions are stretching out. This shake-up has led to a shortage of hiring agents, with sourcing fees dipping well below the usual 8.33 per cent of a candidate’s annual salary, reports Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. This slowdown marks a stark shift from the 'Great Resignation' era when the demand for recruiters surged. Firms are now refining their strategies; for example, ABC Consultants is zeroing in on senior management roles, while Xpheno pivots towards contract staffing, especially targeting global captive centres. This shift comes as IT bigwigs like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro scale back their workforces significantly.


 

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans for a nationwide rollout of the Unified Lending Interface, or ULI, aimed at transforming credit distribution like UPI transformed payments. Speaking at a conference in Bengaluru, Das outlined that ULI would expedite loan processing, especially for smaller and rural borrowers, by integrating various data sources through a seamless digital platform. The platform, which has evolved from pilot projects like digitizing Kisan Credit Card loans, promises quicker loan approvals with reduced paperwork by connecting banks with diverse data services, reports Mint’s banking editor, Gopika Gopakumar. The RBI's initiative is set to simplify borrowing, reflecting a significant shift towards digital infrastructure in banking, enhancing efficiency and accessibility of credit.

Ola Electric recently launched a successful IPO, which was oversubscribed by 4.27 times, raising more than 6,000 crore rupees. This move solidified the company's standing as India’s premier electric two-wheeler maker, a title it has held since its explosive entry into the market in 2022. The IPO not only raised substantial funds but also significantly boosted the profile of its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, who has been a prominent figure in India’s entrepreneurial scene, transitioning from Ola Cabs to Ola Electric, and now to AI with his new venture Krutrim. Mint’s Sumant Benerjee and Abhishek Mukherjee examine Ola Electric’s future, answering questions about the future of the company’s CEO Bhavish Aggarwal.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 397 no What does the new pension scheme have to offer? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-does-the-new-pension-scheme-have-to-offer-JHS5qCm_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Set to roll out next year, the Unified Pension Scheme is a new government initiative that combines features of the Old Pension Scheme and the National Pension Scheme. It aims to offer government employees a guaranteed pension equivalent to 50% of their last salary, incorporating both employee and government contributions. N. Madhavan writes that the UPS also will try to address the sustainability concerns of OPS and the uncertainties of NPS pensions. Will it work better than its predecessors? Madhavan tries to answer. Ola Electric's claim of being the biggest two-wheeler EV company in the world had a curious asterisk — that claim only stands if China is excluded. Currently, China dominates the global EV market. Chinese companies hold a combined 72% global market share for electric two-wheelers and lead in the electric four-wheeler segment as well, with a stock of 21.8 million units. Our partners at How India Lives explain how China's rapid shift towards electric mobility is significantly supported by the government, which contrasts with a more modest uptake in markets like the US. Have you been coughing more due to bad air quality? It's going to affect your insurance payments. Health insurance premiums in India are expected to increase due to rising rates of diseases caused by extreme weather and polluted air, reports Puja Das. The number of claims for respiratory, vector-borne, gastric, and abdominal diseases has risen significantly leading to a potential hike in premiums. Additionally, waterlogging from heavy rains has caused a surge in water- and vector-borne diseases, which again worry the insurance companies. AI is transforming print media advertising by generating human-like figures, raising industry concerns yet offering cost-effective production alternatives. Varuni Khosla and Pratishtha Bagai write that this shift could potentially eliminate the need for real models and expensive shoots. Technology and AI's ability to replicate human-like figures is evolving rapidly, and some believe it could reshape the advertising landscape. In the 1970s, the FMCG sector in India changed because of a single product innovation: sachets. Selling smaller quantities of a product proved to be a game changer in a cost-conscious market like India. While that strategy worked for items like shampoo and detergents, Godrej Consumer Products is trying to replicate that phenomenon for mosquito repellents. Suneera Tandon writes about the company's CEO, Sudhir Sitapati, and his efforts to make Godrej's consumer goods arm at par with the other players in the market.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What does the new pension scheme have to offer? full 637 Mint - HT Smartcast How climate change will make your insurance premiums dearer Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Set to roll out next year, the Unified Pension Scheme is a new government initiative that combines features of the Old Pension Scheme and the National Pension Scheme. It aims to offer government employees a guaranteed pension equivalent to 50% of their last salary, incorporating both employee and government contributions. N. Madhavan writes that the UPS also will try to address the sustainability concerns of OPS and the uncertainties of NPS pensions. Will it work better than its predecessors? Madhavan tries to answer. Ola Electric's claim of being the biggest two-wheeler EV company in the world had a curious asterisk — that claim only stands if China is excluded. Currently, China dominates the global EV market. Chinese companies hold a combined 72% global market share for electric two-wheelers and lead in the electric four-wheeler segment as well, with a stock of 21.8 million units. Our partners at How India Lives explain how China's rapid shift towards electric mobility is significantly supported by the government, which contrasts with a more modest uptake in markets like the US. Have you been coughing more due to bad air quality? It's going to affect your insurance payments. Health insurance premiums in India are expected to increase due to rising rates of diseases caused by extreme weather and polluted air, reports Puja Das. The number of claims for respiratory, vector-borne, gastric, and abdominal diseases has risen significantly leading to a potential hike in premiums. Additionally, waterlogging from heavy rains has caused a surge in water- and vector-borne diseases, which again worry the insurance companies. AI is transforming print media advertising by generating human-like figures, raising industry concerns yet offering cost-effective production alternatives. Varuni Khosla and Pratishtha Bagai write that this shift could potentially eliminate the need for real models and expensive shoots. Technology and AI's ability to replicate human-like figures is evolving rapidly, and some believe it could reshape the advertising landscape. In the 1970s, the FMCG sector in India changed because of a single product innovation: sachets. Selling smaller quantities of a product proved to be a game changer in a cost-conscious market like India. While that strategy worked for items like shampoo and detergents, Godrej Consumer Products is trying to replicate that phenomenon for mosquito repellents. Suneera Tandon writes about the company's CEO, Sudhir Sitapati, and his efforts to make Godrej's consumer goods arm at par with the other players in the market.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Set to roll out next year, the Unified Pension Scheme is a new government initiative that combines features of the Old Pension Scheme and the National Pension Scheme. It aims to offer government employees a guaranteed pension equivalent to 50% of their last salary, incorporating both employee and government contributions. N. Madhavan writes that the UPS also will try to address the sustainability concerns of OPS and the uncertainties of NPS pensions. Will it work better than its predecessors? Madhavan tries to answer.

Ola Electric's claim of being the biggest two-wheeler EV company in the world had a curious asterisk — that claim only stands if China is excluded. Currently, China dominates the global EV market. Chinese companies hold a combined 72% global market share for electric two-wheelers and lead in the electric four-wheeler segment as well, with a stock of 21.8 million units. Our partners at How India Lives explain how China's rapid shift towards electric mobility is significantly supported by the government, which contrasts with a more modest uptake in markets like the US.

Have you been coughing more due to bad air quality? It's going to affect your insurance payments. Health insurance premiums in India are expected to increase due to rising rates of diseases caused by extreme weather and polluted air, reports Puja Das. The number of claims for respiratory, vector-borne, gastric, and abdominal diseases has risen significantly leading to a potential hike in premiums. Additionally, waterlogging from heavy rains has caused a surge in water- and vector-borne diseases, which again worry the insurance companies.

AI is transforming print media advertising by generating human-like figures, raising industry concerns yet offering cost-effective production alternatives. Varuni Khosla and Pratishtha Bagai write that this shift could potentially eliminate the need for real models and expensive shoots. Technology and AI's ability to replicate human-like figures is evolving rapidly, and some believe it could reshape the advertising landscape.

In the 1970s, the FMCG sector in India changed because of a single product innovation: sachets. Selling smaller quantities of a product proved to be a game changer in a cost-conscious market like India. While that strategy worked for items like shampoo and detergents, Godrej Consumer Products is trying to replicate that phenomenon for mosquito repellents. Suneera Tandon writes about the company's CEO, Sudhir Sitapati, and his efforts to make Godrej's consumer goods arm at par with the other players in the market.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 287 no Get ready for a govt-owned OTT platform https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/get-ready-for-a-govt-owned-ott-platform-1NEQz5MM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 23 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity benchmark index, the Nifty, extended its winning streak to six consecutive sessions on Thursday, rising by 0.17 per cent. BSE’s Sensex too saw a surge of 0.18 per cent at the end of the trading session.    Zomato is making strides by entering another duopoly market. It already competes with Swiggy in the food delivery market, and now it is entering entertainment and ticketing, dominated by BookMyShow. The company is planning to acquire Paytm’s ticketing business and rebrand it as a separate entity called ‘District’. Zomato will acquire the business for a little over 2,000 crore rupees. However, launching District as a separate app could pose challenges in user convenience and operational costs, Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sowmya Ramasabramanian explain. Despite these potential hurdles, analysts are optimistic, predicting significant revenue growth for Zomato through this expansion. Ronnie Screwvala's Swades Foundation has stirred up interest in social stock exchanges or SSEs by raising 10 crore rupees on the National Stock Exchange's SSE. This move has other non-profits curious, but the complex compliance requirements are a bit of a deterrent. Since the concept launched in early 2023, just a handful of NGOs have actually raised funds through SSEs. Introduced in India in 2019, SSEs are designed to help non-profits raise funds transparently, hoping to draw individual donors and build trust. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala write that allthough there's potential for SSEs to make fundraising more accessible, experts caution that they may not offer significant advantages over existing channels like crowdfunding.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Ukraine marks a significant stride in India's foreign policy, especially following his visit to Russia. The move showcases the fact that the country can maintain ties with both Russia and Ukraine while navigating its relationships with Western allies like the US. Modi's visit—the first by an Indian prime minister since diplomatic ties were established 30 years ago—aims to enhance relations in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and education, among others. Shweta Singh, associate professor at the department of international relations, South Asian University, explains the significance of the PM’s trip to the war-torn Eastern European nation. Get ready for a government-owned OTT platform. Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, is diving into the crowded digital scene with its own OTT platform. This new venture aims to feature content from private broadcasters and indie creators, potentially expanding streaming access, especially in rural areas, Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent Lata Jha reports. Yet, it faces stiff competition from giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, not to mention the free content powerhouse, YouTube. While the platform may initially focus on news and movies—areas with fewer digital rights headaches—luring fresh content could be tough. Prasar Bharati will need to navigate these waters carefully, possibly leveraging its niche to attract viewers who aren't the primary target for mainstream OTT platforms.  Korean esports giant Krafton just kicked off a major gaming tournament in India, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024, with a juicy 2 crore rupees prize pool. Exciting times, right? But here's the twist: despite the hype, many pro gamers in India are struggling to make money off their gameplay and social media. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Pratishtha Bagai write that unlike in the West, where gamers make bank by streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, Indian gamers are hitting roadblocks with monetization. The scene here is pretty new, and most of the audience is quite young, which complicates things. However, there's a silver lining—industry experts believe that as today's young gamers grow up and start calling the shots, they'll pump up the esports economy.      Show notes: Mint Explainer: Zomato’s Paytm deal and its big bet on entertainment NGOs eye social stock exchanges, but compliance barriers remain Mint Primer | PM Modi in Ukraine: Can India play a role in ending the war? Prasar Bharati's OTT ambition: Can it compete in a crowded market? Indian gaming influencers reach for the stars, but it's tricky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Get ready for a govt-owned OTT platform full 636 Mint - HT Smartcast Behind Zomato’s acquisition of Paytm’s ticketing business; NGOs eye social stock exchanges Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 23 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Indian equity benchmark index, the Nifty, extended its winning streak to six consecutive sessions on Thursday, rising by 0.17 per cent. BSE’s Sensex too saw a surge of 0.18 per cent at the end of the trading session.    Zomato is making strides by entering another duopoly market. It already competes with Swiggy in the food delivery market, and now it is entering entertainment and ticketing, dominated by BookMyShow. The company is planning to acquire Paytm’s ticketing business and rebrand it as a separate entity called ‘District’. Zomato will acquire the business for a little over 2,000 crore rupees. However, launching District as a separate app could pose challenges in user convenience and operational costs, Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sowmya Ramasabramanian explain. Despite these potential hurdles, analysts are optimistic, predicting significant revenue growth for Zomato through this expansion. Ronnie Screwvala's Swades Foundation has stirred up interest in social stock exchanges or SSEs by raising 10 crore rupees on the National Stock Exchange's SSE. This move has other non-profits curious, but the complex compliance requirements are a bit of a deterrent. Since the concept launched in early 2023, just a handful of NGOs have actually raised funds through SSEs. Introduced in India in 2019, SSEs are designed to help non-profits raise funds transparently, hoping to draw individual donors and build trust. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala write that allthough there's potential for SSEs to make fundraising more accessible, experts caution that they may not offer significant advantages over existing channels like crowdfunding.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Ukraine marks a significant stride in India's foreign policy, especially following his visit to Russia. The move showcases the fact that the country can maintain ties with both Russia and Ukraine while navigating its relationships with Western allies like the US. Modi's visit—the first by an Indian prime minister since diplomatic ties were established 30 years ago—aims to enhance relations in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and education, among others. Shweta Singh, associate professor at the department of international relations, South Asian University, explains the significance of the PM’s trip to the war-torn Eastern European nation. Get ready for a government-owned OTT platform. Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, is diving into the crowded digital scene with its own OTT platform. This new venture aims to feature content from private broadcasters and indie creators, potentially expanding streaming access, especially in rural areas, Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent Lata Jha reports. Yet, it faces stiff competition from giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, not to mention the free content powerhouse, YouTube. While the platform may initially focus on news and movies—areas with fewer digital rights headaches—luring fresh content could be tough. Prasar Bharati will need to navigate these waters carefully, possibly leveraging its niche to attract viewers who aren't the primary target for mainstream OTT platforms.  Korean esports giant Krafton just kicked off a major gaming tournament in India, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024, with a juicy 2 crore rupees prize pool. Exciting times, right? But here's the twist: despite the hype, many pro gamers in India are struggling to make money off their gameplay and social media. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Pratishtha Bagai write that unlike in the West, where gamers make bank by streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, Indian gamers are hitting roadblocks with monetization. The scene here is pretty new, and most of the audience is quite young, which complicates things. However, there's a silver lining—industry experts believe that as today's young gamers grow up and start calling the shots, they'll pump up the esports economy.      Show notes: Mint Explainer: Zomato’s Paytm deal and its big bet on entertainment NGOs eye social stock exchanges, but compliance barriers remain Mint Primer | PM Modi in Ukraine: Can India play a role in ending the war? Prasar Bharati's OTT ambition: Can it compete in a crowded market? Indian gaming influencers reach for the stars, but it's tricky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 23 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Indian equity benchmark index, the Nifty, extended its winning streak to six consecutive sessions on Thursday, rising by 0.17 per cent. BSE’s Sensex too saw a surge of 0.18 per cent at the end of the trading session. 


 

Zomato is making strides by entering another duopoly market. It already competes with Swiggy in the food delivery market, and now it is entering entertainment and ticketing, dominated by BookMyShow. The company is planning to acquire Paytm’s ticketing business and rebrand it as a separate entity called ‘District’. Zomato will acquire the business for a little over 2,000 crore rupees. However, launching District as a separate app could pose challenges in user convenience and operational costs, Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sowmya Ramasabramanian explain. Despite these potential hurdles, analysts are optimistic, predicting significant revenue growth for Zomato through this expansion.

Ronnie Screwvala's Swades Foundation has stirred up interest in social stock exchanges or SSEs by raising 10 crore rupees on the National Stock Exchange's SSE. This move has other non-profits curious, but the complex compliance requirements are a bit of a deterrent. Since the concept launched in early 2023, just a handful of NGOs have actually raised funds through SSEs. Introduced in India in 2019, SSEs are designed to help non-profits raise funds transparently, hoping to draw individual donors and build trust. Mint’s Sneha Shah and Nehal Chaliawala write that allthough there's potential for SSEs to make fundraising more accessible, experts caution that they may not offer significant advantages over existing channels like crowdfunding. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Ukraine marks a significant stride in India's foreign policy, especially following his visit to Russia. The move showcases the fact that the country can maintain ties with both Russia and Ukraine while navigating its relationships with Western allies like the US. Modi's visit—the first by an Indian prime minister since diplomatic ties were established 30 years ago—aims to enhance relations in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and education, among others. Shweta Singh, associate professor at the department of international relations, South Asian University, explains the significance of the PM’s trip to the war-torn Eastern European nation.

Get ready for a government-owned OTT platform. Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, is diving into the crowded digital scene with its own OTT platform. This new venture aims to feature content from private broadcasters and indie creators, potentially expanding streaming access, especially in rural areas, Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent Lata Jha reports. Yet, it faces stiff competition from giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, not to mention the free content powerhouse, YouTube. While the platform may initially focus on news and movies—areas with fewer digital rights headaches—luring fresh content could be tough. Prasar Bharati will need to navigate these waters carefully, possibly leveraging its niche to attract viewers who aren't the primary target for mainstream OTT platforms. 

Korean esports giant Krafton just kicked off a major gaming tournament in India, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024, with a juicy 2 crore rupees prize pool. Exciting times, right? But here's the twist: despite the hype, many pro gamers in India are struggling to make money off their gameplay and social media. Mint’s Shouvik Das and Pratishtha Bagai write that unlike in the West, where gamers make bank by streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, Indian gamers are hitting roadblocks with monetization. The scene here is pretty new, and most of the audience is quite young, which complicates things. However, there's a silver lining—industry experts believe that as today's young gamers grow up and start calling the shots, they'll pump up the esports economy. 


 


 

Show notes:

Mint Explainer: Zomato’s Paytm deal and its big bet on entertainment

NGOs eye social stock exchanges, but compliance barriers remain

Mint Primer | PM Modi in Ukraine: Can India play a role in ending the war?

Prasar Bharati's OTT ambition: Can it compete in a crowded market?

Indian gaming influencers reach for the stars, but it's tricky

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 359 no Is India ready to tackle Mpox? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-india-ready-to-tackle-mpox-6ZYbsJ_A Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 21 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market saw solid buying on Tuesday, with key indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closing up by half a per cent, driven by mostly positive global cues.   The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on Mpox, tagging it as a global health emergency. Originally identified in the tropical rainforests of Africa, this virus, which we used to call monkeypox, was detected in humans back in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma explains that the disease manifests symptoms similar to smallpox, such as skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, and spreads through close contact, making prolonged interactions, especially of a sexual nature, high-risk scenarios. In terms of preparation, India is on alert, with enhanced surveillance at international borders and readiness in specific healthcare facilities to manage potential cases. Despite this, the situation calls for heightened vigilance and public awareness, especially among high-risk groups including newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.   The recent turmoil in Bangladesh has put thousands of Indian students in a tough spot, stirring anxieties about their safety and academic futures. Over 19,000 Indians, including 9,000 students, are currently stranded amidst escalating violence, with many worrying about lost academic years and severed communications due to frequent internet shutdowns. This situation echoes students’ plight during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Due to lower fees than that charged by Indian private colleges, Bangladesh was fast becoming a popular educational destination for Indian students, writes Sanghamitra Kar. As of now, violence continues to unsettle Bangladesh, leaving Indian students uncertain if they’ll return to their chosen universities.   India's smartphone exports really took off last year, hitting over $15 billion, thanks in part to Apple ramping up production here. Each month in early 2024, we were shipping out smartphones worth about $1.6 billion! While that's impressive, it's worth noting that India is still playing catch-up to manufacturing behemoths like China. This increase is largely attributed to the government’s production-linked incentive scheme initiated in 2020. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com write about how, despite this growth, India remains primarily an assembly hub rather than a full-fledged manufacturing giant like China, heavily importing the components required to build smartphones.   Businesses are upgrading their old PCs due to the end of support for Windows 10 and growing AI demands, leading to a significant increase in PC sales across India. The latest data from the International Data Corporation shows a nearly 4 per cent rise in commercial PC sales in the June quarter, the largest increase since 2022, driven by India's IT sector gearing up for a revival. Notably, Apple reported a 65 per cent increase in enterprise Mac sales in the same period, with overall PC shipments in India up 7 per cent year-on-year to 3.39 million units. Mint’s Shouvik Das reports on the rising demand for computers boosted by the $265 billion Indian IT industry.  IndiGo has decided to go fancy and introduce a business class in its Airbus 321 planes. This is exciting news for anyone following their journey from a low-cost carrier to now eyeing those premium seats. This isn't just about more legroom and comfy seats—it’s about capturing a slice of the lucrative business traveller market.  Why the shift, you might wonder? Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma might have the answer. IndiGo is looking to beef up its earnings per seat rather than just packing more people in. They're setting the stage for bigger things, like flying longer international routes with their upcoming Airbus models. This strategic shift could really shake things up, making IndiGo a go-to for not just budget travellers but also for a crowd that wouldn’t mind a bit more pampering on their travels.      Show notes: Mint Primer: Should India be worried about Mpox? Out of Bangladesh fire, Indian students find themselves in the frying pan What’s behind India’s surging smartphone exports? Tech employers look for new laptops after two-year lull Class war: IndiGo shows Air India it means business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Is India ready to tackle Mpox? full 635 Mint - HT Smartcast Plight of Indian students in Bangladesh; IndiGo upgrading to business class Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 21 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Indian stock market saw solid buying on Tuesday, with key indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closing up by half a per cent, driven by mostly positive global cues.   The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on Mpox, tagging it as a global health emergency. Originally identified in the tropical rainforests of Africa, this virus, which we used to call monkeypox, was detected in humans back in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma explains that the disease manifests symptoms similar to smallpox, such as skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, and spreads through close contact, making prolonged interactions, especially of a sexual nature, high-risk scenarios. In terms of preparation, India is on alert, with enhanced surveillance at international borders and readiness in specific healthcare facilities to manage potential cases. Despite this, the situation calls for heightened vigilance and public awareness, especially among high-risk groups including newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.   The recent turmoil in Bangladesh has put thousands of Indian students in a tough spot, stirring anxieties about their safety and academic futures. Over 19,000 Indians, including 9,000 students, are currently stranded amidst escalating violence, with many worrying about lost academic years and severed communications due to frequent internet shutdowns. This situation echoes students’ plight during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Due to lower fees than that charged by Indian private colleges, Bangladesh was fast becoming a popular educational destination for Indian students, writes Sanghamitra Kar. As of now, violence continues to unsettle Bangladesh, leaving Indian students uncertain if they’ll return to their chosen universities.   India's smartphone exports really took off last year, hitting over $15 billion, thanks in part to Apple ramping up production here. Each month in early 2024, we were shipping out smartphones worth about $1.6 billion! While that's impressive, it's worth noting that India is still playing catch-up to manufacturing behemoths like China. This increase is largely attributed to the government’s production-linked incentive scheme initiated in 2020. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com write about how, despite this growth, India remains primarily an assembly hub rather than a full-fledged manufacturing giant like China, heavily importing the components required to build smartphones.   Businesses are upgrading their old PCs due to the end of support for Windows 10 and growing AI demands, leading to a significant increase in PC sales across India. The latest data from the International Data Corporation shows a nearly 4 per cent rise in commercial PC sales in the June quarter, the largest increase since 2022, driven by India's IT sector gearing up for a revival. Notably, Apple reported a 65 per cent increase in enterprise Mac sales in the same period, with overall PC shipments in India up 7 per cent year-on-year to 3.39 million units. Mint’s Shouvik Das reports on the rising demand for computers boosted by the $265 billion Indian IT industry.  IndiGo has decided to go fancy and introduce a business class in its Airbus 321 planes. This is exciting news for anyone following their journey from a low-cost carrier to now eyeing those premium seats. This isn't just about more legroom and comfy seats—it’s about capturing a slice of the lucrative business traveller market.  Why the shift, you might wonder? Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma might have the answer. IndiGo is looking to beef up its earnings per seat rather than just packing more people in. They're setting the stage for bigger things, like flying longer international routes with their upcoming Airbus models. This strategic shift could really shake things up, making IndiGo a go-to for not just budget travellers but also for a crowd that wouldn’t mind a bit more pampering on their travels.      Show notes: Mint Primer: Should India be worried about Mpox? Out of Bangladesh fire, Indian students find themselves in the frying pan What’s behind India’s surging smartphone exports? Tech employers look for new laptops after two-year lull Class war: IndiGo shows Air India it means business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 21 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Indian stock market saw solid buying on Tuesday, with key indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closing up by half a per cent, driven by mostly positive global cues.


 

The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on Mpox, tagging it as a global health emergency. Originally identified in the tropical rainforests of Africa, this virus, which we used to call monkeypox, was detected in humans back in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma explains that the disease manifests symptoms similar to smallpox, such as skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, and spreads through close contact, making prolonged interactions, especially of a sexual nature, high-risk scenarios. In terms of preparation, India is on alert, with enhanced surveillance at international borders and readiness in specific healthcare facilities to manage potential cases. Despite this, the situation calls for heightened vigilance and public awareness, especially among high-risk groups including newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.


 

The recent turmoil in Bangladesh has put thousands of Indian students in a tough spot, stirring anxieties about their safety and academic futures. Over 19,000 Indians, including 9,000 students, are currently stranded amidst escalating violence, with many worrying about lost academic years and severed communications due to frequent internet shutdowns. This situation echoes students’ plight during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Due to lower fees than that charged by Indian private colleges, Bangladesh was fast becoming a popular educational destination for Indian students, writes Sanghamitra Kar. As of now, violence continues to unsettle Bangladesh, leaving Indian students uncertain if they’ll return to their chosen universities.

 

India's smartphone exports really took off last year, hitting over $15 billion, thanks in part to Apple ramping up production here. Each month in early 2024, we were shipping out smartphones worth about $1.6 billion! While that's impressive, it's worth noting that India is still playing catch-up to manufacturing behemoths like China. This increase is largely attributed to the government’s production-linked incentive scheme initiated in 2020. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com write about how, despite this growth, India remains primarily an assembly hub rather than a full-fledged manufacturing giant like China, heavily importing the components required to build smartphones.


 

Businesses are upgrading their old PCs due to the end of support for Windows 10 and growing AI demands, leading to a significant increase in PC sales across India. The latest data from the International Data Corporation shows a nearly 4 per cent rise in commercial PC sales in the June quarter, the largest increase since 2022, driven by India's IT sector gearing up for a revival. Notably, Apple reported a 65 per cent increase in enterprise Mac sales in the same period, with overall PC shipments in India up 7 per cent year-on-year to 3.39 million units. Mint’s Shouvik Das reports on the rising demand for computers boosted by the $265 billion Indian IT industry. 

IndiGo has decided to go fancy and introduce a business class in its Airbus 321 planes. This is exciting news for anyone following their journey from a low-cost carrier to now eyeing those premium seats. This isn't just about more legroom and comfy seats—it’s about capturing a slice of the lucrative business traveller market.  Why the shift, you might wonder? Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma might have the answer. IndiGo is looking to beef up its earnings per seat rather than just packing more people in. They're setting the stage for bigger things, like flying longer international routes with their upcoming Airbus models. This strategic shift could really shake things up, making IndiGo a go-to for not just budget travellers but also for a crowd that wouldn’t mind a bit more pampering on their travels. 


 


 

Show notes:

Mint Primer: Should India be worried about Mpox?

Out of Bangladesh fire, Indian students find themselves in the frying pan

What’s behind India’s surging smartphone exports?

Tech employers look for new laptops after two-year lull

Class war: IndiGo shows Air India it means business

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 370 no How cars are changing due to climate change https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-cars-are-changing-due-to-climate-change-LyOOWGp4 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 20 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   On Monday, the Sensex was down by 0.02 percent, while the Nifty edged up by 0.13 percent.   Women's safety is a prominent issue right now, and corporate India is trying to protect half its workforce. Indian companies are enhancing office safety measures to protect female employees. Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write about these Initiatives, which include more helplines, safer travel options like hotel stays near airports during assignments, self-defence training, and gender sensitization classes. Amidst rising harassment cases, firms are now more focused on gender diversity and safety, with measures such as SOS applications and secure transportation partnerships. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment is underscored by reports of women contemplating leaving their jobs due to various workplace challenges.   The National Payments Corporation of India, or NPCI, has announced that it would hive off Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), a payment app based on UPI, into a separate subsidiary. The move aims to boost BHIM’s market position amid competition from other UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. The NPCI hopes that with a dedicated team focusing on its development, BHIM's market share will improve. Additionally, BHIM is looking to increase its user base by foraying into the e-commerce sector via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), explains Gopika Gopakumar.   During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's aim to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. This includes renewables and nuclear power. Despite missing a previous target, recent progress indicates India is on track, having added 15 gigawatts in the first half of 2024 alone. Manjul Paul writes that the government's plan to invite bids for 50 gigawatts annually until 2027-28 supports this ambition. With renewables now accounting for 33 percent of India's energy capacity — up from 18% in 2017 — the push towards a greener grid is evident. However, meeting the 2030 goal also requires overcoming challenges like India's reliance on coal and ensuring budget allocations are fully utilized.   After leaving his position as CEO of PayU India in 2019, Amrish Rau envisioned starting afresh in India's fintech scene. He approached Sequoia Capital for funding. Instead of funds, he was offered the leadership of Pine Labs by Shailendra Singh, a company well-established in the payments industry with a key focus on point-of-sale terminals and solutions. Samikha Goel writes that Rau was Initially hesitant to build a new venture. But he accepted, recognizing the growth potential and existing 1.6 billion dollar valuation. Under his leadership since March 2020, Pine Labs has soared to a 5 billion dollar valuation, positioning itself as India's fourth-largest fintech firm and contemplating a billion-dollar IPO. This would potentially raise its valuation over 6 billion dollars, marking a significant milestone in India's fintech landscape.   As climate change intensifies, it's impacting vehicle reliability. This is pushing the automotive industry to adapt. Manufacturers now prioritize rigorous testing of air conditioning systems and tyres to ensure they withstand extreme weather conditions. For instance, Subros, a leading car AC maker in India, tests products in temperatures up to 55°C, while tyre manufacturers like JK Tyre address challenges in natural rubber production due to weather impacts by initiating projects to secure quality rubber supplies. Alisha Sachdev writes that the rise of electric vehicles  adds another layer of complexity, requiring effective heat management for their numerous electronic components to maintain performance and longevity. This industry-wide push towards resilience and sustainability reflects a proactive response to our changing climate.   Show notes: Dressing Pine Labs for IPO: What ‘fintech bully’ Amrish Rau can learn from Paytm Transport, timings, SOS: How India Inc is trying to keep women staff safe What is NPCI’s game plan for BHIM app?   Your car’s AC and tyres need a climate-driven upgrade. Here's why Data explainer: India’s green energy goals face stiff test  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How cars are changing due to climate change full 634 Mint - HT Smartcast Amrish Rau's journey at Pine Labs, India Inc. tries to improve safety of its women staff Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 20 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   On Monday, the Sensex was down by 0.02 percent, while the Nifty edged up by 0.13 percent.   Women's safety is a prominent issue right now, and corporate India is trying to protect half its workforce. Indian companies are enhancing office safety measures to protect female employees. Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write about these Initiatives, which include more helplines, safer travel options like hotel stays near airports during assignments, self-defence training, and gender sensitization classes. Amidst rising harassment cases, firms are now more focused on gender diversity and safety, with measures such as SOS applications and secure transportation partnerships. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment is underscored by reports of women contemplating leaving their jobs due to various workplace challenges.   The National Payments Corporation of India, or NPCI, has announced that it would hive off Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), a payment app based on UPI, into a separate subsidiary. The move aims to boost BHIM’s market position amid competition from other UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. The NPCI hopes that with a dedicated team focusing on its development, BHIM's market share will improve. Additionally, BHIM is looking to increase its user base by foraying into the e-commerce sector via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), explains Gopika Gopakumar.   During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's aim to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. This includes renewables and nuclear power. Despite missing a previous target, recent progress indicates India is on track, having added 15 gigawatts in the first half of 2024 alone. Manjul Paul writes that the government's plan to invite bids for 50 gigawatts annually until 2027-28 supports this ambition. With renewables now accounting for 33 percent of India's energy capacity — up from 18% in 2017 — the push towards a greener grid is evident. However, meeting the 2030 goal also requires overcoming challenges like India's reliance on coal and ensuring budget allocations are fully utilized.   After leaving his position as CEO of PayU India in 2019, Amrish Rau envisioned starting afresh in India's fintech scene. He approached Sequoia Capital for funding. Instead of funds, he was offered the leadership of Pine Labs by Shailendra Singh, a company well-established in the payments industry with a key focus on point-of-sale terminals and solutions. Samikha Goel writes that Rau was Initially hesitant to build a new venture. But he accepted, recognizing the growth potential and existing 1.6 billion dollar valuation. Under his leadership since March 2020, Pine Labs has soared to a 5 billion dollar valuation, positioning itself as India's fourth-largest fintech firm and contemplating a billion-dollar IPO. This would potentially raise its valuation over 6 billion dollars, marking a significant milestone in India's fintech landscape.   As climate change intensifies, it's impacting vehicle reliability. This is pushing the automotive industry to adapt. Manufacturers now prioritize rigorous testing of air conditioning systems and tyres to ensure they withstand extreme weather conditions. For instance, Subros, a leading car AC maker in India, tests products in temperatures up to 55°C, while tyre manufacturers like JK Tyre address challenges in natural rubber production due to weather impacts by initiating projects to secure quality rubber supplies. Alisha Sachdev writes that the rise of electric vehicles  adds another layer of complexity, requiring effective heat management for their numerous electronic components to maintain performance and longevity. This industry-wide push towards resilience and sustainability reflects a proactive response to our changing climate.   Show notes: Dressing Pine Labs for IPO: What ‘fintech bully’ Amrish Rau can learn from Paytm Transport, timings, SOS: How India Inc is trying to keep women staff safe What is NPCI’s game plan for BHIM app?   Your car’s AC and tyres need a climate-driven upgrade. Here's why Data explainer: India’s green energy goals face stiff test  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, 20 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

On Monday, the Sensex was down by 0.02 percent, while the Nifty edged up by 0.13 percent.


 

Women's safety is a prominent issue right now, and corporate India is trying to protect half its workforce. Indian companies are enhancing office safety measures to protect female employees. Priyamvada C and Devina Sengupta write about these Initiatives, which include more helplines, safer travel options like hotel stays near airports during assignments, self-defence training, and gender sensitization classes. Amidst rising harassment cases, firms are now more focused on gender diversity and safety, with measures such as SOS applications and secure transportation partnerships. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment is underscored by reports of women contemplating leaving their jobs due to various workplace challenges.


 

The National Payments Corporation of India, or NPCI, has announced that it would hive off Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), a payment app based on UPI, into a separate subsidiary. The move aims to boost BHIM’s market position amid competition from other UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. The NPCI hopes that with a dedicated team focusing on its development, BHIM's market share will improve. Additionally, BHIM is looking to increase its user base by foraying into the e-commerce sector via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), explains Gopika Gopakumar.


 

During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's aim to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. This includes renewables and nuclear power. Despite missing a previous target, recent progress indicates India is on track, having added 15 gigawatts in the first half of 2024 alone. Manjul Paul writes that the government's plan to invite bids for 50 gigawatts annually until 2027-28 supports this ambition. With renewables now accounting for 33 percent of India's energy capacity — up from 18% in 2017 — the push towards a greener grid is evident. However, meeting the 2030 goal also requires overcoming challenges like India's reliance on coal and ensuring budget allocations are fully utilized.


 

After leaving his position as CEO of PayU India in 2019, Amrish Rau envisioned starting afresh in India's fintech scene. He approached Sequoia Capital for funding. Instead of funds, he was offered the leadership of Pine Labs by Shailendra Singh, a company well-established in the payments industry with a key focus on point-of-sale terminals and solutions. Samikha Goel writes that Rau was Initially hesitant to build a new venture. But he accepted, recognizing the growth potential and existing 1.6 billion dollar valuation. Under his leadership since March 2020, Pine Labs has soared to a 5 billion dollar valuation, positioning itself as India's fourth-largest fintech firm and contemplating a billion-dollar IPO. This would potentially raise its valuation over 6 billion dollars, marking a significant milestone in India's fintech landscape.


 

As climate change intensifies, it's impacting vehicle reliability. This is pushing the automotive industry to adapt. Manufacturers now prioritize rigorous testing of air conditioning systems and tyres to ensure they withstand extreme weather conditions. For instance, Subros, a leading car AC maker in India, tests products in temperatures up to 55°C, while tyre manufacturers like JK Tyre address challenges in natural rubber production due to weather impacts by initiating projects to secure quality rubber supplies. Alisha Sachdev writes that the rise of electric vehicles  adds another layer of complexity, requiring effective heat management for their numerous electronic components to maintain performance and longevity. This industry-wide push towards resilience and sustainability reflects a proactive response to our changing climate.

 

Show notes:

Dressing Pine Labs for IPO: What ‘fintech bully’ Amrish Rau can learn from Paytm

Transport, timings, SOS: How India Inc is trying to keep women staff safe

What is NPCI’s game plan for BHIM app?  

Your car’s AC and tyres need a climate-driven upgrade. Here's why

Data explainer: India’s green energy goals face stiff test 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 379 no Adani eyes Reliance Power’s thermal plant https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-eyes-reliance-powers-thermal-plant-WY2DcHoM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, 19 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Adani Group is on an aggressive expansion bid - from realty to cement. Now, the Gautam Adani-led company is eyeing a thermal power plant. Sources told Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Dipti Sharma that the group is keen on buying Anil Ambani’s bankrupt company Reliance Power’s 600-megawatt thermal power plant in Butibori, near Nagpur. The potential acquisition, valued between 2,400-3,000 crore rupees, aligns with Adani's strategy to expand its thermal power capacity amid growing electricity demands, particularly in Maharashtra, India's largest power-consuming state. This move could integrate Adani’s existing coal-based power plant in Tiroda with Butibori, enhancing its competitive edge in the region.    In March this year, Swedish investor EQT and Singapore’s Temasek - joint owners of O2 Power- decided to sell the renewable energy company. Since then, buyers have lined up to buy the company in a one-billion-dollar deal. The company has drawn significant interest, with seven major entities submitting non-binding offers. These include prominent firms like Stonepeak, I Squared Capital, JSW Neo Energy, Sekura Energy from Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors, Actis Llp, Sembcorp Industries, and Macquarie Group, reports Utpal Bhaskar. Managed by Barclays, the sale process values O2 Power at $2.3 billion in enterprise value. Seven bidders were selected from thirteen who had signed non-disclosure agreements.   In her second full year at the helm of India's market watchdog, Madhabi Puri Buch oversaw a record 342 investigations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the most in nearly 30 years. Behind this spike is a mix of a bustling equity market with more everyday investors jumping into both stocks and derivatives and Sebi's smarter use of tech to keep an eye on things. The regulator's getting sharper, using AI and other tools to sniff out market manipulation and insider trading like never before, writes Mint’s Neha Joshi.    India is planning to establish a new independent regulator for its upcoming coal exchange, which is expected to be launched within the current fiscal year, FY25. Originally, it was considered that the Coal Controller Organisation would regulate the exchange, but concerns about independence and market trust have led to discussions about creating a separate regulatory body. As the government aims to boost domestic coal production to 1 billion tonnes annually and reduce import dependency, the need for a modernized and efficient coal exchange becomes crucial, writes Rituraj Baruah. This exchange will serve as a marketplace where buyers and sellers of coal can transact, offering options in terms of coal grade and location.   Nestled within IIT Madras’ Research Park, Agnikul Cosmos stands out with a life-size rocket prototype at their doorstep. This Chennai-based startup isn't just about the show; they've made real strides in the space race with their recent milestone, earning them praise from even PM Narendra Modi. They've successfully test-launched their 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan–SOrTeD, using technology that allows them to create rocket engines in under a week. This test not only demonstrated their tech prowess but also gathered essential data for their upcoming orbital launches. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte takes a deep dive into Agnikul's vision which extends beyond just launching rockets; they aim to revolutionise how small satellites reach space.       Show notes:   Adani plans to buyout Reliance Power's thermal power plant Stonepeak, I Squared, Actis, 4 others submit bids for O2 Power in $1 bn deal Sebi ramps up investigations amid market turmoil Centre evaluates setting up separate regulator for coal exchange Agnikul Cosmos: It's definitely rocket science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Adani eyes Reliance Power’s thermal plant full 633 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside Agnikul Cosmos; Record investigations under Madhabi Puri Buch at SEBI Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, 19 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   The Adani Group is on an aggressive expansion bid - from realty to cement. Now, the Gautam Adani-led company is eyeing a thermal power plant. Sources told Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Dipti Sharma that the group is keen on buying Anil Ambani’s bankrupt company Reliance Power’s 600-megawatt thermal power plant in Butibori, near Nagpur. The potential acquisition, valued between 2,400-3,000 crore rupees, aligns with Adani's strategy to expand its thermal power capacity amid growing electricity demands, particularly in Maharashtra, India's largest power-consuming state. This move could integrate Adani’s existing coal-based power plant in Tiroda with Butibori, enhancing its competitive edge in the region.    In March this year, Swedish investor EQT and Singapore’s Temasek - joint owners of O2 Power- decided to sell the renewable energy company. Since then, buyers have lined up to buy the company in a one-billion-dollar deal. The company has drawn significant interest, with seven major entities submitting non-binding offers. These include prominent firms like Stonepeak, I Squared Capital, JSW Neo Energy, Sekura Energy from Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors, Actis Llp, Sembcorp Industries, and Macquarie Group, reports Utpal Bhaskar. Managed by Barclays, the sale process values O2 Power at $2.3 billion in enterprise value. Seven bidders were selected from thirteen who had signed non-disclosure agreements.   In her second full year at the helm of India's market watchdog, Madhabi Puri Buch oversaw a record 342 investigations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the most in nearly 30 years. Behind this spike is a mix of a bustling equity market with more everyday investors jumping into both stocks and derivatives and Sebi's smarter use of tech to keep an eye on things. The regulator's getting sharper, using AI and other tools to sniff out market manipulation and insider trading like never before, writes Mint’s Neha Joshi.    India is planning to establish a new independent regulator for its upcoming coal exchange, which is expected to be launched within the current fiscal year, FY25. Originally, it was considered that the Coal Controller Organisation would regulate the exchange, but concerns about independence and market trust have led to discussions about creating a separate regulatory body. As the government aims to boost domestic coal production to 1 billion tonnes annually and reduce import dependency, the need for a modernized and efficient coal exchange becomes crucial, writes Rituraj Baruah. This exchange will serve as a marketplace where buyers and sellers of coal can transact, offering options in terms of coal grade and location.   Nestled within IIT Madras’ Research Park, Agnikul Cosmos stands out with a life-size rocket prototype at their doorstep. This Chennai-based startup isn't just about the show; they've made real strides in the space race with their recent milestone, earning them praise from even PM Narendra Modi. They've successfully test-launched their 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan–SOrTeD, using technology that allows them to create rocket engines in under a week. This test not only demonstrated their tech prowess but also gathered essential data for their upcoming orbital launches. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte takes a deep dive into Agnikul's vision which extends beyond just launching rockets; they aim to revolutionise how small satellites reach space.       Show notes:   Adani plans to buyout Reliance Power's thermal power plant Stonepeak, I Squared, Actis, 4 others submit bids for O2 Power in $1 bn deal Sebi ramps up investigations amid market turmoil Centre evaluates setting up separate regulator for coal exchange Agnikul Cosmos: It's definitely rocket science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, 19 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

The Adani Group is on an aggressive expansion bid - from realty to cement. Now, the Gautam Adani-led company is eyeing a thermal power plant. Sources told Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Dipti Sharma that the group is keen on buying Anil Ambani’s bankrupt company Reliance Power’s 600-megawatt thermal power plant in Butibori, near Nagpur. The potential acquisition, valued between 2,400-3,000 crore rupees, aligns with Adani's strategy to expand its thermal power capacity amid growing electricity demands, particularly in Maharashtra, India's largest power-consuming state. This move could integrate Adani’s existing coal-based power plant in Tiroda with Butibori, enhancing its competitive edge in the region. 


 

In March this year, Swedish investor EQT and Singapore’s Temasek - joint owners of O2 Power- decided to sell the renewable energy company. Since then, buyers have lined up to buy the company in a one-billion-dollar deal. The company has drawn significant interest, with seven major entities submitting non-binding offers. These include prominent firms like Stonepeak, I Squared Capital, JSW Neo Energy, Sekura Energy from Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors, Actis Llp, Sembcorp Industries, and Macquarie Group, reports Utpal Bhaskar. Managed by Barclays, the sale process values O2 Power at $2.3 billion in enterprise value. Seven bidders were selected from thirteen who had signed non-disclosure agreements.


 

In her second full year at the helm of India's market watchdog, Madhabi Puri Buch oversaw a record 342 investigations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the most in nearly 30 years. Behind this spike is a mix of a bustling equity market with more everyday investors jumping into both stocks and derivatives and Sebi's smarter use of tech to keep an eye on things. The regulator's getting sharper, using AI and other tools to sniff out market manipulation and insider trading like never before, writes Mint’s Neha Joshi. 


 

India is planning to establish a new independent regulator for its upcoming coal exchange, which is expected to be launched within the current fiscal year, FY25. Originally, it was considered that the Coal Controller Organisation would regulate the exchange, but concerns about independence and market trust have led to discussions about creating a separate regulatory body. As the government aims to boost domestic coal production to 1 billion tonnes annually and reduce import dependency, the need for a modernized and efficient coal exchange becomes crucial, writes Rituraj Baruah. This exchange will serve as a marketplace where buyers and sellers of coal can transact, offering options in terms of coal grade and location.


 

Nestled within IIT Madras’ Research Park, Agnikul Cosmos stands out with a life-size rocket prototype at their doorstep. This Chennai-based startup isn't just about the show; they've made real strides in the space race with their recent milestone, earning them praise from even PM Narendra Modi. They've successfully test-launched their 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan–SOrTeD, using technology that allows them to create rocket engines in under a week. This test not only demonstrated their tech prowess but also gathered essential data for their upcoming orbital launches. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte takes a deep dive into Agnikul's vision which extends beyond just launching rockets; they aim to revolutionise how small satellites reach space.


 

 


 

Show notes:


 

Adani plans to buyout Reliance Power's thermal power plant

Stonepeak, I Squared, Actis, 4 others submit bids for O2 Power in $1 bn deal

Sebi ramps up investigations amid market turmoil

Centre evaluates setting up separate regulator for coal exchange

Agnikul Cosmos: It's definitely rocket science

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 348 no Prime Minister Modi’s 11th Independence Day speech https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/prime-minister-modis-11th-independence-day-speech-hPaCxa0h Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 16 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   When ChrysCapital's executives flew to Pune during the covid-19 pandemic, they were looking to invest in FirstCry, a baby products giant founded by Supam Maheshwari. They were struck by Maheshwari's modest office—a sharp contrast to the flashier setups of many new-age entrepreneurs. This meeting led to a 315 million dollar investment in the startup, boosting its valuation to nearly 2 billion dollars. Maheshwari, an introvert unlike the more outspoken Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, strategically builds businesses with an eye on the long game, focusing on deep market understanding rather than just following trends. Mint’s startup reporter Sneha Shah explores the journey of Maheshwari, who has founded three unicorns - FirstCry, Xpressbees and Globalbees.    Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 11th consecutive time from the Red Fort on Independence Day. In his first speech since assuming office for the third time, the prime minister spoke for 98 minutes, making it his longest Independence Day speech. He laid out many ambitious plans, from adding 75,000 medical seats over the next five years to ramping up India's renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030. Modi emphasized revamping agriculture with a big push towards natural farming, with plans to use advanced tech like drones, Dhirendra Kumar writes. He's also got his sights set on making India a powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing to cut down on imports and boost self-sufficiency.    At IIMs - India's top management institutes -  students are facing a stagnant job market where median salaries haven't budged much.  Median pay - the salary a middle-ranked candidate would get - has stagnated. This is despite the continuous rise in tuition fees due to operational costs. For example, at IIM-Kozhikode, the median salary has been stuck at 27 lakh rupees for the past couple of years. This stagnation is attributed to global economic uncertainties and a cooling job market following the pandemic hiring spurts, reports Mint’s Devina Sengupta. Despite this, institutes are revising their curriculums and infrastructure to better align with industry needs and ensure robust placement outcomes in the future.    India's law ministry is taking a big step towards transforming the country into a top spot for global arbitration. Mint’s Manas Pimpalkhare reports that the ministry wants to streamline processes and cut down on the hefty legal bills the government faces as the country's most frequent litigant. They're studying how places like Singapore and the UK handle arbitration to figure out what changes are needed back home. One of the main goals is to speed up how arbitral awards—decisions made outside of court—are enforced, as Indian assets often get bogged down in other legal tangles, which slows things down.   Indian liquor brands like Amrut, Rampur, and Indri are making a splash on the global stage, catching the eye of the growing Indian diaspora and other premium spirit lovers around the world. In fiscal year 2023-24 alone, overseas shipments of alcohol jumped to a cool 400 million dollars. Whisky's leading the charge with a whopping 67% surge in exports since fiscal year 2019-20, hitting about 5.8 million cases, writes Mint’s Varuni Khosla. Radico Khaitan and Allied Blenders are at the forefront of this trend. Radico's not just winning over folks with its Rampur Indian single malt and Jaisalmer craft gin, but it's also now selling in over 100 countries. The buzz is spreading to beer, too. Goa’s Latambarcem Brewers has started shipping their Maka Di Beer to the US, and Delhi’s Medusa beer is setting sights on the UK.     Show notes:   Inside the reticent mind of FirstCry’s top bee—Supam Maheshwari Prime Minister Modi’s I-Day speech: 75k medical seats, renewable energy goals and more IIM grads get a reality check in a tight job market India aims to be global arbitration hub. And cut costs for its biggest litigant. Spirits Exports Soar As Single Malts Spice Up Demand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Prime Minister Modi’s 11th Independence Day speech full 632 Mint - HT Smartcast The world is drinking Indian whiskey; Inside the mind of FirstCry’s Supam Maheshwari Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 16 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   When ChrysCapital's executives flew to Pune during the covid-19 pandemic, they were looking to invest in FirstCry, a baby products giant founded by Supam Maheshwari. They were struck by Maheshwari's modest office—a sharp contrast to the flashier setups of many new-age entrepreneurs. This meeting led to a 315 million dollar investment in the startup, boosting its valuation to nearly 2 billion dollars. Maheshwari, an introvert unlike the more outspoken Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, strategically builds businesses with an eye on the long game, focusing on deep market understanding rather than just following trends. Mint’s startup reporter Sneha Shah explores the journey of Maheshwari, who has founded three unicorns - FirstCry, Xpressbees and Globalbees.    Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 11th consecutive time from the Red Fort on Independence Day. In his first speech since assuming office for the third time, the prime minister spoke for 98 minutes, making it his longest Independence Day speech. He laid out many ambitious plans, from adding 75,000 medical seats over the next five years to ramping up India's renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030. Modi emphasized revamping agriculture with a big push towards natural farming, with plans to use advanced tech like drones, Dhirendra Kumar writes. He's also got his sights set on making India a powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing to cut down on imports and boost self-sufficiency.    At IIMs - India's top management institutes -  students are facing a stagnant job market where median salaries haven't budged much.  Median pay - the salary a middle-ranked candidate would get - has stagnated. This is despite the continuous rise in tuition fees due to operational costs. For example, at IIM-Kozhikode, the median salary has been stuck at 27 lakh rupees for the past couple of years. This stagnation is attributed to global economic uncertainties and a cooling job market following the pandemic hiring spurts, reports Mint’s Devina Sengupta. Despite this, institutes are revising their curriculums and infrastructure to better align with industry needs and ensure robust placement outcomes in the future.    India's law ministry is taking a big step towards transforming the country into a top spot for global arbitration. Mint’s Manas Pimpalkhare reports that the ministry wants to streamline processes and cut down on the hefty legal bills the government faces as the country's most frequent litigant. They're studying how places like Singapore and the UK handle arbitration to figure out what changes are needed back home. One of the main goals is to speed up how arbitral awards—decisions made outside of court—are enforced, as Indian assets often get bogged down in other legal tangles, which slows things down.   Indian liquor brands like Amrut, Rampur, and Indri are making a splash on the global stage, catching the eye of the growing Indian diaspora and other premium spirit lovers around the world. In fiscal year 2023-24 alone, overseas shipments of alcohol jumped to a cool 400 million dollars. Whisky's leading the charge with a whopping 67% surge in exports since fiscal year 2019-20, hitting about 5.8 million cases, writes Mint’s Varuni Khosla. Radico Khaitan and Allied Blenders are at the forefront of this trend. Radico's not just winning over folks with its Rampur Indian single malt and Jaisalmer craft gin, but it's also now selling in over 100 countries. The buzz is spreading to beer, too. Goa’s Latambarcem Brewers has started shipping their Maka Di Beer to the US, and Delhi’s Medusa beer is setting sights on the UK.     Show notes:   Inside the reticent mind of FirstCry’s top bee—Supam Maheshwari Prime Minister Modi’s I-Day speech: 75k medical seats, renewable energy goals and more IIM grads get a reality check in a tight job market India aims to be global arbitration hub. And cut costs for its biggest litigant. Spirits Exports Soar As Single Malts Spice Up Demand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, 16 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

When ChrysCapital's executives flew to Pune during the covid-19 pandemic, they were looking to invest in FirstCry, a baby products giant founded by Supam Maheshwari. They were struck by Maheshwari's modest office—a sharp contrast to the flashier setups of many new-age entrepreneurs. This meeting led to a 315 million dollar investment in the startup, boosting its valuation to nearly 2 billion dollars. Maheshwari, an introvert unlike the more outspoken Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, strategically builds businesses with an eye on the long game, focusing on deep market understanding rather than just following trends. Mint’s startup reporter Sneha Shah explores the journey of Maheshwari, who has founded three unicorns - FirstCry, Xpressbees and Globalbees. 


 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 11th consecutive time from the Red Fort on Independence Day. In his first speech since assuming office for the third time, the prime minister spoke for 98 minutes, making it his longest Independence Day speech. He laid out many ambitious plans, from adding 75,000 medical seats over the next five years to ramping up India's renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030. Modi emphasized revamping agriculture with a big push towards natural farming, with plans to use advanced tech like drones, Dhirendra Kumar writes. He's also got his sights set on making India a powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing to cut down on imports and boost self-sufficiency. 


 

At IIMs - India's top management institutes -  students are facing a stagnant job market where median salaries haven't budged much.  Median pay - the salary a middle-ranked candidate would get - has stagnated. This is despite the continuous rise in tuition fees due to operational costs. For example, at IIM-Kozhikode, the median salary has been stuck at 27 lakh rupees for the past couple of years. This stagnation is attributed to global economic uncertainties and a cooling job market following the pandemic hiring spurts, reports Mint’s Devina Sengupta. Despite this, institutes are revising their curriculums and infrastructure to better align with industry needs and ensure robust placement outcomes in the future. 


 

India's law ministry is taking a big step towards transforming the country into a top spot for global arbitration. Mint’s Manas Pimpalkhare reports that the ministry wants to streamline processes and cut down on the hefty legal bills the government faces as the country's most frequent litigant. They're studying how places like Singapore and the UK handle arbitration to figure out what changes are needed back home. One of the main goals is to speed up how arbitral awards—decisions made outside of court—are enforced, as Indian assets often get bogged down in other legal tangles, which slows things down.


 

Indian liquor brands like Amrut, Rampur, and Indri are making a splash on the global stage, catching the eye of the growing Indian diaspora and other premium spirit lovers around the world. In fiscal year 2023-24 alone, overseas shipments of alcohol jumped to a cool 400 million dollars. Whisky's leading the charge with a whopping 67% surge in exports since fiscal year 2019-20, hitting about 5.8 million cases, writes Mint’s Varuni Khosla. Radico Khaitan and Allied Blenders are at the forefront of this trend. Radico's not just winning over folks with its Rampur Indian single malt and Jaisalmer craft gin, but it's also now selling in over 100 countries. The buzz is spreading to beer, too. Goa’s Latambarcem Brewers has started shipping their Maka Di Beer to the US, and Delhi’s Medusa beer is setting sights on the UK.


 


 

Show notes:


 

Inside the reticent mind of FirstCry’s top bee—Supam Maheshwari

Prime Minister Modi’s I-Day speech: 75k medical seats, renewable energy goals and more

IIM grads get a reality check in a tight job market

India aims to be global arbitration hub. And cut costs for its biggest litigant.

Spirits Exports Soar As Single Malts Spice Up Demand

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 361 no China's mangoes are eating into Indian exports https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/chinas-mangoes-are-eating-into-indian-exports-WGTFxHlt Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. Wishing you a happy independence day! It's Wednesday, 15 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. The Sensex was up by 0.2 percent, while the Nifty 50 edged up by just 0.02 percent.   India is 78 today. Our markets reach record highs regularly, although not without volatility, and our economy is chugging along. This has been made possible due to some path-breaking economic decisions that have been taken along the way. N. Madhavan takes a look at some of these decisions that have helped India become the fifth-largest economy in the world. Some moments over the years include the green revolution, Manmohan Singh's LPG, and GST.   The recent turmoil in the markets is largely caused by foreign investors pulling their money out of Indian equities. But they have been kept in check by retail investors, who are acting as a counterbalance. Ram Sahgal writes that Indian investors have helped prop the Nifty up and perform better than its peers like Japan's Nikkei, South Korea's Kospi, and Singapore's Straits Time Index. Despite foreign investors pulling out in large numbers, domestic investors are keeping things going for the Indian public markets.   The Nifty has fallen 1.8% during the past 30 days. One of the major factors has been the announcement of the Q1 results for FY25. Manjul Paul analysed nearly 1,500 companies listed on the public bourses, which yielded moderate growth this quarter. Combined revenue increased by 9 percent annually, while net profit was up just 5 percent for the same period. Profits have been trending downwards for a few quarters, economists note. But a closer analysis shows some disparate trends: Manjul finds out that sectors like oil and gas, power, chemicals, and agriculture are performing much more poorly than their peers.   This year's Union Budget allocated nearly a billion dollars towards the National Quantum Mission. But what is that? India wants to be a hub for super-fast quantum computers, and it also wants to make semiconductor chips. The central government has also been bullish on artificial intelligence and has announced several schemes. These are good, healthy targets. Leslie D'monte takes stock of India's technological progress and how these ideas will receive policy support over the years to make the plans a reality.    Indian mangoes ruled the foreign market for decades. Farmers grew varieties like alphonso, langra, and dasheri specifically for export, as they fetched a better price in the western countries. India produces 40 percent of the world's total mangoes. However, India is losing its stronghold over everyone's favourite fruit. There's a new exporter in the market: any guesses?? It’s China. Dhirendra Kumar reports that China exported mangoes worth 59 million dollars in 2023, compared to mangoes worth 55 million dollars by India. Funnily enough, mangoes are not native to China — India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted China eight mango saplings back in the 1950s. This diplomatic gift has come back to haunt Indian mango makers decades later.     Show notes:   Amid FII selling, retail investors again prop up Indian market   As Q1 profit growth retreats, can India Inc. hold its head above water?   Chips, Indic LLMs, flying taxis: Inside India’s tryst with tech independence   Seven economic moments to remember since 1947   Mango wars: China grown Indian mango varieties eat into India’ exports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 China's mangoes are eating into Indian exports full 631 Mint - HT Smartcast B-school fees are rising, while salaries fall, Indian investors prop markets up Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. Wishing you a happy independence day! It's Wednesday, 15 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.   Markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. The Sensex was up by 0.2 percent, while the Nifty 50 edged up by just 0.02 percent.   India is 78 today. Our markets reach record highs regularly, although not without volatility, and our economy is chugging along. This has been made possible due to some path-breaking economic decisions that have been taken along the way. N. Madhavan takes a look at some of these decisions that have helped India become the fifth-largest economy in the world. Some moments over the years include the green revolution, Manmohan Singh's LPG, and GST.   The recent turmoil in the markets is largely caused by foreign investors pulling their money out of Indian equities. But they have been kept in check by retail investors, who are acting as a counterbalance. Ram Sahgal writes that Indian investors have helped prop the Nifty up and perform better than its peers like Japan's Nikkei, South Korea's Kospi, and Singapore's Straits Time Index. Despite foreign investors pulling out in large numbers, domestic investors are keeping things going for the Indian public markets.   The Nifty has fallen 1.8% during the past 30 days. One of the major factors has been the announcement of the Q1 results for FY25. Manjul Paul analysed nearly 1,500 companies listed on the public bourses, which yielded moderate growth this quarter. Combined revenue increased by 9 percent annually, while net profit was up just 5 percent for the same period. Profits have been trending downwards for a few quarters, economists note. But a closer analysis shows some disparate trends: Manjul finds out that sectors like oil and gas, power, chemicals, and agriculture are performing much more poorly than their peers.   This year's Union Budget allocated nearly a billion dollars towards the National Quantum Mission. But what is that? India wants to be a hub for super-fast quantum computers, and it also wants to make semiconductor chips. The central government has also been bullish on artificial intelligence and has announced several schemes. These are good, healthy targets. Leslie D'monte takes stock of India's technological progress and how these ideas will receive policy support over the years to make the plans a reality.    Indian mangoes ruled the foreign market for decades. Farmers grew varieties like alphonso, langra, and dasheri specifically for export, as they fetched a better price in the western countries. India produces 40 percent of the world's total mangoes. However, India is losing its stronghold over everyone's favourite fruit. There's a new exporter in the market: any guesses?? It’s China. Dhirendra Kumar reports that China exported mangoes worth 59 million dollars in 2023, compared to mangoes worth 55 million dollars by India. Funnily enough, mangoes are not native to China — India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted China eight mango saplings back in the 1950s. This diplomatic gift has come back to haunt Indian mango makers decades later.     Show notes:   Amid FII selling, retail investors again prop up Indian market   As Q1 profit growth retreats, can India Inc. hold its head above water?   Chips, Indic LLMs, flying taxis: Inside India’s tryst with tech independence   Seven economic moments to remember since 1947   Mango wars: China grown Indian mango varieties eat into India’ exports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. Wishing you a happy independence day! It's Wednesday, 15 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.


 

Markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. The Sensex was up by 0.2 percent, while the Nifty 50 edged up by just 0.02 percent.


 

India is 78 today. Our markets reach record highs regularly, although not without volatility, and our economy is chugging along. This has been made possible due to some path-breaking economic decisions that have been taken along the way. N. Madhavan takes a look at some of these decisions that have helped India become the fifth-largest economy in the world. Some moments over the years include the green revolution, Manmohan Singh's LPG, and GST.


 

The recent turmoil in the markets is largely caused by foreign investors pulling their money out of Indian equities. But they have been kept in check by retail investors, who are acting as a counterbalance. Ram Sahgal writes that Indian investors have helped prop the Nifty up and perform better than its peers like Japan's Nikkei, South Korea's Kospi, and Singapore's Straits Time Index. Despite foreign investors pulling out in large numbers, domestic investors are keeping things going for the Indian public markets.


 

The Nifty has fallen 1.8% during the past 30 days. One of the major factors has been the announcement of the Q1 results for FY25. Manjul Paul analysed nearly 1,500 companies listed on the public bourses, which yielded moderate growth this quarter. Combined revenue increased by 9 percent annually, while net profit was up just 5 percent for the same period. Profits have been trending downwards for a few quarters, economists note. But a closer analysis shows some disparate trends: Manjul finds out that sectors like oil and gas, power, chemicals, and agriculture are performing much more poorly than their peers.


 

This year's Union Budget allocated nearly a billion dollars towards the National Quantum Mission. But what is that? India wants to be a hub for super-fast quantum computers, and it also wants to make semiconductor chips. The central government has also been bullish on artificial intelligence and has announced several schemes. These are good, healthy targets. Leslie D'monte takes stock of India's technological progress and how these ideas will receive policy support over the years to make the plans a reality. 


 

Indian mangoes ruled the foreign market for decades. Farmers grew varieties like alphonso, langra, and dasheri specifically for export, as they fetched a better price in the western countries. India produces 40 percent of the world's total mangoes. However, India is losing its stronghold over everyone's favourite fruit. There's a new exporter in the market: any guesses?? It’s China. Dhirendra Kumar reports that China exported mangoes worth 59 million dollars in 2023, compared to mangoes worth 55 million dollars by India. Funnily enough, mangoes are not native to China — India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted China eight mango saplings back in the 1950s. This diplomatic gift has come back to haunt Indian mango makers decades later.



 


 

Show notes:


 

Amid FII selling, retail investors again prop up Indian market


 

As Q1 profit growth retreats, can India Inc. hold its head above water?


 

Chips, Indic LLMs, flying taxis: Inside India’s tryst with tech independence


 

Seven economic moments to remember since 1947


 

Mango wars: China grown Indian mango varieties eat into India’ exports

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 321 no Why EV charging is a big headache https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-ev-charging-is-a-big-headache-INVTBahC Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 14 August 2024. My name is Nelson John.  A series of explosions in South Korea has prompted discussions in Mumbai about a ban on charging electric vehicles in basements. Alisha Sachdev explains that since EV charging involves high-voltage electricity, such discussions are paramount to the safety of those who live in such buildings. Automakers have been asking for regulation on this front ever since EVs went mainstream in India. The government has taken up the mantle of creating public charging infrastructure, but hasn't formed any regulations about safer charging at home. Another EV-related story for you: this time, about BluSmart. If you haven't heard about it, BluSmart is an EV-only cab service operating in NCR and Bangalore. Anmol Jaggi, the founder of BluSmart, is happy with the company's growth and progress. But he has one big problem: The lack of sufficient charging infrastructure. Sumant Banerji writes that, unlike their petrol and diesel counterparts, BluSmart's EVs have a considerably higher downtime. Moreover, BluSmart also owns its entire fleet, as opposed to a commission model by Ola and Uber. This is a capital-intensive setup. In his Long Story, Sumant lists out the challenges and opportunities for BluSmart. Cab hailing is already a cash-burning business; BluSmart's current business model doesn't allow for much headroom to change a lot at the moment. According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, a registered investment advisor needs to be at least 21 years old. But Sebi's jurisdiction ends when you type youtube.com. Here, teenagers can give you advice too. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about kids as young as 13 advising investors to try out futures and options, or F&O, trading. They boast of turning the share market into a "sure market", with annual returns of over 36%. While Sebi has strictly dissuaded F&O trading, that doesn't stop these kids from promising their viewers the moon with their investing tips. It's not just F&O trading that has picked up in India. Take, for example, factor funds. In July, more than 26,000 crore rupees has been invested in this kind of funds. Factor funds track attributes like size, value, momentum, and volatility to try and offer better returns to investors. Dipti Sharma writes about the rise of factor funds, which are growing in size as well as in number. These funds have risen more than 15% so far this year, as opposed to the Nifty's 12%. Read this story to see if it’s worth investing in these funds. At some point, over the last couple of years, everyone started wearing a smartwatch. Watches that just showed the time and perhaps date were passe; now, you could know your heart rate, step count, and even pick up calls with a digital watch. In 2021, more than 12 million smartwatches were sold in India, writes Shouvik Das. In 2023, this figure jumped to 50 million. But now, smartwatch makers have run into a problem: market saturation. It seems like everyone who wanted one, has one. Buyers now only have demand for the expensive watches made by Apple or Samsung. Meanwhile, the demand for cheap smartwatches has cratered. Shouvik writes that this has become a problem for companies such as Boat and Noise.   Show notes: Why India needs safety protocols for EV charging  Low battery: The biggest challenge hindering all-electric cab company BluSmart  Meet the new YouTube finfluencers: teens ‘making 36-40%’ returns trading options  Indian investors are discovering the power of factor investing Indians loved to flaunt their budget smartwatches. Not any more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Why EV charging is a big headache full 630 Mint - HT Smartcast Smartwatch market is dead, why are 13-year-olds giving financial advice? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 14 August 2024. My name is Nelson John.  A series of explosions in South Korea has prompted discussions in Mumbai about a ban on charging electric vehicles in basements. Alisha Sachdev explains that since EV charging involves high-voltage electricity, such discussions are paramount to the safety of those who live in such buildings. Automakers have been asking for regulation on this front ever since EVs went mainstream in India. The government has taken up the mantle of creating public charging infrastructure, but hasn't formed any regulations about safer charging at home. Another EV-related story for you: this time, about BluSmart. If you haven't heard about it, BluSmart is an EV-only cab service operating in NCR and Bangalore. Anmol Jaggi, the founder of BluSmart, is happy with the company's growth and progress. But he has one big problem: The lack of sufficient charging infrastructure. Sumant Banerji writes that, unlike their petrol and diesel counterparts, BluSmart's EVs have a considerably higher downtime. Moreover, BluSmart also owns its entire fleet, as opposed to a commission model by Ola and Uber. This is a capital-intensive setup. In his Long Story, Sumant lists out the challenges and opportunities for BluSmart. Cab hailing is already a cash-burning business; BluSmart's current business model doesn't allow for much headroom to change a lot at the moment. According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, a registered investment advisor needs to be at least 21 years old. But Sebi's jurisdiction ends when you type youtube.com. Here, teenagers can give you advice too. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about kids as young as 13 advising investors to try out futures and options, or F&O, trading. They boast of turning the share market into a "sure market", with annual returns of over 36%. While Sebi has strictly dissuaded F&O trading, that doesn't stop these kids from promising their viewers the moon with their investing tips. It's not just F&O trading that has picked up in India. Take, for example, factor funds. In July, more than 26,000 crore rupees has been invested in this kind of funds. Factor funds track attributes like size, value, momentum, and volatility to try and offer better returns to investors. Dipti Sharma writes about the rise of factor funds, which are growing in size as well as in number. These funds have risen more than 15% so far this year, as opposed to the Nifty's 12%. Read this story to see if it’s worth investing in these funds. At some point, over the last couple of years, everyone started wearing a smartwatch. Watches that just showed the time and perhaps date were passe; now, you could know your heart rate, step count, and even pick up calls with a digital watch. In 2021, more than 12 million smartwatches were sold in India, writes Shouvik Das. In 2023, this figure jumped to 50 million. But now, smartwatch makers have run into a problem: market saturation. It seems like everyone who wanted one, has one. Buyers now only have demand for the expensive watches made by Apple or Samsung. Meanwhile, the demand for cheap smartwatches has cratered. Shouvik writes that this has become a problem for companies such as Boat and Noise.   Show notes: Why India needs safety protocols for EV charging  Low battery: The biggest challenge hindering all-electric cab company BluSmart  Meet the new YouTube finfluencers: teens ‘making 36-40%’ returns trading options  Indian investors are discovering the power of factor investing Indians loved to flaunt their budget smartwatches. Not any more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, 14 August 2024. My name is Nelson John. 

A series of explosions in South Korea has prompted discussions in Mumbai about a ban on charging electric vehicles in basements. Alisha Sachdev explains that since EV charging involves high-voltage electricity, such discussions are paramount to the safety of those who live in such buildings. Automakers have been asking for regulation on this front ever since EVs went mainstream in India. The government has taken up the mantle of creating public charging infrastructure, but hasn't formed any regulations about safer charging at home.

Another EV-related story for you: this time, about BluSmart. If you haven't heard about it, BluSmart is an EV-only cab service operating in NCR and Bangalore. Anmol Jaggi, the founder of BluSmart, is happy with the company's growth and progress. But he has one big problem: The lack of sufficient charging infrastructure. Sumant Banerji writes that, unlike their petrol and diesel counterparts, BluSmart's EVs have a considerably higher downtime. Moreover, BluSmart also owns its entire fleet, as opposed to a commission model by Ola and Uber. This is a capital-intensive setup. In his Long Story, Sumant lists out the challenges and opportunities for BluSmart. Cab hailing is already a cash-burning business; BluSmart's current business model doesn't allow for much headroom to change a lot at the moment.

According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, a registered investment advisor needs to be at least 21 years old. But Sebi's jurisdiction ends when you type youtube.com. Here, teenagers can give you advice too. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about kids as young as 13 advising investors to try out futures and options, or F&O, trading. They boast of turning the share market into a "sure market", with annual returns of over 36%. While Sebi has strictly dissuaded F&O trading, that doesn't stop these kids from promising their viewers the moon with their investing tips.

It's not just F&O trading that has picked up in India. Take, for example, factor funds. In July, more than 26,000 crore rupees has been invested in this kind of funds. Factor funds track attributes like size, value, momentum, and volatility to try and offer better returns to investors. Dipti Sharma writes about the rise of factor funds, which are growing in size as well as in number. These funds have risen more than 15% so far this year, as opposed to the Nifty's 12%. Read this story to see if it’s worth investing in these funds.

At some point, over the last couple of years, everyone started wearing a smartwatch. Watches that just showed the time and perhaps date were passe; now, you could know your heart rate, step count, and even pick up calls with a digital watch. In 2021, more than 12 million smartwatches were sold in India, writes Shouvik Das. In 2023, this figure jumped to 50 million. But now, smartwatch makers have run into a problem: market saturation. It seems like everyone who wanted one, has one. Buyers now only have demand for the expensive watches made by Apple or Samsung. Meanwhile, the demand for cheap smartwatches has cratered. Shouvik writes that this has become a problem for companies such as Boat and Noise.

 

Show notes:

Why India needs safety protocols for EV charging 

Low battery: The biggest challenge hindering all-electric cab company BluSmart 

Meet the new YouTube finfluencers: teens ‘making 36-40%’ returns trading options 

Indian investors are discovering the power of factor investing

Indians loved to flaunt their budget smartwatches. Not any more. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 324 no Japan’s Mitsui Banking Corp eyeing a stake in Yes Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/japans-mitsui-banking-corp-eyeing-a-stake-in-yes-bank-mxeawZAk Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended Monday's session flat amid mixed global cues.     Retail investors like us, once mere spectators in the stock market, are now major players. Just last July, a staggering 4.5 million new demat accounts popped up, a big jump from the 3.5 million monthly average of the past year. To put it in perspective, back in 2019, we only saw about 400 thousand new accounts monthly. Now, 43% of companies listed on the NSE have over 50,000 retail shareholders, a significant increase from just 441 companies in March 2020. Even more impressive, 54 firms now have over a million retail shareholders—almost five times more than four years ago. So where is this inflow from retail investors headed? Are they betting big on blue-chip giants, or taking risks on smaller companies? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team takes a look.   Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s top boss, Akihiro Fukutome, is flying to India this week, eyeing a big slice of Yes Bank. Three people aware of the development told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar, that Fukutome is thinking about snapping up a whopping 51% stake, pegging the deal at 5 billion dollars. Fukutome's trip includes meetings with top officials from the Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of India, which currently holds a 23.99 per cent stake in Yes Bank. The discussions are critical, as SMBC has started the due diligence process, leveraging the financial expertise of JPMorgan and legal guidance from J Sagar Associates. But why Yes Bank? Well, SMBC sees a lot of promise in the private lender and is keen to make a major play in India’s banking scene.  Airfares for the upcoming Independence Day weekend have surged by as much as 50% due to a combination of holiday timing and slow fleet expansion. Independence Day and the Parsi New Year on August 15, followed by Rakshabandhan on Monday, have created a perfect storm for a long, five-day weekend, encouraging many to take extended breaks. This has led to a spike in bookings, particularly for popular destinations like Bengaluru, Delhi, Srinagar, and Leh. Mint’s Anu Sharma reports that the rise in airfares is partly due to the slow pace at which new aircraft are being added to India's fleets, even as the demand for travel significantly outpaces supply. Industry insiders point to a shortage of spare parts and delayed aircraft deliveries as key factors keeping capacity from meeting the surging demand. The Hindi film industry, which traditionally relied heavily on the star power of individual male leads, is shifting gears. As solo star vehicles falter at the box office, producers are increasingly turning to ensemble casts, betting on the combined drawing power of multiple big names to lure larger audiences and ensure robust ticket sales. Take, for instance, Ranveer Singh's upcoming untitled movie that stars not just him but also Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and R. Madhavan. Similarly, the latest installment of the Housefull series boasts a lineup that includes Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan. At the same time, Kumar's other project, Welcome 3, packs an even more star-studded cast. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to trade experts who suggest that films with ensemble casts draw from the fan bases of each star, potentially ensuring grand openings. For more than a year, the Indian equity market has witnessed an unusual divergence—Bank Nifty has consistently underperformed compared to the benchmark Nifty. Typically, these two indices move closely together, so this gap suggests something is off balance. The prime suspect for this underperformance? HDFC Bank, which holds significant weight in the Bank Nifty. But it's not just about one bank; the entire banking sector in India is facing several challenges, as evident from recent financial results. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the banking sector’s struggles with systemic challenges, evident in its first quarter results.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Analysis: Retail investors remain undaunted, but what are they betting on? This Japanese lender's chief is visiting India to discuss buying Yes Bank stake Travelling by air this weekend? Prepare to shell out more Ensemble cast back in vogue as filmmakers spread bets across stars War for deposits: Banks’ biggest headache now coming for investors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Japan’s Mitsui Banking Corp eyeing a stake in Yes Bank full 629 Mint - HT Smartcast Airfares shoot up before upcoming long weekend; Ensemble casts back in vogue Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended Monday's session flat amid mixed global cues.     Retail investors like us, once mere spectators in the stock market, are now major players. Just last July, a staggering 4.5 million new demat accounts popped up, a big jump from the 3.5 million monthly average of the past year. To put it in perspective, back in 2019, we only saw about 400 thousand new accounts monthly. Now, 43% of companies listed on the NSE have over 50,000 retail shareholders, a significant increase from just 441 companies in March 2020. Even more impressive, 54 firms now have over a million retail shareholders—almost five times more than four years ago. So where is this inflow from retail investors headed? Are they betting big on blue-chip giants, or taking risks on smaller companies? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team takes a look.   Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s top boss, Akihiro Fukutome, is flying to India this week, eyeing a big slice of Yes Bank. Three people aware of the development told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar, that Fukutome is thinking about snapping up a whopping 51% stake, pegging the deal at 5 billion dollars. Fukutome's trip includes meetings with top officials from the Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of India, which currently holds a 23.99 per cent stake in Yes Bank. The discussions are critical, as SMBC has started the due diligence process, leveraging the financial expertise of JPMorgan and legal guidance from J Sagar Associates. But why Yes Bank? Well, SMBC sees a lot of promise in the private lender and is keen to make a major play in India’s banking scene.  Airfares for the upcoming Independence Day weekend have surged by as much as 50% due to a combination of holiday timing and slow fleet expansion. Independence Day and the Parsi New Year on August 15, followed by Rakshabandhan on Monday, have created a perfect storm for a long, five-day weekend, encouraging many to take extended breaks. This has led to a spike in bookings, particularly for popular destinations like Bengaluru, Delhi, Srinagar, and Leh. Mint’s Anu Sharma reports that the rise in airfares is partly due to the slow pace at which new aircraft are being added to India's fleets, even as the demand for travel significantly outpaces supply. Industry insiders point to a shortage of spare parts and delayed aircraft deliveries as key factors keeping capacity from meeting the surging demand. The Hindi film industry, which traditionally relied heavily on the star power of individual male leads, is shifting gears. As solo star vehicles falter at the box office, producers are increasingly turning to ensemble casts, betting on the combined drawing power of multiple big names to lure larger audiences and ensure robust ticket sales. Take, for instance, Ranveer Singh's upcoming untitled movie that stars not just him but also Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and R. Madhavan. Similarly, the latest installment of the Housefull series boasts a lineup that includes Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan. At the same time, Kumar's other project, Welcome 3, packs an even more star-studded cast. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to trade experts who suggest that films with ensemble casts draw from the fan bases of each star, potentially ensuring grand openings. For more than a year, the Indian equity market has witnessed an unusual divergence—Bank Nifty has consistently underperformed compared to the benchmark Nifty. Typically, these two indices move closely together, so this gap suggests something is off balance. The prime suspect for this underperformance? HDFC Bank, which holds significant weight in the Bank Nifty. But it's not just about one bank; the entire banking sector in India is facing several challenges, as evident from recent financial results. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the banking sector’s struggles with systemic challenges, evident in its first quarter results.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Analysis: Retail investors remain undaunted, but what are they betting on? This Japanese lender's chief is visiting India to discuss buying Yes Bank stake Travelling by air this weekend? Prepare to shell out more Ensemble cast back in vogue as filmmakers spread bets across stars War for deposits: Banks’ biggest headache now coming for investors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended Monday's session flat amid mixed global cues.    

Retail investors like us, once mere spectators in the stock market, are now major players. Just last July, a staggering 4.5 million new demat accounts popped up, a big jump from the 3.5 million monthly average of the past year. To put it in perspective, back in 2019, we only saw about 400 thousand new accounts monthly. Now, 43% of companies listed on the NSE have over 50,000 retail shareholders, a significant increase from just 441 companies in March 2020. Even more impressive, 54 firms now have over a million retail shareholders—almost five times more than four years ago. So where is this inflow from retail investors headed? Are they betting big on blue-chip giants, or taking risks on smaller companies? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team takes a look.  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s top boss, Akihiro Fukutome, is flying to India this week, eyeing a big slice of Yes Bank. Three people aware of the development told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar, that Fukutome is thinking about snapping up a whopping 51% stake, pegging the deal at 5 billion dollars. Fukutome's trip includes meetings with top officials from the Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of India, which currently holds a 23.99 per cent stake in Yes Bank. The discussions are critical, as SMBC has started the due diligence process, leveraging the financial expertise of JPMorgan and legal guidance from J Sagar Associates. But why Yes Bank? Well, SMBC sees a lot of promise in the private lender and is keen to make a major play in India’s banking scene. 

Airfares for the upcoming Independence Day weekend have surged by as much as 50% due to a combination of holiday timing and slow fleet expansion. Independence Day and the Parsi New Year on August 15, followed by Rakshabandhan on Monday, have created a perfect storm for a long, five-day weekend, encouraging many to take extended breaks. This has led to a spike in bookings, particularly for popular destinations like Bengaluru, Delhi, Srinagar, and Leh. Mint’s Anu Sharma reports that the rise in airfares is partly due to the slow pace at which new aircraft are being added to India's fleets, even as the demand for travel significantly outpaces supply. Industry insiders point to a shortage of spare parts and delayed aircraft deliveries as key factors keeping capacity from meeting the surging demand.

The Hindi film industry, which traditionally relied heavily on the star power of individual male leads, is shifting gears. As solo star vehicles falter at the box office, producers are increasingly turning to ensemble casts, betting on the combined drawing power of multiple big names to lure larger audiences and ensure robust ticket sales. Take, for instance, Ranveer Singh's upcoming untitled movie that stars not just him but also Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and R. Madhavan. Similarly, the latest installment of the Housefull series boasts a lineup that includes Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan. At the same time, Kumar's other project, Welcome 3, packs an even more star-studded cast. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to trade experts who suggest that films with ensemble casts draw from the fan bases of each star, potentially ensuring grand openings.

For more than a year, the Indian equity market has witnessed an unusual divergence—Bank Nifty has consistently underperformed compared to the benchmark Nifty. Typically, these two indices move closely together, so this gap suggests something is off balance. The prime suspect for this underperformance? HDFC Bank, which holds significant weight in the Bank Nifty. But it's not just about one bank; the entire banking sector in India is facing several challenges, as evident from recent financial results. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the banking sector’s struggles with systemic challenges, evident in its first quarter results.  

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Analysis: Retail investors remain undaunted, but what are they betting on?

This Japanese lender's chief is visiting India to discuss buying Yes Bank stake

Travelling by air this weekend? Prepare to shell out more

Ensemble cast back in vogue as filmmakers spread bets across stars

War for deposits: Banks’ biggest headache now coming for investors?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 396 no Hindenburg tries to sink Sebi's Madhabi Puri Buch https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hindenburg-tries-to-sink-sebis-madhabi-puri-buch-qGP3D84q Good morning listeners,  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John.    Our first four stories of today have to do with the Hindenburg allegations against the markets regulator Sebi. Strap in.   When Hindenburg Research issued a note on the Adani Group in January last year, it had set off a firestorm in India’s capital markets. At one point, the Adani Group lost more than 100 billion dollars worth of market cap. On Saturday night, Hindenburg turned its attention to India yet again — but this time, towards the markets regulator. Hindenburg has put Madhabi Puri Buch, the head of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, under the lens. This is the first time Hindenburg has targeted an individual — the head of the regulator, no less. Varun Sood breaks down the new report, and gets some reactions from the markets industry.   Specifically, Hindenburg accused Buch of conflict of interest as she owns a consulting firm based in Mumbai. The research group said that Sebi's clean chit to the Adani Group became tainted because of this issue. Buch and her husband, who works at private equity firm Blackstone, have strongly denied these allegations. However, some governance experts told Varun and Shayan Ghosh that Hindenburg has some legitimacy to its argument. It's a tough gig to be the chief of the markets regulator, and this muck slinging certainly doesn't bode well for Buch.   Buch and her husband have termed this report as a "character assisination" by the US-based short seller and research group. They maintain that there was no conflict of interest; all stakes were either disclosed or transferred prior to Buch assuming her position at Sebi. However, the Buchs also have an offshore fund in Mauritius, which also held Adani Group shares. Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi help you untangle this complicated situation, to help you understand the facts and decide for yourself on whose side you'd like to believe.   Another thread that the Hindenburg report pulled on was Reits, or real estate investment trusts. Hindenburg pointed out that since Bunch took over at Sebi, she has introduced a lot of legislation that has to do with governing Reits. Hindenburg alleges that this helped her husband, who as we mentioned already works at Blackstone. Blackstone was involved in launching India's first and second Reits, as well as the first listed Reit. Madhurima Nandy explains the complexities of this allegation — the first of which would be to help you understand how Reits have actually fared in India since they were launched in 2019.   Moving on, you must have been annoyed by misleading advertisements. They can claim one thing and offer another, or exaggerate certain facets. The Supreme Court has taken note of this matter too, and pulled up the central government last week to have better regulations in place to prevent this. Dhirendra Kumar reports that the government is planning on rolling out a unified system to address such complaints by consumers. Presently, the process to file a complaint against a misleading ad is complex and full of delays. Companies such as Patanjali have been at the receiving end of such complaints, triggering concerns about violation of consumer rights.    That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!     Show notes:   Emboldened Hindenburg’s profit score has gotten better as it targets bigger guns   Sebi chair Madhabi Buch owns majority in consultancy named in Hindenburg report Sebi chief responds to Hindenburg allegations, asserts compliance with all rules Mint Explainer: Why real estate investment trusts are in Hindenburg’s crossfire  Pulled up by Supreme Court, Centre plans complete overhaul of consumer complaints redressal mechanism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Aug 2024 01:30:00 -0000 Hindenburg tries to sink Sebi's Madhabi Puri Buch full 628 Mint - HT Smartcast Mint helps you understand and distill the facts in the saga Good morning listeners,  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John.    Our first four stories of today have to do with the Hindenburg allegations against the markets regulator Sebi. Strap in.   When Hindenburg Research issued a note on the Adani Group in January last year, it had set off a firestorm in India’s capital markets. At one point, the Adani Group lost more than 100 billion dollars worth of market cap. On Saturday night, Hindenburg turned its attention to India yet again — but this time, towards the markets regulator. Hindenburg has put Madhabi Puri Buch, the head of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, under the lens. This is the first time Hindenburg has targeted an individual — the head of the regulator, no less. Varun Sood breaks down the new report, and gets some reactions from the markets industry.   Specifically, Hindenburg accused Buch of conflict of interest as she owns a consulting firm based in Mumbai. The research group said that Sebi's clean chit to the Adani Group became tainted because of this issue. Buch and her husband, who works at private equity firm Blackstone, have strongly denied these allegations. However, some governance experts told Varun and Shayan Ghosh that Hindenburg has some legitimacy to its argument. It's a tough gig to be the chief of the markets regulator, and this muck slinging certainly doesn't bode well for Buch.   Buch and her husband have termed this report as a "character assisination" by the US-based short seller and research group. They maintain that there was no conflict of interest; all stakes were either disclosed or transferred prior to Buch assuming her position at Sebi. However, the Buchs also have an offshore fund in Mauritius, which also held Adani Group shares. Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi help you untangle this complicated situation, to help you understand the facts and decide for yourself on whose side you'd like to believe.   Another thread that the Hindenburg report pulled on was Reits, or real estate investment trusts. Hindenburg pointed out that since Bunch took over at Sebi, she has introduced a lot of legislation that has to do with governing Reits. Hindenburg alleges that this helped her husband, who as we mentioned already works at Blackstone. Blackstone was involved in launching India's first and second Reits, as well as the first listed Reit. Madhurima Nandy explains the complexities of this allegation — the first of which would be to help you understand how Reits have actually fared in India since they were launched in 2019.   Moving on, you must have been annoyed by misleading advertisements. They can claim one thing and offer another, or exaggerate certain facets. The Supreme Court has taken note of this matter too, and pulled up the central government last week to have better regulations in place to prevent this. Dhirendra Kumar reports that the government is planning on rolling out a unified system to address such complaints by consumers. Presently, the process to file a complaint against a misleading ad is complex and full of delays. Companies such as Patanjali have been at the receiving end of such complaints, triggering concerns about violation of consumer rights.    That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!     Show notes:   Emboldened Hindenburg’s profit score has gotten better as it targets bigger guns   Sebi chair Madhabi Buch owns majority in consultancy named in Hindenburg report Sebi chief responds to Hindenburg allegations, asserts compliance with all rules Mint Explainer: Why real estate investment trusts are in Hindenburg’s crossfire  Pulled up by Supreme Court, Centre plans complete overhaul of consumer complaints redressal mechanism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning listeners, 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. 


 

Our first four stories of today have to do with the Hindenburg allegations against the markets regulator Sebi. Strap in.


 

When Hindenburg Research issued a note on the Adani Group in January last year, it had set off a firestorm in India’s capital markets. At one point, the Adani Group lost more than 100 billion dollars worth of market cap. On Saturday night, Hindenburg turned its attention to India yet again — but this time, towards the markets regulator. Hindenburg has put Madhabi Puri Buch, the head of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, under the lens. This is the first time Hindenburg has targeted an individual — the head of the regulator, no less. Varun Sood breaks down the new report, and gets some reactions from the markets industry.


 

Specifically, Hindenburg accused Buch of conflict of interest as she owns a consulting firm based in Mumbai. The research group said that Sebi's clean chit to the Adani Group became tainted because of this issue. Buch and her husband, who works at private equity firm Blackstone, have strongly denied these allegations. However, some governance experts told Varun and Shayan Ghosh that Hindenburg has some legitimacy to its argument. It's a tough gig to be the chief of the markets regulator, and this muck slinging certainly doesn't bode well for Buch.


 

Buch and her husband have termed this report as a "character assisination" by the US-based short seller and research group. They maintain that there was no conflict of interest; all stakes were either disclosed or transferred prior to Buch assuming her position at Sebi. However, the Buchs also have an offshore fund in Mauritius, which also held Adani Group shares. Ram Sahgal and Neha Joshi help you untangle this complicated situation, to help you understand the facts and decide for yourself on whose side you'd like to believe.


 

Another thread that the Hindenburg report pulled on was Reits, or real estate investment trusts. Hindenburg pointed out that since Bunch took over at Sebi, she has introduced a lot of legislation that has to do with governing Reits. Hindenburg alleges that this helped her husband, who as we mentioned already works at Blackstone. Blackstone was involved in launching India's first and second Reits, as well as the first listed Reit. Madhurima Nandy explains the complexities of this allegation — the first of which would be to help you understand how Reits have actually fared in India since they were launched in 2019.


 

Moving on, you must have been annoyed by misleading advertisements. They can claim one thing and offer another, or exaggerate certain facets. The Supreme Court has taken note of this matter too, and pulled up the central government last week to have better regulations in place to prevent this. Dhirendra Kumar reports that the government is planning on rolling out a unified system to address such complaints by consumers. Presently, the process to file a complaint against a misleading ad is complex and full of delays. Companies such as Patanjali have been at the receiving end of such complaints, triggering concerns about violation of consumer rights. 


 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.


 

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!


 


 

Show notes:


 

Emboldened Hindenburg’s profit score has gotten better as it targets bigger guns


 

Sebi chair Madhabi Buch owns majority in consultancy named in Hindenburg report

Sebi chief responds to Hindenburg allegations, asserts compliance with all rules

Mint Explainer: Why real estate investment trusts are in Hindenburg’s crossfire 

Pulled up by Supreme Court, Centre plans complete overhaul of consumer complaints redressal mechanism

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 311 no RBI holds rates at 6.5% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-holds-rates-at-65-4LCgTtCX Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's friday, August 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmarks—the Nifty and Sensex—resumed their downward march on Thursday, falling by 0.73 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate steady at 6.5 per cent for the ninth time in a row, pointing to a slower-than-expected drop in inflation. The decision aligns with the ongoing scrutiny of rising food prices, which greatly influence the consumer price index. Though some members advocated for a rate cut, the majority voted to maintain the current monetary stance. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said while India's economic growth appears robust and forex reserves have soared to $675 billion, achieving the 4% inflation target remains challenging. Persistently high food prices, especially in June when vegetable prices rose sharply, are a key concern. Shayan Ghosh reports on the central bank’s decision amid slow disinflation. Foreign airlines are increasingly tapping India's rich pool of aviation talent amid rising travel demand. Airlines such as Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines and Saudia are conducting recruitment drives in India to hire cabin crew, particularly for flights with many Indian travellers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma spoke to senior executives and other industry insiders, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market to global aviation. Remember Ramalinga Raju? The founder of Satyam Computers confessed to a 1.5 billion dollar accounting fraud in 2009. Now Brane Enterprises, a firm linked to his younger son Byrraju Rama Raju, is in hot water. The Hyderabad-based company recently to let go of more than 1,500 employees and hasn't paid salaries for the past three months. It is also behind on some of its financial obligations such as tax deductions and provident fund contributions. While management promised to clear dues by August 12, Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that employees are skeptical because of previous broken promises. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty is gearing up to take the helm at State Bank of India, India's largest lender, for three years starting August 28. He steps into a complex financial landscape in which the bank confronts a noticeable disparity between robust loan growth and slower deposit accumulation, alongside rising delinquencies in unsecured loan products such as Xpress Credit. Despite these challenges, the bank's balance sheet remains strong. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry experts see potential in Setty's leadership to enhance strategic areas such as deposit market share, SME growth, and digital initiatives. Irfan Razack, chairman of real estate developer Prestige Group, has been methodically expanding the company’s footprint. Starting with Bengaluru, the group gradually entered other southern cities. Despite tempting offers from Mumbai, he kept his distance until a promising project at Pali Hill caught his eye. This marked Prestige's entry into Mumbai's real estate market, which now represents a significant portion of its sales. Razack's ambitions didn't stop there. He's now setting sights on Delhi-NCR, challenging established giants such as DLF and Godrej Properties. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy looks at what the future holds for the Prestige Group. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: RBI holds rates as disinflation remains slow Foreign carriers eye Indian talent for cabin crew Satyam hangover: The chaos inside a tech firm with family link to Ramalinga Raju New SBI chairman Setty has his task cut out Realty wars in NCR: Can Prestige Group eat Godrej’s lunch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 RBI holds rates at 6.5% full 627 Mint - HT Smartcast New SBI chairman has his task cut out; global airlines looking at India talent pool Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's friday, August 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmarks—the Nifty and Sensex—resumed their downward march on Thursday, falling by 0.73 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate steady at 6.5 per cent for the ninth time in a row, pointing to a slower-than-expected drop in inflation. The decision aligns with the ongoing scrutiny of rising food prices, which greatly influence the consumer price index. Though some members advocated for a rate cut, the majority voted to maintain the current monetary stance. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said while India's economic growth appears robust and forex reserves have soared to $675 billion, achieving the 4% inflation target remains challenging. Persistently high food prices, especially in June when vegetable prices rose sharply, are a key concern. Shayan Ghosh reports on the central bank’s decision amid slow disinflation. Foreign airlines are increasingly tapping India's rich pool of aviation talent amid rising travel demand. Airlines such as Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines and Saudia are conducting recruitment drives in India to hire cabin crew, particularly for flights with many Indian travellers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma spoke to senior executives and other industry insiders, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market to global aviation. Remember Ramalinga Raju? The founder of Satyam Computers confessed to a 1.5 billion dollar accounting fraud in 2009. Now Brane Enterprises, a firm linked to his younger son Byrraju Rama Raju, is in hot water. The Hyderabad-based company recently to let go of more than 1,500 employees and hasn't paid salaries for the past three months. It is also behind on some of its financial obligations such as tax deductions and provident fund contributions. While management promised to clear dues by August 12, Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that employees are skeptical because of previous broken promises. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty is gearing up to take the helm at State Bank of India, India's largest lender, for three years starting August 28. He steps into a complex financial landscape in which the bank confronts a noticeable disparity between robust loan growth and slower deposit accumulation, alongside rising delinquencies in unsecured loan products such as Xpress Credit. Despite these challenges, the bank's balance sheet remains strong. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry experts see potential in Setty's leadership to enhance strategic areas such as deposit market share, SME growth, and digital initiatives. Irfan Razack, chairman of real estate developer Prestige Group, has been methodically expanding the company’s footprint. Starting with Bengaluru, the group gradually entered other southern cities. Despite tempting offers from Mumbai, he kept his distance until a promising project at Pali Hill caught his eye. This marked Prestige's entry into Mumbai's real estate market, which now represents a significant portion of its sales. Razack's ambitions didn't stop there. He's now setting sights on Delhi-NCR, challenging established giants such as DLF and Godrej Properties. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy looks at what the future holds for the Prestige Group. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: RBI holds rates as disinflation remains slow Foreign carriers eye Indian talent for cabin crew Satyam hangover: The chaos inside a tech firm with family link to Ramalinga Raju New SBI chairman Setty has his task cut out Realty wars in NCR: Can Prestige Group eat Godrej’s lunch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's friday, August 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian stock market benchmarks—the Nifty and Sensex—resumed their downward march on Thursday, falling by 0.73 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate steady at 6.5 per cent for the ninth time in a row, pointing to a slower-than-expected drop in inflation. The decision aligns with the ongoing scrutiny of rising food prices, which greatly influence the consumer price index. Though some members advocated for a rate cut, the majority voted to maintain the current monetary stance. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said while India's economic growth appears robust and forex reserves have soared to $675 billion, achieving the 4% inflation target remains challenging. Persistently high food prices, especially in June when vegetable prices rose sharply, are a key concern. Shayan Ghosh reports on the central bank’s decision amid slow disinflation.

Foreign airlines are increasingly tapping India's rich pool of aviation talent amid rising travel demand. Airlines such as Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines and Saudia are conducting recruitment drives in India to hire cabin crew, particularly for flights with many Indian travellers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma spoke to senior executives and other industry insiders, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market to global aviation.

Remember Ramalinga Raju? The founder of Satyam Computers confessed to a 1.5 billion dollar accounting fraud in 2009. Now Brane Enterprises, a firm linked to his younger son Byrraju Rama Raju, is in hot water. The Hyderabad-based company recently to let go of more than 1,500 employees and hasn't paid salaries for the past three months. It is also behind on some of its financial obligations such as tax deductions and provident fund contributions. While management promised to clear dues by August 12, Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that employees are skeptical because of previous broken promises.

Challa Sreenivasulu Setty is gearing up to take the helm at State Bank of India, India's largest lender, for three years starting August 28. He steps into a complex financial landscape in which the bank confronts a noticeable disparity between robust loan growth and slower deposit accumulation, alongside rising delinquencies in unsecured loan products such as Xpress Credit. Despite these challenges, the bank's balance sheet remains strong. Shayan Ghosh reports that industry experts see potential in Setty's leadership to enhance strategic areas such as deposit market share, SME growth, and digital initiatives.

Irfan Razack, chairman of real estate developer Prestige Group, has been methodically expanding the company’s footprint. Starting with Bengaluru, the group gradually entered other southern cities. Despite tempting offers from Mumbai, he kept his distance until a promising project at Pali Hill caught his eye. This marked Prestige's entry into Mumbai's real estate market, which now represents a significant portion of its sales. Razack's ambitions didn't stop there. He's now setting sights on Delhi-NCR, challenging established giants such as DLF and Godrej Properties. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy looks at what the future holds for the Prestige Group.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

RBI holds rates as disinflation remains slow

Foreign carriers eye Indian talent for cabin crew

Satyam hangover: The chaos inside a tech firm with family link to Ramalinga Raju

New SBI chairman Setty has his task cut out

Realty wars in NCR: Can Prestige Group eat Godrej’s lunch?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 352 no Markets are tenuous — here's why https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-are-tenuous-heres-why-UkMX9NIV Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After crashing for a few days, the Indian equity markets recovered on Wednesday. Sensex and Nifty were up by more than 1.1 percent. Ram Sahgal writes that much of yesterday's recovery could be attributed to a change in investor sentiment. The Bank of Japan's deputy governor soothed investors by saying that the sell-offs were temporary, and adopted a dovish stance. Markets in Japan crashed after the BOJ increased its interest rates by 25 bonus points, and its effects were felt in bourses all over the world — including India. However, market experts told Ram that any more conflicts arising in the Middle East could yet again lead to more selling of stocks. Bangladesh was born in 1971, after being carved out of Pakistan. It was a nation grappling with poverty and socio-economic challenges and several coup attempts. However, it achieved a remarkable feat in just about four decades when it emerged as the world’s second-largest garments exporter. Bangladesh capitalized on the availability of labour to produce garments at cheaper rates and became an exporting hub, with the sector making up about 85% of its total exports. As the country continues to combat domestic unrest, Payal Bhattacharya explains the country's economic progress and the reason why a stagnant economy led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Tata Motors sells 80 percent of four wheeler electric vehicles sold in India today. But it's not resting on this laurel. Its latest model the Curvv is priced rather aggressively. Alisha Sachdev writes that such prices, combined with the reduced GST on EVs, has helped Tata corner such a large share. Alisha spoke to Sailesh Chandra, MD of Tata's passenger vehicles division. Chandra avoided calling this pricing as strategic, which is competitive with Tata's petrol and diesel versions. Tata hopes to buck the trend of slowing four wheeler sales with this launch — and its pricing will definitely help. If you were planning on becoming an investment advisor as a career option, you'd have to register with Sebi to pursue it. Becoming a registered investment advisor or a research analyst is a long process — or at least was, until Monday. Late on Tuesday evening, Sebi came out with a draft proposal that would ease the requirements for one to become an RIA or an RA. Neil Borate and Anil Poste break down these requirements, and tell you how this notice is a shot in the arm to India's beleaguered investment advisory landscape. Kota - was the mecca for any competitive exam aspirant. Millions of kids flocked to the coaching capital of India to try and become an engineer, doctor, or civil servant. But of late, the inflow of students has reduced greatly. A couple of years ago, nearly 200,000 students used to come to Kota. This year, coaching centres peg that the number has reduced to just around 70,000, writes Devina Sengupta. But it's not just teachers and coaching institutes that are suffering: an entire ecosystem that was built to support the large influx of students is now floundering as well. Devina presents an on-ground report from Kota about the current situation and a historical review of the town. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Bear retreat lifts market, but worries stay on Bangladesh’s economic rise and the new crisis, in charts  Tata Motors aims to match its EV prices with rivals' conventional SUVs How Sebi’s reforms could transform India’s investment advisory landscape  Why coaching capital Kota has failed its entrance test Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0000 Markets are tenuous — here's why full 626 Mint - HT Smartcast Bangladesh's economic progress in charts, Kota's failing ecosystem Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After crashing for a few days, the Indian equity markets recovered on Wednesday. Sensex and Nifty were up by more than 1.1 percent. Ram Sahgal writes that much of yesterday's recovery could be attributed to a change in investor sentiment. The Bank of Japan's deputy governor soothed investors by saying that the sell-offs were temporary, and adopted a dovish stance. Markets in Japan crashed after the BOJ increased its interest rates by 25 bonus points, and its effects were felt in bourses all over the world — including India. However, market experts told Ram that any more conflicts arising in the Middle East could yet again lead to more selling of stocks. Bangladesh was born in 1971, after being carved out of Pakistan. It was a nation grappling with poverty and socio-economic challenges and several coup attempts. However, it achieved a remarkable feat in just about four decades when it emerged as the world’s second-largest garments exporter. Bangladesh capitalized on the availability of labour to produce garments at cheaper rates and became an exporting hub, with the sector making up about 85% of its total exports. As the country continues to combat domestic unrest, Payal Bhattacharya explains the country's economic progress and the reason why a stagnant economy led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Tata Motors sells 80 percent of four wheeler electric vehicles sold in India today. But it's not resting on this laurel. Its latest model the Curvv is priced rather aggressively. Alisha Sachdev writes that such prices, combined with the reduced GST on EVs, has helped Tata corner such a large share. Alisha spoke to Sailesh Chandra, MD of Tata's passenger vehicles division. Chandra avoided calling this pricing as strategic, which is competitive with Tata's petrol and diesel versions. Tata hopes to buck the trend of slowing four wheeler sales with this launch — and its pricing will definitely help. If you were planning on becoming an investment advisor as a career option, you'd have to register with Sebi to pursue it. Becoming a registered investment advisor or a research analyst is a long process — or at least was, until Monday. Late on Tuesday evening, Sebi came out with a draft proposal that would ease the requirements for one to become an RIA or an RA. Neil Borate and Anil Poste break down these requirements, and tell you how this notice is a shot in the arm to India's beleaguered investment advisory landscape. Kota - was the mecca for any competitive exam aspirant. Millions of kids flocked to the coaching capital of India to try and become an engineer, doctor, or civil servant. But of late, the inflow of students has reduced greatly. A couple of years ago, nearly 200,000 students used to come to Kota. This year, coaching centres peg that the number has reduced to just around 70,000, writes Devina Sengupta. But it's not just teachers and coaching institutes that are suffering: an entire ecosystem that was built to support the large influx of students is now floundering as well. Devina presents an on-ground report from Kota about the current situation and a historical review of the town. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Bear retreat lifts market, but worries stay on Bangladesh’s economic rise and the new crisis, in charts  Tata Motors aims to match its EV prices with rivals' conventional SUVs How Sebi’s reforms could transform India’s investment advisory landscape  Why coaching capital Kota has failed its entrance test Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

After crashing for a few days, the Indian equity markets recovered on Wednesday. Sensex and Nifty were up by more than 1.1 percent.

Ram Sahgal writes that much of yesterday's recovery could be attributed to a change in investor sentiment. The Bank of Japan's deputy governor soothed investors by saying that the sell-offs were temporary, and adopted a dovish stance. Markets in Japan crashed after the BOJ increased its interest rates by 25 bonus points, and its effects were felt in bourses all over the world — including India. However, market experts told Ram that any more conflicts arising in the Middle East could yet again lead to more selling of stocks.

Bangladesh was born in 1971, after being carved out of Pakistan. It was a nation grappling with poverty and socio-economic challenges and several coup attempts. However, it achieved a remarkable feat in just about four decades when it emerged as the world’s second-largest garments exporter. Bangladesh capitalized on the availability of labour to produce garments at cheaper rates and became an exporting hub, with the sector making up about 85% of its total exports. As the country continues to combat domestic unrest, Payal Bhattacharya explains the country's economic progress and the reason why a stagnant economy led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Tata Motors sells 80 percent of four wheeler electric vehicles sold in India today. But it's not resting on this laurel. Its latest model the Curvv is priced rather aggressively. Alisha Sachdev writes that such prices, combined with the reduced GST on EVs, has helped Tata corner such a large share. Alisha spoke to Sailesh Chandra, MD of Tata's passenger vehicles division. Chandra avoided calling this pricing as strategic, which is competitive with Tata's petrol and diesel versions. Tata hopes to buck the trend of slowing four wheeler sales with this launch — and its pricing will definitely help.

If you were planning on becoming an investment advisor as a career option, you'd have to register with Sebi to pursue it. Becoming a registered investment advisor or a research analyst is a long process — or at least was, until Monday. Late on Tuesday evening, Sebi came out with a draft proposal that would ease the requirements for one to become an RIA or an RA. Neil Borate and Anil Poste break down these requirements, and tell you how this notice is a shot in the arm to India's beleaguered investment advisory landscape.

Kota - was the mecca for any competitive exam aspirant. Millions of kids flocked to the coaching capital of India to try and become an engineer, doctor, or civil servant. But of late, the inflow of students has reduced greatly. A couple of years ago, nearly 200,000 students used to come to Kota. This year, coaching centres peg that the number has reduced to just around 70,000, writes Devina Sengupta. But it's not just teachers and coaching institutes that are suffering: an entire ecosystem that was built to support the large influx of students is now floundering as well. Devina presents an on-ground report from Kota about the current situation and a historical review of the town.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Bear retreat lifts market, but worries stay on

Bangladesh’s economic rise and the new crisis, in charts 

Tata Motors aims to match its EV prices with rivals' conventional SUVs

How Sebi’s reforms could transform India’s investment advisory landscape 

Why coaching capital Kota has failed its entrance test

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 334 no What the unrest in Bangladesh means for India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-the-unrest-in-bangladesh-means-for-india-nPv9Tnsl Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John.  Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty—extended their losses for the third straight session on Tuesday. The Sensex finally ended the day down 166 points, or 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 63 points or 0.26 per cent lower. India’s neighbour to the east is facing political turmoil. The recent regime change in Bangladesh is shaking up India’s trade and infrastructure plans. India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, and with the economic stability of its neighbour wavering, the government needs to be watchful. This instability could push Bangladesh to reduce imports from India, potentially benefiting competitors such as Vietnam and China. Meanwhile, Indian textile companies saw their stocks soar, betting on a business boost as Bangladesh’s global textile reputation takes a hit. The fallout from these tensions includes a potential reshuffle in regional trade dynamics, as India could lose a top trading partner to political chaos. Mint’s Rhik Kundu, Dhirendra Kumar and Suneera Tandon explain how the political instability could affect a wide range of sectors, from textiles and technology to energy. The emergence of "de-influencers" – individuals who criticise products online – is reshaping brand perceptions and consumer choices. These ‘reverse influencers’ post negative reviews on social media, warning consumers about certain products and in turn hitting companies’ sales. As de-influencers gain traction, companies are increasingly wary of the impact on their reputation and sales. Regulatory bodies are stepping up to ensure that advertising claims are accurate and that negative reviews are fair. Mint’s Pratishtha Bagai and Suneera Tandon write about the rising phenomenon. The rural Indian job scene is still very much tied to agriculture, although that is changing. Rural youth are setting their sights on more stable, salaried jobs, though these are hard to come by. In a survey of 5,000 rural youth engaged in farming, a huge majority expressed a strong preference for salaried jobs over agriculture. The survey, conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit, Global Development Incubator, and Transforming Rural India, showed that many young people are turned off by the low returns and labour demands of agriculture. While many older rural women are choosing to run small businesses instead, the younger crowd – especially women – is more keen to snag government jobs. Mint’s Pragya Srivastava looks at the changing landscape of jobs in rural India through data. Click the link in show notes to see the charts and graphs prepared by Pragya and team. Imagine you work in the tech department of a big IT company and decide to make a little extra cash by trading stocks, only to end up with a one lakh rupee penalty for insider trading. That's the harsh reality of Sudhir Bapusaheb Devkar, an employee at Mindtree who dipped his toes into stock trading without realising the intricate rules around insider trading. This is a tricky area where not knowing the rules can cost you dear. In this piece, Mint Money’s Sashing Ningthoukhongjam explains why you should be extremely cautious before booking a profit on an insider trade. The looming US presidential elections have sparked a flurry of concern worldwide. Donald Trump, known for his assertive stance on trade, is back in the spotlight as the Republican nominee. His four years as president marked a significant shift in global trade dynamics, particularly with China, disrupting the existing multilateral trading system and sidelining the World Trade Organization. Now with the potential of Trump 2.0, the global community, including India, is bracing for more stringent tariffs and a renewed trade war with China, which could further complicate the already fragile global supply chain. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into how a second term for self-acclaimed “tariff man” Trump could be full of surprises for global trade. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   As Bangladesh descends into chaos, India’s trade and security hang in balance Brands fretting as negative influencers rise, pushed toward credibility India’s jobs crisis: How dreams of rural youth outpace the labour market From profit to penalty: The perils of insider trading ‘Tariff man’ Trump can bring a bagful of surprises. Are you ready? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Aug 2024 03:35:00 -0000 What the unrest in Bangladesh means for India full 625 Mint - HT Smartcast Are we ready for Trump 2.0? What are “de-influencers”? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John.  Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty—extended their losses for the third straight session on Tuesday. The Sensex finally ended the day down 166 points, or 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 63 points or 0.26 per cent lower. India’s neighbour to the east is facing political turmoil. The recent regime change in Bangladesh is shaking up India’s trade and infrastructure plans. India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, and with the economic stability of its neighbour wavering, the government needs to be watchful. This instability could push Bangladesh to reduce imports from India, potentially benefiting competitors such as Vietnam and China. Meanwhile, Indian textile companies saw their stocks soar, betting on a business boost as Bangladesh’s global textile reputation takes a hit. The fallout from these tensions includes a potential reshuffle in regional trade dynamics, as India could lose a top trading partner to political chaos. Mint’s Rhik Kundu, Dhirendra Kumar and Suneera Tandon explain how the political instability could affect a wide range of sectors, from textiles and technology to energy. The emergence of "de-influencers" – individuals who criticise products online – is reshaping brand perceptions and consumer choices. These ‘reverse influencers’ post negative reviews on social media, warning consumers about certain products and in turn hitting companies’ sales. As de-influencers gain traction, companies are increasingly wary of the impact on their reputation and sales. Regulatory bodies are stepping up to ensure that advertising claims are accurate and that negative reviews are fair. Mint’s Pratishtha Bagai and Suneera Tandon write about the rising phenomenon. The rural Indian job scene is still very much tied to agriculture, although that is changing. Rural youth are setting their sights on more stable, salaried jobs, though these are hard to come by. In a survey of 5,000 rural youth engaged in farming, a huge majority expressed a strong preference for salaried jobs over agriculture. The survey, conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit, Global Development Incubator, and Transforming Rural India, showed that many young people are turned off by the low returns and labour demands of agriculture. While many older rural women are choosing to run small businesses instead, the younger crowd – especially women – is more keen to snag government jobs. Mint’s Pragya Srivastava looks at the changing landscape of jobs in rural India through data. Click the link in show notes to see the charts and graphs prepared by Pragya and team. Imagine you work in the tech department of a big IT company and decide to make a little extra cash by trading stocks, only to end up with a one lakh rupee penalty for insider trading. That's the harsh reality of Sudhir Bapusaheb Devkar, an employee at Mindtree who dipped his toes into stock trading without realising the intricate rules around insider trading. This is a tricky area where not knowing the rules can cost you dear. In this piece, Mint Money’s Sashing Ningthoukhongjam explains why you should be extremely cautious before booking a profit on an insider trade. The looming US presidential elections have sparked a flurry of concern worldwide. Donald Trump, known for his assertive stance on trade, is back in the spotlight as the Republican nominee. His four years as president marked a significant shift in global trade dynamics, particularly with China, disrupting the existing multilateral trading system and sidelining the World Trade Organization. Now with the potential of Trump 2.0, the global community, including India, is bracing for more stringent tariffs and a renewed trade war with China, which could further complicate the already fragile global supply chain. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into how a second term for self-acclaimed “tariff man” Trump could be full of surprises for global trade. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   As Bangladesh descends into chaos, India’s trade and security hang in balance Brands fretting as negative influencers rise, pushed toward credibility India’s jobs crisis: How dreams of rural youth outpace the labour market From profit to penalty: The perils of insider trading ‘Tariff man’ Trump can bring a bagful of surprises. Are you ready? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, August 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. 

Let's get started:

Indian stock market benchmarks—the Sensex and Nifty—extended their losses for the third straight session on Tuesday. The Sensex finally ended the day down 166 points, or 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty 50 closed 63 points or 0.26 per cent lower.

India’s neighbour to the east is facing political turmoil. The recent regime change in Bangladesh is shaking up India’s trade and infrastructure plans. India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, and with the economic stability of its neighbour wavering, the government needs to be watchful. This instability could push Bangladesh to reduce imports from India, potentially benefiting competitors such as Vietnam and China. Meanwhile, Indian textile companies saw their stocks soar, betting on a business boost as Bangladesh’s global textile reputation takes a hit. The fallout from these tensions includes a potential reshuffle in regional trade dynamics, as India could lose a top trading partner to political chaos. Mint’s Rhik Kundu, Dhirendra Kumar and Suneera Tandon explain how the political instability could affect a wide range of sectors, from textiles and technology to energy.

The emergence of "de-influencers" – individuals who criticise products online – is reshaping brand perceptions and consumer choices. These ‘reverse influencers’ post negative reviews on social media, warning consumers about certain products and in turn hitting companies’ sales. As de-influencers gain traction, companies are increasingly wary of the impact on their reputation and sales. Regulatory bodies are stepping up to ensure that advertising claims are accurate and that negative reviews are fair. Mint’s Pratishtha Bagai and Suneera Tandon write about the rising phenomenon.

The rural Indian job scene is still very much tied to agriculture, although that is changing. Rural youth are setting their sights on more stable, salaried jobs, though these are hard to come by. In a survey of 5,000 rural youth engaged in farming, a huge majority expressed a strong preference for salaried jobs over agriculture. The survey, conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit, Global Development Incubator, and Transforming Rural India, showed that many young people are turned off by the low returns and labour demands of agriculture.

While many older rural women are choosing to run small businesses instead, the younger crowd – especially women – is more keen to snag government jobs. Mint’s Pragya Srivastava looks at the changing landscape of jobs in rural India through data. Click the link in show notes to see the charts and graphs prepared by Pragya and team.

Imagine you work in the tech department of a big IT company and decide to make a little extra cash by trading stocks, only to end up with a one lakh rupee penalty for insider trading. That's the harsh reality of Sudhir Bapusaheb Devkar, an employee at Mindtree who dipped his toes into stock trading without realising the intricate rules around insider trading. This is a tricky area where not knowing the rules can cost you dear. In this piece, Mint Money’s Sashing Ningthoukhongjam explains why you should be extremely cautious before booking a profit on an insider trade.

The looming US presidential elections have sparked a flurry of concern worldwide. Donald Trump, known for his assertive stance on trade, is back in the spotlight as the Republican nominee. His four years as president marked a significant shift in global trade dynamics, particularly with China, disrupting the existing multilateral trading system and sidelining the World Trade Organization. Now with the potential of Trump 2.0, the global community, including India, is bracing for more stringent tariffs and a renewed trade war with China, which could further complicate the already fragile global supply chain. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into how a second term for self-acclaimed “tariff man” Trump could be full of surprises for global trade.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

As Bangladesh descends into chaos, India’s trade and security hang in balance

Brands fretting as negative influencers rise, pushed toward credibility

India’s jobs crisis: How dreams of rural youth outpace the labour market

From profit to penalty: The perils of insider trading

‘Tariff man’ Trump can bring a bagful of surprises. Are you ready?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 379 no Why did the stock market crash yesterday?? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-did-the-stock-market-crash-yesterday-fVtKziwV Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, August 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Global currents affected the Indian stock markets too: Sensex and Nifty both were down by about 2.7 percent during yesterday's trading session. This was the steepest intra-day drop in nearly two months. Ram Sahgal writes that fears of an economic slowdown in the US and a huge equities crash in Japan prompted the massive sell-off. The worst may not be over yet: Ram also writes that foreign investors have turned bearish on Indian markets, and are betting that they will fall even further. India is a global economy — that means it is also prone to suffering from the headwinds of other economies, in the form of crashes like yesterday's.   There's violent trouble with one of our neighbours: yesterday, Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign by protestors. Most of these protestors were students. She had been in power since 2008, and will be succeeded by an internal government controlled by the country's army. Elizabeth Roche explains the turmoil, its rich history, and why India should keep a close eye on this coup's ultimate result.   According to new rules set by the markets regulator, any company in India that has sizeable debt on its books is liable to turn public. That put Tata Sons in hot soup: despite having 16 listed entities, the parent company often leveraged itself to balance out the books of its subsidiaries. After Sebi's ruling, Tata Sons quickly pared this debt down to avoid getting listed. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that it has now reduced its disclosed debt to just 5 crore rupees. Last year, it had nearly 19,000 crore rupees worth of borrowings. It used its crown jewel, TCS, to repay most of the debt, write Shayan and Varun.    Have you noticed a growing trend of consultants among your peers? While their work remains the same, their designation changes. Mid to senior level employees who are switching roles enjoy a host of tax benefits via this method, writes Shipra Singh. When you earn as a consultant, your income gets categorised as a business revenue. This allows you to claim a lot of deductions. This strategy could help you save tax on more than half your income, tax experts told Shipra. Instead of paying tax at your slab rate, you instead pay a flat 6 percent GST on this income — helping you amass quite a bit of savings.   Kunal Bahl is one of the most prolific people in India's burgeoning startup landscape. He is the co-founder of Snapdeal, an e-commerce app. At one point, Snapdeal hoped to topple Flipkart from its position as India's top online seller. That fight didn't turn out so well for Snapdeal and Bahl. However, some would argue that Bahl is a better investor than an executive. Bahl is also the main man behind Titan Capital, which boasts of returns greater than 100x from investments such as Urban Company, Mamaearth, and Ola Cabs. Another acquisition, Unicommerce, is set to IPO today — yet another huge return for the investment company. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C write a detailed story on how Kunal Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing in India.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:       Markets reel under global pressure   Mint Explainer: Why India needs to have a wary eye on Bangladesh coup   Tata Sons goes debt-free as it seeks listing exemption   Switch to consultant from employee and you can save tax on half your income  Don’t do as I did: How Snapdeal's Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0000 Why did the stock market crash yesterday?? full 624 Mint - HT Smartcast Consultant or employer, understanding the Bangladesh conflict Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, August 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Global currents affected the Indian stock markets too: Sensex and Nifty both were down by about 2.7 percent during yesterday's trading session. This was the steepest intra-day drop in nearly two months. Ram Sahgal writes that fears of an economic slowdown in the US and a huge equities crash in Japan prompted the massive sell-off. The worst may not be over yet: Ram also writes that foreign investors have turned bearish on Indian markets, and are betting that they will fall even further. India is a global economy — that means it is also prone to suffering from the headwinds of other economies, in the form of crashes like yesterday's.   There's violent trouble with one of our neighbours: yesterday, Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign by protestors. Most of these protestors were students. She had been in power since 2008, and will be succeeded by an internal government controlled by the country's army. Elizabeth Roche explains the turmoil, its rich history, and why India should keep a close eye on this coup's ultimate result.   According to new rules set by the markets regulator, any company in India that has sizeable debt on its books is liable to turn public. That put Tata Sons in hot soup: despite having 16 listed entities, the parent company often leveraged itself to balance out the books of its subsidiaries. After Sebi's ruling, Tata Sons quickly pared this debt down to avoid getting listed. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that it has now reduced its disclosed debt to just 5 crore rupees. Last year, it had nearly 19,000 crore rupees worth of borrowings. It used its crown jewel, TCS, to repay most of the debt, write Shayan and Varun.    Have you noticed a growing trend of consultants among your peers? While their work remains the same, their designation changes. Mid to senior level employees who are switching roles enjoy a host of tax benefits via this method, writes Shipra Singh. When you earn as a consultant, your income gets categorised as a business revenue. This allows you to claim a lot of deductions. This strategy could help you save tax on more than half your income, tax experts told Shipra. Instead of paying tax at your slab rate, you instead pay a flat 6 percent GST on this income — helping you amass quite a bit of savings.   Kunal Bahl is one of the most prolific people in India's burgeoning startup landscape. He is the co-founder of Snapdeal, an e-commerce app. At one point, Snapdeal hoped to topple Flipkart from its position as India's top online seller. That fight didn't turn out so well for Snapdeal and Bahl. However, some would argue that Bahl is a better investor than an executive. Bahl is also the main man behind Titan Capital, which boasts of returns greater than 100x from investments such as Urban Company, Mamaearth, and Ola Cabs. Another acquisition, Unicommerce, is set to IPO today — yet another huge return for the investment company. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C write a detailed story on how Kunal Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing in India.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:       Markets reel under global pressure   Mint Explainer: Why India needs to have a wary eye on Bangladesh coup   Tata Sons goes debt-free as it seeks listing exemption   Switch to consultant from employee and you can save tax on half your income  Don’t do as I did: How Snapdeal's Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, August 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Global currents affected the Indian stock markets too: Sensex and Nifty both were down by about 2.7 percent during yesterday's trading session. This was the steepest intra-day drop in nearly two months. Ram Sahgal writes that fears of an economic slowdown in the US and a huge equities crash in Japan prompted the massive sell-off. The worst may not be over yet: Ram also writes that foreign investors have turned bearish on Indian markets, and are betting that they will fall even further. India is a global economy — that means it is also prone to suffering from the headwinds of other economies, in the form of crashes like yesterday's.


 

There's violent trouble with one of our neighbours: yesterday, Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign by protestors. Most of these protestors were students. She had been in power since 2008, and will be succeeded by an internal government controlled by the country's army. Elizabeth Roche explains the turmoil, its rich history, and why India should keep a close eye on this coup's ultimate result.


 

According to new rules set by the markets regulator, any company in India that has sizeable debt on its books is liable to turn public. That put Tata Sons in hot soup: despite having 16 listed entities, the parent company often leveraged itself to balance out the books of its subsidiaries. After Sebi's ruling, Tata Sons quickly pared this debt down to avoid getting listed. Shayan Ghosh and Varun Sood report that it has now reduced its disclosed debt to just 5 crore rupees. Last year, it had nearly 19,000 crore rupees worth of borrowings. It used its crown jewel, TCS, to repay most of the debt, write Shayan and Varun. 


 

Have you noticed a growing trend of consultants among your peers? While their work remains the same, their designation changes. Mid to senior level employees who are switching roles enjoy a host of tax benefits via this method, writes Shipra Singh. When you earn as a consultant, your income gets categorised as a business revenue. This allows you to claim a lot of deductions. This strategy could help you save tax on more than half your income, tax experts told Shipra. Instead of paying tax at your slab rate, you instead pay a flat 6 percent GST on this income — helping you amass quite a bit of savings.


 

Kunal Bahl is one of the most prolific people in India's burgeoning startup landscape. He is the co-founder of Snapdeal, an e-commerce app. At one point, Snapdeal hoped to topple Flipkart from its position as India's top online seller. That fight didn't turn out so well for Snapdeal and Bahl. However, some would argue that Bahl is a better investor than an executive. Bahl is also the main man behind Titan Capital, which boasts of returns greater than 100x from investments such as Urban Company, Mamaearth, and Ola Cabs. Another acquisition, Unicommerce, is set to IPO today — yet another huge return for the investment company. Mansi Verma and Priyamvada C write a detailed story on how Kunal Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing in India.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

Show notes:


 


 


 

Markets reel under global pressure


 

Mint Explainer: Why India needs to have a wary eye on Bangladesh coup


 

Tata Sons goes debt-free as it seeks listing exemption


 

Switch to consultant from employee and you can save tax on half your income 

Don’t do as I did: How Snapdeal's Bahl became the titan of early-stage investing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 330 no Climate crisis is coming for your Sambar https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/climate-crisis-is-coming-for-your-sambar-Gibz191W Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Toor dal, a staple across India and a vital protein source for the nation’s millions of vegetarians, is facing a crisis. Unpredictable weather patterns—from droughts in Karnataka to heavy rains in Maharashtra—have severely impacted production. Compounding the issue, many farmers are shifting to more lucrative crops, such as rice and soybean, leading to a significant drop in toor cultivation. Considering that less than 10% of toor farms are irrigated, these crops are highly vulnerable to weather fluctuations. The surge in prices by 60% between 2022 and 2024, also underscores that while rice and wheat have managed to adapt to climate changes, toor hasn't. The situation has forced India to rely heavily on imports, with significant quantities now coming from distant countries such as Mozambique and Myanmar. This dependence has introduced risks, as was seen by recent events where traders from Mozambique held shipments hostage. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explores this pressing issue affecting Indian kitchens.   Now, onto our next topic: In response to the NEET scandal and exam paper leaks, the Union government is set to increase undergraduate medical seats by 3,000 from the next academic year, bringing the total to 115,000. This move includes approving 28 new private medical colleges, significantly boosting India’s medical education capacity, as endorsed by the National Medical Commission. To ensure transparency and address past controversies, the process for adding seats and establishing new colleges will be closely monitored. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that officials have implemented rigorous checks and physical inspections for all applications to prevent bias and fraud, aiming for a more secure admissions process. The third news highlight involves a survey of 15 economists and treasury heads conducted by Mint. It revealed that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to maintain a status quo on policy rates at 6.5% at its meeting on August 8, despite speculation about rate cuts, particularly in light of recent global central bank actions. From what economists are predicting, it looks like the RBI isn’t ready to change gears just yet. All 15 experts consulted by Mint expect the MPC to maintain its current stance of "withdrawal of accommodation”. In a job market simmering with competition, a staggering 95% of employees are eyeing a job switch post-appraisals, according to the latest Mint+Shine study. The April-June Talent Insights Report, which surveyed 3,000 job seekers and employers, revealed that a lacklustre appraisal season has intensified the job search activity, with 78% finding the environment overly competitive. Approximately 89% of employees are demanding clearer performance metrics during appraisals, while 32% consider compensation as a key factor for their decision to stay. put. Two weeks ago, the tech world watched as Google's parent company, Alphabet, proposed buying cloud security startup Wiz for $23 billion. This bid would represent Alphabet's largest acquisition to date, surpassing its previous major purchases, including the $12.5 billion Motorola deal. Yet, despite the attractive offer, which valued Wiz at nearly double its recent valuation, the startup chose to walk away, leaving the deal unresolved. This decision was not solely about the money; it also highlighted deeper trends and tensions within the tech industry. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com present the big picture behind Google’s largest failed acquisition.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Brace yourself, climate crisis is coming for your sambar Post NEET controversy, Centre plans to increase undergrad medical seats by 3,000 RBI may keep rates unchanged next week, cut likely in December: Mint Poll Are you one of the 95%? Why most workers want a job change now The big picture behind Google's largest acquisition failure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Climate crisis is coming for your Sambar full 623 Mint - HT Smartcast Behind the failure of Google’s acquisition of Whiz; 95% people want to switch jobs post-appraisal Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Toor dal, a staple across India and a vital protein source for the nation’s millions of vegetarians, is facing a crisis. Unpredictable weather patterns—from droughts in Karnataka to heavy rains in Maharashtra—have severely impacted production. Compounding the issue, many farmers are shifting to more lucrative crops, such as rice and soybean, leading to a significant drop in toor cultivation. Considering that less than 10% of toor farms are irrigated, these crops are highly vulnerable to weather fluctuations. The surge in prices by 60% between 2022 and 2024, also underscores that while rice and wheat have managed to adapt to climate changes, toor hasn't. The situation has forced India to rely heavily on imports, with significant quantities now coming from distant countries such as Mozambique and Myanmar. This dependence has introduced risks, as was seen by recent events where traders from Mozambique held shipments hostage. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explores this pressing issue affecting Indian kitchens.   Now, onto our next topic: In response to the NEET scandal and exam paper leaks, the Union government is set to increase undergraduate medical seats by 3,000 from the next academic year, bringing the total to 115,000. This move includes approving 28 new private medical colleges, significantly boosting India’s medical education capacity, as endorsed by the National Medical Commission. To ensure transparency and address past controversies, the process for adding seats and establishing new colleges will be closely monitored. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that officials have implemented rigorous checks and physical inspections for all applications to prevent bias and fraud, aiming for a more secure admissions process. The third news highlight involves a survey of 15 economists and treasury heads conducted by Mint. It revealed that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to maintain a status quo on policy rates at 6.5% at its meeting on August 8, despite speculation about rate cuts, particularly in light of recent global central bank actions. From what economists are predicting, it looks like the RBI isn’t ready to change gears just yet. All 15 experts consulted by Mint expect the MPC to maintain its current stance of "withdrawal of accommodation”. In a job market simmering with competition, a staggering 95% of employees are eyeing a job switch post-appraisals, according to the latest Mint+Shine study. The April-June Talent Insights Report, which surveyed 3,000 job seekers and employers, revealed that a lacklustre appraisal season has intensified the job search activity, with 78% finding the environment overly competitive. Approximately 89% of employees are demanding clearer performance metrics during appraisals, while 32% consider compensation as a key factor for their decision to stay. put. Two weeks ago, the tech world watched as Google's parent company, Alphabet, proposed buying cloud security startup Wiz for $23 billion. This bid would represent Alphabet's largest acquisition to date, surpassing its previous major purchases, including the $12.5 billion Motorola deal. Yet, despite the attractive offer, which valued Wiz at nearly double its recent valuation, the startup chose to walk away, leaving the deal unresolved. This decision was not solely about the money; it also highlighted deeper trends and tensions within the tech industry. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com present the big picture behind Google’s largest failed acquisition.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Brace yourself, climate crisis is coming for your sambar Post NEET controversy, Centre plans to increase undergrad medical seats by 3,000 RBI may keep rates unchanged next week, cut likely in December: Mint Poll Are you one of the 95%? Why most workers want a job change now The big picture behind Google's largest acquisition failure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, August 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Toor dal, a staple across India and a vital protein source for the nation’s millions of vegetarians, is facing a crisis. Unpredictable weather patterns—from droughts in Karnataka to heavy rains in Maharashtra—have severely impacted production. Compounding the issue, many farmers are shifting to more lucrative crops, such as rice and soybean, leading to a significant drop in toor cultivation. Considering that less than 10% of toor farms are irrigated, these crops are highly vulnerable to weather fluctuations. The surge in prices by 60% between 2022 and 2024, also underscores that while rice and wheat have managed to adapt to climate changes, toor hasn't. The situation has forced India to rely heavily on imports, with significant quantities now coming from distant countries such as Mozambique and Myanmar. This dependence has introduced risks, as was seen by recent events where traders from Mozambique held shipments hostage. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explores this pressing issue affecting Indian kitchens.  

Now, onto our next topic: In response to the NEET scandal and exam paper leaks, the Union government is set to increase undergraduate medical seats by 3,000 from the next academic year, bringing the total to 115,000. This move includes approving 28 new private medical colleges, significantly boosting India’s medical education capacity, as endorsed by the National Medical Commission. To ensure transparency and address past controversies, the process for adding seats and establishing new colleges will be closely monitored. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that officials have implemented rigorous checks and physical inspections for all applications to prevent bias and fraud, aiming for a more secure admissions process.

The third news highlight involves a survey of 15 economists and treasury heads conducted by Mint. It revealed that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to maintain a status quo on policy rates at 6.5% at its meeting on August 8, despite speculation about rate cuts, particularly in light of recent global central bank actions. From what economists are predicting, it looks like the RBI isn’t ready to change gears just yet. All 15 experts consulted by Mint expect the MPC to maintain its current stance of "withdrawal of accommodation”.

In a job market simmering with competition, a staggering 95% of employees are eyeing a job switch post-appraisals, according to the latest Mint+Shine study. The April-June Talent Insights Report, which surveyed 3,000 job seekers and employers, revealed that a lacklustre appraisal season has intensified the job search activity, with 78% finding the environment overly competitive. Approximately 89% of employees are demanding clearer performance metrics during appraisals, while 32% consider compensation as a key factor for their decision to stay.

put.

Two weeks ago, the tech world watched as Google's parent company, Alphabet, proposed buying cloud security startup Wiz for $23 billion. This bid would represent Alphabet's largest acquisition to date, surpassing its previous major purchases, including the $12.5 billion Motorola deal. Yet, despite the attractive offer, which valued Wiz at nearly double its recent valuation, the startup chose to walk away, leaving the deal unresolved. This decision was not solely about the money; it also highlighted deeper trends and tensions within the tech industry. Mint’s partners at HowIndiaLives.com present the big picture behind Google’s largest failed acquisition. 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 

Show notes:


 

Brace yourself, climate crisis is coming for your sambar

Post NEET controversy, Centre plans to increase undergrad medical seats by 3,000

RBI may keep rates unchanged next week, cut likely in December: Mint Poll

Are you one of the 95%? Why most workers want a job change now

The big picture behind Google's largest acquisition failure

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 367 no Will investors get a spark from Ola Electric IPO? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/will-investors-get-a-spark-from-ola-electric-ipo-k8_Q0PNv Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, August 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   India’s benchmark equity indices ended at fresh highs on Thursday. The Nifty 50 closed above the historic 25,000-point mark for the first time, rising 60 points from previous close. The 30-share Sensex climbed 126.21 points to settle at a new lifetime high of 81,867.55. Ola Electric is set to debut on the stock market this Friday, with its valuation reduced to $4 billion, significantly lower than the initial target of $7 billion. This recalibration aligns Ola more closely with the global EV industry's valuation range, typically spanning 3 to 8 times annual sales. The adjustment reflects challenges posed by policy shifts and stiff competition from established players like Hero MotoCorp, underscoring the turbulent path Ola has faced due to fluctuating sales driven by changing government subsidies. Despite holding a 49% share of India’s electric two-wheeler market, Ola's financial standing is less robust compared to Hero, which benefits from healthier profit margins. The key question remains: will the lower valuation of Ola's IPO appeal to investors? Manish Joshi explores this in his Mark to Market piece. This month is super exciting for India's startup scene because Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, Supam Maheshwari of FirstCry, and Kunal Bahl of Unicommerce are about to make some serious waves by taking their companies public. This isn't just big news for these founders; it's a game-changer for everyone watching the space. Bhavish Aggarwal is all set to join the elite club of startup billionaires, much like Deepinder Goyal from Zomato and Falguni Nayar from Nykaa. Mint’s startups and new economy editor Ranjani Raghavan writes on how these listings illustrate the growing confidence in Indian startups. These IPOs are not just about cashing out; they're about setting a precedent for the market and instilling confidence in new entrepreneurs.   If you are a Tata Play customer, this next bit is for you. The Tata-group DTH service, is pulling the plug on all Sony Pictures Networks India channels from nearly 10 million subscribers’ plans over the next ten days. The decision, which began with one million subscribers on Thursday, is based on low viewership figures, Tata Play's CEO, Harit Nagpal told Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Despite the potential revenue loss, Nagpal justified the move as a cost-saving measure for subscribers, emphasizing that those interested in Sony channels can easily reactivate them. On the flip side, Sony criticized the action as "arbitrary" and potentially retaliatory, linked to disputes over audit rights and discrepancies in subscriber data management.  India's innovative faceless tax assessment system, launched in 2020 to eliminate biases by concealing the identities of tax officials from the assessees, is encountering challenges. According to tax lawyers who spoke to Mint’s Neha Joshi, the system, designed to simplify and speed up tax processes, is proving to make communication more difficult and is resulting in an increase in court cases. Tax lawyers highlight that explaining complex tax issues through just audio communication without visual cues makes it tough for assessing officers to grasp the intricacies, leading to misunderstandings and more disputes being escalated to courts. Additionally, the random assignment of cases to officers, regardless of their expertise, is contributing to less efficient handling of complex cases. The recent landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed over 200 lives, is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of such natural disasters in India. Positioned among the top four countries most prone to landslides, India's landscape faces significant risks. These mountains, still evolving from the tectonic pressures between the Indian and Eurasian plates, are vulnerable to the slow yet constant geological shifts that make them susceptible to both landslides and earthquakes. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the country is at a higher risk of landslides, in today’s Mint Primer.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes: Will investors greet Ola IPO at lower valuation? Startup street mints new founder millionaires Tata Play starts to remove Sony channels from 10 million subscribers' plans Tax lawyers stare at robotic faceless assessments Mint Primer | Landslides: Why they are more frequent & lethal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Will investors get a spark from Ola Electric IPO? full 622 Mint - HT Smartcast Billionaires getting minted on startup street; What’s behind so many landslides in India? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, August 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   India’s benchmark equity indices ended at fresh highs on Thursday. The Nifty 50 closed above the historic 25,000-point mark for the first time, rising 60 points from previous close. The 30-share Sensex climbed 126.21 points to settle at a new lifetime high of 81,867.55. Ola Electric is set to debut on the stock market this Friday, with its valuation reduced to $4 billion, significantly lower than the initial target of $7 billion. This recalibration aligns Ola more closely with the global EV industry's valuation range, typically spanning 3 to 8 times annual sales. The adjustment reflects challenges posed by policy shifts and stiff competition from established players like Hero MotoCorp, underscoring the turbulent path Ola has faced due to fluctuating sales driven by changing government subsidies. Despite holding a 49% share of India’s electric two-wheeler market, Ola's financial standing is less robust compared to Hero, which benefits from healthier profit margins. The key question remains: will the lower valuation of Ola's IPO appeal to investors? Manish Joshi explores this in his Mark to Market piece. This month is super exciting for India's startup scene because Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, Supam Maheshwari of FirstCry, and Kunal Bahl of Unicommerce are about to make some serious waves by taking their companies public. This isn't just big news for these founders; it's a game-changer for everyone watching the space. Bhavish Aggarwal is all set to join the elite club of startup billionaires, much like Deepinder Goyal from Zomato and Falguni Nayar from Nykaa. Mint’s startups and new economy editor Ranjani Raghavan writes on how these listings illustrate the growing confidence in Indian startups. These IPOs are not just about cashing out; they're about setting a precedent for the market and instilling confidence in new entrepreneurs.   If you are a Tata Play customer, this next bit is for you. The Tata-group DTH service, is pulling the plug on all Sony Pictures Networks India channels from nearly 10 million subscribers’ plans over the next ten days. The decision, which began with one million subscribers on Thursday, is based on low viewership figures, Tata Play's CEO, Harit Nagpal told Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Despite the potential revenue loss, Nagpal justified the move as a cost-saving measure for subscribers, emphasizing that those interested in Sony channels can easily reactivate them. On the flip side, Sony criticized the action as "arbitrary" and potentially retaliatory, linked to disputes over audit rights and discrepancies in subscriber data management.  India's innovative faceless tax assessment system, launched in 2020 to eliminate biases by concealing the identities of tax officials from the assessees, is encountering challenges. According to tax lawyers who spoke to Mint’s Neha Joshi, the system, designed to simplify and speed up tax processes, is proving to make communication more difficult and is resulting in an increase in court cases. Tax lawyers highlight that explaining complex tax issues through just audio communication without visual cues makes it tough for assessing officers to grasp the intricacies, leading to misunderstandings and more disputes being escalated to courts. Additionally, the random assignment of cases to officers, regardless of their expertise, is contributing to less efficient handling of complex cases. The recent landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed over 200 lives, is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of such natural disasters in India. Positioned among the top four countries most prone to landslides, India's landscape faces significant risks. These mountains, still evolving from the tectonic pressures between the Indian and Eurasian plates, are vulnerable to the slow yet constant geological shifts that make them susceptible to both landslides and earthquakes. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the country is at a higher risk of landslides, in today’s Mint Primer.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes: Will investors greet Ola IPO at lower valuation? Startup street mints new founder millionaires Tata Play starts to remove Sony channels from 10 million subscribers' plans Tax lawyers stare at robotic faceless assessments Mint Primer | Landslides: Why they are more frequent & lethal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, August 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

India’s benchmark equity indices ended at fresh highs on Thursday. The Nifty 50 closed above the historic 25,000-point mark for the first time, rising 60 points from previous close. The 30-share Sensex climbed 126.21 points to settle at a new lifetime high of 81,867.55.

Ola Electric is set to debut on the stock market this Friday, with its valuation reduced to $4 billion, significantly lower than the initial target of $7 billion. This recalibration aligns Ola more closely with the global EV industry's valuation range, typically spanning 3 to 8 times annual sales. The adjustment reflects challenges posed by policy shifts and stiff competition from established players like Hero MotoCorp, underscoring the turbulent path Ola has faced due to fluctuating sales driven by changing government subsidies. Despite holding a 49% share of India’s electric two-wheeler market, Ola's financial standing is less robust compared to Hero, which benefits from healthier profit margins. The key question remains: will the lower valuation of Ola's IPO appeal to investors? Manish Joshi explores this in his Mark to Market piece.

This month is super exciting for India's startup scene because Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola Electric, Supam Maheshwari of FirstCry, and Kunal Bahl of Unicommerce are about to make some serious waves by taking their companies public. This isn't just big news for these founders; it's a game-changer for everyone watching the space. Bhavish Aggarwal is all set to join the elite club of startup billionaires, much like Deepinder Goyal from Zomato and Falguni Nayar from Nykaa. Mint’s startups and new economy editor Ranjani Raghavan writes on how these listings illustrate the growing confidence in Indian startups. These IPOs are not just about cashing out; they're about setting a precedent for the market and instilling confidence in new entrepreneurs.  

If you are a Tata Play customer, this next bit is for you. The Tata-group DTH service, is pulling the plug on all Sony Pictures Networks India channels from nearly 10 million subscribers’ plans over the next ten days. The decision, which began with one million subscribers on Thursday, is based on low viewership figures, Tata Play's CEO, Harit Nagpal told Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Despite the potential revenue loss, Nagpal justified the move as a cost-saving measure for subscribers, emphasizing that those interested in Sony channels can easily reactivate them. On the flip side, Sony criticized the action as "arbitrary" and potentially retaliatory, linked to disputes over audit rights and discrepancies in subscriber data management. 

India's innovative faceless tax assessment system, launched in 2020 to eliminate biases by concealing the identities of tax officials from the assessees, is encountering challenges. According to tax lawyers who spoke to Mint’s Neha Joshi, the system, designed to simplify and speed up tax processes, is proving to make communication more difficult and is resulting in an increase in court cases. Tax lawyers highlight that explaining complex tax issues through just audio communication without visual cues makes it tough for assessing officers to grasp the intricacies, leading to misunderstandings and more disputes being escalated to courts. Additionally, the random assignment of cases to officers, regardless of their expertise, is contributing to less efficient handling of complex cases.

The recent landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed over 200 lives, is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of such natural disasters in India. Positioned among the top four countries most prone to landslides, India's landscape faces significant risks. These mountains, still evolving from the tectonic pressures between the Indian and Eurasian plates, are vulnerable to the slow yet constant geological shifts that make them susceptible to both landslides and earthquakes. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the country is at a higher risk of landslides, in today’s Mint Primer. 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 

Show notes:

Will investors greet Ola IPO at lower valuation?

Startup street mints new founder millionaires

Tata Play starts to remove Sony channels from 10 million subscribers' plans

Tax lawyers stare at robotic faceless assessments

Mint Primer | Landslides: Why they are more frequent & lethal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 384 no Should you invest in Ola Electric's IPO? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/should-you-invest-in-ola-electrics-ipo-BphZs1ay Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Slowing revenues and weak projections have prompted India's top IT companies to hit a pause on pay hikes. Tata Consultancy Services is the only company proceeding with salary increases, while HCL Tech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree have delayed their disbursements. Mint’s Jas Bardia notes that this delay in pay hikes could lead to more disgruntled employees, and comes at a time of falling headcounts at most tech companies. Ola wants its electric scooters division to be the new favourite of the stock market, debuting on Dalal Street today. With a price band of 72 to 76 rupees per share, the company is targeting a valuation of $4 billion. Mayur Bhalerao breaks down the IPO, helping you decide if investing in Ola Electric is a smart move. The Byju's saga has a new chapter: Riju Raveendran, the younger brother of the struggling edtech company's founder Byju Raveendran, has raised Rs 158 crore to pay the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the company’s operational creditors. Once India’s most celebrated startup, Byju’s, which had signed on as a sponsor for the Indian cricket team, told the appeals court that it has paid 50 crore rupees to the BCCI, with the remaining payments to be made in two instalments. However, the company still owes its employees their salaries. Licious, a pioneer in the online meat ordering business in India, has realized it can't rely solely on its online presence. Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that the company is now venturing into offline stores to compete with local meat sellers. The meat industry in India is valued at an estimated $31 billion, with online ordering accounting for just $500 million of that market. But offline stores are tricky, Samiksha notes. Previous players have faced significant overhead costs, leading to business closures. Will Licious turn out any different? There have been global calls for "de-dollarisation," urging a reduction in the world economy's reliance on the US dollar. India, naturally, is keen to see other countries trade using the rupee. The Union Budget included provisions to encourage the adoption of the rupee as a global currency. However, achieving this is not straightforward, writes Nandita Venkatesan. It requires transforming the Indian rupee into a "hard currency," meaning it must be seen as politically and economically stable. Nandita outlines the challenges and the measures the Indian government must take to reach this goal. She also includes informative charts to help better understand the situation.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Indian IT companies delay wage hikes again, irk employees   Ola Electric’s IPO: charging ahead or running on empty?    Riju Raveendran has raised ₹158 crore to repay BCCI, Byju’s tells appeals tribunal   Why did Licious cross the road?    India steps up push to make rupee a power player, but the road is long Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Should you invest in Ola Electric's IPO? full 621 Mint - HT Smartcast India wants to make rupee a global currency, Licious ventures into offline retail Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Slowing revenues and weak projections have prompted India's top IT companies to hit a pause on pay hikes. Tata Consultancy Services is the only company proceeding with salary increases, while HCL Tech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree have delayed their disbursements. Mint’s Jas Bardia notes that this delay in pay hikes could lead to more disgruntled employees, and comes at a time of falling headcounts at most tech companies. Ola wants its electric scooters division to be the new favourite of the stock market, debuting on Dalal Street today. With a price band of 72 to 76 rupees per share, the company is targeting a valuation of $4 billion. Mayur Bhalerao breaks down the IPO, helping you decide if investing in Ola Electric is a smart move. The Byju's saga has a new chapter: Riju Raveendran, the younger brother of the struggling edtech company's founder Byju Raveendran, has raised Rs 158 crore to pay the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the company’s operational creditors. Once India’s most celebrated startup, Byju’s, which had signed on as a sponsor for the Indian cricket team, told the appeals court that it has paid 50 crore rupees to the BCCI, with the remaining payments to be made in two instalments. However, the company still owes its employees their salaries. Licious, a pioneer in the online meat ordering business in India, has realized it can't rely solely on its online presence. Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that the company is now venturing into offline stores to compete with local meat sellers. The meat industry in India is valued at an estimated $31 billion, with online ordering accounting for just $500 million of that market. But offline stores are tricky, Samiksha notes. Previous players have faced significant overhead costs, leading to business closures. Will Licious turn out any different? There have been global calls for "de-dollarisation," urging a reduction in the world economy's reliance on the US dollar. India, naturally, is keen to see other countries trade using the rupee. The Union Budget included provisions to encourage the adoption of the rupee as a global currency. However, achieving this is not straightforward, writes Nandita Venkatesan. It requires transforming the Indian rupee into a "hard currency," meaning it must be seen as politically and economically stable. Nandita outlines the challenges and the measures the Indian government must take to reach this goal. She also includes informative charts to help better understand the situation.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Indian IT companies delay wage hikes again, irk employees   Ola Electric’s IPO: charging ahead or running on empty?    Riju Raveendran has raised ₹158 crore to repay BCCI, Byju’s tells appeals tribunal   Why did Licious cross the road?    India steps up push to make rupee a power player, but the road is long Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, August 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Slowing revenues and weak projections have prompted India's top IT companies to hit a pause on pay hikes. Tata Consultancy Services is the only company proceeding with salary increases, while HCL Tech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree have delayed their disbursements. Mint’s Jas Bardia notes that this delay in pay hikes could lead to more disgruntled employees, and comes at a time of falling headcounts at most tech companies.

Ola wants its electric scooters division to be the new favourite of the stock market, debuting on Dalal Street today. With a price band of 72 to 76 rupees per share, the company is targeting a valuation of $4 billion. Mayur Bhalerao breaks down the IPO, helping you decide if investing in Ola Electric is a smart move.

The Byju's saga has a new chapter: Riju Raveendran, the younger brother of the struggling edtech company's founder Byju Raveendran, has raised Rs 158 crore to pay the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the company’s operational creditors. Once India’s most celebrated startup, Byju’s, which had signed on as a sponsor for the Indian cricket team, told the appeals court that it has paid 50 crore rupees to the BCCI, with the remaining payments to be made in two instalments. However, the company still owes its employees their salaries.

Licious, a pioneer in the online meat ordering business in India, has realized it can't rely solely on its online presence. Mint’s Samiksha Goel reports that the company is now venturing into offline stores to compete with local meat sellers. The meat industry in India is valued at an estimated $31 billion, with online ordering accounting for just $500 million of that market. But offline stores are tricky, Samiksha notes. Previous players have faced significant overhead costs, leading to business closures. Will Licious turn out any different?

There have been global calls for "de-dollarisation," urging a reduction in the world economy's reliance on the US dollar. India, naturally, is keen to see other countries trade using the rupee. The Union Budget included provisions to encourage the adoption of the rupee as a global currency. However, achieving this is not straightforward, writes Nandita Venkatesan. It requires transforming the Indian rupee into a "hard currency," meaning it must be seen as politically and economically stable. Nandita outlines the challenges and the measures the Indian government must take to reach this goal. She also includes informative charts to help better understand the situation.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

Show notes:


 

Indian IT companies delay wage hikes again, irk employees


 

Ola Electric’s IPO: charging ahead or running on empty? 


 

Riju Raveendran has raised ₹158 crore to repay BCCI, Byju’s tells appeals tribunal


 

Why did Licious cross the road? 


 

India steps up push to make rupee a power player, but the road is long

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 295 no Who will earn how much with Ola Electric IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/who-will-earn-how-much-with-ola-electric-ipo-f3lvJ6BV Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock market's frontline indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closed flat on Tuesday, July 30, reflecting mixed global cues. More than a year after the Hindenburg setback, Gautam Adani-led Adani group’s expansion is in full swing. The Ahmedabad-based conglomerate is considering acquiring Jaypee Group's real estate business for up to a billion dollars. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports that the planned deal could quadruple Adani's real estate footprint, solidifying its position in the bustling property markets of Noida and Gurgaon. This is part of a strategic offer Adani is preparing to pitch to the lenders in the massive insolvency saga of Jaiprakash Associates, which owes a staggering 50,000 crore rupees. For Jaypee’s real estate and cement businesses, the Adani group is willing to invest 15,000 crore rupees. This move could catapult Adani into the league of heavyweights like Godrej, Tata, and Mahindra in the realty sector. India is on the verge of potentially opening up its online gaming sector to full foreign direct investment, a move that could significantly benefit the industry. Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das reports on the government’s plan to allow 100% FDI in online gaming, specifically targeting real-money games of skill while excluding gambling and betting activities. This initiative aims to simplify the process for Indian startups to attract foreign investments in this high-growth sector. Although there is currently no ban on FDI in online gaming, regulatory ambiguities have made it difficult for companies to secure banking and governmental clearances, deterring potential investors. As Ola Electric prepares for its IPO this Friday, with a price band set at 72-76 rupees per share, top executives and early investors are poised for significant financial gains. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal's stake is expected to be valued at nearly 10,000 crore rupees (approximately 1.18 billion dollars). Additionally, he plans to sell some of his shares, potentially earning around 240 crore rupees at the lower end of the price band. The total issue size of the IPO is estimated to exceed 6,100 crore rupees, including an offer for sale and new shares. Mint’s startup reporter Priyamvada C notes that prominent investors, such as Japan’s SoftBank Group, US hedge fund Tiger Global Management, and Matrix Partners India, are also set to benefit significantly. Bollywood siblings Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar could see their shares in the company valued at 1.3 and 2.5 crore rupees, respectively. Recently, there’s been a noticeable buzz around premium products in the FMCG sector, with more people willing to spend extra for quality items like hair serums, granola, and fabric conditioners. Mint’s Suneera Tandon cites a report from market research firm Kantar, indicating that premium categories have seen impressive growth—about 16% in volume and 24% in value from April 2022 to April 2024. That's quite a leap! What's driving this trend? It seems that categories once considered luxury, like sensitive toothpaste and anti-aging creams, are now attracting more buyers. For example, the number of households purchasing sensitive toothpaste jumped by 47%. And it's not just more households buying these products; people are actually spending more on them. The story of Henry G. Davis, a Wall Street magnate before World War II, offers a timeless lesson on the value of long-term investment and the intricacies of market timing. Despite turbulent periods, such as the mid-1930s stock market sell-off, Davis maintained a strong, fundamental investment philosophy. His key insight? Wealth often comes from holding stocks over the long term or capitalizing on opportunities during market downturns. Interestingly, today's investors face similar challenges, especially with evolving tax policies that can influence investment decisions and capital growth. The recent Union Budget adjustments, like the increase in long-term capital gains tax, have raised concerns about future tax hikes and their impact on investor returns and behaviours. Yet, the core principle remains: successful investing is less about reacting to immediate fiscal changes and more about strategic, long-term planning. In this Long Story by Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee, you'll find a practical guide to rejig your portfolio in light of the recent budget. You can read all the featured stories by clicking at the links in show notes.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Adani draws mega realty plan, buy out Jaypee Group's biz for $1 billion Game, set, match: Free pass likely for foreign investors in online gaming Ola Electric’s IPO to bring big moolah for top employees, early investors India's new consumers are increasingly buying higher-priced premium products Your handy guide to a post-Budget portfolio rejig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Who will earn how much with Ola Electric IPO full 620 Mint - HT Smartcast How to rejig your portfolio post-budget; Adani’s real estate expansion Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock market's frontline indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closed flat on Tuesday, July 30, reflecting mixed global cues. More than a year after the Hindenburg setback, Gautam Adani-led Adani group’s expansion is in full swing. The Ahmedabad-based conglomerate is considering acquiring Jaypee Group's real estate business for up to a billion dollars. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports that the planned deal could quadruple Adani's real estate footprint, solidifying its position in the bustling property markets of Noida and Gurgaon. This is part of a strategic offer Adani is preparing to pitch to the lenders in the massive insolvency saga of Jaiprakash Associates, which owes a staggering 50,000 crore rupees. For Jaypee’s real estate and cement businesses, the Adani group is willing to invest 15,000 crore rupees. This move could catapult Adani into the league of heavyweights like Godrej, Tata, and Mahindra in the realty sector. India is on the verge of potentially opening up its online gaming sector to full foreign direct investment, a move that could significantly benefit the industry. Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das reports on the government’s plan to allow 100% FDI in online gaming, specifically targeting real-money games of skill while excluding gambling and betting activities. This initiative aims to simplify the process for Indian startups to attract foreign investments in this high-growth sector. Although there is currently no ban on FDI in online gaming, regulatory ambiguities have made it difficult for companies to secure banking and governmental clearances, deterring potential investors. As Ola Electric prepares for its IPO this Friday, with a price band set at 72-76 rupees per share, top executives and early investors are poised for significant financial gains. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal's stake is expected to be valued at nearly 10,000 crore rupees (approximately 1.18 billion dollars). Additionally, he plans to sell some of his shares, potentially earning around 240 crore rupees at the lower end of the price band. The total issue size of the IPO is estimated to exceed 6,100 crore rupees, including an offer for sale and new shares. Mint’s startup reporter Priyamvada C notes that prominent investors, such as Japan’s SoftBank Group, US hedge fund Tiger Global Management, and Matrix Partners India, are also set to benefit significantly. Bollywood siblings Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar could see their shares in the company valued at 1.3 and 2.5 crore rupees, respectively. Recently, there’s been a noticeable buzz around premium products in the FMCG sector, with more people willing to spend extra for quality items like hair serums, granola, and fabric conditioners. Mint’s Suneera Tandon cites a report from market research firm Kantar, indicating that premium categories have seen impressive growth—about 16% in volume and 24% in value from April 2022 to April 2024. That's quite a leap! What's driving this trend? It seems that categories once considered luxury, like sensitive toothpaste and anti-aging creams, are now attracting more buyers. For example, the number of households purchasing sensitive toothpaste jumped by 47%. And it's not just more households buying these products; people are actually spending more on them. The story of Henry G. Davis, a Wall Street magnate before World War II, offers a timeless lesson on the value of long-term investment and the intricacies of market timing. Despite turbulent periods, such as the mid-1930s stock market sell-off, Davis maintained a strong, fundamental investment philosophy. His key insight? Wealth often comes from holding stocks over the long term or capitalizing on opportunities during market downturns. Interestingly, today's investors face similar challenges, especially with evolving tax policies that can influence investment decisions and capital growth. The recent Union Budget adjustments, like the increase in long-term capital gains tax, have raised concerns about future tax hikes and their impact on investor returns and behaviours. Yet, the core principle remains: successful investing is less about reacting to immediate fiscal changes and more about strategic, long-term planning. In this Long Story by Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee, you'll find a practical guide to rejig your portfolio in light of the recent budget. You can read all the featured stories by clicking at the links in show notes.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Adani draws mega realty plan, buy out Jaypee Group's biz for $1 billion Game, set, match: Free pass likely for foreign investors in online gaming Ola Electric’s IPO to bring big moolah for top employees, early investors India's new consumers are increasingly buying higher-priced premium products Your handy guide to a post-Budget portfolio rejig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian stock market's frontline indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, closed flat on Tuesday, July 30, reflecting mixed global cues.

More than a year after the Hindenburg setback, Gautam Adani-led Adani group’s expansion is in full swing. The Ahmedabad-based conglomerate is considering acquiring Jaypee Group's real estate business for up to a billion dollars. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar reports that the planned deal could quadruple Adani's real estate footprint, solidifying its position in the bustling property markets of Noida and Gurgaon. This is part of a strategic offer Adani is preparing to pitch to the lenders in the massive insolvency saga of Jaiprakash Associates, which owes a staggering 50,000 crore rupees. For Jaypee’s real estate and cement businesses, the Adani group is willing to invest 15,000 crore rupees. This move could catapult Adani into the league of heavyweights like Godrej, Tata, and Mahindra in the realty sector.

India is on the verge of potentially opening up its online gaming sector to full foreign direct investment, a move that could significantly benefit the industry. Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das reports on the government’s plan to allow 100% FDI in online gaming, specifically targeting real-money games of skill while excluding gambling and betting activities. This initiative aims to simplify the process for Indian startups to attract foreign investments in this high-growth sector. Although there is currently no ban on FDI in online gaming, regulatory ambiguities have made it difficult for companies to secure banking and governmental clearances, deterring potential investors.

As Ola Electric prepares for its IPO this Friday, with a price band set at 72-76 rupees per share, top executives and early investors are poised for significant financial gains. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal's stake is expected to be valued at nearly 10,000 crore rupees (approximately 1.18 billion dollars). Additionally, he plans to sell some of his shares, potentially earning around 240 crore rupees at the lower end of the price band. The total issue size of the IPO is estimated to exceed 6,100 crore rupees, including an offer for sale and new shares. Mint’s startup reporter Priyamvada C notes that prominent investors, such as Japan’s SoftBank Group, US hedge fund Tiger Global Management, and Matrix Partners India, are also set to benefit significantly. Bollywood siblings Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar could see their shares in the company valued at 1.3 and 2.5 crore rupees, respectively.

Recently, there’s been a noticeable buzz around premium products in the FMCG sector, with more people willing to spend extra for quality items like hair serums, granola, and fabric conditioners. Mint’s Suneera Tandon cites a report from market research firm Kantar, indicating that premium categories have seen impressive growth—about 16% in volume and 24% in value from April 2022 to April 2024. That's quite a leap! What's driving this trend? It seems that categories once considered luxury, like sensitive toothpaste and anti-aging creams, are now attracting more buyers. For example, the number of households purchasing sensitive toothpaste jumped by 47%. And it's not just more households buying these products; people are actually spending more on them.

The story of Henry G. Davis, a Wall Street magnate before World War II, offers a timeless lesson on the value of long-term investment and the intricacies of market timing. Despite turbulent periods, such as the mid-1930s stock market sell-off, Davis maintained a strong, fundamental investment philosophy. His key insight? Wealth often comes from holding stocks over the long term or capitalizing on opportunities during market downturns. Interestingly, today's investors face similar challenges, especially with evolving tax policies that can influence investment decisions and capital growth. The recent Union Budget adjustments, like the increase in long-term capital gains tax, have raised concerns about future tax hikes and their impact on investor returns and behaviours. Yet, the core principle remains: successful investing is less about reacting to immediate fiscal changes and more about strategic, long-term planning. In this Long Story by Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee, you'll find a practical guide to rejig your portfolio in light of the recent budget.

You can read all the featured stories by clicking at the links in show notes. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Adani draws mega realty plan, buy out Jaypee Group's biz for $1 billion

Game, set, match: Free pass likely for foreign investors in online gaming

Ola Electric’s IPO to bring big moolah for top employees, early investors

India's new consumers are increasingly buying higher-priced premium products

Your handy guide to a post-Budget portfolio rejig

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 420 no Ola Electric slashes valuation before IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ola-electric-slashes-valuation-before-ipo-1m744t2t Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s benchmark equity indices rose on Monday, with the Nifty nearly reaching the 25,000 mark during the session before paring its gains and closing just one point above its previous close. Similarly, the Sensex experienced marginal gains, ending the day 0.3 percent higher than its Friday close. Current and former employees of Byju's, once India's most-celebarted startup, are scrambling to file claims for unpaid salaries and other dues. The deadline to submit these claims is 31 July. This rush follows the edtech company's admission of insolvency, triggered by a bankruptcy petition filed by the BCCI. Employees are seeking to recover their compensation amid ongoing legal battles by Byju’s founder, Byju Raveendran, who is challenging the insolvency order. As the legal drama unfolds with upcoming hearings, Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that many employees are banding together to file their claims more efficiently and affordably. However, some are still out of the loop, struggling with the process or being deterred by potential legal fees. Ever wondered why alcohol brands often advertise products like music CDs and glass tumblers? This is known as surrogate advertising. Since direct alcohol ads are legally prohibited, companies use these alternative products to promote their brand name. The consumer affairs ministry is now drafting new rules to ensure these surrogate products genuinely stand alone in the market, rather than serving as covert advertisements for alcohol. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry plans to require companies to prove that these products are actually sold in stores, with sales data made publicly available online. This initiative is part of the upcoming Consumer Protection Act 2029, which aims to clearly define acceptable advertising practices and prevent companies from using brand extensions to subtly market alcohol. Google, the titan of internet search, is now facing a wave of new challengers as AI reshapes the landscape. While Google's search engine has long been the default choice, the emergence of AI technologies like OpenAI’s SearchGPT suggests a potential shift. SearchGPT, similar to Microsoft's Bing which also uses OpenAI’s tech, enhances search capabilities with AI, making them more interactive and capable of retaining queries for smarter follow-up interactions. Google isn’t resting on its laurels; it's experimenting with its own AI-enhanced search technologies through projects like the Search Generative Experience and the expanded Gemini AI model. However, the advent of these new AI-driven platforms indicates that Google’s long-standing dominance could be under threat. Mint’s Shouvik Das, in today’s Primer, explores whether Google should be concerned about its position in a category it essentially pioneered. Ola Electric is gearing up for its public offering this Friday, with shares priced between 72 and 76 rupees. This values the company at $4 billion, down from the $5.4 billion valuation in its last private funding round. The company aims to raise 6,146 crore rupees, including 5,500 crore rupees through fresh equity and the remainder through an offer for sale by existing shareholders. In an interview with Mint’s Mansi Verma, Ranjani Raghavan, and Nehal Chaliawala, Bhavish Aggarwal, the company's founder, highlighted Ola Electric’s market leadership in India's electric two-wheeler segment, holding a 35 per cent share with nearly 330 thousand units sold in FY24. The company's revenue surged by 90 per cent to over 5,000 crore rupees in FY24, but losses also increased by 8 per cent, nearing 1,600 crore rupees. Launched in 2015, Bira quickly became a popular beer brand, taking the market by storm despite competition from established players like United Breweries' Kingfisher. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Bira's parent company, B9 Beverages, which also operates the Bira Taproom, has faced criticism for cancelling artists without providing necessary remunerations. Additionally, the company has been struggling financially. Mint’s Varuni Khosla and Sumant Banerji spoke with several vendors for this deep dive into the beer brand's financial challenges, revealing multiple reports of delayed payments. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Byju’s employees rush to file claims for their dues as deadline nears Cards, glasses & music CDs: Liquor firms may be staring at the end of surrogate ads The search for an engine: Should Google fret? IPO-bound Ola Electric slashes valuation to $4 billion In pubs and homes, Bira’s beers were the toast of one & all. Then this happened Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Ola Electric slashes valuation before IPO full 619 Mint - HT Smartcast Byju’s employees rush to file salary claims; Govt to tighten surrogate ad rules Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s benchmark equity indices rose on Monday, with the Nifty nearly reaching the 25,000 mark during the session before paring its gains and closing just one point above its previous close. Similarly, the Sensex experienced marginal gains, ending the day 0.3 percent higher than its Friday close. Current and former employees of Byju's, once India's most-celebarted startup, are scrambling to file claims for unpaid salaries and other dues. The deadline to submit these claims is 31 July. This rush follows the edtech company's admission of insolvency, triggered by a bankruptcy petition filed by the BCCI. Employees are seeking to recover their compensation amid ongoing legal battles by Byju’s founder, Byju Raveendran, who is challenging the insolvency order. As the legal drama unfolds with upcoming hearings, Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that many employees are banding together to file their claims more efficiently and affordably. However, some are still out of the loop, struggling with the process or being deterred by potential legal fees. Ever wondered why alcohol brands often advertise products like music CDs and glass tumblers? This is known as surrogate advertising. Since direct alcohol ads are legally prohibited, companies use these alternative products to promote their brand name. The consumer affairs ministry is now drafting new rules to ensure these surrogate products genuinely stand alone in the market, rather than serving as covert advertisements for alcohol. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry plans to require companies to prove that these products are actually sold in stores, with sales data made publicly available online. This initiative is part of the upcoming Consumer Protection Act 2029, which aims to clearly define acceptable advertising practices and prevent companies from using brand extensions to subtly market alcohol. Google, the titan of internet search, is now facing a wave of new challengers as AI reshapes the landscape. While Google's search engine has long been the default choice, the emergence of AI technologies like OpenAI’s SearchGPT suggests a potential shift. SearchGPT, similar to Microsoft's Bing which also uses OpenAI’s tech, enhances search capabilities with AI, making them more interactive and capable of retaining queries for smarter follow-up interactions. Google isn’t resting on its laurels; it's experimenting with its own AI-enhanced search technologies through projects like the Search Generative Experience and the expanded Gemini AI model. However, the advent of these new AI-driven platforms indicates that Google’s long-standing dominance could be under threat. Mint’s Shouvik Das, in today’s Primer, explores whether Google should be concerned about its position in a category it essentially pioneered. Ola Electric is gearing up for its public offering this Friday, with shares priced between 72 and 76 rupees. This values the company at $4 billion, down from the $5.4 billion valuation in its last private funding round. The company aims to raise 6,146 crore rupees, including 5,500 crore rupees through fresh equity and the remainder through an offer for sale by existing shareholders. In an interview with Mint’s Mansi Verma, Ranjani Raghavan, and Nehal Chaliawala, Bhavish Aggarwal, the company's founder, highlighted Ola Electric’s market leadership in India's electric two-wheeler segment, holding a 35 per cent share with nearly 330 thousand units sold in FY24. The company's revenue surged by 90 per cent to over 5,000 crore rupees in FY24, but losses also increased by 8 per cent, nearing 1,600 crore rupees. Launched in 2015, Bira quickly became a popular beer brand, taking the market by storm despite competition from established players like United Breweries' Kingfisher. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Bira's parent company, B9 Beverages, which also operates the Bira Taproom, has faced criticism for cancelling artists without providing necessary remunerations. Additionally, the company has been struggling financially. Mint’s Varuni Khosla and Sumant Banerji spoke with several vendors for this deep dive into the beer brand's financial challenges, revealing multiple reports of delayed payments. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Byju’s employees rush to file claims for their dues as deadline nears Cards, glasses & music CDs: Liquor firms may be staring at the end of surrogate ads The search for an engine: Should Google fret? IPO-bound Ola Electric slashes valuation to $4 billion In pubs and homes, Bira’s beers were the toast of one & all. Then this happened Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

India’s benchmark equity indices rose on Monday, with the Nifty nearly reaching the 25,000 mark during the session before paring its gains and closing just one point above its previous close. Similarly, the Sensex experienced marginal gains, ending the day 0.3 percent higher than its Friday close.

Current and former employees of Byju's, once India's most-celebarted startup, are scrambling to file claims for unpaid salaries and other dues. The deadline to submit these claims is 31 July. This rush follows the edtech company's admission of insolvency, triggered by a bankruptcy petition filed by the BCCI. Employees are seeking to recover their compensation amid ongoing legal battles by Byju’s founder, Byju Raveendran, who is challenging the insolvency order. As the legal drama unfolds with upcoming hearings, Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that many employees are banding together to file their claims more efficiently and affordably. However, some are still out of the loop, struggling with the process or being deterred by potential legal fees.

Ever wondered why alcohol brands often advertise products like music CDs and glass tumblers? This is known as surrogate advertising. Since direct alcohol ads are legally prohibited, companies use these alternative products to promote their brand name. The consumer affairs ministry is now drafting new rules to ensure these surrogate products genuinely stand alone in the market, rather than serving as covert advertisements for alcohol. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry plans to require companies to prove that these products are actually sold in stores, with sales data made publicly available online. This initiative is part of the upcoming Consumer Protection Act 2029, which aims to clearly define acceptable advertising practices and prevent companies from using brand extensions to subtly market alcohol.

Google, the titan of internet search, is now facing a wave of new challengers as AI reshapes the landscape. While Google's search engine has long been the default choice, the emergence of AI technologies like OpenAI’s SearchGPT suggests a potential shift. SearchGPT, similar to Microsoft's Bing which also uses OpenAI’s tech, enhances search capabilities with AI, making them more interactive and capable of retaining queries for smarter follow-up interactions. Google isn’t resting on its laurels; it's experimenting with its own AI-enhanced search technologies through projects like the Search Generative Experience and the expanded Gemini AI model. However, the advent of these new AI-driven platforms indicates that Google’s long-standing dominance could be under threat. Mint’s Shouvik Das, in today’s Primer, explores whether Google should be concerned about its position in a category it essentially pioneered.

Ola Electric is gearing up for its public offering this Friday, with shares priced between 72 and 76 rupees. This values the company at $4 billion, down from the $5.4 billion valuation in its last private funding round. The company aims to raise 6,146 crore rupees, including 5,500 crore rupees through fresh equity and the remainder through an offer for sale by existing shareholders. In an interview with Mint’s Mansi Verma, Ranjani Raghavan, and Nehal Chaliawala, Bhavish Aggarwal, the company's founder, highlighted Ola Electric’s market leadership in India's electric two-wheeler segment, holding a 35 per cent share with nearly 330 thousand units sold in FY24. The company's revenue surged by 90 per cent to over 5,000 crore rupees in FY24, but losses also increased by 8 per cent, nearing 1,600 crore rupees.

Launched in 2015, Bira quickly became a popular beer brand, taking the market by storm despite competition from established players like United Breweries' Kingfisher. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Bira's parent company, B9 Beverages, which also operates the Bira Taproom, has faced criticism for cancelling artists without providing necessary remunerations. Additionally, the company has been struggling financially. Mint’s Varuni Khosla and Sumant Banerji spoke with several vendors for this deep dive into the beer brand's financial challenges, revealing multiple reports of delayed payments.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Byju’s employees rush to file claims for their dues as deadline nears

Cards, glasses & music CDs: Liquor firms may be staring at the end of surrogate ads

The search for an engine: Should Google fret?

IPO-bound Ola Electric slashes valuation to $4 billion

In pubs and homes, Bira’s beers were the toast of one & all. Then this happened

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 413 no Bad debt worries RBI https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bad-debt-worries-rbi-h2MVPPLM  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Some massive consolidation happened in the cements segment yesterday: UltraTech Cement is buying a 32.72% stake for nearly 4,000 crore rupees, and making an offer for 26% more, taking the deal to nearly 9,000 crore rupees. Anirudh Laskar reports that if things go as planned, UltraTech will own over 81% of India Cements. Meanwhile, Adani-owned Ambuja Cement is also increasing its production capacity to compete.  The Reserve Bank of India reported that bad loans in banks are expected to decrease to 2.5 percent by FY25 under normal stress conditions. Shayan Ghosh writes that the report highlighted improvements in the banking sector's health, with a record low bad loan ratio of 2.8 percent last year. Public banks lead in bad loan ratio, but the overall situation is improving due to fewer new bad loans and increased write-offs. Personal loans are a concern, and the RBI is closely monitoring the situation. The 2024-25 budget introduces tax changes to benefit those involved in international transactions. It lowers the long-term capital gains tax for investing in foreign stocks and eases the process for remitting money overseas, among other provisions. Jash Kriplani writes that these changes aim to simplify tax calculations and make international investments more attractive for Indian investors. Softbank Investment Advisors, a Japanese tech-focused investment firm, is expecting significant returns from its investments in the Indian market as several of its portfolio companies prepare to go public this year. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that Ola Electric Mobility, Firstcry, and Unicommerce are among the companies planning to go public. Softbank's India portfolio has nearly peaked to 14 billion dollars, and the firm has made over 5.5 billion dollars in exits from its India portfolio. Softbank is anticipating a wave of tech IPOs in India, and its other potential IPO investments include Flipkart, OfBusiness, Lenskart, and Oyo. Artificial intelligence was tech's next big thing. Billions of dollars have been poured into it by every investor and big tech company. But where are the results? We were told that AI would change everything — but it's shown little utility so far. Research suggests that additional investments of 1 trillion dollars need to be made to make further advances in AI. Shelley Singh looks into the industry, and speaks to industry veterans who give their 2 cents on the future of everything AI. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Show notes: Ultratech to buy out India Cements as Birla sharpens battle against Adani Group RBI projects further moderation in bank NPA to 2.5% How the budget has eased the rules for international transactions Softbank eyes windfall as key portfolio companies line up IPOs It’s swallowed billions of dollars, but has AI lived up to the hype? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bad debt worries RBI full 618 Mint - HT Smartcast Cements business sees consolidation, startup IPOs to resume  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Some massive consolidation happened in the cements segment yesterday: UltraTech Cement is buying a 32.72% stake for nearly 4,000 crore rupees, and making an offer for 26% more, taking the deal to nearly 9,000 crore rupees. Anirudh Laskar reports that if things go as planned, UltraTech will own over 81% of India Cements. Meanwhile, Adani-owned Ambuja Cement is also increasing its production capacity to compete.  The Reserve Bank of India reported that bad loans in banks are expected to decrease to 2.5 percent by FY25 under normal stress conditions. Shayan Ghosh writes that the report highlighted improvements in the banking sector's health, with a record low bad loan ratio of 2.8 percent last year. Public banks lead in bad loan ratio, but the overall situation is improving due to fewer new bad loans and increased write-offs. Personal loans are a concern, and the RBI is closely monitoring the situation. The 2024-25 budget introduces tax changes to benefit those involved in international transactions. It lowers the long-term capital gains tax for investing in foreign stocks and eases the process for remitting money overseas, among other provisions. Jash Kriplani writes that these changes aim to simplify tax calculations and make international investments more attractive for Indian investors. Softbank Investment Advisors, a Japanese tech-focused investment firm, is expecting significant returns from its investments in the Indian market as several of its portfolio companies prepare to go public this year. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that Ola Electric Mobility, Firstcry, and Unicommerce are among the companies planning to go public. Softbank's India portfolio has nearly peaked to 14 billion dollars, and the firm has made over 5.5 billion dollars in exits from its India portfolio. Softbank is anticipating a wave of tech IPOs in India, and its other potential IPO investments include Flipkart, OfBusiness, Lenskart, and Oyo. Artificial intelligence was tech's next big thing. Billions of dollars have been poured into it by every investor and big tech company. But where are the results? We were told that AI would change everything — but it's shown little utility so far. Research suggests that additional investments of 1 trillion dollars need to be made to make further advances in AI. Shelley Singh looks into the industry, and speaks to industry veterans who give their 2 cents on the future of everything AI. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Show notes: Ultratech to buy out India Cements as Birla sharpens battle against Adani Group RBI projects further moderation in bank NPA to 2.5% How the budget has eased the rules for international transactions Softbank eyes windfall as key portfolio companies line up IPOs It’s swallowed billions of dollars, but has AI lived up to the hype? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Some massive consolidation happened in the cements segment yesterday: UltraTech Cement is buying a 32.72% stake for nearly 4,000 crore rupees, and making an offer for 26% more, taking the deal to nearly 9,000 crore rupees. Anirudh Laskar reports that if things go as planned, UltraTech will own over 81% of India Cements. Meanwhile, Adani-owned Ambuja Cement is also increasing its production capacity to compete. 

The Reserve Bank of India reported that bad loans in banks are expected to decrease to 2.5 percent by FY25 under normal stress conditions. Shayan Ghosh writes that the report highlighted improvements in the banking sector's health, with a record low bad loan ratio of 2.8 percent last year. Public banks lead in bad loan ratio, but the overall situation is improving due to fewer new bad loans and increased write-offs. Personal loans are a concern, and the RBI is closely monitoring the situation.

The 2024-25 budget introduces tax changes to benefit those involved in international transactions. It lowers the long-term capital gains tax for investing in foreign stocks and eases the process for remitting money overseas, among other provisions. Jash Kriplani writes that these changes aim to simplify tax calculations and make international investments more attractive for Indian investors.

Softbank Investment Advisors, a Japanese tech-focused investment firm, is expecting significant returns from its investments in the Indian market as several of its portfolio companies prepare to go public this year. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan write that Ola Electric Mobility, Firstcry, and Unicommerce are among the companies planning to go public. Softbank's India portfolio has nearly peaked to 14 billion dollars, and the firm has made over 5.5 billion dollars in exits from its India portfolio. Softbank is anticipating a wave of tech IPOs in India, and its other potential IPO investments include Flipkart, OfBusiness, Lenskart, and Oyo.

Artificial intelligence was tech's next big thing. Billions of dollars have been poured into it by every investor and big tech company. But where are the results? We were told that AI would change everything — but it's shown little utility so far. Research suggests that additional investments of 1 trillion dollars need to be made to make further advances in AI. Shelley Singh looks into the industry, and speaks to industry veterans who give their 2 cents on the future of everything AI.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!

Show notes:

Ultratech to buy out India Cements as Birla sharpens battle against Adani Group

RBI projects further moderation in bank NPA to 2.5%

How the budget has eased the rules for international transactions

Softbank eyes windfall as key portfolio companies line up IPOs

It’s swallowed billions of dollars, but has AI lived up to the hype?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 292 no Why India shouldn't host the Olympics https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-india-shouldnt-host-the-olympics-iKost5B0 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex was down by 0.14 percent, while Nifty dropped by 0.03 percent during trading hours yesterday. Nifty and Sensex aren't the only ones having a poor run. Their cousin in the US, Nasdaq, is having a bit of a meltdown too. Technology stocks, which were having a dream run over the past couple of years, have seen a massive sell-off this week. So far this week, Nasdaq is down nearly 3 and a half percent. Widespread fear of the artificial intelligence bubble bursting for these tech stocks has spooked investors, who have decided to sell en masse. Abhishek Mukherjee brings you the details of this sudden change, and what lies ahead for Nasdaq's tech stocks. Gold prices too are down around 7 percent since the Union Budget cut the import duty on gold. This move by Nirmala Sitharaman raised fear among investors because this directly affected the yields of sovereign gold bonds. But Ram Sahgal reports that despite this beating, investors in the gold bonds still stand to double their investments. As per the Reserve Bank of India, bonds bought in 2016 which are to be redeemed in August this year will give an annual compounded rate of 10.3 percent. In comparison, Nifty has compounded 13.8 percent over the same period. It's not all dull for gold bond investors, after all. Out with the dollar, in with the yen. Indian companies are increasingly open to taking on debt in Japan's national currency, as opposed to the standard US dollar. The yen has slid 18 percent against the rupee since the beginning of 2023. Nehal Chaliawala and Shayan Ghosh report that this makes it quite appealing for Indian corporates to take on debt — a sliding currency means that the borrower will have to pay less than anticipated. Companies like JSW Steel, Power Finance Corporation, and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation have taken yen-denominated debt worth about 11,000 crore rupees in the past 11 months. Even the Tamil Nadu government has borrowed a substantial amount in the Japanese currency, note Nehal and Shayan. Patanjali has a new segment it wants to conquer in the FMCG industry: toothpaste. After faring well in areas like ghee, biscuits, hair oil, and honey, the Baba Ramdev-led company wants to beat out the likes of Colgate, Nestle, and Unilever. We invited freelance journalist Devika Singh to take a deep dive into the company's latest pursuit. Patanjali has also done quite well in the ayurveda space, and now wants to replicate that success across the FMCG board. Devika writes about Patanjali's past, how it turned its focus into FMCGs, and what the road looks ahead after consecutive years of flat revenues. The Olympics start today! The celebrated sporting event starts in Paris today, and will continue for the next two and a half weeks. Every leap year, athletes look forward to qualifying and participating in this spectacle. However, every leap year, another discussion takes place: that India should host the Olympics. Siddharth Upasani writes that this isn't a very wise move. Hosting such an event costs about 8 billion dollars. While the organising committee is looking to make Olympics more sustainable and cost effective, at this stage, India isn't ready and doesn't need to host Olympics, Upasani writes. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: The Magnificent Seven: Has the AI bubble burst?  Gold bondholders winners even after slash in duty Indian borrowers take fancy to Japanese debt A new Patanjali: The monk who sold toothpaste is at it again  Why India shouldn't host the Olympics—a costly affair with no returns  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why India shouldn't host the Olympics full 617 Mint - HT Smartcast Patanjali eyes Colgate's market, why Nasdaq is having a meltdown Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex was down by 0.14 percent, while Nifty dropped by 0.03 percent during trading hours yesterday. Nifty and Sensex aren't the only ones having a poor run. Their cousin in the US, Nasdaq, is having a bit of a meltdown too. Technology stocks, which were having a dream run over the past couple of years, have seen a massive sell-off this week. So far this week, Nasdaq is down nearly 3 and a half percent. Widespread fear of the artificial intelligence bubble bursting for these tech stocks has spooked investors, who have decided to sell en masse. Abhishek Mukherjee brings you the details of this sudden change, and what lies ahead for Nasdaq's tech stocks. Gold prices too are down around 7 percent since the Union Budget cut the import duty on gold. This move by Nirmala Sitharaman raised fear among investors because this directly affected the yields of sovereign gold bonds. But Ram Sahgal reports that despite this beating, investors in the gold bonds still stand to double their investments. As per the Reserve Bank of India, bonds bought in 2016 which are to be redeemed in August this year will give an annual compounded rate of 10.3 percent. In comparison, Nifty has compounded 13.8 percent over the same period. It's not all dull for gold bond investors, after all. Out with the dollar, in with the yen. Indian companies are increasingly open to taking on debt in Japan's national currency, as opposed to the standard US dollar. The yen has slid 18 percent against the rupee since the beginning of 2023. Nehal Chaliawala and Shayan Ghosh report that this makes it quite appealing for Indian corporates to take on debt — a sliding currency means that the borrower will have to pay less than anticipated. Companies like JSW Steel, Power Finance Corporation, and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation have taken yen-denominated debt worth about 11,000 crore rupees in the past 11 months. Even the Tamil Nadu government has borrowed a substantial amount in the Japanese currency, note Nehal and Shayan. Patanjali has a new segment it wants to conquer in the FMCG industry: toothpaste. After faring well in areas like ghee, biscuits, hair oil, and honey, the Baba Ramdev-led company wants to beat out the likes of Colgate, Nestle, and Unilever. We invited freelance journalist Devika Singh to take a deep dive into the company's latest pursuit. Patanjali has also done quite well in the ayurveda space, and now wants to replicate that success across the FMCG board. Devika writes about Patanjali's past, how it turned its focus into FMCGs, and what the road looks ahead after consecutive years of flat revenues. The Olympics start today! The celebrated sporting event starts in Paris today, and will continue for the next two and a half weeks. Every leap year, athletes look forward to qualifying and participating in this spectacle. However, every leap year, another discussion takes place: that India should host the Olympics. Siddharth Upasani writes that this isn't a very wise move. Hosting such an event costs about 8 billion dollars. While the organising committee is looking to make Olympics more sustainable and cost effective, at this stage, India isn't ready and doesn't need to host Olympics, Upasani writes. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: The Magnificent Seven: Has the AI bubble burst?  Gold bondholders winners even after slash in duty Indian borrowers take fancy to Japanese debt A new Patanjali: The monk who sold toothpaste is at it again  Why India shouldn't host the Olympics—a costly affair with no returns  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Sensex was down by 0.14 percent, while Nifty dropped by 0.03 percent during trading hours yesterday.

Nifty and Sensex aren't the only ones having a poor run. Their cousin in the US, Nasdaq, is having a bit of a meltdown too. Technology stocks, which were having a dream run over the past couple of years, have seen a massive sell-off this week. So far this week, Nasdaq is down nearly 3 and a half percent. Widespread fear of the artificial intelligence bubble bursting for these tech stocks has spooked investors, who have decided to sell en masse. Abhishek Mukherjee brings you the details of this sudden change, and what lies ahead for Nasdaq's tech stocks.

Gold prices too are down around 7 percent since the Union Budget cut the import duty on gold. This move by Nirmala Sitharaman raised fear among investors because this directly affected the yields of sovereign gold bonds. But Ram Sahgal reports that despite this beating, investors in the gold bonds still stand to double their investments. As per the Reserve Bank of India, bonds bought in 2016 which are to be redeemed in August this year will give an annual compounded rate of 10.3 percent. In comparison, Nifty has compounded 13.8 percent over the same period. It's not all dull for gold bond investors, after all.

Out with the dollar, in with the yen. Indian companies are increasingly open to taking on debt in Japan's national currency, as opposed to the standard US dollar. The yen has slid 18 percent against the rupee since the beginning of 2023. Nehal Chaliawala and Shayan Ghosh report that this makes it quite appealing for Indian corporates to take on debt — a sliding currency means that the borrower will have to pay less than anticipated. Companies like JSW Steel, Power Finance Corporation, and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation have taken yen-denominated debt worth about 11,000 crore rupees in the past 11 months. Even the Tamil Nadu government has borrowed a substantial amount in the Japanese currency, note Nehal and Shayan.

Patanjali has a new segment it wants to conquer in the FMCG industry: toothpaste. After faring well in areas like ghee, biscuits, hair oil, and honey, the Baba Ramdev-led company wants to beat out the likes of Colgate, Nestle, and Unilever. We invited freelance journalist Devika Singh to take a deep dive into the company's latest pursuit. Patanjali has also done quite well in the ayurveda space, and now wants to replicate that success across the FMCG board. Devika writes about Patanjali's past, how it turned its focus into FMCGs, and what the road looks ahead after consecutive years of flat revenues.

The Olympics start today! The celebrated sporting event starts in Paris today, and will continue for the next two and a half weeks. Every leap year, athletes look forward to qualifying and participating in this spectacle. However, every leap year, another discussion takes place: that India should host the Olympics. Siddharth Upasani writes that this isn't a very wise move. Hosting such an event costs about 8 billion dollars. While the organising committee is looking to make Olympics more sustainable and cost effective, at this stage, India isn't ready and doesn't need to host Olympics, Upasani writes.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

The Magnificent Seven: Has the AI bubble burst? 

Gold bondholders winners even after slash in duty

Indian borrowers take fancy to Japanese debt

A new Patanjali: The monk who sold toothpaste is at it again 

Why India shouldn't host the Olympics—a costly affair with no returns 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 340 no The Ultimate Budget 2024 explainer https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-ultimate-budget-2024-explainer-AM6bc8QH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 continued their decline for the fourth straight session. Sensex dropped 0.35 per cent while Nifty fell 0.27 per cent. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced new challenges as she prepared for her seventh consecutive budget amidst changing political dynamics. The recent electoral results have shifted the political landscape, impacting the government's approach and introducing the pressures of coalition politics. Despite these pressures, the budget focused on maintaining fiscal discipline and promoting capital expenditure-led growth, writes N Madhavan. This was evident in the government's commitment to reducing fiscal deficits and boosting public investment to stimulate economic activity, hoping to catalyze private sector investment. Employment remained a central theme, with the government introducing schemes to enhance education, skills, and job creation, reflecting a proactive approach to harness India's demographic potential. Capital expenditure was maintained at robust levels to ensure continued infrastructure development and encourage state-level spending, which is typically more immediate in its economic impact. Overall, the budget balanced prudent fiscal management with necessary spending on critical areas, aiming to sustain growth without compromising financial stability. This explainer by Mint’s senior editor  N Madhavan is the only one you will need to understand the Union Budget of 2024. Click on the link in the show notes to read.  The $250 billion IT services sector had a rough start in Q1 FY25, with mixed performances from big names like TCS, HCLTech, Infosys, Wipro, and LTIMindtree. Companies are still holding back on spending, and the much-anticipated boom from AI projects hasn’t quite hit yet. For instance, TCS saw a dip in its operating margins and overall contract values, while Infosys actually did better than expected, prompting it to boost its revenue outlook for FY25. Looking forward, there's a cautious optimism in the air. Global IT spending is expected to rise by 7.5% this year, but sectors like banking and financial services are keeping their wallets tight, which affects overall growth. The industry is hopeful for a stronger second half of the fiscal year as companies start loosening the purse strings and AI projects scale up. Mint’s Shelley Singh explains whether the IT sector will see a resurgence in the ongoing fiscal year or not in today’s Mint Primer.  In its first budget after a modest election victory, the BJP-led government is putting job creation at the forefront with new financial incentives to boost formal-sector employment. Details are pending, but the gist is clear: financial perks for hiring and for new employees signing up. However, given the deep-seated issues in India's job market and employers' typical aversion to formalizing roles, it's uncertain how much these incentives will actually move the needle. With three new schemes, the government aims to formalize more jobs, but past patterns suggest a tough road ahead. Real change might need more than just incentives if the underlying issues of job security and employer reluctance aren't addressed. Our partners at howindialives.com take a comprehensive look at the job-creation schemes through charts and numbers and whether these schemes can deliver what they promise.  Travelling from airports like Bengaluru, Kochi, or Ahmedabad? It might cost you more, even if your airline hasn't hiked its fares. This is due to increased airport charges, specifically the user development fees, which are passed from the airline to the airport operator and, ultimately, to travellers. Since the start of FY25, 16 major airports across India, including those in cities like Hyderabad, Mangalore, and Chennai, have increased the fee by 2 to 200 per cent, Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports. This rise in airport fees adds another layer to the already higher airfares this year, driven by a shortage of available aircraft and a spike in demand.  The Centre is committed to maintaining its fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP for FY26, continuing its track record of exceeding fiscal projections. Speaking to Mint’s Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan, finance secretary T.V. Somanathan said this goal, announced during the budget on Tuesday, aligns with the fiscal consolidation path set by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government aims to cut down the deficit from the 9.1% peak during the pandemic. The capex plan of the Central government will remain at about 3.4% of GDP, consistent with levels from the interim budget, and it may see an absolute increase in FY26. Somanathan indicated that while the percentage of GDP allocated to capex will hold steady, the actual amounts could rise, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining robust investment levels in the coming years. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Budget 2024-25: The ultimate explainer Mint Primer |  IT services: When will the tide turn? Will the budget sops for hiring bear fruit? Why you’re paying more for flying from these airports Centre aims to better fiscal deficit target in FY26: Finance secretary   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The Ultimate Budget 2024 explainer full 616 Mint - HT Smartcast Why you’re paying more for flying from certain airports; Will Indian IT see a resurgence? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 continued their decline for the fourth straight session. Sensex dropped 0.35 per cent while Nifty fell 0.27 per cent. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced new challenges as she prepared for her seventh consecutive budget amidst changing political dynamics. The recent electoral results have shifted the political landscape, impacting the government's approach and introducing the pressures of coalition politics. Despite these pressures, the budget focused on maintaining fiscal discipline and promoting capital expenditure-led growth, writes N Madhavan. This was evident in the government's commitment to reducing fiscal deficits and boosting public investment to stimulate economic activity, hoping to catalyze private sector investment. Employment remained a central theme, with the government introducing schemes to enhance education, skills, and job creation, reflecting a proactive approach to harness India's demographic potential. Capital expenditure was maintained at robust levels to ensure continued infrastructure development and encourage state-level spending, which is typically more immediate in its economic impact. Overall, the budget balanced prudent fiscal management with necessary spending on critical areas, aiming to sustain growth without compromising financial stability. This explainer by Mint’s senior editor  N Madhavan is the only one you will need to understand the Union Budget of 2024. Click on the link in the show notes to read.  The $250 billion IT services sector had a rough start in Q1 FY25, with mixed performances from big names like TCS, HCLTech, Infosys, Wipro, and LTIMindtree. Companies are still holding back on spending, and the much-anticipated boom from AI projects hasn’t quite hit yet. For instance, TCS saw a dip in its operating margins and overall contract values, while Infosys actually did better than expected, prompting it to boost its revenue outlook for FY25. Looking forward, there's a cautious optimism in the air. Global IT spending is expected to rise by 7.5% this year, but sectors like banking and financial services are keeping their wallets tight, which affects overall growth. The industry is hopeful for a stronger second half of the fiscal year as companies start loosening the purse strings and AI projects scale up. Mint’s Shelley Singh explains whether the IT sector will see a resurgence in the ongoing fiscal year or not in today’s Mint Primer.  In its first budget after a modest election victory, the BJP-led government is putting job creation at the forefront with new financial incentives to boost formal-sector employment. Details are pending, but the gist is clear: financial perks for hiring and for new employees signing up. However, given the deep-seated issues in India's job market and employers' typical aversion to formalizing roles, it's uncertain how much these incentives will actually move the needle. With three new schemes, the government aims to formalize more jobs, but past patterns suggest a tough road ahead. Real change might need more than just incentives if the underlying issues of job security and employer reluctance aren't addressed. Our partners at howindialives.com take a comprehensive look at the job-creation schemes through charts and numbers and whether these schemes can deliver what they promise.  Travelling from airports like Bengaluru, Kochi, or Ahmedabad? It might cost you more, even if your airline hasn't hiked its fares. This is due to increased airport charges, specifically the user development fees, which are passed from the airline to the airport operator and, ultimately, to travellers. Since the start of FY25, 16 major airports across India, including those in cities like Hyderabad, Mangalore, and Chennai, have increased the fee by 2 to 200 per cent, Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports. This rise in airport fees adds another layer to the already higher airfares this year, driven by a shortage of available aircraft and a spike in demand.  The Centre is committed to maintaining its fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP for FY26, continuing its track record of exceeding fiscal projections. Speaking to Mint’s Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan, finance secretary T.V. Somanathan said this goal, announced during the budget on Tuesday, aligns with the fiscal consolidation path set by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government aims to cut down the deficit from the 9.1% peak during the pandemic. The capex plan of the Central government will remain at about 3.4% of GDP, consistent with levels from the interim budget, and it may see an absolute increase in FY26. Somanathan indicated that while the percentage of GDP allocated to capex will hold steady, the actual amounts could rise, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining robust investment levels in the coming years. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Budget 2024-25: The ultimate explainer Mint Primer |  IT services: When will the tide turn? Will the budget sops for hiring bear fruit? Why you’re paying more for flying from these airports Centre aims to better fiscal deficit target in FY26: Finance secretary   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

India’s benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 continued their decline for the fourth straight session. Sensex dropped 0.35 per cent while Nifty fell 0.27 per cent.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced new challenges as she prepared for her seventh consecutive budget amidst changing political dynamics. The recent electoral results have shifted the political landscape, impacting the government's approach and introducing the pressures of coalition politics. Despite these pressures, the budget focused on maintaining fiscal discipline and promoting capital expenditure-led growth, writes N Madhavan. This was evident in the government's commitment to reducing fiscal deficits and boosting public investment to stimulate economic activity, hoping to catalyze private sector investment. Employment remained a central theme, with the government introducing schemes to enhance education, skills, and job creation, reflecting a proactive approach to harness India's demographic potential. Capital expenditure was maintained at robust levels to ensure continued infrastructure development and encourage state-level spending, which is typically more immediate in its economic impact. Overall, the budget balanced prudent fiscal management with necessary spending on critical areas, aiming to sustain growth without compromising financial stability. This explainer by Mint’s senior editor  N Madhavan is the only one you will need to understand the Union Budget of 2024. Click on the link in the show notes to read. 

The $250 billion IT services sector had a rough start in Q1 FY25, with mixed performances from big names like TCS, HCLTech, Infosys, Wipro, and LTIMindtree. Companies are still holding back on spending, and the much-anticipated boom from AI projects hasn’t quite hit yet. For instance, TCS saw a dip in its operating margins and overall contract values, while Infosys actually did better than expected, prompting it to boost its revenue outlook for FY25. Looking forward, there's a cautious optimism in the air. Global IT spending is expected to rise by 7.5% this year, but sectors like banking and financial services are keeping their wallets tight, which affects overall growth. The industry is hopeful for a stronger second half of the fiscal year as companies start loosening the purse strings and AI projects scale up. Mint’s Shelley Singh explains whether the IT sector will see a resurgence in the ongoing fiscal year or not in today’s Mint Primer. 

In its first budget after a modest election victory, the BJP-led government is putting job creation at the forefront with new financial incentives to boost formal-sector employment. Details are pending, but the gist is clear: financial perks for hiring and for new employees signing up. However, given the deep-seated issues in India's job market and employers' typical aversion to formalizing roles, it's uncertain how much these incentives will actually move the needle. With three new schemes, the government aims to formalize more jobs, but past patterns suggest a tough road ahead. Real change might need more than just incentives if the underlying issues of job security and employer reluctance aren't addressed. Our partners at howindialives.com take a comprehensive look at the job-creation schemes through charts and numbers and whether these schemes can deliver what they promise. 

Travelling from airports like Bengaluru, Kochi, or Ahmedabad? It might cost you more, even if your airline hasn't hiked its fares. This is due to increased airport charges, specifically the user development fees, which are passed from the airline to the airport operator and, ultimately, to travellers. Since the start of FY25, 16 major airports across India, including those in cities like Hyderabad, Mangalore, and Chennai, have increased the fee by 2 to 200 per cent, Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports. This rise in airport fees adds another layer to the already higher airfares this year, driven by a shortage of available aircraft and a spike in demand.

 The Centre is committed to maintaining its fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP for FY26, continuing its track record of exceeding fiscal projections. Speaking to Mint’s Rhik Kundu and Subhash Narayan, finance secretary T.V. Somanathan said this goal, announced during the budget on Tuesday, aligns with the fiscal consolidation path set by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government aims to cut down the deficit from the 9.1% peak during the pandemic. The capex plan of the Central government will remain at about 3.4% of GDP, consistent with levels from the interim budget, and it may see an absolute increase in FY26. Somanathan indicated that while the percentage of GDP allocated to capex will hold steady, the actual amounts could rise, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining robust investment levels in the coming years.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

Budget 2024-25: The ultimate explainer

Mint Primer |  IT services: When will the tide turn?

Will the budget sops for hiring bear fruit?

Why you’re paying more for flying from these airports

Centre aims to better fiscal deficit target in FY26: Finance secretary

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 453 no A special Budget episode https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-special-budget-episode-OAoLwp1J Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices reacted poorly to the Union Budget yesterday. Sensex fell during the day, but recovered by the time markets closed. It was down by 0.1 percent. Nifty dropped by 0.12 percent. First things first — if you're looking for a quick primer to catch up on yesterday's announcements, we have you covered. Vivek Kaul lists out the Budget in 8 succinct points. Topics ranging from personal income tax to the stock market and even the added benefits to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are covered.  The Budget had some setbacks for investors: both short and longterm capital gains taxes were increased. In this new environment, how should you invest? Ram Sahgal spoke to market veterans, who said that the adverse reaction from the markets might not last too long. Some volatility in trading is expected in the next few trading sessions. However, investors must ride out this volatile period before chasing any dips, Ram writes. There were also changes to the income tax brackets. Aprajita Sh arma writes that these changes to the new tax regime will attract a maximum benefit of 17,500 rupees. She analyses both old and new tax regimes, and presents a study of which one you should choose. While anyone earning less than 7 lakh rupees should choose the new regime, higher income brackets have some decisions to make. Aprajita also speaks to a chartered accountant to get additional inputs on this crucial decision. The Union Budget had some raucous background noises every time the Finance Minister would talk about initiatives for the states of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Nitish Kumar and N. Chandrababu Naidu cashed in on being good allies of the NDA government. Dhirendra Kumar writes that Bihar will be receiving nearly 60,000 crore rupees worth of assistance from the central government, while Andhra Pradesh is set to receive 15,000 crore rupees. Dhirendra explains the various schemes that will benefit the two states over the coming year. This was a great budget if you were the founder of a startup or a large investor. The industry has received two big bonuses from this year's Budget: abolition of the angel tax, and reduction of long-term gains tax for unlisted securities. Ranjani Raghavan writes that this will boost domestic capital investment into the Indian startup ecosystem, at a time when funding for such companies has been stagnant.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer | Eight points to note from the Union budget  Let the dust settle on tax shocker, but MF investors can stick to SIP route   How to choose between the old and new tax regimes   The good allies: Bihar gets ₹47,400 cr for infra; AP ₹15,000 cr for capital    Startups, investors buoyed by twin tax wins in “dream budget”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 A special Budget episode full 615 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding the Union Budget, 2024 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices reacted poorly to the Union Budget yesterday. Sensex fell during the day, but recovered by the time markets closed. It was down by 0.1 percent. Nifty dropped by 0.12 percent. First things first — if you're looking for a quick primer to catch up on yesterday's announcements, we have you covered. Vivek Kaul lists out the Budget in 8 succinct points. Topics ranging from personal income tax to the stock market and even the added benefits to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are covered.  The Budget had some setbacks for investors: both short and longterm capital gains taxes were increased. In this new environment, how should you invest? Ram Sahgal spoke to market veterans, who said that the adverse reaction from the markets might not last too long. Some volatility in trading is expected in the next few trading sessions. However, investors must ride out this volatile period before chasing any dips, Ram writes. There were also changes to the income tax brackets. Aprajita Sh arma writes that these changes to the new tax regime will attract a maximum benefit of 17,500 rupees. She analyses both old and new tax regimes, and presents a study of which one you should choose. While anyone earning less than 7 lakh rupees should choose the new regime, higher income brackets have some decisions to make. Aprajita also speaks to a chartered accountant to get additional inputs on this crucial decision. The Union Budget had some raucous background noises every time the Finance Minister would talk about initiatives for the states of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Nitish Kumar and N. Chandrababu Naidu cashed in on being good allies of the NDA government. Dhirendra Kumar writes that Bihar will be receiving nearly 60,000 crore rupees worth of assistance from the central government, while Andhra Pradesh is set to receive 15,000 crore rupees. Dhirendra explains the various schemes that will benefit the two states over the coming year. This was a great budget if you were the founder of a startup or a large investor. The industry has received two big bonuses from this year's Budget: abolition of the angel tax, and reduction of long-term gains tax for unlisted securities. Ranjani Raghavan writes that this will boost domestic capital investment into the Indian startup ecosystem, at a time when funding for such companies has been stagnant.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer | Eight points to note from the Union budget  Let the dust settle on tax shocker, but MF investors can stick to SIP route   How to choose between the old and new tax regimes   The good allies: Bihar gets ₹47,400 cr for infra; AP ₹15,000 cr for capital    Startups, investors buoyed by twin tax wins in “dream budget”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian market's benchmark indices reacted poorly to the Union Budget yesterday. Sensex fell during the day, but recovered by the time markets closed. It was down by 0.1 percent. Nifty dropped by 0.12 percent.

First things first — if you're looking for a quick primer to catch up on yesterday's announcements, we have you covered. Vivek Kaul lists out the Budget in 8 succinct points. Topics ranging from personal income tax to the stock market and even the added benefits to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are covered. 

The Budget had some setbacks for investors: both short and longterm capital gains taxes were increased. In this new environment, how should you invest? Ram Sahgal spoke to market veterans, who said that the adverse reaction from the markets might not last too long. Some volatility in trading is expected in the next few trading sessions. However, investors must ride out this volatile period before chasing any dips, Ram writes.

There were also changes to the income tax brackets. Aprajita Sh arma writes that these changes to the new tax regime will attract a maximum benefit of 17,500 rupees. She analyses both old and new tax regimes, and presents a study of which one you should choose. While anyone earning less than 7 lakh rupees should choose the new regime, higher income brackets have some decisions to make. Aprajita also speaks to a chartered accountant to get additional inputs on this crucial decision.

The Union Budget had some raucous background noises every time the Finance Minister would talk about initiatives for the states of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Nitish Kumar and N. Chandrababu Naidu cashed in on being good allies of the NDA government. Dhirendra Kumar writes that Bihar will be receiving nearly 60,000 crore rupees worth of assistance from the central government, while Andhra Pradesh is set to receive 15,000 crore rupees. Dhirendra explains the various schemes that will benefit the two states over the coming year.

This was a great budget if you were the founder of a startup or a large investor. The industry has received two big bonuses from this year's Budget: abolition of the angel tax, and reduction of long-term gains tax for unlisted securities. Ranjani Raghavan writes that this will boost domestic capital investment into the Indian startup ecosystem, at a time when funding for such companies has been stagnant. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Mint Primer | Eight points to note from the Union budget 

Let the dust settle on tax shocker, but MF investors can stick to SIP route


 

How to choose between the old and new tax regimes


 

The good allies: Bihar gets ₹47,400 cr for infra; AP ₹15,000 cr for capital 


 

Startups, investors buoyed by twin tax wins in “dream budget” 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 283 no All eyes on Modi 3.0’s first full budget https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/all-eyes-on-modi-30s-first-full-budget-oQD41wkV Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Continuing their losing streak for a second consecutive session, Indian stock market benchmarks, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex, closed in the red on Monday, July 22, ahead of the Union Budget 2024. The Economic Survey - an annual document presenting the state of India’s economy - was tabled in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. The Survey serves as the government's most detailed analysis of the economy and plays a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. Today, let's take a look at the critical stories around the Survey, as the country prepares for the third Narendra Modi government’s first full budget.  As we look ahead to the Union Budget for 2024-25, Mint’s N Madhavan looks at the insights the Survey might offer into what may be prioritised. The Survey cautiously pegs next year's economic growth at between 6.5% and 7%. To keep this momentum, it points to several key areas. These include enhancing job and skill development, supporting small and micro enterprises, maximizing agricultural outputs, managing environmental transitions, tackling inequality, and growing the corporate bond markets. Madhavan also explains what the Survey has to present on key economic indicators.  The Economic Survey highlights a critical need for job creation in India, projecting a requirement to generate 7.8-8.1 million jobs annually up to 2036, which totals about 103 million new roles. The emphasis is not only on quantity but also on quality, as current data indicates only half of college graduates are directly employable. To address this, there has been an increase in youth receiving formal vocational education, although participation remains in the low single-digits. Informal training channels are compensating somewhat, contributing an additional 16.6% in trained youth. Read today’s Long Story by howindialives.com to understand the government’s recipe for growth in charts.  You can click on the link in the show notes to see the charts prepared by our partners at howindialives.com. The Economic Survey 2023-24, delivered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes the pivotal role of the private sector in scaling up investments and spearheading job creation in an era increasingly shaped by technology and AI. The Survey critiques the private sector's investment patterns, noting a preference for real estate over sectors like machinery and intellectual property, which are crucial for transforming India into a manufacturing hub and creating quality jobs. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stresses that employment offers dignity and self-respect, urging corporates to prioritize job creation. Additionally, the Survey advocates a strategic embrace of Chinese FDI, suggesting that India can boost its export capabilities by integrating into Chinese supply chains, a strategy that has benefitted other Asian economies. This approach aligns with global trade shifts and could enhance India’s export performance, particularly to the United States. Mint’s senior editors Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan write on the Economic Survey’s focus on private investment and job creation. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, which has been an investor in Bengaluru-based ed-tech startup Byju’s, has taken legal action in India, demanding that founder Byju Raveendran disclose his personal assets. Mint’s startup editor Ranjani Raghavan reports that the QIA has approached the Karnataka High Court to prevent Raveendran from selling or transferring his assets, aiming to secure up to $235.19 million. QIA has been deeply involved with Byju's, having invested in 2019 and 2022. It also provided a $250 million loan to Raveendran in March 2022. He used this loan to invest back into Byju's during its last funding round, which valued the company at $22 billion. Now, QIA is seeking a court injunction to freeze Raveendran's dealings with his assets, reflecting the serious financial stakes.  The Indian government is actively preparing for a new phase of airport development under public-private partnerships. This aligns with its aim to enhance infrastructure in the rapidly growing aviation sector. Senior government officials told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma that internal discussions are underway, with plans to open bids for several airports by the end of the financial year. This approach builds on the previous strategy of pairing major airports with smaller ones for balanced development. Currently, only 14 out of over 135 airports operate under public-private partnerships, indicating significant potential for future privatization and investment.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer: Hints on budget proposals from the economic survey Economic Survey: The government’s recipe for growth, in 12 charts Economy to grow at 6.5-7; time for private sector to take the capex baton: Economic Survey Now, Qatar wealth fund goes after Byju Raveendran's personal assets Airport privatisation plan on the anvil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 All eyes on Modi 3.0’s first full budget full 614 Mint - HT Smartcast Insights from the Economic Survey; QIA drags Byju Raveendran to court Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Continuing their losing streak for a second consecutive session, Indian stock market benchmarks, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex, closed in the red on Monday, July 22, ahead of the Union Budget 2024. The Economic Survey - an annual document presenting the state of India’s economy - was tabled in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. The Survey serves as the government's most detailed analysis of the economy and plays a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. Today, let's take a look at the critical stories around the Survey, as the country prepares for the third Narendra Modi government’s first full budget.  As we look ahead to the Union Budget for 2024-25, Mint’s N Madhavan looks at the insights the Survey might offer into what may be prioritised. The Survey cautiously pegs next year's economic growth at between 6.5% and 7%. To keep this momentum, it points to several key areas. These include enhancing job and skill development, supporting small and micro enterprises, maximizing agricultural outputs, managing environmental transitions, tackling inequality, and growing the corporate bond markets. Madhavan also explains what the Survey has to present on key economic indicators.  The Economic Survey highlights a critical need for job creation in India, projecting a requirement to generate 7.8-8.1 million jobs annually up to 2036, which totals about 103 million new roles. The emphasis is not only on quantity but also on quality, as current data indicates only half of college graduates are directly employable. To address this, there has been an increase in youth receiving formal vocational education, although participation remains in the low single-digits. Informal training channels are compensating somewhat, contributing an additional 16.6% in trained youth. Read today’s Long Story by howindialives.com to understand the government’s recipe for growth in charts.  You can click on the link in the show notes to see the charts prepared by our partners at howindialives.com. The Economic Survey 2023-24, delivered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes the pivotal role of the private sector in scaling up investments and spearheading job creation in an era increasingly shaped by technology and AI. The Survey critiques the private sector's investment patterns, noting a preference for real estate over sectors like machinery and intellectual property, which are crucial for transforming India into a manufacturing hub and creating quality jobs. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stresses that employment offers dignity and self-respect, urging corporates to prioritize job creation. Additionally, the Survey advocates a strategic embrace of Chinese FDI, suggesting that India can boost its export capabilities by integrating into Chinese supply chains, a strategy that has benefitted other Asian economies. This approach aligns with global trade shifts and could enhance India’s export performance, particularly to the United States. Mint’s senior editors Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan write on the Economic Survey’s focus on private investment and job creation. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, which has been an investor in Bengaluru-based ed-tech startup Byju’s, has taken legal action in India, demanding that founder Byju Raveendran disclose his personal assets. Mint’s startup editor Ranjani Raghavan reports that the QIA has approached the Karnataka High Court to prevent Raveendran from selling or transferring his assets, aiming to secure up to $235.19 million. QIA has been deeply involved with Byju's, having invested in 2019 and 2022. It also provided a $250 million loan to Raveendran in March 2022. He used this loan to invest back into Byju's during its last funding round, which valued the company at $22 billion. Now, QIA is seeking a court injunction to freeze Raveendran's dealings with his assets, reflecting the serious financial stakes.  The Indian government is actively preparing for a new phase of airport development under public-private partnerships. This aligns with its aim to enhance infrastructure in the rapidly growing aviation sector. Senior government officials told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma that internal discussions are underway, with plans to open bids for several airports by the end of the financial year. This approach builds on the previous strategy of pairing major airports with smaller ones for balanced development. Currently, only 14 out of over 135 airports operate under public-private partnerships, indicating significant potential for future privatization and investment.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer: Hints on budget proposals from the economic survey Economic Survey: The government’s recipe for growth, in 12 charts Economy to grow at 6.5-7; time for private sector to take the capex baton: Economic Survey Now, Qatar wealth fund goes after Byju Raveendran's personal assets Airport privatisation plan on the anvil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Continuing their losing streak for a second consecutive session, Indian stock market benchmarks, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex, closed in the red on Monday, July 22, ahead of the Union Budget 2024.

The Economic Survey - an annual document presenting the state of India’s economy - was tabled in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. The Survey serves as the government's most detailed analysis of the economy and plays a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. Today, let's take a look at the critical stories around the Survey, as the country prepares for the third Narendra Modi government’s first full budget. 

As we look ahead to the Union Budget for 2024-25, Mint’s N Madhavan looks at the insights the Survey might offer into what may be prioritised. The Survey cautiously pegs next year's economic growth at between 6.5% and 7%. To keep this momentum, it points to several key areas. These include enhancing job and skill development, supporting small and micro enterprises, maximizing agricultural outputs, managing environmental transitions, tackling inequality, and growing the corporate bond markets. Madhavan also explains what the Survey has to present on key economic indicators. 

The Economic Survey highlights a critical need for job creation in India, projecting a requirement to generate 7.8-8.1 million jobs annually up to 2036, which totals about 103 million new roles. The emphasis is not only on quantity but also on quality, as current data indicates only half of college graduates are directly employable. To address this, there has been an increase in youth receiving formal vocational education, although participation remains in the low single-digits. Informal training channels are compensating somewhat, contributing an additional 16.6% in trained youth. Read today’s Long Story by howindialives.com to understand the government’s recipe for growth in charts. 

You can click on the link in the show notes to see the charts prepared by our partners at howindialives.com.

The Economic Survey 2023-24, delivered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes the pivotal role of the private sector in scaling up investments and spearheading job creation in an era increasingly shaped by technology and AI. The Survey critiques the private sector's investment patterns, noting a preference for real estate over sectors like machinery and intellectual property, which are crucial for transforming India into a manufacturing hub and creating quality jobs. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stresses that employment offers dignity and self-respect, urging corporates to prioritize job creation. Additionally, the Survey advocates a strategic embrace of Chinese FDI, suggesting that India can boost its export capabilities by integrating into Chinese supply chains, a strategy that has benefitted other Asian economies. This approach aligns with global trade shifts and could enhance India’s export performance, particularly to the United States. Mint’s senior editors Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Subhash Narayan write on the Economic Survey’s focus on private investment and job creation.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, which has been an investor in Bengaluru-based ed-tech startup Byju’s, has taken legal action in India, demanding that founder Byju Raveendran disclose his personal assets. Mint’s startup editor Ranjani Raghavan reports that the QIA has approached the Karnataka High Court to prevent Raveendran from selling or transferring his assets, aiming to secure up to $235.19 million. QIA has been deeply involved with Byju's, having invested in 2019 and 2022. It also provided a $250 million loan to Raveendran in March 2022. He used this loan to invest back into Byju's during its last funding round, which valued the company at $22 billion. Now, QIA is seeking a court injunction to freeze Raveendran's dealings with his assets, reflecting the serious financial stakes. 

The Indian government is actively preparing for a new phase of airport development under public-private partnerships. This aligns with its aim to enhance infrastructure in the rapidly growing aviation sector. Senior government officials told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma that internal discussions are underway, with plans to open bids for several airports by the end of the financial year. This approach builds on the previous strategy of pairing major airports with smaller ones for balanced development. Currently, only 14 out of over 135 airports operate under public-private partnerships, indicating significant potential for future privatization and investment. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Mint Primer: Hints on budget proposals from the economic survey

Economic Survey: The government’s recipe for growth, in 12 charts

Economy to grow at 6.5-7; time for private sector to take the capex baton: Economic Survey

Now, Qatar wealth fund goes after Byju Raveendran's personal assets

Airport privatisation plan on the anvil

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 435 no Can the Budget ensure safer trains? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/can-the-budget-ensure-safer-trains-Yn__gAKK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Last Friday, a global tech blackout hit airports, hospitals, banks, and more. As more systems rely on a few tech service providers, can we avoid future blackouts? Blackouts can recur due to human errors like faulty code or incorrect updates. Tech firms regularly push updates to fix issues, but unknown bugs can slip through. Cyberattackers exploit these bugs, making global blackouts a recurring risk. Complete insulation from blackouts isn’t possible, but resilience is. In today’s Primer, Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains what happens during a cyberattack and how you can stay safe from one. A train accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district on Thursday afternoon - just five days before the Union budget - has left four passengers dead and over 30 injured. This accident was not the first in recent times. In fact, over the course of the last year, India has seen a string of major train accidents - the biggest one being the derailment of the Coromandel Express in Odisha’s Balasore district last June. So how is the government planning to ensure a safer Indian Railways for its passengers? The Railways budget allocation has risen from 0.3% of GDP in 2018-19 to 0.8% in 2024-25. However, much of the capital expenditure has gone towards new lines, track renewals, and rolling stock, with less than 20% allocated to safety. This neglect has coincided with several fatal accidents. Payal Bhattacharya from Mint’s data team explains why a big budget for the railways does not really guarantee safety. This summer, the country saw one of the harshest heatwaves in recent memory. Our cities are getting hotter day by day while rampant climate change disturbs weather cycles. To counter this, the government is planning to promote urban forests. A senior environment ministry official told Mint’s Puja Das that the plan is a part of Modi 3.0’s 100-day agenda.Under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) scheme launched in 2020, the ministry aims to boost urban biodiversity to mitigate pollution, provide cleaner air, reduce noise, and harvest water. Urban forests are also expected to address issues like the rising mosquito population and monkeys encroaching on cities due to dwindling green spaces. The story of COVID-related deaths is not over yet. A new study by researchers from several universities, including Oxford, pegs the number of “excess deaths” at 1.19 million. That’s almost 12 lakh lives we’re talking about. What are excess deaths? The term refers to the difference between the number of lives lost in an unusual period (like a pandemic year) and a normal year. Published in the Science Advances journal on 19 July, the study indicates that life expectancy at birth was 2.6 years lower and mortality 17% higher in 2020 compared to 2019. This data is based on a subsample of 14 states and Union Territories. The report has been rejected by the government for its methodology. So what was the methodology and what key insights does the report bring to the table? Mint’s data editor Tanay Sukumar explains. L&T Finance, a subsidiary of engineering group Larsen and Toubro, has been in the NBFC game for nearly three decades. But despite its long presence, the company remains lower down the order. Almost 94 per cent of its loan book is retail loans and stands at around 86,000 crore rupees. To put it in perspective, Mahindra Finance, which started three years before L&T Finance, in 1991, is well ahead with assets under management of ₹1 trillion at the end of the last fiscal year. Bajaj Finance, which started out in 1987 as Bajaj Auto Finance, an NBFC focusing on two- and three-wheeler finance, has eclipsed them both with an AUM of ₹3.3 trillion as of 2023-24. Sudipta Roy, a finance professional with over two decades of experience, has been brought in as the CEO. Roy would be expected to turn the company’s fortunes around. Mint’s Shayan Ghosh takes a deep dive into the company’s strategies around increasing regulations and integrating AI into its risk management.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Can the Budget ensure safer trains? full 613 Mint - HT Smartcast New report on Covid excess deaths; government plans to promote urban forests Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Last Friday, a global tech blackout hit airports, hospitals, banks, and more. As more systems rely on a few tech service providers, can we avoid future blackouts? Blackouts can recur due to human errors like faulty code or incorrect updates. Tech firms regularly push updates to fix issues, but unknown bugs can slip through. Cyberattackers exploit these bugs, making global blackouts a recurring risk. Complete insulation from blackouts isn’t possible, but resilience is. In today’s Primer, Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains what happens during a cyberattack and how you can stay safe from one. A train accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district on Thursday afternoon - just five days before the Union budget - has left four passengers dead and over 30 injured. This accident was not the first in recent times. In fact, over the course of the last year, India has seen a string of major train accidents - the biggest one being the derailment of the Coromandel Express in Odisha’s Balasore district last June. So how is the government planning to ensure a safer Indian Railways for its passengers? The Railways budget allocation has risen from 0.3% of GDP in 2018-19 to 0.8% in 2024-25. However, much of the capital expenditure has gone towards new lines, track renewals, and rolling stock, with less than 20% allocated to safety. This neglect has coincided with several fatal accidents. Payal Bhattacharya from Mint’s data team explains why a big budget for the railways does not really guarantee safety. This summer, the country saw one of the harshest heatwaves in recent memory. Our cities are getting hotter day by day while rampant climate change disturbs weather cycles. To counter this, the government is planning to promote urban forests. A senior environment ministry official told Mint’s Puja Das that the plan is a part of Modi 3.0’s 100-day agenda.Under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) scheme launched in 2020, the ministry aims to boost urban biodiversity to mitigate pollution, provide cleaner air, reduce noise, and harvest water. Urban forests are also expected to address issues like the rising mosquito population and monkeys encroaching on cities due to dwindling green spaces. The story of COVID-related deaths is not over yet. A new study by researchers from several universities, including Oxford, pegs the number of “excess deaths” at 1.19 million. That’s almost 12 lakh lives we’re talking about. What are excess deaths? The term refers to the difference between the number of lives lost in an unusual period (like a pandemic year) and a normal year. Published in the Science Advances journal on 19 July, the study indicates that life expectancy at birth was 2.6 years lower and mortality 17% higher in 2020 compared to 2019. This data is based on a subsample of 14 states and Union Territories. The report has been rejected by the government for its methodology. So what was the methodology and what key insights does the report bring to the table? Mint’s data editor Tanay Sukumar explains. L&T Finance, a subsidiary of engineering group Larsen and Toubro, has been in the NBFC game for nearly three decades. But despite its long presence, the company remains lower down the order. Almost 94 per cent of its loan book is retail loans and stands at around 86,000 crore rupees. To put it in perspective, Mahindra Finance, which started three years before L&T Finance, in 1991, is well ahead with assets under management of ₹1 trillion at the end of the last fiscal year. Bajaj Finance, which started out in 1987 as Bajaj Auto Finance, an NBFC focusing on two- and three-wheeler finance, has eclipsed them both with an AUM of ₹3.3 trillion as of 2023-24. Sudipta Roy, a finance professional with over two decades of experience, has been brought in as the CEO. Roy would be expected to turn the company’s fortunes around. Mint’s Shayan Ghosh takes a deep dive into the company’s strategies around increasing regulations and integrating AI into its risk management.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Last Friday, a global tech blackout hit airports, hospitals, banks, and more. As more systems rely on a few tech service providers, can we avoid future blackouts? Blackouts can recur due to human errors like faulty code or incorrect updates. Tech firms regularly push updates to fix issues, but unknown bugs can slip through. Cyberattackers exploit these bugs, making global blackouts a recurring risk. Complete insulation from blackouts isn’t possible, but resilience is. In today’s Primer, Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains what happens during a cyberattack and how you can stay safe from one.

A train accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district on Thursday afternoon - just five days before the Union budget - has left four passengers dead and over 30 injured. This accident was not the first in recent times. In fact, over the course of the last year, India has seen a string of major train accidents - the biggest one being the derailment of the Coromandel Express in Odisha’s Balasore district last June. So how is the government planning to ensure a safer Indian Railways for its passengers? The Railways budget allocation has risen from 0.3% of GDP in 2018-19 to 0.8% in 2024-25. However, much of the capital expenditure has gone towards new lines, track renewals, and rolling stock, with less than 20% allocated to safety. This neglect has coincided with several fatal accidents. Payal Bhattacharya from Mint’s data team explains why a big budget for the railways does not really guarantee safety.

This summer, the country saw one of the harshest heatwaves in recent memory. Our cities are getting hotter day by day while rampant climate change disturbs weather cycles. To counter this, the government is planning to promote urban forests. A senior environment ministry official told Mint’s Puja Das that the plan is a part of Modi 3.0’s 100-day agenda.Under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) scheme launched in 2020, the ministry aims to boost urban biodiversity to mitigate pollution, provide cleaner air, reduce noise, and harvest water. Urban forests are also expected to address issues like the rising mosquito population and monkeys encroaching on cities due to dwindling green spaces.

The story of COVID-related deaths is not over yet. A new study by researchers from several universities, including Oxford, pegs the number of “excess deaths” at 1.19 million. That’s almost 12 lakh lives we’re talking about. What are excess deaths? The term refers to the difference between the number of lives lost in an unusual period (like a pandemic year) and a normal year. Published in the Science Advances journal on 19 July, the study indicates that life expectancy at birth was 2.6 years lower and mortality 17% higher in 2020 compared to 2019. This data is based on a subsample of 14 states and Union Territories. The report has been rejected by the government for its methodology. So what was the methodology and what key insights does the report bring to the table? Mint’s data editor Tanay Sukumar explains.

L&T Finance, a subsidiary of engineering group Larsen and Toubro, has been in the NBFC game for nearly three decades. But despite its long presence, the company remains lower down the order. Almost 94 per cent of its loan book is retail loans and stands at around 86,000 crore rupees. To put it in perspective, Mahindra Finance, which started three years before L&T Finance, in 1991, is well ahead with assets under management of ₹1 trillion at the end of the last fiscal year. Bajaj Finance, which started out in 1987 as Bajaj Auto Finance, an NBFC focusing on two- and three-wheeler finance, has eclipsed them both with an AUM of ₹3.3 trillion as of 2023-24. Sudipta Roy, a finance professional with over two decades of experience, has been brought in as the CEO. Roy would be expected to turn the company’s fortunes around. Mint’s Shayan Ghosh takes a deep dive into the company’s strategies around increasing regulations and integrating AI into its risk management. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 412 no Small and midcaps aren't overvalued, says market veteran https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/small-and-midcaps-arent-overvalued-says-market-veteran-gClwv8p2 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—increased during Thursday's trading. Sensex and Nifty both were up by around 0.77 percent. IT giant Infosys was up 2.2 percent during yesterday's trading session. Investors expected a good earnings report, and Infosys delivered. The company's revenue for the first three months of FY2025 increased by 3.3 percent. Jas Bardia writes that Infosys is now pulling in more money than ever from the financial services sector. It made a total of 34 deals in the last three months, a record high. Infosys's earnings from India-based companies also grew. Jas notes that this is a pattern among Indian IT companies, as their clients in the west continue to tighten their budgets. A-S-K Asset and Wealth Management Group handles assets worth more than 80,000 crore rupees. So when such an entity comments on the market, you take notice. Bharat Shah, whole-time director of the group, doesn't think the market is overvalued. This is in contrast to a lot of other financial gurus, who get startled seeing the price-to-earnings ratio multiples. Speaking to Dipti Sharma, Shah said that today's market is ripe with opportunities, and that investors have never had a more diverse group of stocks to choose from. He feels that the classic notion that small and midcaps will eventually fizzle out is wrong, and that the Indian equity markets have matured enough to think long-term and move on from the boom-and-bust cycle. This week, Byju's faced a legal showdown with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over non-payment of dues. The National Company Law Tribunal has admitted BCCI’s insolvency petition against Byju’s, resulting in Byju Raveendran losing control of his company. Byju’s will now be overseen by a bankruptcy resolution professional until the legal matter is closed. Other edtech companies, like Unacademy and Vedantu are struggling too. Is this the end of edtechs as we know them? Mansi Verma answers. The Union Budget will be unveiled on Tuesday. Employment and jobs will be key focus areas for the government. Political experts pointed out that rising unemployment was one of the reasons that the BJP government could not secure a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha election. Our partners at howindialives.com examine a report by the Reserve Bank of India on the jobs situation in India. The controversial report has a lot of loopholes, which are fact-checked. RBI said that 46 million additional jobs were created between 2022 and 2024, which is a tall claim. Such optimistic interpretations of data might not serve the on-ground reality too well. There's been a sudden boom in equity trading. But that isn't restricted to just stocks and mutual funds: investors are now dabbling in futures and options too. Different types of investments result in different kinds of tax compliance. Ahead of the ITR filing deadline of July 31, Shipra Singh writes about how you need to report different kinds of investments to the taxman. Stocks trading, intra-day trading, and futures and options all have different regulations. Make sure to read this piece if you follow any of these trading methods. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Infosys regains its stripes, outpaces peers on the back of financial services, India businesses Why Bharat Shah thinks the weariness around midcaps and smallcaps is outdated Byju’s bankrupt: Is the edtech crisis deepening?  Finding jobs: What surveys tell us about India’s biggest puzzle  F&O, intraday and delivery trading: How different types of trading are reported Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Small and midcaps aren't overvalued, says market veteran full 612 Mint - HT Smartcast How to file your trading income during ITR, Infosys's Q1 results Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—increased during Thursday's trading. Sensex and Nifty both were up by around 0.77 percent. IT giant Infosys was up 2.2 percent during yesterday's trading session. Investors expected a good earnings report, and Infosys delivered. The company's revenue for the first three months of FY2025 increased by 3.3 percent. Jas Bardia writes that Infosys is now pulling in more money than ever from the financial services sector. It made a total of 34 deals in the last three months, a record high. Infosys's earnings from India-based companies also grew. Jas notes that this is a pattern among Indian IT companies, as their clients in the west continue to tighten their budgets. A-S-K Asset and Wealth Management Group handles assets worth more than 80,000 crore rupees. So when such an entity comments on the market, you take notice. Bharat Shah, whole-time director of the group, doesn't think the market is overvalued. This is in contrast to a lot of other financial gurus, who get startled seeing the price-to-earnings ratio multiples. Speaking to Dipti Sharma, Shah said that today's market is ripe with opportunities, and that investors have never had a more diverse group of stocks to choose from. He feels that the classic notion that small and midcaps will eventually fizzle out is wrong, and that the Indian equity markets have matured enough to think long-term and move on from the boom-and-bust cycle. This week, Byju's faced a legal showdown with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over non-payment of dues. The National Company Law Tribunal has admitted BCCI’s insolvency petition against Byju’s, resulting in Byju Raveendran losing control of his company. Byju’s will now be overseen by a bankruptcy resolution professional until the legal matter is closed. Other edtech companies, like Unacademy and Vedantu are struggling too. Is this the end of edtechs as we know them? Mansi Verma answers. The Union Budget will be unveiled on Tuesday. Employment and jobs will be key focus areas for the government. Political experts pointed out that rising unemployment was one of the reasons that the BJP government could not secure a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha election. Our partners at howindialives.com examine a report by the Reserve Bank of India on the jobs situation in India. The controversial report has a lot of loopholes, which are fact-checked. RBI said that 46 million additional jobs were created between 2022 and 2024, which is a tall claim. Such optimistic interpretations of data might not serve the on-ground reality too well. There's been a sudden boom in equity trading. But that isn't restricted to just stocks and mutual funds: investors are now dabbling in futures and options too. Different types of investments result in different kinds of tax compliance. Ahead of the ITR filing deadline of July 31, Shipra Singh writes about how you need to report different kinds of investments to the taxman. Stocks trading, intra-day trading, and futures and options all have different regulations. Make sure to read this piece if you follow any of these trading methods. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Infosys regains its stripes, outpaces peers on the back of financial services, India businesses Why Bharat Shah thinks the weariness around midcaps and smallcaps is outdated Byju’s bankrupt: Is the edtech crisis deepening?  Finding jobs: What surveys tell us about India’s biggest puzzle  F&O, intraday and delivery trading: How different types of trading are reported Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—increased during Thursday's trading. Sensex and Nifty both were up by around 0.77 percent.

IT giant Infosys was up 2.2 percent during yesterday's trading session. Investors expected a good earnings report, and Infosys delivered. The company's revenue for the first three months of FY2025 increased by 3.3 percent. Jas Bardia writes that Infosys is now pulling in more money than ever from the financial services sector. It made a total of 34 deals in the last three months, a record high. Infosys's earnings from India-based companies also grew. Jas notes that this is a pattern among Indian IT companies, as their clients in the west continue to tighten their budgets.

A-S-K Asset and Wealth Management Group handles assets worth more than 80,000 crore rupees. So when such an entity comments on the market, you take notice. Bharat Shah, whole-time director of the group, doesn't think the market is overvalued. This is in contrast to a lot of other financial gurus, who get startled seeing the price-to-earnings ratio multiples. Speaking to Dipti Sharma, Shah said that today's market is ripe with opportunities, and that investors have never had a more diverse group of stocks to choose from. He feels that the classic notion that small and midcaps will eventually fizzle out is wrong, and that the Indian equity markets have matured enough to think long-term and move on from the boom-and-bust cycle.

This week, Byju's faced a legal showdown with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over non-payment of dues. The National Company Law Tribunal has admitted BCCI’s insolvency petition against Byju’s, resulting in Byju Raveendran losing control of his company. Byju’s will now be overseen by a bankruptcy resolution professional until the legal matter is closed. Other edtech companies, like Unacademy and Vedantu are struggling too. Is this the end of edtechs as we know them? Mansi Verma answers.

The Union Budget will be unveiled on Tuesday. Employment and jobs will be key focus areas for the government. Political experts pointed out that rising unemployment was one of the reasons that the BJP government could not secure a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha election. Our partners at howindialives.com examine a report by the Reserve Bank of India on the jobs situation in India. The controversial report has a lot of loopholes, which are fact-checked. RBI said that 46 million additional jobs were created between 2022 and 2024, which is a tall claim. Such optimistic interpretations of data might not serve the on-ground reality too well.

There's been a sudden boom in equity trading. But that isn't restricted to just stocks and mutual funds: investors are now dabbling in futures and options too. Different types of investments result in different kinds of tax compliance. Ahead of the ITR filing deadline of July 31, Shipra Singh writes about how you need to report different kinds of investments to the taxman. Stocks trading, intra-day trading, and futures and options all have different regulations. Make sure to read this piece if you follow any of these trading methods.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Infosys regains its stripes, outpaces peers on the back of financial services, India businesses

Why Bharat Shah thinks the weariness around midcaps and smallcaps is outdated

Byju’s bankrupt: Is the edtech crisis deepening? 

Finding jobs: What surveys tell us about India’s biggest puzzle 

F&O, intraday and delivery trading: How different types of trading are reported

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 337 no Karnataka pauses controversial private sector reservations bill https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/karnataka-pauses-controversial-private-sector-reservations-bill-NpbJpezQ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock markets BSE and NSE remained closed on Wednesday on the account of Muharram. The upcoming Union budget on 23 July is set to unveil a new initiative aimed at boosting the domestic production of medical devices, mirroring an existing program for pharmaceuticals. This move is intended to enhance self-sufficiency in medical equipment, potentially lowering healthcare costs. While the specifics of the financial backing remain under wraps, ongoing discussions signal a strong government focus on enhancing the sector's global standards. Currently, India’s medical device market is predominantly composed of disposables and implants, which contributed to an $11 billion industry in 2022, accounting for about 1.5% of the global market. Projections suggest this could expand to $50 billion by 2030. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that the proposed scheme is expected to resemble the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme launched earlier this year. The scheme supports technological advancements in the pharma sector through financial incentives. A new piece of legislation from the Karnataka government made news on Wednesday. The now-halted bill required that 50% of management and 75% of non-management roles in the private sector be reserved for local residents. Local residents are defined under the bill as individuals born in Karnataka or have lived in the state for at least 15 years. Being able to speak Kannada is also mandatory under this bill. The pause came after this policy shift was being seen as a serious challenge, particularly to the IT sector, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The potential impact on these sectors includes a decrease in investments and a possible exodus of companies to other regions with less restrictive employment laws. Industry bodies like Nasscom even expressed deep concerns, predicting that such protectionist measures could deter global firms looking to invest in the state. Mint’s Devina Sengupta explains how the now-paused piece of legislation could have impacted Karnataka’s position in the race to become the country’s biggest tech hub. Guess what tech startups can do without? A Chief Technology Officer. Major tech-driven companies like Zomato, Healthify, Swiggy and others are reconsidering the necessity of this senior executive role. Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that instead of hiring new CTOs, these firms are redistributing responsibilities to existing team members or leaving the position vacant altogether. So what's causing this shift? Firstly, the cost of maintaining such a high-level position is substantial. CTO compensation packages often include hefty salaries and stock options, which can be financially burdensome. Additionally, internal promotions and reallocation of duties are proving effective. Companies are finding that empowering existing staff can maintain momentum and innovation without the need for a dedicated CTO. Despite this, an absence of the CTO could pose challenges, especially for companies relying on cutting-edge technology.  The impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and distressing, ranging from severe floods to prolonged droughts. These events not only disrupt lives but also foreshadow significant economic turmoil. We're looking at potential drops or fluctuations in agricultural yields, which could lead to persistent food price inflation. Additionally, the severity of monsoon-related coastal flooding is likely to increase. In this article, part of Mint’s special series of pre-budget stories, former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha talks about how India’s goal of net zero emissions can be reached through three steps: legislation, emission trading and capital mobilisation.  Once synonymous with inefficiency, public sector undertakings or PSUs have transformed into significant wealth generators. In 2023-24, the 56 listed PSUs in the BSE PSU index recorded a combined profit of over ₹5 trillion, an all-time high. This surge is partly attributed to the government's emphasis on enhancing India's infrastructure, with capital expenditure rising dramatically over the past decade. Yet, this remarkable performance raises questions. Are we witnessing a sustainable growth trajectory, or is this another market bubble driven by government spending and sector-wide euphoria? Investors should consider whether they are chasing short-term gains or genuinely investing in long-term growth. While PSUs currently show strong performance, the underlying risk of a sector-driven bubble looms, suggesting caution in an overheated market. Today’s Long Story by Mint’s Abhishel Mukherjee focuses on PSUs listed on the Dalal Street, and whether investors should continue investing.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Budget may unveil scheme to incentivize medical gear makers Outsiders stay away: Karnataka's 'locals only' quotas can hit firms and jobs The CTO charm is wearing thin at Indian tech startups Three steps to net-zero: Legislation, emissions trading, capital mobilization PSU stocks are in a micro-bubble. What should investors do now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Karnataka pauses controversial private sector reservations bill full 611 Mint - HT Smartcast Should you continue investing in PSU stocks? Three steps towards net-zero emissions Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock markets BSE and NSE remained closed on Wednesday on the account of Muharram. The upcoming Union budget on 23 July is set to unveil a new initiative aimed at boosting the domestic production of medical devices, mirroring an existing program for pharmaceuticals. This move is intended to enhance self-sufficiency in medical equipment, potentially lowering healthcare costs. While the specifics of the financial backing remain under wraps, ongoing discussions signal a strong government focus on enhancing the sector's global standards. Currently, India’s medical device market is predominantly composed of disposables and implants, which contributed to an $11 billion industry in 2022, accounting for about 1.5% of the global market. Projections suggest this could expand to $50 billion by 2030. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that the proposed scheme is expected to resemble the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme launched earlier this year. The scheme supports technological advancements in the pharma sector through financial incentives. A new piece of legislation from the Karnataka government made news on Wednesday. The now-halted bill required that 50% of management and 75% of non-management roles in the private sector be reserved for local residents. Local residents are defined under the bill as individuals born in Karnataka or have lived in the state for at least 15 years. Being able to speak Kannada is also mandatory under this bill. The pause came after this policy shift was being seen as a serious challenge, particularly to the IT sector, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The potential impact on these sectors includes a decrease in investments and a possible exodus of companies to other regions with less restrictive employment laws. Industry bodies like Nasscom even expressed deep concerns, predicting that such protectionist measures could deter global firms looking to invest in the state. Mint’s Devina Sengupta explains how the now-paused piece of legislation could have impacted Karnataka’s position in the race to become the country’s biggest tech hub. Guess what tech startups can do without? A Chief Technology Officer. Major tech-driven companies like Zomato, Healthify, Swiggy and others are reconsidering the necessity of this senior executive role. Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that instead of hiring new CTOs, these firms are redistributing responsibilities to existing team members or leaving the position vacant altogether. So what's causing this shift? Firstly, the cost of maintaining such a high-level position is substantial. CTO compensation packages often include hefty salaries and stock options, which can be financially burdensome. Additionally, internal promotions and reallocation of duties are proving effective. Companies are finding that empowering existing staff can maintain momentum and innovation without the need for a dedicated CTO. Despite this, an absence of the CTO could pose challenges, especially for companies relying on cutting-edge technology.  The impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and distressing, ranging from severe floods to prolonged droughts. These events not only disrupt lives but also foreshadow significant economic turmoil. We're looking at potential drops or fluctuations in agricultural yields, which could lead to persistent food price inflation. Additionally, the severity of monsoon-related coastal flooding is likely to increase. In this article, part of Mint’s special series of pre-budget stories, former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha talks about how India’s goal of net zero emissions can be reached through three steps: legislation, emission trading and capital mobilisation.  Once synonymous with inefficiency, public sector undertakings or PSUs have transformed into significant wealth generators. In 2023-24, the 56 listed PSUs in the BSE PSU index recorded a combined profit of over ₹5 trillion, an all-time high. This surge is partly attributed to the government's emphasis on enhancing India's infrastructure, with capital expenditure rising dramatically over the past decade. Yet, this remarkable performance raises questions. Are we witnessing a sustainable growth trajectory, or is this another market bubble driven by government spending and sector-wide euphoria? Investors should consider whether they are chasing short-term gains or genuinely investing in long-term growth. While PSUs currently show strong performance, the underlying risk of a sector-driven bubble looms, suggesting caution in an overheated market. Today’s Long Story by Mint’s Abhishel Mukherjee focuses on PSUs listed on the Dalal Street, and whether investors should continue investing.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Budget may unveil scheme to incentivize medical gear makers Outsiders stay away: Karnataka's 'locals only' quotas can hit firms and jobs The CTO charm is wearing thin at Indian tech startups Three steps to net-zero: Legislation, emissions trading, capital mobilization PSU stocks are in a micro-bubble. What should investors do now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian stock markets BSE and NSE remained closed on Wednesday on the account of Muharram.

The upcoming Union budget on 23 July is set to unveil a new initiative aimed at boosting the domestic production of medical devices, mirroring an existing program for pharmaceuticals. This move is intended to enhance self-sufficiency in medical equipment, potentially lowering healthcare costs. While the specifics of the financial backing remain under wraps, ongoing discussions signal a strong government focus on enhancing the sector's global standards. Currently, India’s medical device market is predominantly composed of disposables and implants, which contributed to an $11 billion industry in 2022, accounting for about 1.5% of the global market. Projections suggest this could expand to $50 billion by 2030. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports that the proposed scheme is expected to resemble the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme launched earlier this year. The scheme supports technological advancements in the pharma sector through financial incentives.

A new piece of legislation from the Karnataka government made news on Wednesday. The now-halted bill required that 50% of management and 75% of non-management roles in the private sector be reserved for local residents. Local residents are defined under the bill as individuals born in Karnataka or have lived in the state for at least 15 years. Being able to speak Kannada is also mandatory under this bill. The pause came after this policy shift was being seen as a serious challenge, particularly to the IT sector, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The potential impact on these sectors includes a decrease in investments and a possible exodus of companies to other regions with less restrictive employment laws. Industry bodies like Nasscom even expressed deep concerns, predicting that such protectionist measures could deter global firms looking to invest in the state. Mint’s Devina Sengupta explains how the now-paused piece of legislation could have impacted Karnataka’s position in the race to become the country’s biggest tech hub.

Guess what tech startups can do without? A Chief Technology Officer. Major tech-driven companies like Zomato, Healthify, Swiggy and others are reconsidering the necessity of this senior executive role. Mint’s Mansi Verma reports that instead of hiring new CTOs, these firms are redistributing responsibilities to existing team members or leaving the position vacant altogether. So what's causing this shift? Firstly, the cost of maintaining such a high-level position is substantial. CTO compensation packages often include hefty salaries and stock options, which can be financially burdensome. Additionally, internal promotions and reallocation of duties are proving effective. Companies are finding that empowering existing staff can maintain momentum and innovation without the need for a dedicated CTO. Despite this, an absence of the CTO could pose challenges, especially for companies relying on cutting-edge technology. 

The impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and distressing, ranging from severe floods to prolonged droughts. These events not only disrupt lives but also foreshadow significant economic turmoil. We're looking at potential drops or fluctuations in agricultural yields, which could lead to persistent food price inflation. Additionally, the severity of monsoon-related coastal flooding is likely to increase. In this article, part of Mint’s special series of pre-budget stories, former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha talks about how India’s goal of net zero emissions can be reached through three steps: legislation, emission trading and capital mobilisation. 

Once synonymous with inefficiency, public sector undertakings or PSUs have transformed into significant wealth generators. In 2023-24, the 56 listed PSUs in the BSE PSU index recorded a combined profit of over ₹5 trillion, an all-time high. This surge is partly attributed to the government's emphasis on enhancing India's infrastructure, with capital expenditure rising dramatically over the past decade. Yet, this remarkable performance raises questions. Are we witnessing a sustainable growth trajectory, or is this another market bubble driven by government spending and sector-wide euphoria? Investors should consider whether they are chasing short-term gains or genuinely investing in long-term growth. While PSUs currently show strong performance, the underlying risk of a sector-driven bubble looms, suggesting caution in an overheated market. Today’s Long Story by Mint’s Abhishel Mukherjee focuses on PSUs listed on the Dalal Street, and whether investors should continue investing. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Budget may unveil scheme to incentivize medical gear makers

Outsiders stay away: Karnataka's 'locals only' quotas can hit firms and jobs

The CTO charm is wearing thin at Indian tech startups

Three steps to net-zero: Legislation, emissions trading, capital mobilization

PSU stocks are in a micro-bubble. What should investors do now?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 443 no Predictions for the Union Budget https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/predictions-for-the-union-budget-_6_37Q5_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Tuesday's trading. Sensex was up by 0.06 percent, while Nifty increased by 0.11 percent. Today, we're publishing a collection of pre-budget stories, ahead of the Union Budget set to be presented next week. I'd recommend you pick up a physical copy of Mint today to read this special edition. The lead story of our special pre-budget collection is penned by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission. He predicts that all roads lead to the government's massive gamut of promises to be completed by 2047. First and foremost, NDA's third successive government is likely to want to boost GDP growth even further. A fiscal deficit of 5.1 percent is achievable, Ahluwalia writes. Lastly, an overhaul of the current Goods and Services tax should also take place to aid India's economic progress. Alhuwalia lists some other challenges the government would do well to achieve a superpower status in the next two decades. India's insurance companies, barring LIC, aren't exactly in the most strong positions. Three state-owned insurance companies, namely National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance, need more money in case they need to settle a high amount of claims together. Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report that the upcoming Union Budget might allocate anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 crore rupees as a shot in the arm to these insurance companies. Subhash and Rhik report that the solvency numbers of these three insurers are much worse than they should be, and a one-time infusion of funds could help with either a public listing or privatisation. Notice that groceries have gotten expensive again? Official data shows that food inflation has shot up to 9.4 percent year-on-year, the highest in six months. Vegetables are dearer by 29 percent, pulses by 16 percent, and cereals by 8.8 percent. Sayantan Bera explains these numbers, and the reasons why your shopping carts have gotten more expensive yet again. Byju's has been dealing with a lot of financial struggles of late. Yesterday, the national company law tribunal, or N-C-L-T, admitted an insolvency petition. Interestingly, the petition was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India — that's right, the management of the Indian cricket team. BCCI is suing Byju's for non-payment of dues. But the latest in this saga has dire consequences for Byju Raveendran and his team. They lose control of the startup, which will now be controlled by a resolution professional as appointed by the NCLT. Mansi Verma explains what this decision means for Byju's, its investors, and all those it has defaulted against. Financial influencers, or finfluencers, generally dole out advice to anyone willing to pay for their services. However, most of these finfluencers are unregulated — according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, they aren't exactly qualified to advise you on your investments. But what about those who are qualified? Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about registered mutual fund distributors who are also doubling up as finfluencers. Sebi feels that registered entities should distance themselves from unregistered creators offering tall claims. Sashind explores this grey area by speaking to some industry experts on the matter. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: How to pack the journey for 2047 Mint Explainer: NCLT admits insolvency plea against Byju’s. Here’s what it means  Fund infusion announcement for public sector general insurers likely in Budget Hidden in plain sight: New food inflation data  Sebi is regulating influencers. What if they’re also MFDs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Predictions for the Union Budget full 610 Mint - HT Smartcast Byju's turns insolvent, why are groceries expensive again? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Tuesday's trading. Sensex was up by 0.06 percent, while Nifty increased by 0.11 percent. Today, we're publishing a collection of pre-budget stories, ahead of the Union Budget set to be presented next week. I'd recommend you pick up a physical copy of Mint today to read this special edition. The lead story of our special pre-budget collection is penned by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission. He predicts that all roads lead to the government's massive gamut of promises to be completed by 2047. First and foremost, NDA's third successive government is likely to want to boost GDP growth even further. A fiscal deficit of 5.1 percent is achievable, Ahluwalia writes. Lastly, an overhaul of the current Goods and Services tax should also take place to aid India's economic progress. Alhuwalia lists some other challenges the government would do well to achieve a superpower status in the next two decades. India's insurance companies, barring LIC, aren't exactly in the most strong positions. Three state-owned insurance companies, namely National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance, need more money in case they need to settle a high amount of claims together. Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report that the upcoming Union Budget might allocate anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 crore rupees as a shot in the arm to these insurance companies. Subhash and Rhik report that the solvency numbers of these three insurers are much worse than they should be, and a one-time infusion of funds could help with either a public listing or privatisation. Notice that groceries have gotten expensive again? Official data shows that food inflation has shot up to 9.4 percent year-on-year, the highest in six months. Vegetables are dearer by 29 percent, pulses by 16 percent, and cereals by 8.8 percent. Sayantan Bera explains these numbers, and the reasons why your shopping carts have gotten more expensive yet again. Byju's has been dealing with a lot of financial struggles of late. Yesterday, the national company law tribunal, or N-C-L-T, admitted an insolvency petition. Interestingly, the petition was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India — that's right, the management of the Indian cricket team. BCCI is suing Byju's for non-payment of dues. But the latest in this saga has dire consequences for Byju Raveendran and his team. They lose control of the startup, which will now be controlled by a resolution professional as appointed by the NCLT. Mansi Verma explains what this decision means for Byju's, its investors, and all those it has defaulted against. Financial influencers, or finfluencers, generally dole out advice to anyone willing to pay for their services. However, most of these finfluencers are unregulated — according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, they aren't exactly qualified to advise you on your investments. But what about those who are qualified? Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about registered mutual fund distributors who are also doubling up as finfluencers. Sebi feels that registered entities should distance themselves from unregistered creators offering tall claims. Sashind explores this grey area by speaking to some industry experts on the matter. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: How to pack the journey for 2047 Mint Explainer: NCLT admits insolvency plea against Byju’s. Here’s what it means  Fund infusion announcement for public sector general insurers likely in Budget Hidden in plain sight: New food inflation data  Sebi is regulating influencers. What if they’re also MFDs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Tuesday's trading. Sensex was up by 0.06 percent, while Nifty increased by 0.11 percent.

Today, we're publishing a collection of pre-budget stories, ahead of the Union Budget set to be presented next week. I'd recommend you pick up a physical copy of Mint today to read this special edition.

The lead story of our special pre-budget collection is penned by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission. He predicts that all roads lead to the government's massive gamut of promises to be completed by 2047. First and foremost, NDA's third successive government is likely to want to boost GDP growth even further. A fiscal deficit of 5.1 percent is achievable, Ahluwalia writes. Lastly, an overhaul of the current Goods and Services tax should also take place to aid India's economic progress. Alhuwalia lists some other challenges the government would do well to achieve a superpower status in the next two decades.

India's insurance companies, barring LIC, aren't exactly in the most strong positions. Three state-owned insurance companies, namely National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance, need more money in case they need to settle a high amount of claims together. Subhash Narayan and Rhik Kundu report that the upcoming Union Budget might allocate anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 crore rupees as a shot in the arm to these insurance companies. Subhash and Rhik report that the solvency numbers of these three insurers are much worse than they should be, and a one-time infusion of funds could help with either a public listing or privatisation.

Notice that groceries have gotten expensive again? Official data shows that food inflation has shot up to 9.4 percent year-on-year, the highest in six months. Vegetables are dearer by 29 percent, pulses by 16 percent, and cereals by 8.8 percent. Sayantan Bera explains these numbers, and the reasons why your shopping carts have gotten more expensive yet again.

Byju's has been dealing with a lot of financial struggles of late. Yesterday, the national company law tribunal, or N-C-L-T, admitted an insolvency petition. Interestingly, the petition was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India — that's right, the management of the Indian cricket team. BCCI is suing Byju's for non-payment of dues. But the latest in this saga has dire consequences for Byju Raveendran and his team. They lose control of the startup, which will now be controlled by a resolution professional as appointed by the NCLT. Mansi Verma explains what this decision means for Byju's, its investors, and all those it has defaulted against.

Financial influencers, or finfluencers, generally dole out advice to anyone willing to pay for their services. However, most of these finfluencers are unregulated — according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, they aren't exactly qualified to advise you on your investments. But what about those who are qualified? Sashind Ningthoukhongjam writes about registered mutual fund distributors who are also doubling up as finfluencers. Sebi feels that registered entities should distance themselves from unregistered creators offering tall claims. Sashind explores this grey area by speaking to some industry experts on the matter.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

How to pack the journey for 2047

Mint Explainer: NCLT admits insolvency plea against Byju’s. Here’s what it means 

Fund infusion announcement for public sector general insurers likely in Budget

Hidden in plain sight: New food inflation data 

Sebi is regulating influencers. What if they’re also MFDs?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 353 no Inside India’s stressed real estate projects https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-indias-stressed-real-estate-projects-4HG9CJof Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Monday's trading session to settle at fresh closing highs.  The Indian government is exploring an exciting proposal: getting public sector banks to take equity stakes in state-owned specialized infrastructure financiers. The spotlight is on the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development. This plan is part of a broader effort to supercharge India's infrastructure development, which is already set for a massive investment boost. In fact, the 2024 interim budget has earmarked a hefty 11.1 trillion rupees for capital expenditures, a solid 11.1% jump from last year. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Shayan Ghosh report on the plan that focuses on increasing the capital base of DFIs to 1 trillion rupees, utilizing contributions from banks with robust capital adequacy ratios. Macquarie Group, JSW Group, and Actis have thrown their hats in the ring to acquire Gurugram-based renewable energy platform O2 Power. The companies have even signed a non-disclosure agreement. Mint’s economy and policy reporter Utpal Bhaskar reports that the deal, managed by Barclays, is set to potentially value O2 Power at around 1 billion dollars in equity with an enterprise value of about 1.5 billion dollars. O2 Power, counts EQT and Temasek as major investments. The company is eyeing an ambitious expansion to reach a capacity of 5 gigawatts; it’s already close, with a current capacity of 4 gigawatts. The acquisition deal is poised to be a landmark in the renewable energy sector, reflecting growing interest in sustainable investments. Kota's coaching centres, once the epicentre for competitive exam preparation, are seeing a notable shift in their student base. With new branches opening in cities like Patna, New Delhi, and Latur, these centres are attracting local students who would have traditionally travelled to Kota. This shift is reshaping the coaching landscape, leading to reduced enrollments in Kota itself and impacting the city's once-thriving educational ecosystem. Mint’s Mansi Verma spoke to faculty members across various institutes, including Allen Career Institute. Representatives from Allen highlighted that while Kota is dealing with salary cuts due to fewer students, new centres in other cities are booming. Did you buy a flat in a stressed real estate project and are now waiting for the possession? Thousands in Delhi-NCR bought units in projects across the region around the turn of the last decade - only to find their investments stuck in limbo. While the Supreme Court intervened in 2019, asking state-owned construction corporation NBCC to take over the construction at Amrapali Group’s Noida projects, involving 38,000 units, the stressed project landscape otherwise looks very rocky. In 2023, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) reported that about 412,000 residential units, valued at 4.08 trillion rupees, were affected by halted real estate projects across India. Over half of these, approximately 240,000 units, are located in the national capital region. Additionally, more than 100,000 units are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with significant numbers also reported in Pune, Bengaluru, and other major cities. In a detailed investigation of the troubled real estate market, Mint's Madhurima Nandy explores the protracted delays that have left many homebuyers waiting for years to receive possession of their homes. The government is considering a significant investment of 4.5 trillion rupees over the next five years to construct 23.5 million rural homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The allocation targets 20 million new rural houses in addition to completing 3.5 million homes from the previous phase of the scheme. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the officials have outlined a phased approach, aiming to complete 4 million houses by the end of FY24, 8 million by FY26, and the remainder by FY29. The proposed funding of about 4.5 trillion rupees includes contributions from both the central and state governments, with the central government providing about 2.9 trillion rupees. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Govt wants its big banks to help their rival–the country’s youngest infra lender Macquarie, JSW Group, Actis line up to buy O2 Power in $1-billion deal How the cannibals came for Kota's coaching giants Bought a flat in a stressed real estate project? Here’s how long you've to wait Union budget may approve ₹4.5 trillion for rural housing scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Inside India’s stressed real estate projects full 609 Mint - HT Smartcast Buyers line up for O2 Energy; How cannibals came for Kota’s coaching giants Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Monday's trading session to settle at fresh closing highs.  The Indian government is exploring an exciting proposal: getting public sector banks to take equity stakes in state-owned specialized infrastructure financiers. The spotlight is on the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development. This plan is part of a broader effort to supercharge India's infrastructure development, which is already set for a massive investment boost. In fact, the 2024 interim budget has earmarked a hefty 11.1 trillion rupees for capital expenditures, a solid 11.1% jump from last year. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Shayan Ghosh report on the plan that focuses on increasing the capital base of DFIs to 1 trillion rupees, utilizing contributions from banks with robust capital adequacy ratios. Macquarie Group, JSW Group, and Actis have thrown their hats in the ring to acquire Gurugram-based renewable energy platform O2 Power. The companies have even signed a non-disclosure agreement. Mint’s economy and policy reporter Utpal Bhaskar reports that the deal, managed by Barclays, is set to potentially value O2 Power at around 1 billion dollars in equity with an enterprise value of about 1.5 billion dollars. O2 Power, counts EQT and Temasek as major investments. The company is eyeing an ambitious expansion to reach a capacity of 5 gigawatts; it’s already close, with a current capacity of 4 gigawatts. The acquisition deal is poised to be a landmark in the renewable energy sector, reflecting growing interest in sustainable investments. Kota's coaching centres, once the epicentre for competitive exam preparation, are seeing a notable shift in their student base. With new branches opening in cities like Patna, New Delhi, and Latur, these centres are attracting local students who would have traditionally travelled to Kota. This shift is reshaping the coaching landscape, leading to reduced enrollments in Kota itself and impacting the city's once-thriving educational ecosystem. Mint’s Mansi Verma spoke to faculty members across various institutes, including Allen Career Institute. Representatives from Allen highlighted that while Kota is dealing with salary cuts due to fewer students, new centres in other cities are booming. Did you buy a flat in a stressed real estate project and are now waiting for the possession? Thousands in Delhi-NCR bought units in projects across the region around the turn of the last decade - only to find their investments stuck in limbo. While the Supreme Court intervened in 2019, asking state-owned construction corporation NBCC to take over the construction at Amrapali Group’s Noida projects, involving 38,000 units, the stressed project landscape otherwise looks very rocky. In 2023, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) reported that about 412,000 residential units, valued at 4.08 trillion rupees, were affected by halted real estate projects across India. Over half of these, approximately 240,000 units, are located in the national capital region. Additionally, more than 100,000 units are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with significant numbers also reported in Pune, Bengaluru, and other major cities. In a detailed investigation of the troubled real estate market, Mint's Madhurima Nandy explores the protracted delays that have left many homebuyers waiting for years to receive possession of their homes. The government is considering a significant investment of 4.5 trillion rupees over the next five years to construct 23.5 million rural homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The allocation targets 20 million new rural houses in addition to completing 3.5 million homes from the previous phase of the scheme. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the officials have outlined a phased approach, aiming to complete 4 million houses by the end of FY24, 8 million by FY26, and the remainder by FY29. The proposed funding of about 4.5 trillion rupees includes contributions from both the central and state governments, with the central government providing about 2.9 trillion rupees. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Govt wants its big banks to help their rival–the country’s youngest infra lender Macquarie, JSW Group, Actis line up to buy O2 Power in $1-billion deal How the cannibals came for Kota's coaching giants Bought a flat in a stressed real estate project? Here’s how long you've to wait Union budget may approve ₹4.5 trillion for rural housing scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian market's benchmark indices —Nifty and Sensex—inched up during Monday's trading session to settle at fresh closing highs. 

The Indian government is exploring an exciting proposal: getting public sector banks to take equity stakes in state-owned specialized infrastructure financiers. The spotlight is on the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development. This plan is part of a broader effort to supercharge India's infrastructure development, which is already set for a massive investment boost. In fact, the 2024 interim budget has earmarked a hefty 11.1 trillion rupees for capital expenditures, a solid 11.1% jump from last year. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Shayan Ghosh report on the plan that focuses on increasing the capital base of DFIs to 1 trillion rupees, utilizing contributions from banks with robust capital adequacy ratios.

Macquarie Group, JSW Group, and Actis have thrown their hats in the ring to acquire Gurugram-based renewable energy platform O2 Power. The companies have even signed a non-disclosure agreement. Mint’s economy and policy reporter Utpal Bhaskar reports that the deal, managed by Barclays, is set to potentially value O2 Power at around 1 billion dollars in equity with an enterprise value of about 1.5 billion dollars. O2 Power, counts EQT and Temasek as major investments. The company is eyeing an ambitious expansion to reach a capacity of 5 gigawatts; it’s already close, with a current capacity of 4 gigawatts. The acquisition deal is poised to be a landmark in the renewable energy sector, reflecting growing interest in sustainable investments.

Kota's coaching centres, once the epicentre for competitive exam preparation, are seeing a notable shift in their student base. With new branches opening in cities like Patna, New Delhi, and Latur, these centres are attracting local students who would have traditionally travelled to Kota. This shift is reshaping the coaching landscape, leading to reduced enrollments in Kota itself and impacting the city's once-thriving educational ecosystem. Mint’s Mansi Verma spoke to faculty members across various institutes, including Allen Career Institute. Representatives from Allen highlighted that while Kota is dealing with salary cuts due to fewer students, new centres in other cities are booming.

Did you buy a flat in a stressed real estate project and are now waiting for the possession? Thousands in Delhi-NCR bought units in projects across the region around the turn of the last decade - only to find their investments stuck in limbo. While the Supreme Court intervened in 2019, asking state-owned construction corporation NBCC to take over the construction at Amrapali Group’s Noida projects, involving 38,000 units, the stressed project landscape otherwise looks very rocky. In 2023, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) reported that about 412,000 residential units, valued at 4.08 trillion rupees, were affected by halted real estate projects across India. Over half of these, approximately 240,000 units, are located in the national capital region. Additionally, more than 100,000 units are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with significant numbers also reported in Pune, Bengaluru, and other major cities. In a detailed investigation of the troubled real estate market, Mint's Madhurima Nandy explores the protracted delays that have left many homebuyers waiting for years to receive possession of their homes.

The government is considering a significant investment of 4.5 trillion rupees over the next five years to construct 23.5 million rural homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The allocation targets 20 million new rural houses in addition to completing 3.5 million homes from the previous phase of the scheme. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the officials have outlined a phased approach, aiming to complete 4 million houses by the end of FY24, 8 million by FY26, and the remainder by FY29. The proposed funding of about 4.5 trillion rupees includes contributions from both the central and state governments, with the central government providing about 2.9 trillion rupees.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Govt wants its big banks to help their rival–the country’s youngest infra lender

Macquarie, JSW Group, Actis line up to buy O2 Power in $1-billion deal

How the cannibals came for Kota's coaching giants

Bought a flat in a stressed real estate project? Here’s how long you've to wait

Union budget may approve ₹4.5 trillion for rural housing scheme

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 392 no Implications of the attack on Trump https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/implications-of-the-attack-on-trump-u_wLwoDs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   US Presidents have had a long history of being targets of assassinations — Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, and Ronal Reagen, to name a few. Yesterday, former president Donald Trump joined this illustrious list after being shot at by a 20-year old. Trump survived, but the shooter did not, after the Secret Service found him. The attack could intensify political divisions and influence the upcoming US presidential election. Elizabeth Roche brings you the implications of the shot heard around the world.   The new government is set to present its next union budget next week. If you're a little confused, the Budget presented a few months ago was a small one — meant to keep the government machinery chugging till the election results were announced. The next budget, also presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, is much-anticipated: some reports state that income tax rate cuts might be coming. This is expected to boost the economy. But with only 0.4 percent of the country paying 86 percent of the taxes, will this really stimulate any growth? Vivek Kaul answers this crucial question in a narrative format the way only he can.   How much processed food do you consume? It's difficult to ascertain — nearly every packeted item might contain some additive. From beloved namkeen snacks to instant noodles, everything has some preservatives. Shuja Asrar and Niti Kiran take a deep dive into a government survey that outlines India's eating habits. While urban India has started to get more health conscious — think the different varieties of Maggi — rural India loves snacking on biscuits. The rise of junk food in the Indian diet has also worried experts, but that doesn't stop Indians from thronging to fast food joints.   TCS investors might want to close their ears: the company's CEO said that hard times are just starting. Tata Consultancy Services shares are up 7 percent since they announced their Q1 results last week, but global conflicts and confusion about interest rate cuts might prove to be dampers moving forward. Demand for the IT company's services has remained muted — if you leave out a contract from state-owned BSNL, and TCS's numbers look much worse. Varun Sood got the chance to sit down with K. Krithivasan and have an in-depth and honest interview about the state of TCS, the IT sector at large, and the impact of AI on jobs in the IT sector.   Some people like to cook when they want a break. But what happens when cooking is your job? This weekend's cover story on Mint Lounge explored just that. Avantika Bhuyan spoke to chefs from India's top kitchens about what they did when they took a break. Answers range from playing music to painting to long distance cycling. These activities help them unwind, but also gather inspiration for the next time they step into a kitchen.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Trump’s murder attempt: What it means for us     A stormy night and a taxing conversation on the budget    In charts and numbers: India’s junk food juggernaut rolls on    TCS not out of the woods, sees no GenAI threat   The secret lives of chefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Implications of the attack on Trump full 608 Mint - HT Smartcast TCS CEO bracing for bad times, how the Budget affects the economy Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   US Presidents have had a long history of being targets of assassinations — Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, and Ronal Reagen, to name a few. Yesterday, former president Donald Trump joined this illustrious list after being shot at by a 20-year old. Trump survived, but the shooter did not, after the Secret Service found him. The attack could intensify political divisions and influence the upcoming US presidential election. Elizabeth Roche brings you the implications of the shot heard around the world.   The new government is set to present its next union budget next week. If you're a little confused, the Budget presented a few months ago was a small one — meant to keep the government machinery chugging till the election results were announced. The next budget, also presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, is much-anticipated: some reports state that income tax rate cuts might be coming. This is expected to boost the economy. But with only 0.4 percent of the country paying 86 percent of the taxes, will this really stimulate any growth? Vivek Kaul answers this crucial question in a narrative format the way only he can.   How much processed food do you consume? It's difficult to ascertain — nearly every packeted item might contain some additive. From beloved namkeen snacks to instant noodles, everything has some preservatives. Shuja Asrar and Niti Kiran take a deep dive into a government survey that outlines India's eating habits. While urban India has started to get more health conscious — think the different varieties of Maggi — rural India loves snacking on biscuits. The rise of junk food in the Indian diet has also worried experts, but that doesn't stop Indians from thronging to fast food joints.   TCS investors might want to close their ears: the company's CEO said that hard times are just starting. Tata Consultancy Services shares are up 7 percent since they announced their Q1 results last week, but global conflicts and confusion about interest rate cuts might prove to be dampers moving forward. Demand for the IT company's services has remained muted — if you leave out a contract from state-owned BSNL, and TCS's numbers look much worse. Varun Sood got the chance to sit down with K. Krithivasan and have an in-depth and honest interview about the state of TCS, the IT sector at large, and the impact of AI on jobs in the IT sector.   Some people like to cook when they want a break. But what happens when cooking is your job? This weekend's cover story on Mint Lounge explored just that. Avantika Bhuyan spoke to chefs from India's top kitchens about what they did when they took a break. Answers range from playing music to painting to long distance cycling. These activities help them unwind, but also gather inspiration for the next time they step into a kitchen.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Trump’s murder attempt: What it means for us     A stormy night and a taxing conversation on the budget    In charts and numbers: India’s junk food juggernaut rolls on    TCS not out of the woods, sees no GenAI threat   The secret lives of chefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

US Presidents have had a long history of being targets of assassinations — Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, and Ronal Reagen, to name a few. Yesterday, former president Donald Trump joined this illustrious list after being shot at by a 20-year old. Trump survived, but the shooter did not, after the Secret Service found him. The attack could intensify political divisions and influence the upcoming US presidential election. Elizabeth Roche brings you the implications of the shot heard around the world.


 

The new government is set to present its next union budget next week. If you're a little confused, the Budget presented a few months ago was a small one — meant to keep the government machinery chugging till the election results were announced. The next budget, also presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, is much-anticipated: some reports state that income tax rate cuts might be coming. This is expected to boost the economy. But with only 0.4 percent of the country paying 86 percent of the taxes, will this really stimulate any growth? Vivek Kaul answers this crucial question in a narrative format the way only he can.


 

How much processed food do you consume? It's difficult to ascertain — nearly every packeted item might contain some additive. From beloved namkeen snacks to instant noodles, everything has some preservatives. Shuja Asrar and Niti Kiran take a deep dive into a government survey that outlines India's eating habits. While urban India has started to get more health conscious — think the different varieties of Maggi — rural India loves snacking on biscuits. The rise of junk food in the Indian diet has also worried experts, but that doesn't stop Indians from thronging to fast food joints.


 

TCS investors might want to close their ears: the company's CEO said that hard times are just starting. Tata Consultancy Services shares are up 7 percent since they announced their Q1 results last week, but global conflicts and confusion about interest rate cuts might prove to be dampers moving forward. Demand for the IT company's services has remained muted — if you leave out a contract from state-owned BSNL, and TCS's numbers look much worse. Varun Sood got the chance to sit down with K. Krithivasan and have an in-depth and honest interview about the state of TCS, the IT sector at large, and the impact of AI on jobs in the IT sector.


 

Some people like to cook when they want a break. But what happens when cooking is your job? This weekend's cover story on Mint Lounge explored just that. Avantika Bhuyan spoke to chefs from India's top kitchens about what they did when they took a break. Answers range from playing music to painting to long distance cycling. These activities help them unwind, but also gather inspiration for the next time they step into a kitchen.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 

Show notes:


 

Trump’s murder attempt: What it means for us  


 

A stormy night and a taxing conversation on the budget 


 

In charts and numbers: India’s junk food juggernaut rolls on 


 

TCS not out of the woods, sees no GenAI threat


 

The secret lives of chefs

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 314 no Is it time for you to leave Delhi? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-it-time-for-you-to-leave-delhi-5t0OjlsI Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- closed flat on Thursday, as gains in shares of ITC, ONGC, Tata Motors and SBI were offset by losses in those of Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Larsen and Toubro and HDFC Bank.  Delhi's summer has been nothing short of extreme this year. With temperatures frequently soaring well beyond the usual, hitting near 50 degrees Celsius, the capital found itself grappling with intense heatwaves. The sweltering heat prompted a significant response, with public hospitals establishing special heat treatment wards and reported heat-related fatalities reaching 58 by mid-June. However, as June ended, the weather took a drastic turn. The city experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 88 years on the 28 June.This sudden deluge not only disrupted daily life but also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a canopy at Delhi Airport which tragically resulted in a fatality. The first half of 2024 has indeed been challenging for the residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, home to a combined population of over 70 million. And the outlook for the remainder of the year suggests no respite, with the meteorological department predicting an unusually wet monsoon, which could lead to further flooding. Looking ahead to the winter, the situation appears equally grim with the anticipated onset of Delhi's notorious smog, which annually contributes to a high number of respiratory-related illnesses and deaths. This persistent cycle of extreme weather conditions underlines the urgent need for comprehensive environmental and infrastructural strategies to mitigate these impacts. Delhi’s weather also begets the question - Is it time for you to leave Delhi? Mint’s Sayantan Bera examines in today’s Long Story.  India’s largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services has set a strong pace in the first quarterly earnings of FY25, outperforming its average growth rate over the past five years. TCS reported a quarterly revenue of $7.5 billion, a 1.9% increase from the previous quarter, surpassing expectations from analysts who had projected a revenue of $7.44 billion. A significant portion of this growth, however, is attributed to an unusual surge in its India operations, Mint’s IT correspondents Jas Bardia and Shouvik Das report. The push in revenue is primarily because of a $1.83-billion 4G network project from BSNL. This has raised questions about the organic nature of TCS's growth, as half of its $142 million sequential revenue increase was derived from this Indian deal, marking a deviation from its traditional revenue streams predominantly from the Americas, Europe, and UK. Despite these doubts, K Krithivasan, TCS’s CEO, asserts that the company's growth isn’t solely reliant on the BSNL project. He acknowledges the current volatile market conditions, which affect decision-making and client investments but remains cautiously optimistic about the broader growth beyond this single project. India is gearing up for an expansion of its aviation infrastructure by doubling the number of airports from the current 138 to 300 by the 100th year of independence in 2047. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma resorts that the plan is outlined in a draft by the Airports Authority of India. This ambitious project aims to accommodate an eightfold increase in passenger traffic, potentially reaching 3-3.5 billion passengers annually by the target year. The initiative aligns with efforts to enhance connectivity to tier 2 and tier 3 cities through programs like UDAN, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, particularly in less served areas. Locations identified for potential new airports include Kota in Rajasthan, Parandur in Tamil Nadu, and Puri in Odisha, among others. The plan also proposes converting existing airstrips in places like Mandavi in Gujarat and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh into operational airports. The Agnipath scheme is under review for potential modifications to enhance its appeal. Introduced in June 2022, to recruit young individuals aged 17.5 to 21 years into the armed forces, the scheme has been pivotal in rejuvenating the youth profile of the armed forces. It also addresses the ballooning defence pension liabilities. Currently, the scheme recruits these young individuals for a four-year tenure, with a fourth of them being offered a chance to join the permanent cadre afterwards. As of now, the scheme is expected to continue with possible modifications either in the FY25 Budget or later to make it more attractive to potential recruits, Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. The financial implications of the scheme are significant, given that the defence pension allocation for FY25 is ₹1.41 trillion, nearly a quarter of the ₹6.2 trillion defence budget. The Agnipath scheme is seen as a sustainable solution to manage these pension costs. Hyundai Motors is making waves with its plans to list its Indian subsidiary, eyeing a massive $3-3.5 billion IPO. This could be India’s second-largest public offering, valuing Hyundai India at $20 billion. It's a big move that's turning heads and might just inspire other multinational corporation to consider the vibrant Indian market for their listings. Mint’s Priyamvada C spoke to Gaurav Sood, from Avendus Capital, who notes that Hyundai's decision underscores the depth and appetite of Indian capital markets. This  points to an increasing interest among global businesses towards India. This trend is supported by factors like enhanced ease of doing business and significant untapped market potential. Legal and financial experts suggest that other MNCs are observing Hyundai’s move closely, with firms like LG Electronics and Italy’s Carraro also rumored to be considering listings. Historical precedents from giants like Suzuki and Unilever, which have listed successful Indian subsidiaries, further pave the way for such strategic decisions.       We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!   Show notes: Frying pan, wetland, gas chamber: Is it time for you to leave Delhi? Big one mega hit on home ground, TCS kicks off first quarter on the front foot India prepares plans to double airports to 300 by 2047 Agnipath scheme to stay, tweaks likely in the upcoming budget or later Hyundai's IPO may inspire other MNCs to list in India for valuation gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:19:02 -0000 Is it time for you to leave Delhi? full 607 Mint - HT Smartcast TCS Q1 results; India to double airports by 2047 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- closed flat on Thursday, as gains in shares of ITC, ONGC, Tata Motors and SBI were offset by losses in those of Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Larsen and Toubro and HDFC Bank.  Delhi's summer has been nothing short of extreme this year. With temperatures frequently soaring well beyond the usual, hitting near 50 degrees Celsius, the capital found itself grappling with intense heatwaves. The sweltering heat prompted a significant response, with public hospitals establishing special heat treatment wards and reported heat-related fatalities reaching 58 by mid-June. However, as June ended, the weather took a drastic turn. The city experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 88 years on the 28 June.This sudden deluge not only disrupted daily life but also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a canopy at Delhi Airport which tragically resulted in a fatality. The first half of 2024 has indeed been challenging for the residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, home to a combined population of over 70 million. And the outlook for the remainder of the year suggests no respite, with the meteorological department predicting an unusually wet monsoon, which could lead to further flooding. Looking ahead to the winter, the situation appears equally grim with the anticipated onset of Delhi's notorious smog, which annually contributes to a high number of respiratory-related illnesses and deaths. This persistent cycle of extreme weather conditions underlines the urgent need for comprehensive environmental and infrastructural strategies to mitigate these impacts. Delhi’s weather also begets the question - Is it time for you to leave Delhi? Mint’s Sayantan Bera examines in today’s Long Story.  India’s largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services has set a strong pace in the first quarterly earnings of FY25, outperforming its average growth rate over the past five years. TCS reported a quarterly revenue of $7.5 billion, a 1.9% increase from the previous quarter, surpassing expectations from analysts who had projected a revenue of $7.44 billion. A significant portion of this growth, however, is attributed to an unusual surge in its India operations, Mint’s IT correspondents Jas Bardia and Shouvik Das report. The push in revenue is primarily because of a $1.83-billion 4G network project from BSNL. This has raised questions about the organic nature of TCS's growth, as half of its $142 million sequential revenue increase was derived from this Indian deal, marking a deviation from its traditional revenue streams predominantly from the Americas, Europe, and UK. Despite these doubts, K Krithivasan, TCS’s CEO, asserts that the company's growth isn’t solely reliant on the BSNL project. He acknowledges the current volatile market conditions, which affect decision-making and client investments but remains cautiously optimistic about the broader growth beyond this single project. India is gearing up for an expansion of its aviation infrastructure by doubling the number of airports from the current 138 to 300 by the 100th year of independence in 2047. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma resorts that the plan is outlined in a draft by the Airports Authority of India. This ambitious project aims to accommodate an eightfold increase in passenger traffic, potentially reaching 3-3.5 billion passengers annually by the target year. The initiative aligns with efforts to enhance connectivity to tier 2 and tier 3 cities through programs like UDAN, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, particularly in less served areas. Locations identified for potential new airports include Kota in Rajasthan, Parandur in Tamil Nadu, and Puri in Odisha, among others. The plan also proposes converting existing airstrips in places like Mandavi in Gujarat and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh into operational airports. The Agnipath scheme is under review for potential modifications to enhance its appeal. Introduced in June 2022, to recruit young individuals aged 17.5 to 21 years into the armed forces, the scheme has been pivotal in rejuvenating the youth profile of the armed forces. It also addresses the ballooning defence pension liabilities. Currently, the scheme recruits these young individuals for a four-year tenure, with a fourth of them being offered a chance to join the permanent cadre afterwards. As of now, the scheme is expected to continue with possible modifications either in the FY25 Budget or later to make it more attractive to potential recruits, Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. The financial implications of the scheme are significant, given that the defence pension allocation for FY25 is ₹1.41 trillion, nearly a quarter of the ₹6.2 trillion defence budget. The Agnipath scheme is seen as a sustainable solution to manage these pension costs. Hyundai Motors is making waves with its plans to list its Indian subsidiary, eyeing a massive $3-3.5 billion IPO. This could be India’s second-largest public offering, valuing Hyundai India at $20 billion. It's a big move that's turning heads and might just inspire other multinational corporation to consider the vibrant Indian market for their listings. Mint’s Priyamvada C spoke to Gaurav Sood, from Avendus Capital, who notes that Hyundai's decision underscores the depth and appetite of Indian capital markets. This  points to an increasing interest among global businesses towards India. This trend is supported by factors like enhanced ease of doing business and significant untapped market potential. Legal and financial experts suggest that other MNCs are observing Hyundai’s move closely, with firms like LG Electronics and Italy’s Carraro also rumored to be considering listings. Historical precedents from giants like Suzuki and Unilever, which have listed successful Indian subsidiaries, further pave the way for such strategic decisions.       We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!   Show notes: Frying pan, wetland, gas chamber: Is it time for you to leave Delhi? Big one mega hit on home ground, TCS kicks off first quarter on the front foot India prepares plans to double airports to 300 by 2047 Agnipath scheme to stay, tweaks likely in the upcoming budget or later Hyundai's IPO may inspire other MNCs to list in India for valuation gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian stock market benchmarks- the Sensex and the Nifty 50- closed flat on Thursday, as gains in shares of ITC, ONGC, Tata Motors and SBI were offset by losses in those of Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Larsen and Toubro and HDFC Bank. 

Delhi's summer has been nothing short of extreme this year. With temperatures frequently soaring well beyond the usual, hitting near 50 degrees Celsius, the capital found itself grappling with intense heatwaves. The sweltering heat prompted a significant response, with public hospitals establishing special heat treatment wards and reported heat-related fatalities reaching 58 by mid-June. However, as June ended, the weather took a drastic turn. The city experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 88 years on the 28 June.This sudden deluge not only disrupted daily life but also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a canopy at Delhi Airport which tragically resulted in a fatality. The first half of 2024 has indeed been challenging for the residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, home to a combined population of over 70 million. And the outlook for the remainder of the year suggests no respite, with the meteorological department predicting an unusually wet monsoon, which could lead to further flooding. Looking ahead to the winter, the situation appears equally grim with the anticipated onset of Delhi's notorious smog, which annually contributes to a high number of respiratory-related illnesses and deaths. This persistent cycle of extreme weather conditions underlines the urgent need for comprehensive environmental and infrastructural strategies to mitigate these impacts. Delhi’s weather also begets the question - Is it time for you to leave Delhi? Mint’s Sayantan Bera examines in today’s Long Story. 

India’s largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services has set a strong pace in the first quarterly earnings of FY25, outperforming its average growth rate over the past five years. TCS reported a quarterly revenue of $7.5 billion, a 1.9% increase from the previous quarter, surpassing expectations from analysts who had projected a revenue of $7.44 billion. A significant portion of this growth, however, is attributed to an unusual surge in its India operations, Mint’s IT correspondents Jas Bardia and Shouvik Das report. The push in revenue is primarily because of a $1.83-billion 4G network project from BSNL. This has raised questions about the organic nature of TCS's growth, as half of its $142 million sequential revenue increase was derived from this Indian deal, marking a deviation from its traditional revenue streams predominantly from the Americas, Europe, and UK. Despite these doubts, K Krithivasan, TCS’s CEO, asserts that the company's growth isn’t solely reliant on the BSNL project. He acknowledges the current volatile market conditions, which affect decision-making and client investments but remains cautiously optimistic about the broader growth beyond this single project.

India is gearing up for an expansion of its aviation infrastructure by doubling the number of airports from the current 138 to 300 by the 100th year of independence in 2047. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma resorts that the plan is outlined in a draft by the Airports Authority of India. This ambitious project aims to accommodate an eightfold increase in passenger traffic, potentially reaching 3-3.5 billion passengers annually by the target year. The initiative aligns with efforts to enhance connectivity to tier 2 and tier 3 cities through programs like UDAN, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, particularly in less served areas. Locations identified for potential new airports include Kota in Rajasthan, Parandur in Tamil Nadu, and Puri in Odisha, among others. The plan also proposes converting existing airstrips in places like Mandavi in Gujarat and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh into operational airports.

The Agnipath scheme is under review for potential modifications to enhance its appeal. Introduced in June 2022, to recruit young individuals aged 17.5 to 21 years into the armed forces, the scheme has been pivotal in rejuvenating the youth profile of the armed forces. It also addresses the ballooning defence pension liabilities. Currently, the scheme recruits these young individuals for a four-year tenure, with a fourth of them being offered a chance to join the permanent cadre afterwards. As of now, the scheme is expected to continue with possible modifications either in the FY25 Budget or later to make it more attractive to potential recruits, Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports. The financial implications of the scheme are significant, given that the defence pension allocation for FY25 is ₹1.41 trillion, nearly a quarter of the ₹6.2 trillion defence budget. The Agnipath scheme is seen as a sustainable solution to manage these pension costs.

Hyundai Motors is making waves with its plans to list its Indian subsidiary, eyeing a massive $3-3.5 billion IPO. This could be India’s second-largest public offering, valuing Hyundai India at $20 billion. It's a big move that's turning heads and might just inspire other multinational corporation to consider the vibrant Indian market for their listings. Mint’s Priyamvada C spoke to Gaurav Sood, from Avendus Capital, who notes that Hyundai's decision underscores the depth and appetite of Indian capital markets. This  points to an increasing interest among global businesses towards India. This trend is supported by factors like enhanced ease of doing business and significant untapped market potential. Legal and financial experts suggest that other MNCs are observing Hyundai’s move closely, with firms like LG Electronics and Italy’s Carraro also rumored to be considering listings. Historical precedents from giants like Suzuki and Unilever, which have listed successful Indian subsidiaries, further pave the way for such strategic decisions.


 


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.


 

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!


 

Show notes:

Frying pan, wetland, gas chamber: Is it time for you to leave Delhi?

Big one mega hit on home ground, TCS kicks off first quarter on the front foot

India prepares plans to double airports to 300 by 2047

Agnipath scheme to stay, tweaks likely in the upcoming budget or later

Hyundai's IPO may inspire other MNCs to list in India for valuation gains

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 498 no How cricketers are minting money post-retirement https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-cricketers-are-minting-money-post-retirement-5YoMXFeo Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian stock market indices ended the day around half a percent down each on Wednesday dragged by profit booking at higher levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up a two-day visit to Russia, a trip that stood out for the diplomatic delicacy amid ongoing global tensions due to the Ukraine conflict. Addressing President Vladimir Putin as a “friend,” Modi highlighted the longstanding ties between India and Russia. Yet, he didn't shy away from addressing tougher issues, including a recent Russian missile strike in Kyiv. The economic talks were particularly fruitful, with both leaders aiming to balance the currently skewed trade relationship, heavily dominated by India's purchase of Russian oil. They set an ambitious target to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from a previous goal of $30 billion, which has already been surpassed. So what did the visit to Russia achieve for India diplomatically? Jindal Global University’s associate professor Elizabeth Roche explains in today’s Primer.  Allen Career Institute, a major player in India's competitive exam coaching industry, has implemented significant salary cuts for its over 4,000 faculty and administrative staff. This decision follows a sharp 35-40% decline in student enrollments, signalling tough times for the coaching hub in Rajasthan’s Kota. Two years after a high-stakes battle to attract top faculty, the coaching giant is now facing severe financial strain, cutting salaries by 20-40 per cent. In a recent meeting led by CEO Nitin Kukreja, it was revealed that student admissions had plummeted from 131,000 last year to just 81,000 this year. The revised salary structure will now include a variable pay component. This move has sparked unrest among the staff, with around 600 teachers already voicing their discontent through a formal letter. Mint’s Devina Sengupta and Mansi Verma spoke to industry insiders who suggest this could be the start of a challenging period for Kota’s educational institutions. Several retired cricketers are discovering that their earning potential doesn't have to drop after hanging up their professional boots. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports that thanks to leagues like Legends League Cricket, or LLC, these seasoned players are not only staying in the game but also scoring paychecks that often surpass what they made in their last IPL seasons. Take Gautam Gambhir, for instance. His last IPL paycheck was Rs 2.8 crore, but the LLC offered him a cool Rs 3.75 crore. Irfan Pathan saw a similar bump, going from Rs 50 lakh in the IPL to Rs 1.65 crore in the LLC. It’s not just them—players like Hashim Amla and Aaron Finch are also enjoying hefty salary boosts in these senior circuits. The LLC has become quite the attraction, now housing around 100 retired stars and still pulling in new faces.  India is gearing up to introduce a new law aimed at ensuring fair transactions between Big Tech companies like Google and Meta and news publishers, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Australia and other countries. This move is part of a broader effort to make sure that tech giants pay for the news content they use on their platforms. The proposed legislation will complement the Digital Competition Bill, which is currently in its final stages of public consultation, sources familiar with the matter told Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. While the Digital Competition Bill focuses on establishing clear rules for Big Tech to promote fair competition, the new law under consideration will specifically address the dynamics between news aggregators and publishers.   In less than five years, Quant Mutual Fund has rocketed up to the 18th position in India's mutual fund rankings under the leadership of Sandeep Tandon. The fund's assets under management (AUM) surged from just 166 crore rupees in December 2019 to an impressive 84,000 crore rupees by May 2024. However, the shine began to dim last month, reportedly, as SEBI officials raided Quant’s Mumbai and Hyderabad offices on suspicions of frontrunning. Frontrunning is an illegal practice similar to insider trading but in the mutual fund context. Quant Mutual Fund quickly confirmed receiving queries from SEBI, though specifics of the probe remained undisclosed. Tandon, maintaining a business-as-usual front, downplayed the disruptions. The story, however, isn’t just about the mutual fund. It also touches on Quant Capital, a separate entity set up a decade earlier, unrelated to the AMC but also linked to Tandon, who faced different challenges there. Mint’s Varun Sood takes a deep dive into rollercoaster ride of Sandeep Tandon as the head of the mutual fund, in today’s Long Story.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.       Show notes:   Mint Primer: What did the PM’s Russia visit achieve? As Kota craze abates, Allen’s once-prized teachers face the music True legends: Many cricketers are getting pay hikes after retiring Big Tech vs news publishers: India plans a new law for fair dealings Quant Mutual Fund: Inside Sandeep Tandon’s roller-coaster ride to success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How cricketers are minting money post-retirement full 606 Mint - HT Smartcast Allen Institute and Kota’s coaching woes; What PM’s Russia trip achieved Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian stock market indices ended the day around half a percent down each on Wednesday dragged by profit booking at higher levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up a two-day visit to Russia, a trip that stood out for the diplomatic delicacy amid ongoing global tensions due to the Ukraine conflict. Addressing President Vladimir Putin as a “friend,” Modi highlighted the longstanding ties between India and Russia. Yet, he didn't shy away from addressing tougher issues, including a recent Russian missile strike in Kyiv. The economic talks were particularly fruitful, with both leaders aiming to balance the currently skewed trade relationship, heavily dominated by India's purchase of Russian oil. They set an ambitious target to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from a previous goal of $30 billion, which has already been surpassed. So what did the visit to Russia achieve for India diplomatically? Jindal Global University’s associate professor Elizabeth Roche explains in today’s Primer.  Allen Career Institute, a major player in India's competitive exam coaching industry, has implemented significant salary cuts for its over 4,000 faculty and administrative staff. This decision follows a sharp 35-40% decline in student enrollments, signalling tough times for the coaching hub in Rajasthan’s Kota. Two years after a high-stakes battle to attract top faculty, the coaching giant is now facing severe financial strain, cutting salaries by 20-40 per cent. In a recent meeting led by CEO Nitin Kukreja, it was revealed that student admissions had plummeted from 131,000 last year to just 81,000 this year. The revised salary structure will now include a variable pay component. This move has sparked unrest among the staff, with around 600 teachers already voicing their discontent through a formal letter. Mint’s Devina Sengupta and Mansi Verma spoke to industry insiders who suggest this could be the start of a challenging period for Kota’s educational institutions. Several retired cricketers are discovering that their earning potential doesn't have to drop after hanging up their professional boots. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports that thanks to leagues like Legends League Cricket, or LLC, these seasoned players are not only staying in the game but also scoring paychecks that often surpass what they made in their last IPL seasons. Take Gautam Gambhir, for instance. His last IPL paycheck was Rs 2.8 crore, but the LLC offered him a cool Rs 3.75 crore. Irfan Pathan saw a similar bump, going from Rs 50 lakh in the IPL to Rs 1.65 crore in the LLC. It’s not just them—players like Hashim Amla and Aaron Finch are also enjoying hefty salary boosts in these senior circuits. The LLC has become quite the attraction, now housing around 100 retired stars and still pulling in new faces.  India is gearing up to introduce a new law aimed at ensuring fair transactions between Big Tech companies like Google and Meta and news publishers, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Australia and other countries. This move is part of a broader effort to make sure that tech giants pay for the news content they use on their platforms. The proposed legislation will complement the Digital Competition Bill, which is currently in its final stages of public consultation, sources familiar with the matter told Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. While the Digital Competition Bill focuses on establishing clear rules for Big Tech to promote fair competition, the new law under consideration will specifically address the dynamics between news aggregators and publishers.   In less than five years, Quant Mutual Fund has rocketed up to the 18th position in India's mutual fund rankings under the leadership of Sandeep Tandon. The fund's assets under management (AUM) surged from just 166 crore rupees in December 2019 to an impressive 84,000 crore rupees by May 2024. However, the shine began to dim last month, reportedly, as SEBI officials raided Quant’s Mumbai and Hyderabad offices on suspicions of frontrunning. Frontrunning is an illegal practice similar to insider trading but in the mutual fund context. Quant Mutual Fund quickly confirmed receiving queries from SEBI, though specifics of the probe remained undisclosed. Tandon, maintaining a business-as-usual front, downplayed the disruptions. The story, however, isn’t just about the mutual fund. It also touches on Quant Capital, a separate entity set up a decade earlier, unrelated to the AMC but also linked to Tandon, who faced different challenges there. Mint’s Varun Sood takes a deep dive into rollercoaster ride of Sandeep Tandon as the head of the mutual fund, in today’s Long Story.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.       Show notes:   Mint Primer: What did the PM’s Russia visit achieve? As Kota craze abates, Allen’s once-prized teachers face the music True legends: Many cricketers are getting pay hikes after retiring Big Tech vs news publishers: India plans a new law for fair dealings Quant Mutual Fund: Inside Sandeep Tandon’s roller-coaster ride to success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian stock market indices ended the day around half a percent down each on Wednesday dragged by profit booking at higher levels.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up a two-day visit to Russia, a trip that stood out for the diplomatic delicacy amid ongoing global tensions due to the Ukraine conflict. Addressing President Vladimir Putin as a “friend,” Modi highlighted the longstanding ties between India and Russia. Yet, he didn't shy away from addressing tougher issues, including a recent Russian missile strike in Kyiv. The economic talks were particularly fruitful, with both leaders aiming to balance the currently skewed trade relationship, heavily dominated by India's purchase of Russian oil. They set an ambitious target to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from a previous goal of $30 billion, which has already been surpassed. So what did the visit to Russia achieve for India diplomatically? Jindal Global University’s associate professor Elizabeth Roche explains in today’s Primer. 

Allen Career Institute, a major player in India's competitive exam coaching industry, has implemented significant salary cuts for its over 4,000 faculty and administrative staff. This decision follows a sharp 35-40% decline in student enrollments, signalling tough times for the coaching hub in Rajasthan’s Kota. Two years after a high-stakes battle to attract top faculty, the coaching giant is now facing severe financial strain, cutting salaries by 20-40 per cent. In a recent meeting led by CEO Nitin Kukreja, it was revealed that student admissions had plummeted from 131,000 last year to just 81,000 this year. The revised salary structure will now include a variable pay component. This move has sparked unrest among the staff, with around 600 teachers already voicing their discontent through a formal letter. Mint’s Devina Sengupta and Mansi Verma spoke to industry insiders who suggest this could be the start of a challenging period for Kota’s educational institutions.

Several retired cricketers are discovering that their earning potential doesn't have to drop after hanging up their professional boots. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports that thanks to leagues like Legends League Cricket, or LLC, these seasoned players are not only staying in the game but also scoring paychecks that often surpass what they made in their last IPL seasons. Take Gautam Gambhir, for instance. His last IPL paycheck was Rs 2.8 crore, but the LLC offered him a cool Rs 3.75 crore. Irfan Pathan saw a similar bump, going from Rs 50 lakh in the IPL to Rs 1.65 crore in the LLC. It’s not just them—players like Hashim Amla and Aaron Finch are also enjoying hefty salary boosts in these senior circuits. The LLC has become quite the attraction, now housing around 100 retired stars and still pulling in new faces. 

India is gearing up to introduce a new law aimed at ensuring fair transactions between Big Tech companies like Google and Meta and news publishers, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Australia and other countries. This move is part of a broader effort to make sure that tech giants pay for the news content they use on their platforms. The proposed legislation will complement the Digital Competition Bill, which is currently in its final stages of public consultation, sources familiar with the matter told Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. While the Digital Competition Bill focuses on establishing clear rules for Big Tech to promote fair competition, the new law under consideration will specifically address the dynamics between news aggregators and publishers.


 

In less than five years, Quant Mutual Fund has rocketed up to the 18th position in India's mutual fund rankings under the leadership of Sandeep Tandon. The fund's assets under management (AUM) surged from just 166 crore rupees in December 2019 to an impressive 84,000 crore rupees by May 2024. However, the shine began to dim last month, reportedly, as SEBI officials raided Quant’s Mumbai and Hyderabad offices on suspicions of frontrunning. Frontrunning is an illegal practice similar to insider trading but in the mutual fund context. Quant Mutual Fund quickly confirmed receiving queries from SEBI, though specifics of the probe remained undisclosed. Tandon, maintaining a business-as-usual front, downplayed the disruptions. The story, however, isn’t just about the mutual fund. It also touches on Quant Capital, a separate entity set up a decade earlier, unrelated to the AMC but also linked to Tandon, who faced different challenges there. Mint’s Varun Sood takes a deep dive into rollercoaster ride of Sandeep Tandon as the head of the mutual fund, in today’s Long Story. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 


 

Show notes:


 

Mint Primer: What did the PM’s Russia visit achieve?

As Kota craze abates, Allen’s once-prized teachers face the music

True legends: Many cricketers are getting pay hikes after retiring

Big Tech vs news publishers: India plans a new law for fair dealings

Quant Mutual Fund: Inside Sandeep Tandon’s roller-coaster ride to success

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 441 no Why Sony’s new head has a tough job ahead https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-sonys-new-head-has-a-tough-job-ahead-qp1R9H_J Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   India’s stock market benchmarks- the Nifty 50 and the Sensex - hit fresh highs on Tuesday despite mixed global cues. Both indices saw a rise of just under half a percentage point from their previous day’s close.    India's journey towards electric mobility has hit a bit of a speed bump. After a promising start, sales of electric vehicles, or EVs, are beginning to stagnate, largely because subsidies were slashed earlier this year. This has shifted a lot of expectations onto the upcoming third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles—or FAME—scheme, which everyone is eyeing ahead of the budget announcement on July 23. The FAME scheme first rolled out in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of India’s push to get more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. It saw a significant boost in 2019 with FAME II, which pumped in ₹10,000 crore to support the adoption of EVs across various segments, from buses to two-wheelers. The impact of these initiatives? Pretty impressive initially. From selling just under 2,400 units in FY2015, EV sales soared, breaking the 100,000 mark in FY19 and reaching a whopping 1.68 million units by FY24. So, what’s the buzz around FAME III? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Mint Primer. The industry is hoping it will not only bring back better subsidies for individual car buyers and two-wheelers but also expand support to include trucks.     India's recent net surplus in its current account, at $5.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024, is quite the headline. But it's not just about more money coming in than going out; it's a story that calls for a deeper look. Typically, India runs a current account deficit because our massive investment needs outpace the collective savings of our households, businesses, and the government. In fact, barring the first pandemic year, this year's deficit, projected at $23 billion, or 0.7% of GDP, is on track to be the second-lowest in two decades. Now, you might think this sounds like great news, but here’s where it gets complex. The Reserve Bank of India pointed out an uptick in investments, particularly driven by higher government spending and a surge in the housing sector. With investments pegged at 33.7% of GDP, that's a big deal because it means we're saving at a rate of 33% to maintain a current account deficit of just 0.7%. When the savings rate climbs, it opens the door for more substantial investments without widening the current account deficit. Picture this: with a modest 2% deficit and a savings rate of 33%, we're looking at an investment rate of 35%. That translates to a whopping ₹6 trillion directed towards nation-building efforts. So, a deficit isn't necessarily a bad thing when it stems from strong savings and solid investment. Deepa Vasudevan from Mint’s data team explores why having a current account deficit is good for the economy.    The national rural job guarantee scheme, a crucial lifeline for millions in rural India, isn't expected to receive increased funding in this year's Union budget, according to two officials. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will likely see its budget allocations hold steady as per earlier estimates. The scheme provides a financial safety net to rural households. These funds could be adjusted later based on job demands and requirements in rural areas. The budget originally earmarked ₹60,000 crore for FY24 and projected ₹86,000 crore for FY25. However, actual spending for FY24 exceeded the estimates significantly, reaching more than one trillion rupees, underscoring a strong demand for rural employment. This increase reflects the ongoing challenges in rural consumption and stagnant growth in the FMCG sector, with many economists pointing out the disparities affecting rural markets compared to urban centres. For anyone who grew up in the 90s and mid 2000s, Aahat remains to be one of the most iconic shows from their childhood. The horror show, which used to air on Sony, was one of the pre-saas-bahu era gems of Indian TV. Sony - the home to to such popular shows is now facing a challenge. Sony runs a vast media empire in India, including 26 TV channels, the SonyLIV streaming platform, a movie distribution and production business, a music label, and a talent management vertical. Despite these extensive operations, Sony’s revenue growth has been sluggish, increasing just 2% to ₹6,909.2 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. In an effort to invigorate the brand, Sony has brought on Gaurav Banerjee as the new chief steward, hoping his fresh approach can turn things around. Will Banerjee’s advent at Sony turn things around for the Indian operations of the Japanese media giant? Lata Jha takes a deep dive to find out, in today’s Long Story.      Management consultant Sharan Hegde was just 25 in July 2021 when Mint first wrote about the rise of financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers’ as they've come to be known. Hegde was a budding 'finfluencer' working at PwC and just starting to earn more from his Instagram promotions than his regular job. Fast forward to 2024, and he's a powerhouse in India’s financial influencer landscape with six million followers and a staggering Rs 60 crore in annual revenue, predominantly from his 'One Percent Club' courses. But Hegde's journey didn't stop at social media. He ventured into the more regulated world of financial advising by starting an RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) business. This move, however, raises significant questions about the role of social media influencers in the regulated financial space. How should the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) handle advertising codes for RIAs when they are run by influencers like Hegde? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Shashind Ningthoukhongjam tackle the question.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!     Show notes:   Mint Primer: How the budget can push electric vehicle sales Why a current account deficit is good for India Budget 2024: MGNREGS unlikely to see higher allocation; lakhpati didi scheme to Picture imperfect: Why Gaurav Banerjee has an arduous job at Sony Why Sharan Hegde’s financial advisory business is a test for Sebi's ad rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Jul 2024 01:55:33 -0000 Why Sony’s new head has a tough job ahead full 605 Mint - HT Smartcast Why current account deficit is good for the economy; MGNREGS to see budget hold Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   India’s stock market benchmarks- the Nifty 50 and the Sensex - hit fresh highs on Tuesday despite mixed global cues. Both indices saw a rise of just under half a percentage point from their previous day’s close.    India's journey towards electric mobility has hit a bit of a speed bump. After a promising start, sales of electric vehicles, or EVs, are beginning to stagnate, largely because subsidies were slashed earlier this year. This has shifted a lot of expectations onto the upcoming third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles—or FAME—scheme, which everyone is eyeing ahead of the budget announcement on July 23. The FAME scheme first rolled out in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of India’s push to get more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. It saw a significant boost in 2019 with FAME II, which pumped in ₹10,000 crore to support the adoption of EVs across various segments, from buses to two-wheelers. The impact of these initiatives? Pretty impressive initially. From selling just under 2,400 units in FY2015, EV sales soared, breaking the 100,000 mark in FY19 and reaching a whopping 1.68 million units by FY24. So, what’s the buzz around FAME III? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Mint Primer. The industry is hoping it will not only bring back better subsidies for individual car buyers and two-wheelers but also expand support to include trucks.     India's recent net surplus in its current account, at $5.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024, is quite the headline. But it's not just about more money coming in than going out; it's a story that calls for a deeper look. Typically, India runs a current account deficit because our massive investment needs outpace the collective savings of our households, businesses, and the government. In fact, barring the first pandemic year, this year's deficit, projected at $23 billion, or 0.7% of GDP, is on track to be the second-lowest in two decades. Now, you might think this sounds like great news, but here’s where it gets complex. The Reserve Bank of India pointed out an uptick in investments, particularly driven by higher government spending and a surge in the housing sector. With investments pegged at 33.7% of GDP, that's a big deal because it means we're saving at a rate of 33% to maintain a current account deficit of just 0.7%. When the savings rate climbs, it opens the door for more substantial investments without widening the current account deficit. Picture this: with a modest 2% deficit and a savings rate of 33%, we're looking at an investment rate of 35%. That translates to a whopping ₹6 trillion directed towards nation-building efforts. So, a deficit isn't necessarily a bad thing when it stems from strong savings and solid investment. Deepa Vasudevan from Mint’s data team explores why having a current account deficit is good for the economy.    The national rural job guarantee scheme, a crucial lifeline for millions in rural India, isn't expected to receive increased funding in this year's Union budget, according to two officials. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will likely see its budget allocations hold steady as per earlier estimates. The scheme provides a financial safety net to rural households. These funds could be adjusted later based on job demands and requirements in rural areas. The budget originally earmarked ₹60,000 crore for FY24 and projected ₹86,000 crore for FY25. However, actual spending for FY24 exceeded the estimates significantly, reaching more than one trillion rupees, underscoring a strong demand for rural employment. This increase reflects the ongoing challenges in rural consumption and stagnant growth in the FMCG sector, with many economists pointing out the disparities affecting rural markets compared to urban centres. For anyone who grew up in the 90s and mid 2000s, Aahat remains to be one of the most iconic shows from their childhood. The horror show, which used to air on Sony, was one of the pre-saas-bahu era gems of Indian TV. Sony - the home to to such popular shows is now facing a challenge. Sony runs a vast media empire in India, including 26 TV channels, the SonyLIV streaming platform, a movie distribution and production business, a music label, and a talent management vertical. Despite these extensive operations, Sony’s revenue growth has been sluggish, increasing just 2% to ₹6,909.2 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. In an effort to invigorate the brand, Sony has brought on Gaurav Banerjee as the new chief steward, hoping his fresh approach can turn things around. Will Banerjee’s advent at Sony turn things around for the Indian operations of the Japanese media giant? Lata Jha takes a deep dive to find out, in today’s Long Story.      Management consultant Sharan Hegde was just 25 in July 2021 when Mint first wrote about the rise of financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers’ as they've come to be known. Hegde was a budding 'finfluencer' working at PwC and just starting to earn more from his Instagram promotions than his regular job. Fast forward to 2024, and he's a powerhouse in India’s financial influencer landscape with six million followers and a staggering Rs 60 crore in annual revenue, predominantly from his 'One Percent Club' courses. But Hegde's journey didn't stop at social media. He ventured into the more regulated world of financial advising by starting an RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) business. This move, however, raises significant questions about the role of social media influencers in the regulated financial space. How should the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) handle advertising codes for RIAs when they are run by influencers like Hegde? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Shashind Ningthoukhongjam tackle the question.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!     Show notes:   Mint Primer: How the budget can push electric vehicle sales Why a current account deficit is good for India Budget 2024: MGNREGS unlikely to see higher allocation; lakhpati didi scheme to Picture imperfect: Why Gaurav Banerjee has an arduous job at Sony Why Sharan Hegde’s financial advisory business is a test for Sebi's ad rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

India’s stock market benchmarks- the Nifty 50 and the Sensex - hit fresh highs on Tuesday despite mixed global cues. Both indices saw a rise of just under half a percentage point from their previous day’s close. 


 

India's journey towards electric mobility has hit a bit of a speed bump. After a promising start, sales of electric vehicles, or EVs, are beginning to stagnate, largely because subsidies were slashed earlier this year. This has shifted a lot of expectations onto the upcoming third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles—or FAME—scheme, which everyone is eyeing ahead of the budget announcement on July 23. The FAME scheme first rolled out in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of India’s push to get more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. It saw a significant boost in 2019 with FAME II, which pumped in ₹10,000 crore to support the adoption of EVs across various segments, from buses to two-wheelers. The impact of these initiatives? Pretty impressive initially. From selling just under 2,400 units in FY2015, EV sales soared, breaking the 100,000 mark in FY19 and reaching a whopping 1.68 million units by FY24. So, what’s the buzz around FAME III? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Mint Primer. The industry is hoping it will not only bring back better subsidies for individual car buyers and two-wheelers but also expand support to include trucks.


 


 

India's recent net surplus in its current account, at $5.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024, is quite the headline. But it's not just about more money coming in than going out; it's a story that calls for a deeper look. Typically, India runs a current account deficit because our massive investment needs outpace the collective savings of our households, businesses, and the government. In fact, barring the first pandemic year, this year's deficit, projected at $23 billion, or 0.7% of GDP, is on track to be the second-lowest in two decades. Now, you might think this sounds like great news, but here’s where it gets complex. The Reserve Bank of India pointed out an uptick in investments, particularly driven by higher government spending and a surge in the housing sector. With investments pegged at 33.7% of GDP, that's a big deal because it means we're saving at a rate of 33% to maintain a current account deficit of just 0.7%. When the savings rate climbs, it opens the door for more substantial investments without widening the current account deficit. Picture this: with a modest 2% deficit and a savings rate of 33%, we're looking at an investment rate of 35%. That translates to a whopping ₹6 trillion directed towards nation-building efforts. So, a deficit isn't necessarily a bad thing when it stems from strong savings and solid investment. Deepa Vasudevan from Mint’s data team explores why having a current account deficit is good for the economy. 


 

The national rural job guarantee scheme, a crucial lifeline for millions in rural India, isn't expected to receive increased funding in this year's Union budget, according to two officials. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will likely see its budget allocations hold steady as per earlier estimates. The scheme provides a financial safety net to rural households. These funds could be adjusted later based on job demands and requirements in rural areas. The budget originally earmarked ₹60,000 crore for FY24 and projected ₹86,000 crore for FY25. However, actual spending for FY24 exceeded the estimates significantly, reaching more than one trillion rupees, underscoring a strong demand for rural employment. This increase reflects the ongoing challenges in rural consumption and stagnant growth in the FMCG sector, with many economists pointing out the disparities affecting rural markets compared to urban centres.

For anyone who grew up in the 90s and mid 2000s, Aahat remains to be one of the most iconic shows from their childhood. The horror show, which used to air on Sony, was one of the pre-saas-bahu era gems of Indian TV. Sony - the home to to such popular shows is now facing a challenge. Sony runs a vast media empire in India, including 26 TV channels, the SonyLIV streaming platform, a movie distribution and production business, a music label, and a talent management vertical. Despite these extensive operations, Sony’s revenue growth has been sluggish, increasing just 2% to ₹6,909.2 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. In an effort to invigorate the brand, Sony has brought on Gaurav Banerjee as the new chief steward, hoping his fresh approach can turn things around. Will Banerjee’s advent at Sony turn things around for the Indian operations of the Japanese media giant? Lata Jha takes a deep dive to find out, in today’s Long Story. 


 


 

Management consultant Sharan Hegde was just 25 in July 2021 when Mint first wrote about the rise of financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers’ as they've come to be known. Hegde was a budding 'finfluencer' working at PwC and just starting to earn more from his Instagram promotions than his regular job. Fast forward to 2024, and he's a powerhouse in India’s financial influencer landscape with six million followers and a staggering Rs 60 crore in annual revenue, predominantly from his 'One Percent Club' courses. But Hegde's journey didn't stop at social media. He ventured into the more regulated world of financial advising by starting an RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) business. This move, however, raises significant questions about the role of social media influencers in the regulated financial space. How should the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) handle advertising codes for RIAs when they are run by influencers like Hegde? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Shashind Ningthoukhongjam tackle the question.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.


 

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!


 


 

Show notes:


 

Mint Primer: How the budget can push electric vehicle sales

Why a current account deficit is good for India

Budget 2024: MGNREGS unlikely to see higher allocation; lakhpati didi scheme to

Picture imperfect: Why Gaurav Banerjee has an arduous job at Sony

Why Sharan Hegde’s financial advisory business is a test for Sebi's ad rules

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 531 no RBI says yes to Yes Bank's sale https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-says-yes-to-yes-banks-sale-neHVGeHK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Monday. Both fell by less than 0.05 percent during trading hours yesterday.   Yes Bank has had a phenomenal turnaround. After collapsing in 2020, a new set of people resurrected the struggling lender to a respectable position. Now that Yes Bank is in decent shape, it's attracting interest from outside. But any potential buyer wants at least a controlling 51 percent stake in Yes Bank. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Reserve Bank of India has given a go-ahead for Yes Bank to find a buyer with a controlling stake. Such approvals are quite rare, as RBI usually has an upper limit of 26 percent for any promoter. Anirudh also reports that the sale will be made at a valuation of 10 billion dollars for Yes Bank.   As the income tax filing deadline approaches, many people will hand over their IDs, passwords, and OTPs to their chartered accountants to file returns on their behalf. No matter how much you trust your CA, that isn't a wise decision. Shipra Singh tells you a couple of alternatives for your CA to file your returns — without having access to your personal information. However, Shipra writes that Indian taxpayers aren't very apprehensive about this. Only one in ten clients express any hesitation about sharing their personal information, one executive from an accounting firm told Shipra. That isn't the best habit, but it seems that Indians don't care about sharing information as long as their work gets done. If you're not one of them, this article is for you.   There are some media reports that the upcoming Union Budget will feature some income tax cuts. Theoretically, this move will stimulate the economy as people will have more money in hand to spend. But as Nandita Venkatesan outlines, this doesn't really work out. 92 million people in India pay taxes; a third of them reported a gross annual income of less than 5 lakh rupees. Another 24 million people earn less than 10 lakh rupees. So the most dominant tax-paying base already pays zero to minimal taxes. Nandita also spoke to economists to show why this presumption may not be correct after all, and has presented her story with some charts to drive the point home.   If mobile phone companies had their way, we'd all be using foldable phones today. They occupy half the space, turn into much larger screens when opened, and have a good battery life. Foldables came back into the mainstream five years ago, and the Indian market has plenty of options. Despite that, foldables still aren't used widely. Shouvik Das writes that sky high prices and lack of innovative use cases are hampering the sales of foldable phones in India. App support is also poor; the split screen setup doesn't accommodate all the apps that you and I may use. Essentially, what foldable phones boast about doing — normal smartphones do much better.   In 2009, Bajaj Auto took a landmark decision: to stop making scooters altogether. Rajiv Bajaj, the company's CEO, said that his company would focus solely on motorcycles. As scooter sales have outshone bike sales, that decision seems to have been a poor one for the makers of the iconic Chetak. Last week, Bajaj Auto took yet another decision that would have a wide-ranging impact on India's two-wheeler segment: it launched a CNG-powered bike, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Bajaj is the number 2 in the 125 cc bike segment — with this CNG bike named the Freedom, it hopes to trounce Hero Motocorp to the first place. Sumant Banerji writes that Bajaj Auto has always prioritised margins over volumes. Will the 95,000 rupee Freedom too follow that model?   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   In a rare move, RBI okays 51% stake sale proposal for Yes Bank Are you sharing too much? The risks of giving your ITR credentials to CAs  Income tax cuts in Budget: A half-hearted recipe to fix India’s consumption woes Foldable phones: Why haven’t they taken off?  Riding on CNG, can Bajaj Auto raid Hero MotoCorp’s fortress?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 RBI says yes to Yes Bank's sale full 604 Mint - HT Smartcast Why you shouldn't share your ITR password with your CA, Bajaj's pins hope on CNG bike Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Monday. Both fell by less than 0.05 percent during trading hours yesterday.   Yes Bank has had a phenomenal turnaround. After collapsing in 2020, a new set of people resurrected the struggling lender to a respectable position. Now that Yes Bank is in decent shape, it's attracting interest from outside. But any potential buyer wants at least a controlling 51 percent stake in Yes Bank. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Reserve Bank of India has given a go-ahead for Yes Bank to find a buyer with a controlling stake. Such approvals are quite rare, as RBI usually has an upper limit of 26 percent for any promoter. Anirudh also reports that the sale will be made at a valuation of 10 billion dollars for Yes Bank.   As the income tax filing deadline approaches, many people will hand over their IDs, passwords, and OTPs to their chartered accountants to file returns on their behalf. No matter how much you trust your CA, that isn't a wise decision. Shipra Singh tells you a couple of alternatives for your CA to file your returns — without having access to your personal information. However, Shipra writes that Indian taxpayers aren't very apprehensive about this. Only one in ten clients express any hesitation about sharing their personal information, one executive from an accounting firm told Shipra. That isn't the best habit, but it seems that Indians don't care about sharing information as long as their work gets done. If you're not one of them, this article is for you.   There are some media reports that the upcoming Union Budget will feature some income tax cuts. Theoretically, this move will stimulate the economy as people will have more money in hand to spend. But as Nandita Venkatesan outlines, this doesn't really work out. 92 million people in India pay taxes; a third of them reported a gross annual income of less than 5 lakh rupees. Another 24 million people earn less than 10 lakh rupees. So the most dominant tax-paying base already pays zero to minimal taxes. Nandita also spoke to economists to show why this presumption may not be correct after all, and has presented her story with some charts to drive the point home.   If mobile phone companies had their way, we'd all be using foldable phones today. They occupy half the space, turn into much larger screens when opened, and have a good battery life. Foldables came back into the mainstream five years ago, and the Indian market has plenty of options. Despite that, foldables still aren't used widely. Shouvik Das writes that sky high prices and lack of innovative use cases are hampering the sales of foldable phones in India. App support is also poor; the split screen setup doesn't accommodate all the apps that you and I may use. Essentially, what foldable phones boast about doing — normal smartphones do much better.   In 2009, Bajaj Auto took a landmark decision: to stop making scooters altogether. Rajiv Bajaj, the company's CEO, said that his company would focus solely on motorcycles. As scooter sales have outshone bike sales, that decision seems to have been a poor one for the makers of the iconic Chetak. Last week, Bajaj Auto took yet another decision that would have a wide-ranging impact on India's two-wheeler segment: it launched a CNG-powered bike, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Bajaj is the number 2 in the 125 cc bike segment — with this CNG bike named the Freedom, it hopes to trounce Hero Motocorp to the first place. Sumant Banerji writes that Bajaj Auto has always prioritised margins over volumes. Will the 95,000 rupee Freedom too follow that model?   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   In a rare move, RBI okays 51% stake sale proposal for Yes Bank Are you sharing too much? The risks of giving your ITR credentials to CAs  Income tax cuts in Budget: A half-hearted recipe to fix India’s consumption woes Foldable phones: Why haven’t they taken off?  Riding on CNG, can Bajaj Auto raid Hero MotoCorp’s fortress?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Monday. Both fell by less than 0.05 percent during trading hours yesterday.


 

Yes Bank has had a phenomenal turnaround. After collapsing in 2020, a new set of people resurrected the struggling lender to a respectable position. Now that Yes Bank is in decent shape, it's attracting interest from outside. But any potential buyer wants at least a controlling 51 percent stake in Yes Bank. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Reserve Bank of India has given a go-ahead for Yes Bank to find a buyer with a controlling stake. Such approvals are quite rare, as RBI usually has an upper limit of 26 percent for any promoter. Anirudh also reports that the sale will be made at a valuation of 10 billion dollars for Yes Bank.


 

As the income tax filing deadline approaches, many people will hand over their IDs, passwords, and OTPs to their chartered accountants to file returns on their behalf. No matter how much you trust your CA, that isn't a wise decision. Shipra Singh tells you a couple of alternatives for your CA to file your returns — without having access to your personal information. However, Shipra writes that Indian taxpayers aren't very apprehensive about this. Only one in ten clients express any hesitation about sharing their personal information, one executive from an accounting firm told Shipra. That isn't the best habit, but it seems that Indians don't care about sharing information as long as their work gets done. If you're not one of them, this article is for you.


 

There are some media reports that the upcoming Union Budget will feature some income tax cuts. Theoretically, this move will stimulate the economy as people will have more money in hand to spend. But as Nandita Venkatesan outlines, this doesn't really work out. 92 million people in India pay taxes; a third of them reported a gross annual income of less than 5 lakh rupees. Another 24 million people earn less than 10 lakh rupees. So the most dominant tax-paying base already pays zero to minimal taxes. Nandita also spoke to economists to show why this presumption may not be correct after all, and has presented her story with some charts to drive the point home.


 

If mobile phone companies had their way, we'd all be using foldable phones today. They occupy half the space, turn into much larger screens when opened, and have a good battery life. Foldables came back into the mainstream five years ago, and the Indian market has plenty of options. Despite that, foldables still aren't used widely. Shouvik Das writes that sky high prices and lack of innovative use cases are hampering the sales of foldable phones in India. App support is also poor; the split screen setup doesn't accommodate all the apps that you and I may use. Essentially, what foldable phones boast about doing — normal smartphones do much better.


 

In 2009, Bajaj Auto took a landmark decision: to stop making scooters altogether. Rajiv Bajaj, the company's CEO, said that his company would focus solely on motorcycles. As scooter sales have outshone bike sales, that decision seems to have been a poor one for the makers of the iconic Chetak. Last week, Bajaj Auto took yet another decision that would have a wide-ranging impact on India's two-wheeler segment: it launched a CNG-powered bike, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Bajaj is the number 2 in the 125 cc bike segment — with this CNG bike named the Freedom, it hopes to trounce Hero Motocorp to the first place. Sumant Banerji writes that Bajaj Auto has always prioritised margins over volumes. Will the 95,000 rupee Freedom too follow that model?


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

 

Show notes:


 

In a rare move, RBI okays 51% stake sale proposal for Yes Bank

Are you sharing too much? The risks of giving your ITR credentials to CAs 

Income tax cuts in Budget: A half-hearted recipe to fix India’s consumption woes

Foldable phones: Why haven’t they taken off? 

Riding on CNG, can Bajaj Auto raid Hero MotoCorp’s fortress? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 359 no India’s digital bigwigs brace for stricter regulation https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indias-digital-bigwigs-brace-for-stricter-regulation-gj6jPpbZ   On July 8, the Supreme Court will review nearly twenty petitions regarding NEET-UG. The outcome could affect around 2.4 million students. Allegations of paper leaks, exam delays, and unusually high scores have sparked demands for a reexamination. The petitions also sought CBI and ED investigations, besides the formation of an independent committee to probe these irregularities. Responding to the uproar, the government has withdrawn grace marks for some students and formed a committee to review the exam administration process and enhance security. Mint's legal correspondent Krishna Yadav and education reporter Devina Sengupta discuss the implications of this entire fiasco in today's Mint Primer. Moving on to our next topic of the day: Following India's thrilling victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup Finals, India's cricketing dominance is at an all-time high. However, amid this glory, a critical pillar of support is faltering—a unique cricketing asset, the Kashmir Willow. Skilled artisans, famed for crafting cricket bats from Salix alba caerulea willow, are rallying for a renewed emphasis on local production, calling upon Indian cricketers to champion domestic industries, and highlighting the challenges they face. The craftsmen like Mohammad Yousuf are contemplating closure due to severe shortages of willow clefts, and rising costs. Irfan Amin Malik, a Kashmiri journalist, delves into the stories of families linked to Kashmir's bat-making tradition, capturing their resilience and hardships in today's extensive Long Story. Now let’s switching gears to enter the world of entertainment: In the dynamic OTT landscape, the rise of advertising video-on-demand (AVoD) within traditionally subscription-driven platforms is causing waves in the streaming world. Leading this charge are platforms like Amazon's miniTV and Disney+ Hotstar, which are now offering popular shows and major sports events for free on mobile devices. This shift isn't just about cost efficiency—AVoD content is notably cheaper to produce than SVoD. It's also levelling the playing field for new talent and smaller production houses to make their mark. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent, Lata Jha, spoke with industry insiders who emphasised the challenge of maintaining robust ad rates and crafting compelling content that turns casual viewers into devoted subscribers.   India's burgeoning digital marketplace could soon face a new regulatory hurdle. Companies like Zomato, Myntra, and Nykaa, alongside international giants such as Alphabet and Meta, are in the spotlight, and might soon find themselves classified as 'systemically significant digital enterprises' or SSDEs under the proposed Digital Competition Bill. It will henceforth be mandatory for them to stick to a strict set of rules and report compliance to the Competition Commission of India every year. But here’s the kicker—any slip-ups could see these firms facing fines of up to 10% of their global turnover. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the proposed move, inspired by Europe's Digital Markets Act, but \tailored to better fit the contours of India’s dynamic economy. With each budget announcement, citizens hold their breath for potential tax breaks, yet an emerging concern is the rising trend of retail investors plunging into high-risk ventures. According to an NSE report, 40% of its 95 million investors are Gen Zs, up significantly from 22% just five years ago. Additionally, the volume of high-risk index options has skyrocketed by over five times in the last three years. Consequently, there's a push for strategic tax incentives to guide investors toward safer, and regulated options. RBI's retail direct scheme for government bonds, for instance, offers secure investment avenues, but has seen limited uptake due to higher taxes and complex interface. Finsafe India’s Mirin Agarwal writes for Mint Money, explaining how three policy changes could put more money in the pockets of the aam aadmi, while safeguarding them from risks. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day ahead! Show notes: Mint Primer | NEET-UG fiasco: How to avoid trouble, going ahead Death overs: After a century, Kashmir’s batmakers could be run out Ad-driven slates are a strong focus for OTT platforms as initial efforts pay off Digital Competition Bill: Gatekeeper tag likely for top digital startups Three ways Budget 2024 can put more money in aam aadmi's pocket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 India’s digital bigwigs brace for stricter regulation full 603 Mint - HT Smartcast Lessons from the NEET fiasco; Kashmir’s cricket bat industry on the edge   On July 8, the Supreme Court will review nearly twenty petitions regarding NEET-UG. The outcome could affect around 2.4 million students. Allegations of paper leaks, exam delays, and unusually high scores have sparked demands for a reexamination. The petitions also sought CBI and ED investigations, besides the formation of an independent committee to probe these irregularities. Responding to the uproar, the government has withdrawn grace marks for some students and formed a committee to review the exam administration process and enhance security. Mint's legal correspondent Krishna Yadav and education reporter Devina Sengupta discuss the implications of this entire fiasco in today's Mint Primer. Moving on to our next topic of the day: Following India's thrilling victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup Finals, India's cricketing dominance is at an all-time high. However, amid this glory, a critical pillar of support is faltering—a unique cricketing asset, the Kashmir Willow. Skilled artisans, famed for crafting cricket bats from Salix alba caerulea willow, are rallying for a renewed emphasis on local production, calling upon Indian cricketers to champion domestic industries, and highlighting the challenges they face. The craftsmen like Mohammad Yousuf are contemplating closure due to severe shortages of willow clefts, and rising costs. Irfan Amin Malik, a Kashmiri journalist, delves into the stories of families linked to Kashmir's bat-making tradition, capturing their resilience and hardships in today's extensive Long Story. Now let’s switching gears to enter the world of entertainment: In the dynamic OTT landscape, the rise of advertising video-on-demand (AVoD) within traditionally subscription-driven platforms is causing waves in the streaming world. Leading this charge are platforms like Amazon's miniTV and Disney+ Hotstar, which are now offering popular shows and major sports events for free on mobile devices. This shift isn't just about cost efficiency—AVoD content is notably cheaper to produce than SVoD. It's also levelling the playing field for new talent and smaller production houses to make their mark. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent, Lata Jha, spoke with industry insiders who emphasised the challenge of maintaining robust ad rates and crafting compelling content that turns casual viewers into devoted subscribers.   India's burgeoning digital marketplace could soon face a new regulatory hurdle. Companies like Zomato, Myntra, and Nykaa, alongside international giants such as Alphabet and Meta, are in the spotlight, and might soon find themselves classified as 'systemically significant digital enterprises' or SSDEs under the proposed Digital Competition Bill. It will henceforth be mandatory for them to stick to a strict set of rules and report compliance to the Competition Commission of India every year. But here’s the kicker—any slip-ups could see these firms facing fines of up to 10% of their global turnover. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the proposed move, inspired by Europe's Digital Markets Act, but \tailored to better fit the contours of India’s dynamic economy. With each budget announcement, citizens hold their breath for potential tax breaks, yet an emerging concern is the rising trend of retail investors plunging into high-risk ventures. According to an NSE report, 40% of its 95 million investors are Gen Zs, up significantly from 22% just five years ago. Additionally, the volume of high-risk index options has skyrocketed by over five times in the last three years. Consequently, there's a push for strategic tax incentives to guide investors toward safer, and regulated options. RBI's retail direct scheme for government bonds, for instance, offers secure investment avenues, but has seen limited uptake due to higher taxes and complex interface. Finsafe India’s Mirin Agarwal writes for Mint Money, explaining how three policy changes could put more money in the pockets of the aam aadmi, while safeguarding them from risks. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day ahead! Show notes: Mint Primer | NEET-UG fiasco: How to avoid trouble, going ahead Death overs: After a century, Kashmir’s batmakers could be run out Ad-driven slates are a strong focus for OTT platforms as initial efforts pay off Digital Competition Bill: Gatekeeper tag likely for top digital startups Three ways Budget 2024 can put more money in aam aadmi's pocket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  

On July 8, the Supreme Court will review nearly twenty petitions regarding NEET-UG. The outcome could affect around 2.4 million students. Allegations of paper leaks, exam delays, and unusually high scores have sparked demands for a reexamination. The petitions also sought CBI and ED investigations, besides the formation of an independent committee to probe these irregularities. Responding to the uproar, the government has withdrawn grace marks for some students and formed a committee to review the exam administration process and enhance security. Mint's legal correspondent Krishna Yadav and education reporter Devina Sengupta discuss the implications of this entire fiasco in today's Mint Primer.

Moving on to our next topic of the day: Following India's thrilling victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup Finals, India's cricketing dominance is at an all-time high. However, amid this glory, a critical pillar of support is faltering—a unique cricketing asset, the Kashmir Willow. Skilled artisans, famed for crafting cricket bats from Salix alba caerulea willow, are rallying for a renewed emphasis on local production, calling upon Indian cricketers to champion domestic industries, and highlighting the challenges they face. The craftsmen like Mohammad Yousuf are contemplating closure due to severe shortages of willow clefts, and rising costs. Irfan Amin Malik, a Kashmiri journalist, delves into the stories of families linked to Kashmir's bat-making tradition, capturing their resilience and hardships in today's extensive Long Story.

Now let’s switching gears to enter the world of entertainment: In the dynamic OTT landscape, the rise of advertising video-on-demand (AVoD) within traditionally subscription-driven platforms is causing waves in the streaming world. Leading this charge are platforms like Amazon's miniTV and Disney+ Hotstar, which are now offering popular shows and major sports events for free on mobile devices. This shift isn't just about cost efficiency—AVoD content is notably cheaper to produce than SVoD. It's also levelling the playing field for new talent and smaller production houses to make their mark. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondent, Lata Jha, spoke with industry insiders who emphasised the challenge of maintaining robust ad rates and crafting compelling content that turns casual viewers into devoted subscribers.

 

India's burgeoning digital marketplace could soon face a new regulatory hurdle. Companies like Zomato, Myntra, and Nykaa, alongside international giants such as Alphabet and Meta, are in the spotlight, and might soon find themselves classified as 'systemically significant digital enterprises' or SSDEs under the proposed Digital Competition Bill. It will henceforth be mandatory for them to stick to a strict set of rules and report compliance to the Competition Commission of India every year. But here’s the kicker—any slip-ups could see these firms facing fines of up to 10% of their global turnover. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports on the proposed move, inspired by Europe's Digital Markets Act, but \tailored to better fit the contours of India’s dynamic economy.

With each budget announcement, citizens hold their breath for potential tax breaks, yet an emerging concern is the rising trend of retail investors plunging into high-risk ventures. According to an NSE report, 40% of its 95 million investors are Gen Zs, up significantly from 22% just five years ago. Additionally, the volume of high-risk index options has skyrocketed by over five times in the last three years. Consequently, there's a push for strategic tax incentives to guide investors toward safer, and regulated options. RBI's retail direct scheme for government bonds, for instance, offers secure investment avenues, but has seen limited uptake due to higher taxes and complex interface. Finsafe India’s Mirin Agarwal writes for Mint Money, explaining how three policy changes could put more money in the pockets of the aam aadmi, while safeguarding them from risks.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day ahead!

Show notes:

Mint Primer | NEET-UG fiasco: How to avoid trouble, going ahead

Death overs: After a century, Kashmir’s batmakers could be run out

Ad-driven slates are a strong focus for OTT platforms as initial efforts pay off

Digital Competition Bill: Gatekeeper tag likely for top digital startups

Three ways Budget 2024 can put more money in aam aadmi's pocket

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 405 no Tiger Global's roar dies down to a yelp https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tiger-globals-roar-dies-down-to-a-yelp-NHV2kFKw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Thursday. Both rose by around 0.5 percent during trading hours yesterday. The share of foreign investors in HDFC Bank is set to drop below 55 percent. This is crucial for India's largest private lender as its weight in the MSCI India Index will double. Investors are excited for this move — HDFC's share price has increased by more than 16 and a half percent over the last month. Despite this surge, HDFC's share price has remained flat from a year ago. In sharp contrast, ICICI Bank’s share price has increased by more than 30 percent over the same period. HDFC's inclusion in the MSCI index might provide some cheer for investors in the short term, but it has plenty to catch up. The banking industry in India looks quite different than it did just five years ago. In September 2019, the Reserve Bank of India had directed all banks to link their interest rates to the repo rate as well as the treasury bonds. This meant that when any change in RBI's repo rate or the bond yields took place, the interest rates that the banks charged to the consumer would change proportionally. Prior to that, banks were quick to pass on interest rate hikes but not the savings that came with rate cuts. Shayan Ghosh writes that this transmission has been swift: 58 percent of all floating loans in India are now tied to \rates standardised by RBI. The regulator’s main motive is to protect consumers, and it's doing a good job of it so far under governor Shaktikanta Das. At Mint, we're closely following the next Union Budget. Our big Budget story of the day is that the government is planning on easing business-related hurdles, plugging in tax gaps, and recaliberating customs duties to empower domestic companies. The industries that are set to benefit from this move are textiles and engineering goods, report Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu. Policymakers want to improve domestic production of goods, and will resort to these protective measures to ensure Indian companies fare better than their foreign counterparts. The Indian startup industry has had one major complaint for the entirety of its existence: the angel tax. This was a duty amounting to 30.6 percent — a steep price to pay when any startup is raising money. The government imposed it in 2012, and earlier this year, extended it to NRIs as well. This made fundraising a much more expensive process for both investors and the startups. But finally, there's some reprieve: Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry of commerce has recommended that this tax be repealed. This decision now lies with the ministry of finance. If this goes through, expect a lot more investments in India's ever-growing startup industry. At its peak, Tiger Global was one of the most prolific venture capital funds around the globe. It grew to prominence via its investments in China, making billions of dollars in the process. In India, Tiger has invested in more than 160 companies. Some of its notable investments in India include Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, Zomato, and Ola. But that was the Tiger Global of yesterday. Today, its roars have turned into meek yelps, writes Ranjani Raghavan. Tiger has only been making smaller, follow-up investments these days, and is afraid to take on big bets. The zero interest rate phenomenon is now dead, which means Tiger can't afford to invest in companies that believe in a growth-at-all-costs philosophy. That particular strategy allowed Tiger Global to grow to new heights, and it might be the reason why it fails spectacularly. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: HDFC Bank’s weight on the MSCI India Index is set to double. But does it matter?  How Shaktikanta Das is fixing the problem of wayward bank interest rates   Govt plans duty reforms, tax tweaks to boost local manufacturing  DPIIT recommends removal of Angel Tax  Why Tiger Global’s ferocious roar has turned into a soft mewl  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Tiger Global's roar dies down to a yelp full 602 Mint - HT Smartcast Goodbye angel tax, short-lived joy for HDFC investors? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Thursday. Both rose by around 0.5 percent during trading hours yesterday. The share of foreign investors in HDFC Bank is set to drop below 55 percent. This is crucial for India's largest private lender as its weight in the MSCI India Index will double. Investors are excited for this move — HDFC's share price has increased by more than 16 and a half percent over the last month. Despite this surge, HDFC's share price has remained flat from a year ago. In sharp contrast, ICICI Bank’s share price has increased by more than 30 percent over the same period. HDFC's inclusion in the MSCI index might provide some cheer for investors in the short term, but it has plenty to catch up. The banking industry in India looks quite different than it did just five years ago. In September 2019, the Reserve Bank of India had directed all banks to link their interest rates to the repo rate as well as the treasury bonds. This meant that when any change in RBI's repo rate or the bond yields took place, the interest rates that the banks charged to the consumer would change proportionally. Prior to that, banks were quick to pass on interest rate hikes but not the savings that came with rate cuts. Shayan Ghosh writes that this transmission has been swift: 58 percent of all floating loans in India are now tied to \rates standardised by RBI. The regulator’s main motive is to protect consumers, and it's doing a good job of it so far under governor Shaktikanta Das. At Mint, we're closely following the next Union Budget. Our big Budget story of the day is that the government is planning on easing business-related hurdles, plugging in tax gaps, and recaliberating customs duties to empower domestic companies. The industries that are set to benefit from this move are textiles and engineering goods, report Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu. Policymakers want to improve domestic production of goods, and will resort to these protective measures to ensure Indian companies fare better than their foreign counterparts. The Indian startup industry has had one major complaint for the entirety of its existence: the angel tax. This was a duty amounting to 30.6 percent — a steep price to pay when any startup is raising money. The government imposed it in 2012, and earlier this year, extended it to NRIs as well. This made fundraising a much more expensive process for both investors and the startups. But finally, there's some reprieve: Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry of commerce has recommended that this tax be repealed. This decision now lies with the ministry of finance. If this goes through, expect a lot more investments in India's ever-growing startup industry. At its peak, Tiger Global was one of the most prolific venture capital funds around the globe. It grew to prominence via its investments in China, making billions of dollars in the process. In India, Tiger has invested in more than 160 companies. Some of its notable investments in India include Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, Zomato, and Ola. But that was the Tiger Global of yesterday. Today, its roars have turned into meek yelps, writes Ranjani Raghavan. Tiger has only been making smaller, follow-up investments these days, and is afraid to take on big bets. The zero interest rate phenomenon is now dead, which means Tiger can't afford to invest in companies that believe in a growth-at-all-costs philosophy. That particular strategy allowed Tiger Global to grow to new heights, and it might be the reason why it fails spectacularly. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: HDFC Bank’s weight on the MSCI India Index is set to double. But does it matter?  How Shaktikanta Das is fixing the problem of wayward bank interest rates   Govt plans duty reforms, tax tweaks to boost local manufacturing  DPIIT recommends removal of Angel Tax  Why Tiger Global’s ferocious roar has turned into a soft mewl  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, July 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Thursday. Both rose by around 0.5 percent during trading hours yesterday.

The share of foreign investors in HDFC Bank is set to drop below 55 percent. This is crucial for India's largest private lender as its weight in the MSCI India Index will double. Investors are excited for this move — HDFC's share price has increased by more than 16 and a half percent over the last month. Despite this surge, HDFC's share price has remained flat from a year ago. In sharp contrast, ICICI Bank’s share price has increased by more than 30 percent over the same period. HDFC's inclusion in the MSCI index might provide some cheer for investors in the short term, but it has plenty to catch up.

The banking industry in India looks quite different than it did just five years ago. In September 2019, the Reserve Bank of India had directed all banks to link their interest rates to the repo rate as well as the treasury bonds. This meant that when any change in RBI's repo rate or the bond yields took place, the interest rates that the banks charged to the consumer would change proportionally. Prior to that, banks were quick to pass on interest rate hikes but not the savings that came with rate cuts. Shayan Ghosh writes that this transmission has been swift: 58 percent of all floating loans in India are now tied to \rates standardised by RBI. The regulator’s main motive is to protect consumers, and it's doing a good job of it so far under governor Shaktikanta Das.

At Mint, we're closely following the next Union Budget. Our big Budget story of the day is that the government is planning on easing business-related hurdles, plugging in tax gaps, and recaliberating customs duties to empower domestic companies. The industries that are set to benefit from this move are textiles and engineering goods, report Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu. Policymakers want to improve domestic production of goods, and will resort to these protective measures to ensure Indian companies fare better than their foreign counterparts.

The Indian startup industry has had one major complaint for the entirety of its existence: the angel tax. This was a duty amounting to 30.6 percent — a steep price to pay when any startup is raising money. The government imposed it in 2012, and earlier this year, extended it to NRIs as well. This made fundraising a much more expensive process for both investors and the startups. But finally, there's some reprieve: Dhirendra Kumar reports that the ministry of commerce has recommended that this tax be repealed. This decision now lies with the ministry of finance. If this goes through, expect a lot more investments in India's ever-growing startup industry.

At its peak, Tiger Global was one of the most prolific venture capital funds around the globe. It grew to prominence via its investments in China, making billions of dollars in the process. In India, Tiger has invested in more than 160 companies. Some of its notable investments in India include Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, Zomato, and Ola. But that was the Tiger Global of yesterday. Today, its roars have turned into meek yelps, writes Ranjani Raghavan. Tiger has only been making smaller, follow-up investments these days, and is afraid to take on big bets. The zero interest rate phenomenon is now dead, which means Tiger can't afford to invest in companies that believe in a growth-at-all-costs philosophy. That particular strategy allowed Tiger Global to grow to new heights, and it might be the reason why it fails spectacularly.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

HDFC Bank’s weight on the MSCI India Index is set to double. But does it matter? 

How Shaktikanta Das is fixing the problem of wayward bank interest rates


 

Govt plans duty reforms, tax tweaks to boost local manufacturing 

DPIIT recommends removal of Angel Tax 

Why Tiger Global’s ferocious roar has turned into a soft mewl 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 374 no GenZ: the new player in India’s investment game https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/genz-the-new-player-in-indias-investment-game-qhYuGfcm Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and the Nifty hit fresh highs on Wednesday. The Sensex breached the coveted 80,000 landmark, while the Nifty scaled its fresh peak of 24,309 points. The Sensex finally ended the day 0.69 per cent higher, while the Nifty closed 0.67 per cent higher. A new player has entered India’s investment game - and it's not a new company or a new investor. It's an entire generation of Indians. GenZ now makes up 40 per cent of the 95 million registered users on the National Stock Exchange. This marks a substantial increase from the 22-23% share before the pandemic. Mint’s Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah spoke to industry insiders to report on the changing demographics of Indian investors. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO of HDFC Securities, notes that this age group tends to favour short-term gains through index options and intraday trading rather than long-term investment strategies. This trend is reflected in the overall dynamics of the NSE's investor base, where the median age has dropped from 38 in FY18 to 32.  When Uttar Pradesh reported higher GST collections than Tamil Nadu for April, it stirred discussions about potential shifts in economic performance between the states. However, this occurrence seems more like a statistical outlier rather than a trend, as Tamil Nadu quickly regained the lead in May. Over the past six years, Tamil Nadu's gap in GST collection over Uttar Pradesh has actually widened from 13% to 16%. When GST was rolled out in 2017, there was a theory that it might benefit larger but economically weaker states due to their higher population and consumption. But the numbers tell a different story. Despite their large populations, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar haven't seen the surge in collections many expected. In contrast, Maharashtra, another populous state but with a stronger economic base, has consistently outperformed in GST collections. Our partners at howindialives.com report on this scenario that challenges the simplistic equation that a bigger population equals higher GST revenue. The price of onions has always been a pain point for parties when it comes to electoral politics. Historically, soaring onion prices have influenced voter behaviour. The looming shadow of another onion price hike is causing the Indian government to take preemptive measures to avoid a repeat of last year's crisis when skyrocketing prices hit consumers hard. Despite a good harvest, fewer onion-laden trucks are rolling into the country’s largest vegetable market—Delhi’s Azadpur mandi. This raises concerns about a potential price rise. This decrease in supply has not yet reached alarming levels, but it's enough to make the government cautious. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the government is considering requiring traders to declare their stocks and possibly imposing stock limits if the situation does not improve. This issue is particularly sensitive as several state elections are on the horizon. Top Chinese smartphone brands Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are exploring partnerships with Indian companies to manufacture and distribute their products locally. This follows previous attempts to create joint ventures with Indian entities, but those didn't progress as planned. The discussions have evolved as large Indian conglomerates including the Tata Group, Reliance Industries, and Dixon Technologies have showed interest in setting up their own manufacturing operations rather than taking a majority stake in these Chinese firms. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh along with Shouvik Das report on developments that come amid ongoing investigations by India's Enforcement Directorate into allegations of tax evasion by the Chinese companies, totaling around ₹9,000 crore. This scrutiny has made potential Indian partners wary of associating closely with these brands despite the mutual benefits a partnership could bring. In Bengaluru’s Embassy Manyata Business Park, a 15-year-old Rosewood building has been extensively renovated to meet modern office standards. This 250,000 square foot structure now features a modern design with a double-glazed glass façade, updated elevators, and new interior finishes. It's part of a broader upgrade within the park, which also includes new premium dining options, enhancing the park's appeal to the 125,000 employees who work out of its office buildings. The renovation reflects a wider trend towards high-quality office spaces that combine functionality with luxury, aiming to attract top tenants and cater to a young workforce. Such spaces command a higher rental premium due to their enhanced amenities and design that prioritise employee experience and comfort. This shift is driven by companies' focus on retaining talent and making offices more appealing places to work. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: GenZ's share of investors on NSE doubles as young turks charge at the markets Uttar Pradesh tops Tamil Nadu in GST collection: Myth and reality Now, Centre mulls stock declaration for onions, imposing stock limit Chinese smartphone makers looking for Indian partners for manufacturing Still working from home? These offices just might lure you back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 GenZ: the new player in India’s investment game full 601 Mint - HT Smartcast Onions are in the news again; Myths and realities of GST collection across states Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and the Nifty hit fresh highs on Wednesday. The Sensex breached the coveted 80,000 landmark, while the Nifty scaled its fresh peak of 24,309 points. The Sensex finally ended the day 0.69 per cent higher, while the Nifty closed 0.67 per cent higher. A new player has entered India’s investment game - and it's not a new company or a new investor. It's an entire generation of Indians. GenZ now makes up 40 per cent of the 95 million registered users on the National Stock Exchange. This marks a substantial increase from the 22-23% share before the pandemic. Mint’s Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah spoke to industry insiders to report on the changing demographics of Indian investors. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO of HDFC Securities, notes that this age group tends to favour short-term gains through index options and intraday trading rather than long-term investment strategies. This trend is reflected in the overall dynamics of the NSE's investor base, where the median age has dropped from 38 in FY18 to 32.  When Uttar Pradesh reported higher GST collections than Tamil Nadu for April, it stirred discussions about potential shifts in economic performance between the states. However, this occurrence seems more like a statistical outlier rather than a trend, as Tamil Nadu quickly regained the lead in May. Over the past six years, Tamil Nadu's gap in GST collection over Uttar Pradesh has actually widened from 13% to 16%. When GST was rolled out in 2017, there was a theory that it might benefit larger but economically weaker states due to their higher population and consumption. But the numbers tell a different story. Despite their large populations, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar haven't seen the surge in collections many expected. In contrast, Maharashtra, another populous state but with a stronger economic base, has consistently outperformed in GST collections. Our partners at howindialives.com report on this scenario that challenges the simplistic equation that a bigger population equals higher GST revenue. The price of onions has always been a pain point for parties when it comes to electoral politics. Historically, soaring onion prices have influenced voter behaviour. The looming shadow of another onion price hike is causing the Indian government to take preemptive measures to avoid a repeat of last year's crisis when skyrocketing prices hit consumers hard. Despite a good harvest, fewer onion-laden trucks are rolling into the country’s largest vegetable market—Delhi’s Azadpur mandi. This raises concerns about a potential price rise. This decrease in supply has not yet reached alarming levels, but it's enough to make the government cautious. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the government is considering requiring traders to declare their stocks and possibly imposing stock limits if the situation does not improve. This issue is particularly sensitive as several state elections are on the horizon. Top Chinese smartphone brands Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are exploring partnerships with Indian companies to manufacture and distribute their products locally. This follows previous attempts to create joint ventures with Indian entities, but those didn't progress as planned. The discussions have evolved as large Indian conglomerates including the Tata Group, Reliance Industries, and Dixon Technologies have showed interest in setting up their own manufacturing operations rather than taking a majority stake in these Chinese firms. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh along with Shouvik Das report on developments that come amid ongoing investigations by India's Enforcement Directorate into allegations of tax evasion by the Chinese companies, totaling around ₹9,000 crore. This scrutiny has made potential Indian partners wary of associating closely with these brands despite the mutual benefits a partnership could bring. In Bengaluru’s Embassy Manyata Business Park, a 15-year-old Rosewood building has been extensively renovated to meet modern office standards. This 250,000 square foot structure now features a modern design with a double-glazed glass façade, updated elevators, and new interior finishes. It's part of a broader upgrade within the park, which also includes new premium dining options, enhancing the park's appeal to the 125,000 employees who work out of its office buildings. The renovation reflects a wider trend towards high-quality office spaces that combine functionality with luxury, aiming to attract top tenants and cater to a young workforce. Such spaces command a higher rental premium due to their enhanced amenities and design that prioritise employee experience and comfort. This shift is driven by companies' focus on retaining talent and making offices more appealing places to work. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: GenZ's share of investors on NSE doubles as young turks charge at the markets Uttar Pradesh tops Tamil Nadu in GST collection: Myth and reality Now, Centre mulls stock declaration for onions, imposing stock limit Chinese smartphone makers looking for Indian partners for manufacturing Still working from home? These offices just might lure you back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, July 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and the Nifty hit fresh highs on Wednesday. The Sensex breached the coveted 80,000 landmark, while the Nifty scaled its fresh peak of 24,309 points. The Sensex finally ended the day 0.69 per cent higher, while the Nifty closed 0.67 per cent higher.

A new player has entered India’s investment game - and it's not a new company or a new investor. It's an entire generation of Indians. GenZ now makes up 40 per cent of the 95 million registered users on the National Stock Exchange. This marks a substantial increase from the 22-23% share before the pandemic. Mint’s Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah spoke to industry insiders to report on the changing demographics of Indian investors. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO of HDFC Securities, notes that this age group tends to favour short-term gains through index options and intraday trading rather than long-term investment strategies. This trend is reflected in the overall dynamics of the NSE's investor base, where the median age has dropped from 38 in FY18 to 32. 

When Uttar Pradesh reported higher GST collections than Tamil Nadu for April, it stirred discussions about potential shifts in economic performance between the states. However, this occurrence seems more like a statistical outlier rather than a trend, as Tamil Nadu quickly regained the lead in May. Over the past six years, Tamil Nadu's gap in GST collection over Uttar Pradesh has actually widened from 13% to 16%. When GST was rolled out in 2017, there was a theory that it might benefit larger but economically weaker states due to their higher population and consumption. But the numbers tell a different story. Despite their large populations, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar haven't seen the surge in collections many expected. In contrast, Maharashtra, another populous state but with a stronger economic base, has consistently outperformed in GST collections. Our partners at howindialives.com report on this scenario that challenges the simplistic equation that a bigger population equals higher GST revenue.

The price of onions has always been a pain point for parties when it comes to electoral politics. Historically, soaring onion prices have influenced voter behaviour. The looming shadow of another onion price hike is causing the Indian government to take preemptive measures to avoid a repeat of last year's crisis when skyrocketing prices hit consumers hard. Despite a good harvest, fewer onion-laden trucks are rolling into the country’s largest vegetable market—Delhi’s Azadpur mandi. This raises concerns about a potential price rise. This decrease in supply has not yet reached alarming levels, but it's enough to make the government cautious. Mint’s Puja Das reports that the government is considering requiring traders to declare their stocks and possibly imposing stock limits if the situation does not improve. This issue is particularly sensitive as several state elections are on the horizon.

Top Chinese smartphone brands Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are exploring partnerships with Indian companies to manufacture and distribute their products locally. This follows previous attempts to create joint ventures with Indian entities, but those didn't progress as planned. The discussions have evolved as large Indian conglomerates including the Tata Group, Reliance Industries, and Dixon Technologies have showed interest in setting up their own manufacturing operations rather than taking a majority stake in these Chinese firms. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh along with Shouvik Das report on developments that come amid ongoing investigations by India's Enforcement Directorate into allegations of tax evasion by the Chinese companies, totaling around ₹9,000 crore. This scrutiny has made potential Indian partners wary of associating closely with these brands despite the mutual benefits a partnership could bring.

In Bengaluru’s Embassy Manyata Business Park, a 15-year-old Rosewood building has been extensively renovated to meet modern office standards. This 250,000 square foot structure now features a modern design with a double-glazed glass façade, updated elevators, and new interior finishes. It's part of a broader upgrade within the park, which also includes new premium dining options, enhancing the park's appeal to the 125,000 employees who work out of its office buildings. The renovation reflects a wider trend towards high-quality office spaces that combine functionality with luxury, aiming to attract top tenants and cater to a young workforce. Such spaces command a higher rental premium due to their enhanced amenities and design that prioritise employee experience and comfort. This shift is driven by companies' focus on retaining talent and making offices more appealing places to work. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a detailed look.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

GenZ's share of investors on NSE doubles as young turks charge at the markets

Uttar Pradesh tops Tamil Nadu in GST collection: Myth and reality

Now, Centre mulls stock declaration for onions, imposing stock limit

Chinese smartphone makers looking for Indian partners for manufacturing

Still working from home? These offices just might lure you back

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 457 no New chapter in Adani-Hindenburg saga https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/new-chapter-in-adani-hindenburg-saga-w4YuYMET Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both fell by less than 0.1 percent during trading hours yesterday. It's difficult to keep the Adani Group out of the news cycle. More than a year and half after it was accused of various irregularities by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research, we're back at it. The markets regulator Sebi sent a show-cause notice to Hindenburg and its financial partner, accusing their report of being sensationalist and profit-oriented. Hindenburg fired back and denied Sebi's accusations, calling it, and I quote, "nonsense". Hindenburg added that Sebi's report was premeditated, and the research firm stood by its report. Varun Sood outlines the entire saga, and explains the notices and responses between Sebi, Adani, and Hindenburg. It's incredibly easy to get a loan these days. Fintech apps have brought in the "buy now, pay later" revolution, which means that you can order a pizza for dinner tonight and pay for it in the next three months, without any interest. But Indians aren't just borrowing small amounts — home, car, and education loans have been disbursed at the highest volumes since 2008. Vivek Kaul points out a glaring contrast between borrowing and spending data: we're borrowing more than ever, and spending... less? Private consumption today stands at just 8.5 percent, the slowest in two decades. Vivek answers why this dichotomy has taken place, and how the Indian economy is getting affected by such a pattern. While fintechs have more business than ever, their voracious potential for growth is only limited by one possibility: regulation. Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma team up to report that India's fintech companies want clarity on such regulations. They want hassle-free licensing, tax considerations, and provisions for financial inclusion. Fintech players told Priyamvada and Mansi that a clear framework would help in streamlining their work. For example, currently, a fintech has to apply for multiple licences to offer their services. They claim that they could be making much more progress and digitising more of India's finances if they had such a framework to adhere to. It's July, which means that it's the rainy season for most of India. While the season officially starts in June, this year's progress has been slow. This is bad news for India's agricultural sector, which completes much of the sowing for its kharif crops this month. A slow or insufficient monsoon can spell disaster for the country's economy, writes Harsha Jethmalani. She points out the concerns around inflation in June, and a cascading effect on rural incomes. India needs rural demand to rise, and a poor monsoon won't help with that. July also means that it's tax season. The deadline to file your income tax returns is 31st July. Unfortunately, the process isn't easy. There are a lot of forms to choose from, and one might get confused. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam weaves a nice narrative to explain the different kinds of forms, and which ones would be appropriate for your type of income. Remember, missing the 31st July deadline can lead to a penalty of 5,000 rupees — I'd recommend you to read this story if you still had doubts on filing your IT returns. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Explainer: Hindenburg's latest salvo against Sebi and Adani—and Kotak  Retail credit aplenty. But why is our spending growth soft?  Fintechs seek regulatory clarity, improved licensing, tax reforms With a sombre start, spectre of a disappointing monsoon season lurks  Income tax deadline looms: Know your ITR forms to avoid penalties  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 New chapter in Adani-Hindenburg saga full 600 Mint - HT Smartcast Poor monsoon plays spoilsport for economy, a primer on ITR forms Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both fell by less than 0.1 percent during trading hours yesterday. It's difficult to keep the Adani Group out of the news cycle. More than a year and half after it was accused of various irregularities by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research, we're back at it. The markets regulator Sebi sent a show-cause notice to Hindenburg and its financial partner, accusing their report of being sensationalist and profit-oriented. Hindenburg fired back and denied Sebi's accusations, calling it, and I quote, "nonsense". Hindenburg added that Sebi's report was premeditated, and the research firm stood by its report. Varun Sood outlines the entire saga, and explains the notices and responses between Sebi, Adani, and Hindenburg. It's incredibly easy to get a loan these days. Fintech apps have brought in the "buy now, pay later" revolution, which means that you can order a pizza for dinner tonight and pay for it in the next three months, without any interest. But Indians aren't just borrowing small amounts — home, car, and education loans have been disbursed at the highest volumes since 2008. Vivek Kaul points out a glaring contrast between borrowing and spending data: we're borrowing more than ever, and spending... less? Private consumption today stands at just 8.5 percent, the slowest in two decades. Vivek answers why this dichotomy has taken place, and how the Indian economy is getting affected by such a pattern. While fintechs have more business than ever, their voracious potential for growth is only limited by one possibility: regulation. Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma team up to report that India's fintech companies want clarity on such regulations. They want hassle-free licensing, tax considerations, and provisions for financial inclusion. Fintech players told Priyamvada and Mansi that a clear framework would help in streamlining their work. For example, currently, a fintech has to apply for multiple licences to offer their services. They claim that they could be making much more progress and digitising more of India's finances if they had such a framework to adhere to. It's July, which means that it's the rainy season for most of India. While the season officially starts in June, this year's progress has been slow. This is bad news for India's agricultural sector, which completes much of the sowing for its kharif crops this month. A slow or insufficient monsoon can spell disaster for the country's economy, writes Harsha Jethmalani. She points out the concerns around inflation in June, and a cascading effect on rural incomes. India needs rural demand to rise, and a poor monsoon won't help with that. July also means that it's tax season. The deadline to file your income tax returns is 31st July. Unfortunately, the process isn't easy. There are a lot of forms to choose from, and one might get confused. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam weaves a nice narrative to explain the different kinds of forms, and which ones would be appropriate for your type of income. Remember, missing the 31st July deadline can lead to a penalty of 5,000 rupees — I'd recommend you to read this story if you still had doubts on filing your IT returns. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Explainer: Hindenburg's latest salvo against Sebi and Adani—and Kotak  Retail credit aplenty. But why is our spending growth soft?  Fintechs seek regulatory clarity, improved licensing, tax reforms With a sombre start, spectre of a disappointing monsoon season lurks  Income tax deadline looms: Know your ITR forms to avoid penalties  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, July 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Sensex and Nifty remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both fell by less than 0.1 percent during trading hours yesterday.

It's difficult to keep the Adani Group out of the news cycle. More than a year and half after it was accused of various irregularities by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research, we're back at it. The markets regulator Sebi sent a show-cause notice to Hindenburg and its financial partner, accusing their report of being sensationalist and profit-oriented. Hindenburg fired back and denied Sebi's accusations, calling it, and I quote, "nonsense". Hindenburg added that Sebi's report was premeditated, and the research firm stood by its report. Varun Sood outlines the entire saga, and explains the notices and responses between Sebi, Adani, and Hindenburg.

It's incredibly easy to get a loan these days. Fintech apps have brought in the "buy now, pay later" revolution, which means that you can order a pizza for dinner tonight and pay for it in the next three months, without any interest. But Indians aren't just borrowing small amounts — home, car, and education loans have been disbursed at the highest volumes since 2008. Vivek Kaul points out a glaring contrast between borrowing and spending data: we're borrowing more than ever, and spending... less? Private consumption today stands at just 8.5 percent, the slowest in two decades. Vivek answers why this dichotomy has taken place, and how the Indian economy is getting affected by such a pattern.

While fintechs have more business than ever, their voracious potential for growth is only limited by one possibility: regulation. Priyamvada C and Mansi Verma team up to report that India's fintech companies want clarity on such regulations. They want hassle-free licensing, tax considerations, and provisions for financial inclusion. Fintech players told Priyamvada and Mansi that a clear framework would help in streamlining their work. For example, currently, a fintech has to apply for multiple licences to offer their services. They claim that they could be making much more progress and digitising more of India's finances if they had such a framework to adhere to.

It's July, which means that it's the rainy season for most of India. While the season officially starts in June, this year's progress has been slow. This is bad news for India's agricultural sector, which completes much of the sowing for its kharif crops this month. A slow or insufficient monsoon can spell disaster for the country's economy, writes Harsha Jethmalani. She points out the concerns around inflation in June, and a cascading effect on rural incomes. India needs rural demand to rise, and a poor monsoon won't help with that.

July also means that it's tax season. The deadline to file your income tax returns is 31st July. Unfortunately, the process isn't easy. There are a lot of forms to choose from, and one might get confused. Sashind Ningthoukhongjam weaves a nice narrative to explain the different kinds of forms, and which ones would be appropriate for your type of income. Remember, missing the 31st July deadline can lead to a penalty of 5,000 rupees — I'd recommend you to read this story if you still had doubts on filing your IT returns.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Mint Explainer: Hindenburg's latest salvo against Sebi and Adani—and Kotak 

Retail credit aplenty. But why is our spending growth soft? 

Fintechs seek regulatory clarity, improved licensing, tax reforms

With a sombre start, spectre of a disappointing monsoon season lurks 

Income tax deadline looms: Know your ITR forms to avoid penalties 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 352 no PLI boost for Railways in upcoming Budget https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/pli-boost-for-railways-in-upcoming-budget-Z5XwuH_6 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market’s benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both gained more than 0.5 per cent by the end of the trading session on Monday. In a significant push to bolster the 'Make in India' initiative, the government is considering a Production-Linked Incentive scheme that could transform the railway sector. The scheme—likely to be introduced in the upcoming Union budget—will specifically target the manufacturing of certain railway components that we typically import. Now, what’s on the cards? The government is thinking about offering incentives ranging from 5-10% for locally produced products like wheels, axles, and braking systems, crucial for modern train sets such as the Vande Bharat and green trains running on alternative fuels like hydrogen. They've proposed this scheme to last three years with an expected incentive pool of ₹1,000-1,500 crore. Mint’s Subhash Narayan reports on the scheme, aimed at making our rail component industry more robust and competitive. Indian investors have been showing unparalleled enthusiasm towards the defence sector–something that was seen post-world war 2 on Wall Street. Since its inception in January 2022, the Nifty India Defence Index has surged nearly 400%, overshadowing gains in other sectors. With India's significant military size and budget commitments to defence modernization, the sector presents a massive opportunity. In the fiscal year 2023-24, defence exports from India reached an all-time high, boosting investor optimism. However, the escalating stock prices have raised concerns about sustainability. Experts like Anirudh Garg from Invasset and George Thomas from Quantum AMC advise caution, pointing out that the sector might be overheated despite its growth potential. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a detailed look at whether defence stocks can armour-plate your portfolio - in today’s Long Story.  Private investors are increasingly initiating forensic audits earlier in their relationships with portfolio companies, aiming to identify and address potential financial and governance issues preemptively. This shift comes in response to significant financial losses caused by mismanagement in high-profile startups, leading to a more proactive approach in risk management. Previously, audits were typically conducted after issues surfaced, but now, they're often triggered by early warning signs, enhancing the ability to manage risks effectively throughout the investment lifecycle. Mint’s startups correspondent Sneha Shah reports.  The first half of the year was packed with big Bollywood releases like Fighter, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Maidaan, but even these star-studded films couldn't shake the Indian movie industry out of its slump. Box office collections dropped from ₹4,868 crore in the first half of 2023 to ₹3,000-3,500 crore this time around, also partly because we had almost no new films during the Lok Sabha election for about two months. Particularly, Bollywood's numbers were down by ₹400-500 crore. Despite these flops, there's a silver lining with some smaller films. Movies like Crew, Article 370, and Munjya did quite well, hinting that moviegoers are ready to return to the theatres if the content catches their eye. This shift towards smaller films is pretty stark compared to last year's blockbusters. But it's not all gloomy. Malayalam cinema has been doing surprisingly well, with several hits like Manjummel Boys and Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life easily crossing the ₹100 crore mark. It seems they've managed to rake in nearly 71% of their last year's total in just the first three months of 2024! Mint’s Lata Jha brings a wrapup of the first half of the year for India’s film industry.  The rise of digital avatars or 'deadbots' that allow us to interact with representations of the deceased is stirring both fascination and ethical debates. Companies like DeepBrain AI, HereAfter AI, and Eternime are pioneering services that enable the dead to have a form of digital presence, often inspired by popular media like the Pixar film Coco. The goal ranges from providing comfort and legacy planning to educational purposes, such as allowing students to interact with an avatar of Einstein discussing relativity. The potential of these technologies extends beyond simple memorials. They can perform at virtual concerts, offer family recipes, or guide medical students—almost like bringing the past into the present. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explains what deadbots are in today’s Primer.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Wheels, brakes and axles: Vande Bharat's parts makers may get a PLI horsepower Gunning for glory: Can defence stocks armour-plate your portfolio? Forensic auditors at startup doors as edgy investors look to fix issues early At the box office, a dull first half punctuated by small moments of delight Mint Primer: AI can make you immortal. What’s the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 PLI boost for Railways in upcoming Budget full 599 Mint - HT Smartcast Can defence stocks armour-plate your portfolio? Can AI bring back the dead? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian market’s benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both gained more than 0.5 per cent by the end of the trading session on Monday. In a significant push to bolster the 'Make in India' initiative, the government is considering a Production-Linked Incentive scheme that could transform the railway sector. The scheme—likely to be introduced in the upcoming Union budget—will specifically target the manufacturing of certain railway components that we typically import. Now, what’s on the cards? The government is thinking about offering incentives ranging from 5-10% for locally produced products like wheels, axles, and braking systems, crucial for modern train sets such as the Vande Bharat and green trains running on alternative fuels like hydrogen. They've proposed this scheme to last three years with an expected incentive pool of ₹1,000-1,500 crore. Mint’s Subhash Narayan reports on the scheme, aimed at making our rail component industry more robust and competitive. Indian investors have been showing unparalleled enthusiasm towards the defence sector–something that was seen post-world war 2 on Wall Street. Since its inception in January 2022, the Nifty India Defence Index has surged nearly 400%, overshadowing gains in other sectors. With India's significant military size and budget commitments to defence modernization, the sector presents a massive opportunity. In the fiscal year 2023-24, defence exports from India reached an all-time high, boosting investor optimism. However, the escalating stock prices have raised concerns about sustainability. Experts like Anirudh Garg from Invasset and George Thomas from Quantum AMC advise caution, pointing out that the sector might be overheated despite its growth potential. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a detailed look at whether defence stocks can armour-plate your portfolio - in today’s Long Story.  Private investors are increasingly initiating forensic audits earlier in their relationships with portfolio companies, aiming to identify and address potential financial and governance issues preemptively. This shift comes in response to significant financial losses caused by mismanagement in high-profile startups, leading to a more proactive approach in risk management. Previously, audits were typically conducted after issues surfaced, but now, they're often triggered by early warning signs, enhancing the ability to manage risks effectively throughout the investment lifecycle. Mint’s startups correspondent Sneha Shah reports.  The first half of the year was packed with big Bollywood releases like Fighter, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Maidaan, but even these star-studded films couldn't shake the Indian movie industry out of its slump. Box office collections dropped from ₹4,868 crore in the first half of 2023 to ₹3,000-3,500 crore this time around, also partly because we had almost no new films during the Lok Sabha election for about two months. Particularly, Bollywood's numbers were down by ₹400-500 crore. Despite these flops, there's a silver lining with some smaller films. Movies like Crew, Article 370, and Munjya did quite well, hinting that moviegoers are ready to return to the theatres if the content catches their eye. This shift towards smaller films is pretty stark compared to last year's blockbusters. But it's not all gloomy. Malayalam cinema has been doing surprisingly well, with several hits like Manjummel Boys and Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life easily crossing the ₹100 crore mark. It seems they've managed to rake in nearly 71% of their last year's total in just the first three months of 2024! Mint’s Lata Jha brings a wrapup of the first half of the year for India’s film industry.  The rise of digital avatars or 'deadbots' that allow us to interact with representations of the deceased is stirring both fascination and ethical debates. Companies like DeepBrain AI, HereAfter AI, and Eternime are pioneering services that enable the dead to have a form of digital presence, often inspired by popular media like the Pixar film Coco. The goal ranges from providing comfort and legacy planning to educational purposes, such as allowing students to interact with an avatar of Einstein discussing relativity. The potential of these technologies extends beyond simple memorials. They can perform at virtual concerts, offer family recipes, or guide medical students—almost like bringing the past into the present. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explains what deadbots are in today’s Primer.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Wheels, brakes and axles: Vande Bharat's parts makers may get a PLI horsepower Gunning for glory: Can defence stocks armour-plate your portfolio? Forensic auditors at startup doors as edgy investors look to fix issues early At the box office, a dull first half punctuated by small moments of delight Mint Primer: AI can make you immortal. What’s the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, July 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian market’s benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both gained more than 0.5 per cent by the end of the trading session on Monday.

In a significant push to bolster the 'Make in India' initiative, the government is considering a Production-Linked Incentive scheme that could transform the railway sector. The scheme—likely to be introduced in the upcoming Union budget—will specifically target the manufacturing of certain railway components that we typically import. Now, what’s on the cards? The government is thinking about offering incentives ranging from 5-10% for locally produced products like wheels, axles, and braking systems, crucial for modern train sets such as the Vande Bharat and green trains running on alternative fuels like hydrogen. They've proposed this scheme to last three years with an expected incentive pool of ₹1,000-1,500 crore. Mint’s Subhash Narayan reports on the scheme, aimed at making our rail component industry more robust and competitive.

Indian investors have been showing unparalleled enthusiasm towards the defence sector–something that was seen post-world war 2 on Wall Street. Since its inception in January 2022, the Nifty India Defence Index has surged nearly 400%, overshadowing gains in other sectors. With India's significant military size and budget commitments to defence modernization, the sector presents a massive opportunity. In the fiscal year 2023-24, defence exports from India reached an all-time high, boosting investor optimism. However, the escalating stock prices have raised concerns about sustainability. Experts like Anirudh Garg from Invasset and George Thomas from Quantum AMC advise caution, pointing out that the sector might be overheated despite its growth potential. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a detailed look at whether defence stocks can armour-plate your portfolio - in today’s Long Story. 

Private investors are increasingly initiating forensic audits earlier in their relationships with portfolio companies, aiming to identify and address potential financial and governance issues preemptively. This shift comes in response to significant financial losses caused by mismanagement in high-profile startups, leading to a more proactive approach in risk management. Previously, audits were typically conducted after issues surfaced, but now, they're often triggered by early warning signs, enhancing the ability to manage risks effectively throughout the investment lifecycle. Mint’s startups correspondent Sneha Shah reports. 

The first half of the year was packed with big Bollywood releases like Fighter, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Maidaan, but even these star-studded films couldn't shake the Indian movie industry out of its slump. Box office collections dropped from ₹4,868 crore in the first half of 2023 to ₹3,000-3,500 crore this time around, also partly because we had almost no new films during the Lok Sabha election for about two months. Particularly, Bollywood's numbers were down by ₹400-500 crore. Despite these flops, there's a silver lining with some smaller films. Movies like Crew, Article 370, and Munjya did quite well, hinting that moviegoers are ready to return to the theatres if the content catches their eye. This shift towards smaller films is pretty stark compared to last year's blockbusters. But it's not all gloomy. Malayalam cinema has been doing surprisingly well, with several hits like Manjummel Boys and Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life easily crossing the ₹100 crore mark. It seems they've managed to rake in nearly 71% of their last year's total in just the first three months of 2024! Mint’s Lata Jha brings a wrapup of the first half of the year for India’s film industry. 

The rise of digital avatars or 'deadbots' that allow us to interact with representations of the deceased is stirring both fascination and ethical debates. Companies like DeepBrain AI, HereAfter AI, and Eternime are pioneering services that enable the dead to have a form of digital presence, often inspired by popular media like the Pixar film Coco. The goal ranges from providing comfort and legacy planning to educational purposes, such as allowing students to interact with an avatar of Einstein discussing relativity. The potential of these technologies extends beyond simple memorials. They can perform at virtual concerts, offer family recipes, or guide medical students—almost like bringing the past into the present. Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explains what deadbots are in today’s Primer. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Wheels, brakes and axles: Vande Bharat's parts makers may get a PLI horsepower

Gunning for glory: Can defence stocks armour-plate your portfolio?

Forensic auditors at startup doors as edgy investors look to fix issues early

At the box office, a dull first half punctuated by small moments of delight

Mint Primer: AI can make you immortal. What’s the problem?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 436 no The promise that was Amaravati https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-promise-that-was-amaravati-rVejNkqU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Three days ago, Reliance Jio hiked its tariff rates across all its plans. Its closest competitors Airtel and Vodafone Idea soon followed suit. This is the third such hike in the last five years. Average rates for all plans were increased by 10 to 25 percent. Gulveen Aulakh reports that another hike could come in the next financial year. However, increased prices are good news for investors, as this will lead to better revenues across the board. India will continue to have some of the cheapest data tariffs anywhere in the world. Telecom companies feel that these hikes can be easily absorbed by the end users at the moment.  Over 2.3 million aspirants had pinned their hopes on the results of the UGC NEET exam. However, the entire debacle has dashed the hopes of many hoping to pursue medicine as a career option. Rajrishi Singhal opines that this fiasco was a failure of the government's education policy. NEET was conceptualised in an era where the contrast between the applicants and the number of medical seats was far too high, while most states conducted their own entrance exams. This supply-demand problem led to huge financial exploitation of aspirants. The NEET exam was intended to level the playing field. That problem still exists: the 2.3 million students are vying for just over a hundred thousand seats. Rajrishi argues that fixing this would involve long-term solutions, not immediate band-aid fixes that have proven to be a bane for India's education system. If you've been planning to buy a new phone, you'd most likely rather wait till the upcoming festive season to capitalise on all the discounts. However, at smartphone showrooms, these discounts are rolling in already. And no, these aren't bank-specific offers that are now run-of-the-mill at any online retailer. For example, you can now take EMIs without any down payment. You can even immediately exchange your existing smartphone for a new one. Shouvik Das writes that mobile phone makers might soon extend further discounts to boost weakening consumer sentiment. The prices for flagship phones are only increasing, putting off potential buyers. These offers are intended to lure such buyers, notes Shouvik. So before you add to cart, make sure to visit your nearest store — you might just find a better deal. Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh was supposed to be the next big megapolis. It was supposed to have lush green manicured lawns and a city plan that accounted for trees all over the city. In 2014, Amaravati was declared as AP's new capital, to be inaugurated in a decade. Well, it's that time, and Amaravati is... a ghost town? But with K. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party roaring back to power, Amaravati is poised to return to its planned glory. Amaravati is centrally located for most parts of AP, and is connected to the river Krishna. Read N. Madhavan's excellent on-ground report of the promise that was Amaravati, what exists today, and what the new government has planned to turn it into posthaste. It's July, which means it's also Wimbledon season! Arguably the most prestigious grand slam to exist in the world of tennis, winning just a single match at the tournament is considered a huge achievement for many. Last year's result in the men's division was a shocker for most: 20-year old phenom Carlos Alcaraz won the coveted title. He was the first new name to win Wimbledon since 2003. With Nadal, Federer, and Murray retired, and Novak Djokovic nursing injuries, this year too could spring up a new surprise winner. Deepti Patwardhan writes an excellent primer on this year's tournament, and how for the first time in decades, it feels like it could be anyone's year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Phone tariff hikes: Is this the end of cheap data?  There are no neat solutions to the country’s Neet fiasco  Festive season comes early to smartphone showrooms  Capital gains: How zombie town Amaravati could rise again with TDP in Andhra  Wimbledon 2024: A tournament that is brimming with possibilities  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The promise that was Amaravati full 598 Mint - HT Smartcast Your phone bill's rising, it's anyone's Wimbledon this year Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Three days ago, Reliance Jio hiked its tariff rates across all its plans. Its closest competitors Airtel and Vodafone Idea soon followed suit. This is the third such hike in the last five years. Average rates for all plans were increased by 10 to 25 percent. Gulveen Aulakh reports that another hike could come in the next financial year. However, increased prices are good news for investors, as this will lead to better revenues across the board. India will continue to have some of the cheapest data tariffs anywhere in the world. Telecom companies feel that these hikes can be easily absorbed by the end users at the moment.  Over 2.3 million aspirants had pinned their hopes on the results of the UGC NEET exam. However, the entire debacle has dashed the hopes of many hoping to pursue medicine as a career option. Rajrishi Singhal opines that this fiasco was a failure of the government's education policy. NEET was conceptualised in an era where the contrast between the applicants and the number of medical seats was far too high, while most states conducted their own entrance exams. This supply-demand problem led to huge financial exploitation of aspirants. The NEET exam was intended to level the playing field. That problem still exists: the 2.3 million students are vying for just over a hundred thousand seats. Rajrishi argues that fixing this would involve long-term solutions, not immediate band-aid fixes that have proven to be a bane for India's education system. If you've been planning to buy a new phone, you'd most likely rather wait till the upcoming festive season to capitalise on all the discounts. However, at smartphone showrooms, these discounts are rolling in already. And no, these aren't bank-specific offers that are now run-of-the-mill at any online retailer. For example, you can now take EMIs without any down payment. You can even immediately exchange your existing smartphone for a new one. Shouvik Das writes that mobile phone makers might soon extend further discounts to boost weakening consumer sentiment. The prices for flagship phones are only increasing, putting off potential buyers. These offers are intended to lure such buyers, notes Shouvik. So before you add to cart, make sure to visit your nearest store — you might just find a better deal. Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh was supposed to be the next big megapolis. It was supposed to have lush green manicured lawns and a city plan that accounted for trees all over the city. In 2014, Amaravati was declared as AP's new capital, to be inaugurated in a decade. Well, it's that time, and Amaravati is... a ghost town? But with K. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party roaring back to power, Amaravati is poised to return to its planned glory. Amaravati is centrally located for most parts of AP, and is connected to the river Krishna. Read N. Madhavan's excellent on-ground report of the promise that was Amaravati, what exists today, and what the new government has planned to turn it into posthaste. It's July, which means it's also Wimbledon season! Arguably the most prestigious grand slam to exist in the world of tennis, winning just a single match at the tournament is considered a huge achievement for many. Last year's result in the men's division was a shocker for most: 20-year old phenom Carlos Alcaraz won the coveted title. He was the first new name to win Wimbledon since 2003. With Nadal, Federer, and Murray retired, and Novak Djokovic nursing injuries, this year too could spring up a new surprise winner. Deepti Patwardhan writes an excellent primer on this year's tournament, and how for the first time in decades, it feels like it could be anyone's year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Phone tariff hikes: Is this the end of cheap data?  There are no neat solutions to the country’s Neet fiasco  Festive season comes early to smartphone showrooms  Capital gains: How zombie town Amaravati could rise again with TDP in Andhra  Wimbledon 2024: A tournament that is brimming with possibilities  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, July 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Three days ago, Reliance Jio hiked its tariff rates across all its plans. Its closest competitors Airtel and Vodafone Idea soon followed suit. This is the third such hike in the last five years. Average rates for all plans were increased by 10 to 25 percent. Gulveen Aulakh reports that another hike could come in the next financial year. However, increased prices are good news for investors, as this will lead to better revenues across the board. India will continue to have some of the cheapest data tariffs anywhere in the world. Telecom companies feel that these hikes can be easily absorbed by the end users at the moment. 

Over 2.3 million aspirants had pinned their hopes on the results of the UGC NEET exam. However, the entire debacle has dashed the hopes of many hoping to pursue medicine as a career option. Rajrishi Singhal opines that this fiasco was a failure of the government's education policy. NEET was conceptualised in an era where the contrast between the applicants and the number of medical seats was far too high, while most states conducted their own entrance exams. This supply-demand problem led to huge financial exploitation of aspirants. The NEET exam was intended to level the playing field. That problem still exists: the 2.3 million students are vying for just over a hundred thousand seats. Rajrishi argues that fixing this would involve long-term solutions, not immediate band-aid fixes that have proven to be a bane for India's education system.

If you've been planning to buy a new phone, you'd most likely rather wait till the upcoming festive season to capitalise on all the discounts. However, at smartphone showrooms, these discounts are rolling in already. And no, these aren't bank-specific offers that are now run-of-the-mill at any online retailer. For example, you can now take EMIs without any down payment. You can even immediately exchange your existing smartphone for a new one. Shouvik Das writes that mobile phone makers might soon extend further discounts to boost weakening consumer sentiment. The prices for flagship phones are only increasing, putting off potential buyers. These offers are intended to lure such buyers, notes Shouvik. So before you add to cart, make sure to visit your nearest store — you might just find a better deal.

Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh was supposed to be the next big megapolis. It was supposed to have lush green manicured lawns and a city plan that accounted for trees all over the city. In 2014, Amaravati was declared as AP's new capital, to be inaugurated in a decade. Well, it's that time, and Amaravati is... a ghost town? But with K. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party roaring back to power, Amaravati is poised to return to its planned glory. Amaravati is centrally located for most parts of AP, and is connected to the river Krishna. Read N. Madhavan's excellent on-ground report of the promise that was Amaravati, what exists today, and what the new government has planned to turn it into posthaste.

It's July, which means it's also Wimbledon season! Arguably the most prestigious grand slam to exist in the world of tennis, winning just a single match at the tournament is considered a huge achievement for many. Last year's result in the men's division was a shocker for most: 20-year old phenom Carlos Alcaraz won the coveted title. He was the first new name to win Wimbledon since 2003. With Nadal, Federer, and Murray retired, and Novak Djokovic nursing injuries, this year too could spring up a new surprise winner. Deepti Patwardhan writes an excellent primer on this year's tournament, and how for the first time in decades, it feels like it could be anyone's year.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Phone tariff hikes: Is this the end of cheap data? 

There are no neat solutions to the country’s Neet fiasco 

Festive season comes early to smartphone showrooms 

Capital gains: How zombie town Amaravati could rise again with TDP in Andhra 

Wimbledon 2024: A tournament that is brimming with possibilities 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 373 no Get ready for more roads under construction https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/get-ready-for-more-roads-under-construction-Z9aGxjwt Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: ˛ The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by about 0.7 percent yesterday. The bond market is up and kicking again. Starting today, India's bonds will be included in JP Morgan's emerging markets bond index. This will make India the 25th country to join the index. 23 Indian bonds will join the much-tracked index, and will certainly bring in a flurry of income. Mayur Bhalerao and Gopika Gopakumar write that foreign investors bought around 67,000 crore worth of bonds ahead of this much-anticipated decision. JP Morgan will itself passively invest around 25 billion dollars into Indian bonds over the next 10 months.  If you're travelling to a small town, chances are you might see an Air India flight pop up on your route. Air travel between smaller cities is called regional aviation, and is less popular among airlines due to lack of occupancy and highly competitive pricing. The Tata Group is now planning on entering this space, report Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra. Market leader Indigo currently dominates this landscape, while other routes are fulfilled by state-owned Alliance Air. Air India is also beefing up its fleet with aircraft suited to ply on these routes, Anu and Mihir add. Indians have mastered chess. We have 85 grandmasters at the moment. But to become a grandmaster, one might need to spend around 30 lakh rupees a year. Gaurav Laghate writes that through online chess games, entering the world of chess is easy. But to hone your skills, you have to compete with the best — and the best come together in international tournaments. To facilitate that, parents often have to take loans to fulfil their kids' potential. Thankfully, there are scholarships available. Chess players also earn money by playing for clubs, competing in tournaments, sponsorships, and appearance fees. Gaurav's piece covers the breadth of the global chess world and the work it takes to get to the top. While the earning avenues for chess players are growing, those for actors are dwindling. OTT platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime are tightening their purse strings. This is directly affecting actors' salaries. Lack of shared data on viewership and performance also makes it difficult for actors to determine the success of certain seasons — leading to a stalemate when it comes to salary discussions. According to industry estimates, popular OTT actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui earn between 8 to 10 crore per season. While OTTs want to give a raise of 10 to 12 percent, actors are demanding as much as twice if the previous season was successful, reports Lata Jha. The Indian government wants to keep building roads. Subhash Narayan reports that the centre is mulling an increase in capital expenditure to the ministry of road transport and highways. However, this increase will be moderate — around 5 to 10 percent of last year's budget. More than 20 percent of the total roads this year are expected to be built by private entities, who use tolls to recover their costs. In FY23, private entities are expected to have invested 20,000 crore rupees in the road infrastructure segment. Get ready for new roads, and a lot more construction on your way to work. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Indian bonds back in action with inclusion in JP Morgan index  Air India eyes regional aviation space in challenge to IndiGo Checkmate: How Indians mastered Chess As OTTs tighten purse strings, top stars may feel the pinch   FY25 budget likely to see moderate increase in allocation for road construction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Get ready for more roads under construction full 597 Mint - HT Smartcast OTTs will pay its stars less, how to become a chess grandmaster Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: ˛ The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by about 0.7 percent yesterday. The bond market is up and kicking again. Starting today, India's bonds will be included in JP Morgan's emerging markets bond index. This will make India the 25th country to join the index. 23 Indian bonds will join the much-tracked index, and will certainly bring in a flurry of income. Mayur Bhalerao and Gopika Gopakumar write that foreign investors bought around 67,000 crore worth of bonds ahead of this much-anticipated decision. JP Morgan will itself passively invest around 25 billion dollars into Indian bonds over the next 10 months.  If you're travelling to a small town, chances are you might see an Air India flight pop up on your route. Air travel between smaller cities is called regional aviation, and is less popular among airlines due to lack of occupancy and highly competitive pricing. The Tata Group is now planning on entering this space, report Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra. Market leader Indigo currently dominates this landscape, while other routes are fulfilled by state-owned Alliance Air. Air India is also beefing up its fleet with aircraft suited to ply on these routes, Anu and Mihir add. Indians have mastered chess. We have 85 grandmasters at the moment. But to become a grandmaster, one might need to spend around 30 lakh rupees a year. Gaurav Laghate writes that through online chess games, entering the world of chess is easy. But to hone your skills, you have to compete with the best — and the best come together in international tournaments. To facilitate that, parents often have to take loans to fulfil their kids' potential. Thankfully, there are scholarships available. Chess players also earn money by playing for clubs, competing in tournaments, sponsorships, and appearance fees. Gaurav's piece covers the breadth of the global chess world and the work it takes to get to the top. While the earning avenues for chess players are growing, those for actors are dwindling. OTT platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime are tightening their purse strings. This is directly affecting actors' salaries. Lack of shared data on viewership and performance also makes it difficult for actors to determine the success of certain seasons — leading to a stalemate when it comes to salary discussions. According to industry estimates, popular OTT actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui earn between 8 to 10 crore per season. While OTTs want to give a raise of 10 to 12 percent, actors are demanding as much as twice if the previous season was successful, reports Lata Jha. The Indian government wants to keep building roads. Subhash Narayan reports that the centre is mulling an increase in capital expenditure to the ministry of road transport and highways. However, this increase will be moderate — around 5 to 10 percent of last year's budget. More than 20 percent of the total roads this year are expected to be built by private entities, who use tolls to recover their costs. In FY23, private entities are expected to have invested 20,000 crore rupees in the road infrastructure segment. Get ready for new roads, and a lot more construction on your way to work. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Indian bonds back in action with inclusion in JP Morgan index  Air India eyes regional aviation space in challenge to IndiGo Checkmate: How Indians mastered Chess As OTTs tighten purse strings, top stars may feel the pinch   FY25 budget likely to see moderate increase in allocation for road construction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

˛

The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by about 0.7 percent yesterday.

The bond market is up and kicking again. Starting today, India's bonds will be included in JP Morgan's emerging markets bond index. This will make India the 25th country to join the index. 23 Indian bonds will join the much-tracked index, and will certainly bring in a flurry of income. Mayur Bhalerao and Gopika Gopakumar write that foreign investors bought around 67,000 crore worth of bonds ahead of this much-anticipated decision. JP Morgan will itself passively invest around 25 billion dollars into Indian bonds over the next 10 months. 

If you're travelling to a small town, chances are you might see an Air India flight pop up on your route. Air travel between smaller cities is called regional aviation, and is less popular among airlines due to lack of occupancy and highly competitive pricing. The Tata Group is now planning on entering this space, report Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra. Market leader Indigo currently dominates this landscape, while other routes are fulfilled by state-owned Alliance Air. Air India is also beefing up its fleet with aircraft suited to ply on these routes, Anu and Mihir add.

Indians have mastered chess. We have 85 grandmasters at the moment. But to become a grandmaster, one might need to spend around 30 lakh rupees a year. Gaurav Laghate writes that through online chess games, entering the world of chess is easy. But to hone your skills, you have to compete with the best — and the best come together in international tournaments. To facilitate that, parents often have to take loans to fulfil their kids' potential. Thankfully, there are scholarships available. Chess players also earn money by playing for clubs, competing in tournaments, sponsorships, and appearance fees. Gaurav's piece covers the breadth of the global chess world and the work it takes to get to the top.

While the earning avenues for chess players are growing, those for actors are dwindling. OTT platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime are tightening their purse strings. This is directly affecting actors' salaries. Lack of shared data on viewership and performance also makes it difficult for actors to determine the success of certain seasons — leading to a stalemate when it comes to salary discussions. According to industry estimates, popular OTT actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui earn between 8 to 10 crore per season. While OTTs want to give a raise of 10 to 12 percent, actors are demanding as much as twice if the previous season was successful, reports Lata Jha.

The Indian government wants to keep building roads. Subhash Narayan reports that the centre is mulling an increase in capital expenditure to the ministry of road transport and highways. However, this increase will be moderate — around 5 to 10 percent of last year's budget. More than 20 percent of the total roads this year are expected to be built by private entities, who use tolls to recover their costs. In FY23, private entities are expected to have invested 20,000 crore rupees in the road infrastructure segment. Get ready for new roads, and a lot more construction on your way to work.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Indian bonds back in action with inclusion in JP Morgan index 

Air India eyes regional aviation space in challenge to IndiGo

Checkmate: How Indians mastered Chess

As OTTs tighten purse strings, top stars may feel the pinch  

FY25 budget likely to see moderate increase in allocation for road construction

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 344 no GST @ 7: an analysis https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/gst-7-an-analysis-gDZgE88J Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Nifty was up by 0.62 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.80 percent.    It's been seven years since the central government imposed the Goods and Services Tax, commonly known as GST, on India. The aim was to create a common market where sellers and buyers didn't have to worry about a myriad of state and municipal taxes. However, the current slab structure has introduced a lot of complexities into the tax structure. The largest friction point has been over the funds that the states receive from the centre. How India Lives . com analyses these claims, and tries and figures out if the distribution of collected taxes is equitable for all the states.   Central banks in the UK and Canada have cut their interest rates. The US Federal Reserve, which directly and indirectly controls the world economy to a large extent, has been mulling a rate cut for months as well. India's mutual fund industry is anticipating such a move from the Reserve Bank of India as well. If that happens, funds want to cash in. They're doing this via duration funds — a portfolio of bonds. Bond yields change according to current interest rates. As Anil Poste explains, a declining interest rate would provide higher returns via longer duration bonds. Mutual fund experts are bullish considering India's inflation and the relatively stable economic environment. Even just a 50 bonus point cut — that's half a percent over the next 12 months— would greatly improve the yields of this bond, Anil writes.   Ask any lay person for categories of four-wheelers, and they would probably list out hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. But ask any sector expert, and they'd tell you CV and PV: commercial and passenger vehicles, respectively. Commercial vehicles are a category of vehicles that you wouldn't really buy: this includes trucks, buses, vans, and tempos. Tata Motors has now decided to split its two businesses in order to focus better on these respective segments. The combined entity had CVs as the cash cow, but was bankrolling Tata's PVs. Nehal Chaliawala writes that now that the PV segment has turned profitable on its own, Tata Motors' split between the two will help CVs power through on the back of its own revenue. Meanwhile PVs, which include the new successful upstart electric vehicles as well, will hope to achieve an Ebidta margin of 10%.   Every year, the government boasts of lifting millions of people out of poverty. However, as N Madhavan writes, the way it goes about it isn't the most reliable. Poverty is measured by arriving at a poverty line. Those who fall under this line are considered poor by definition. The current achievements have been touted because we're still using the poverty line set in 2012. Experts are now calling for a new line that takes into account the inflation and living conditions.   If you're looking to build a new factory, you might want to wait for just a bit more. In a bid to encourage India's lagging manufacturing sector, the government had put a 15 percent tax rate for new manufacturing facilities. This started in 2019, and led to over 23,000 factories opening in FY20. However, covid-induced lockdowns stalled progress. This scheme's validity expired on 31 March this year. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is likely to restore this concessional rate in their next Budget. A lower tax rate is a great incentive for India's manufacturing sector to take off, and the new government is counting on it.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Seven years on, GST still sparks Centre-state friction Why the mutual fund industry is betting on duration funds  Tata Motors says demerger will allow all businesses to unlock potential   Why India must count its poor accurately   Building a new factory? Budget may extend concessional tax rate for a year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 GST @ 7: an analysis full 596 Mint - HT Smartcast MF industry pins hopes on duration funds, Tata Motors' split Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Nifty was up by 0.62 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.80 percent.    It's been seven years since the central government imposed the Goods and Services Tax, commonly known as GST, on India. The aim was to create a common market where sellers and buyers didn't have to worry about a myriad of state and municipal taxes. However, the current slab structure has introduced a lot of complexities into the tax structure. The largest friction point has been over the funds that the states receive from the centre. How India Lives . com analyses these claims, and tries and figures out if the distribution of collected taxes is equitable for all the states.   Central banks in the UK and Canada have cut their interest rates. The US Federal Reserve, which directly and indirectly controls the world economy to a large extent, has been mulling a rate cut for months as well. India's mutual fund industry is anticipating such a move from the Reserve Bank of India as well. If that happens, funds want to cash in. They're doing this via duration funds — a portfolio of bonds. Bond yields change according to current interest rates. As Anil Poste explains, a declining interest rate would provide higher returns via longer duration bonds. Mutual fund experts are bullish considering India's inflation and the relatively stable economic environment. Even just a 50 bonus point cut — that's half a percent over the next 12 months— would greatly improve the yields of this bond, Anil writes.   Ask any lay person for categories of four-wheelers, and they would probably list out hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. But ask any sector expert, and they'd tell you CV and PV: commercial and passenger vehicles, respectively. Commercial vehicles are a category of vehicles that you wouldn't really buy: this includes trucks, buses, vans, and tempos. Tata Motors has now decided to split its two businesses in order to focus better on these respective segments. The combined entity had CVs as the cash cow, but was bankrolling Tata's PVs. Nehal Chaliawala writes that now that the PV segment has turned profitable on its own, Tata Motors' split between the two will help CVs power through on the back of its own revenue. Meanwhile PVs, which include the new successful upstart electric vehicles as well, will hope to achieve an Ebidta margin of 10%.   Every year, the government boasts of lifting millions of people out of poverty. However, as N Madhavan writes, the way it goes about it isn't the most reliable. Poverty is measured by arriving at a poverty line. Those who fall under this line are considered poor by definition. The current achievements have been touted because we're still using the poverty line set in 2012. Experts are now calling for a new line that takes into account the inflation and living conditions.   If you're looking to build a new factory, you might want to wait for just a bit more. In a bid to encourage India's lagging manufacturing sector, the government had put a 15 percent tax rate for new manufacturing facilities. This started in 2019, and led to over 23,000 factories opening in FY20. However, covid-induced lockdowns stalled progress. This scheme's validity expired on 31 March this year. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is likely to restore this concessional rate in their next Budget. A lower tax rate is a great incentive for India's manufacturing sector to take off, and the new government is counting on it.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Seven years on, GST still sparks Centre-state friction Why the mutual fund industry is betting on duration funds  Tata Motors says demerger will allow all businesses to unlock potential   Why India must count its poor accurately   Building a new factory? Budget may extend concessional tax rate for a year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The equity markets rose on Wednesday. Nifty was up by 0.62 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.80 percent. 


 

It's been seven years since the central government imposed the Goods and Services Tax, commonly known as GST, on India. The aim was to create a common market where sellers and buyers didn't have to worry about a myriad of state and municipal taxes. However, the current slab structure has introduced a lot of complexities into the tax structure. The largest friction point has been over the funds that the states receive from the centre. How India Lives . com analyses these claims, and tries and figures out if the distribution of collected taxes is equitable for all the states.


 

Central banks in the UK and Canada have cut their interest rates. The US Federal Reserve, which directly and indirectly controls the world economy to a large extent, has been mulling a rate cut for months as well. India's mutual fund industry is anticipating such a move from the Reserve Bank of India as well. If that happens, funds want to cash in. They're doing this via duration funds — a portfolio of bonds. Bond yields change according to current interest rates. As Anil Poste explains, a declining interest rate would provide higher returns via longer duration bonds. Mutual fund experts are bullish considering India's inflation and the relatively stable economic environment. Even just a 50 bonus point cut — that's half a percent over the next 12 months— would greatly improve the yields of this bond, Anil writes.


 

Ask any lay person for categories of four-wheelers, and they would probably list out hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. But ask any sector expert, and they'd tell you CV and PV: commercial and passenger vehicles, respectively. Commercial vehicles are a category of vehicles that you wouldn't really buy: this includes trucks, buses, vans, and tempos. Tata Motors has now decided to split its two businesses in order to focus better on these respective segments. The combined entity had CVs as the cash cow, but was bankrolling Tata's PVs. Nehal Chaliawala writes that now that the PV segment has turned profitable on its own, Tata Motors' split between the two will help CVs power through on the back of its own revenue. Meanwhile PVs, which include the new successful upstart electric vehicles as well, will hope to achieve an Ebidta margin of 10%.


 

Every year, the government boasts of lifting millions of people out of poverty. However, as N Madhavan writes, the way it goes about it isn't the most reliable. Poverty is measured by arriving at a poverty line. Those who fall under this line are considered poor by definition. The current achievements have been touted because we're still using the poverty line set in 2012. Experts are now calling for a new line that takes into account the inflation and living conditions.


 

If you're looking to build a new factory, you might want to wait for just a bit more. In a bid to encourage India's lagging manufacturing sector, the government had put a 15 percent tax rate for new manufacturing facilities. This started in 2019, and led to over 23,000 factories opening in FY20. However, covid-induced lockdowns stalled progress. This scheme's validity expired on 31 March this year. Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the government is likely to restore this concessional rate in their next Budget. A lower tax rate is a great incentive for India's manufacturing sector to take off, and the new government is counting on it.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:


 

Seven years on, GST still sparks Centre-state friction

Why the mutual fund industry is betting on duration funds 

Tata Motors says demerger will allow all businesses to unlock potential


 

Why India must count its poor accurately


 

Building a new factory? Budget may extend concessional tax rate for a year

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 356 no How a subnormal monsoon could affect India’s economy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-a-subnormal-monsoon-could-affect-indias-economy-poScmZGQ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Traders booked profits on Wednesday after India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened at fresh all-time highs on Tuesday and climbed higher still. Sensex, which had opened at a record high, created a fresh all-time high of 77,851 points, but later pared some gains and closed 0.05 per cent higher from its previous close. Similarly Nifty touched another record at 23,664 points, before coming off its high and closing 0.18 per cent above its previous close.  Saudi businessman and chairperson of energy giant Aramco Yasir Al-Rumayyan has been on the board of Reliance Industries for three years now, but he’s missed about a quarter of the meetings. This hasn't gone unnoticed—nearly 40% of the company's public shareholders recently voted against keeping him on board. Another board member, Haigreve Khaitan, faced opposition from a third of the large investors due to his commitments on multiple boards, raising concerns about his availability for Reliance. Despite opposition, both members were reappointed, thanks to the backing of Reliance’s promoters.  Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the event that has stirred discussions about shareholder rights and corporate governance, with experts pointing out potential conflicts of interest.  Indian filmmakers are getting creative with how they make money from big-budget films. It's not just about box office sales anymore. Filmmakers are now branching out into merchandise and even animations that continue the story on TV or streaming platforms. Take, for example, the movie 83, which starred Ranveer Singh and focused on India's cricket World Cup win in 1983. They didn't just stop at the movie; they launched a whole range of merchandise. We're talking clothes, home decor, even travel bags—all themed around the film. Then there are movies like Baahubali and Singham, which have taken things a step further by spinning off into animated series that fans can watch long after they leave the cinema. Even more interesting is the case with Kalki 2898 AD. Before this film hit the theatres, its spin-off series started streaming on Amazon Prime. This idea of turning films into ongoing intellectual properties (IPs) that live on beyond the theatre is pretty new in India. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that diving into merchandise and spin-offs isn’t just about making extra cash; it’s about keeping fans engaged and turning memorable movie moments into something they can hold onto. India’s ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group is gearing up for a major expansion, planning to nearly double its capital expenditure to ₹1.3 trillion in FY25. It’s focus is going to be mainly on infrastructure and green energy. The Gujarat-based group’s CFO Jugeshinder Singh, shared that this massive capex, up from ₹70,000 crore in FY24, will be financed through a mix of 30% debt and 70% equity. This includes internal accruals and capital from promoters. A significant portion, about 85%, will be funneled into infrastructure and utilities. This includes ₹34,000 crore in renewable energy, ₹7,000 crore into the ports business, and ₹4,200 crore in the data centers sector under the unlisted AdaniConneX. The rest will be distributed among airports, roads, and energy equipment manufacturing. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Nehal Chaliawala report on the development in one of India's most aggressive expansion drive.  The monsoon season, crucial for India's agriculture, has had a shaky start this year. Spanning from June to September, the season typically accounts for 75% of India’s annual rainfall, which is vital for crops, filling reservoirs, and supporting farm incomes. Despite arriving two days early on May 30 in Kerala, the rainfall has been significantly below expectations, with a 19% deficit as of June 25. This uneven distribution has led to severe droughts in some states and floods in others, impacting the critical planting season for kharif crops like rice, pulses, and cotton. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains how a subnormal monsoon could affect India’s economy.  Mango - the “king of fruits” - has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years. The country boasts over a thousand varieties of the fruit. Be it chausa, langra, dushehri or alphonso, we Indians love our mangoes. Our farmers produce more than half of the world’s mangoes. Despite India being the world’s largest mango producer, the country struggles in the export market. Less than 0.5% of its annual mango production is exported due to the delicate nature of India's most beloved cultivars, which do not endure long-distance travel well. This limitation contrasts starkly with mango varieties from Mexico and Brazil, known for their thicker skins and longer shelf lives. Moreover, the significant freight costs associated with air transport further complicate exports. The strict regulatory requirements of importing countries also pose hurdles. These include irradiation in the U.S. and hot water treatments in the EU, which can alter the mango's flavor and quality. Consequently, a large portion of Indian mango exports ends up in the Middle East, which has less stringent standards. The broader Indian mango industry faces a pressing need for innovation and support to enhance its competitive edge on the global stage. Sayantan takes a deep dive into India’s mango industry which, with targeted efforts and government support, can someday achieve the global acclaim its product deserves.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Why Reliance’s investors opposed board roles for Saudi businessman and Khaitan Filmmakers launch merchandise, spin-offs of tentpole movies for enduring income Adani Group to nearly double FY25 capex at ₹1.3 trillion Mint Primer: Ever seen the rain? The price of a truant monsoon Why much of the world hasn't tasted Indian mangoes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How a subnormal monsoon could affect India’s economy full 595 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside India’s mango exports; Adani group’s capex push Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Traders booked profits on Wednesday after India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened at fresh all-time highs on Tuesday and climbed higher still. Sensex, which had opened at a record high, created a fresh all-time high of 77,851 points, but later pared some gains and closed 0.05 per cent higher from its previous close. Similarly Nifty touched another record at 23,664 points, before coming off its high and closing 0.18 per cent above its previous close.  Saudi businessman and chairperson of energy giant Aramco Yasir Al-Rumayyan has been on the board of Reliance Industries for three years now, but he’s missed about a quarter of the meetings. This hasn't gone unnoticed—nearly 40% of the company's public shareholders recently voted against keeping him on board. Another board member, Haigreve Khaitan, faced opposition from a third of the large investors due to his commitments on multiple boards, raising concerns about his availability for Reliance. Despite opposition, both members were reappointed, thanks to the backing of Reliance’s promoters.  Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the event that has stirred discussions about shareholder rights and corporate governance, with experts pointing out potential conflicts of interest.  Indian filmmakers are getting creative with how they make money from big-budget films. It's not just about box office sales anymore. Filmmakers are now branching out into merchandise and even animations that continue the story on TV or streaming platforms. Take, for example, the movie 83, which starred Ranveer Singh and focused on India's cricket World Cup win in 1983. They didn't just stop at the movie; they launched a whole range of merchandise. We're talking clothes, home decor, even travel bags—all themed around the film. Then there are movies like Baahubali and Singham, which have taken things a step further by spinning off into animated series that fans can watch long after they leave the cinema. Even more interesting is the case with Kalki 2898 AD. Before this film hit the theatres, its spin-off series started streaming on Amazon Prime. This idea of turning films into ongoing intellectual properties (IPs) that live on beyond the theatre is pretty new in India. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that diving into merchandise and spin-offs isn’t just about making extra cash; it’s about keeping fans engaged and turning memorable movie moments into something they can hold onto. India’s ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group is gearing up for a major expansion, planning to nearly double its capital expenditure to ₹1.3 trillion in FY25. It’s focus is going to be mainly on infrastructure and green energy. The Gujarat-based group’s CFO Jugeshinder Singh, shared that this massive capex, up from ₹70,000 crore in FY24, will be financed through a mix of 30% debt and 70% equity. This includes internal accruals and capital from promoters. A significant portion, about 85%, will be funneled into infrastructure and utilities. This includes ₹34,000 crore in renewable energy, ₹7,000 crore into the ports business, and ₹4,200 crore in the data centers sector under the unlisted AdaniConneX. The rest will be distributed among airports, roads, and energy equipment manufacturing. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Nehal Chaliawala report on the development in one of India's most aggressive expansion drive.  The monsoon season, crucial for India's agriculture, has had a shaky start this year. Spanning from June to September, the season typically accounts for 75% of India’s annual rainfall, which is vital for crops, filling reservoirs, and supporting farm incomes. Despite arriving two days early on May 30 in Kerala, the rainfall has been significantly below expectations, with a 19% deficit as of June 25. This uneven distribution has led to severe droughts in some states and floods in others, impacting the critical planting season for kharif crops like rice, pulses, and cotton. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains how a subnormal monsoon could affect India’s economy.  Mango - the “king of fruits” - has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years. The country boasts over a thousand varieties of the fruit. Be it chausa, langra, dushehri or alphonso, we Indians love our mangoes. Our farmers produce more than half of the world’s mangoes. Despite India being the world’s largest mango producer, the country struggles in the export market. Less than 0.5% of its annual mango production is exported due to the delicate nature of India's most beloved cultivars, which do not endure long-distance travel well. This limitation contrasts starkly with mango varieties from Mexico and Brazil, known for their thicker skins and longer shelf lives. Moreover, the significant freight costs associated with air transport further complicate exports. The strict regulatory requirements of importing countries also pose hurdles. These include irradiation in the U.S. and hot water treatments in the EU, which can alter the mango's flavor and quality. Consequently, a large portion of Indian mango exports ends up in the Middle East, which has less stringent standards. The broader Indian mango industry faces a pressing need for innovation and support to enhance its competitive edge on the global stage. Sayantan takes a deep dive into India’s mango industry which, with targeted efforts and government support, can someday achieve the global acclaim its product deserves.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Why Reliance’s investors opposed board roles for Saudi businessman and Khaitan Filmmakers launch merchandise, spin-offs of tentpole movies for enduring income Adani Group to nearly double FY25 capex at ₹1.3 trillion Mint Primer: Ever seen the rain? The price of a truant monsoon Why much of the world hasn't tasted Indian mangoes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Traders booked profits on Wednesday after India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened at fresh all-time highs on Tuesday and climbed higher still. Sensex, which had opened at a record high, created a fresh all-time high of 77,851 points, but later pared some gains and closed 0.05 per cent higher from its previous close. Similarly Nifty touched another record at 23,664 points, before coming off its high and closing 0.18 per cent above its previous close. 

Saudi businessman and chairperson of energy giant Aramco Yasir Al-Rumayyan has been on the board of Reliance Industries for three years now, but he’s missed about a quarter of the meetings. This hasn't gone unnoticed—nearly 40% of the company's public shareholders recently voted against keeping him on board. Another board member, Haigreve Khaitan, faced opposition from a third of the large investors due to his commitments on multiple boards, raising concerns about his availability for Reliance. Despite opposition, both members were reappointed, thanks to the backing of Reliance’s promoters.  Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the event that has stirred discussions about shareholder rights and corporate governance, with experts pointing out potential conflicts of interest. 

Indian filmmakers are getting creative with how they make money from big-budget films. It's not just about box office sales anymore. Filmmakers are now branching out into merchandise and even animations that continue the story on TV or streaming platforms. Take, for example, the movie 83, which starred Ranveer Singh and focused on India's cricket World Cup win in 1983. They didn't just stop at the movie; they launched a whole range of merchandise. We're talking clothes, home decor, even travel bags—all themed around the film. Then there are movies like Baahubali and Singham, which have taken things a step further by spinning off into animated series that fans can watch long after they leave the cinema. Even more interesting is the case with Kalki 2898 AD. Before this film hit the theatres, its spin-off series started streaming on Amazon Prime. This idea of turning films into ongoing intellectual properties (IPs) that live on beyond the theatre is pretty new in India. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to industry insiders who told her that diving into merchandise and spin-offs isn’t just about making extra cash; it’s about keeping fans engaged and turning memorable movie moments into something they can hold onto.

India’s ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group is gearing up for a major expansion, planning to nearly double its capital expenditure to ₹1.3 trillion in FY25. It’s focus is going to be mainly on infrastructure and green energy. The Gujarat-based group’s CFO Jugeshinder Singh, shared that this massive capex, up from ₹70,000 crore in FY24, will be financed through a mix of 30% debt and 70% equity. This includes internal accruals and capital from promoters. A significant portion, about 85%, will be funneled into infrastructure and utilities. This includes ₹34,000 crore in renewable energy, ₹7,000 crore into the ports business, and ₹4,200 crore in the data centers sector under the unlisted AdaniConneX. The rest will be distributed among airports, roads, and energy equipment manufacturing. Mint’s Anirudh Laskar and Nehal Chaliawala report on the development in one of India's most aggressive expansion drive. 

The monsoon season, crucial for India's agriculture, has had a shaky start this year. Spanning from June to September, the season typically accounts for 75% of India’s annual rainfall, which is vital for crops, filling reservoirs, and supporting farm incomes. Despite arriving two days early on May 30 in Kerala, the rainfall has been significantly below expectations, with a 19% deficit as of June 25. This uneven distribution has led to severe droughts in some states and floods in others, impacting the critical planting season for kharif crops like rice, pulses, and cotton. Mint’s Sayantan Bera explains how a subnormal monsoon could affect India’s economy. 

Mango - the “king of fruits” - has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years. The country boasts over a thousand varieties of the fruit. Be it chausa, langra, dushehri or alphonso, we Indians love our mangoes. Our farmers produce more than half of the world’s mangoes. Despite India being the world’s largest mango producer, the country struggles in the export market. Less than 0.5% of its annual mango production is exported due to the delicate nature of India's most beloved cultivars, which do not endure long-distance travel well. This limitation contrasts starkly with mango varieties from Mexico and Brazil, known for their thicker skins and longer shelf lives. Moreover, the significant freight costs associated with air transport further complicate exports. The strict regulatory requirements of importing countries also pose hurdles. These include irradiation in the U.S. and hot water treatments in the EU, which can alter the mango's flavor and quality. Consequently, a large portion of Indian mango exports ends up in the Middle East, which has less stringent standards. The broader Indian mango industry faces a pressing need for innovation and support to enhance its competitive edge on the global stage. Sayantan takes a deep dive into India’s mango industry which, with targeted efforts and government support, can someday achieve the global acclaim its product deserves. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Why Reliance’s investors opposed board roles for Saudi businessman and Khaitan

Filmmakers launch merchandise, spin-offs of tentpole movies for enduring income

Adani Group to nearly double FY25 capex at ₹1.3 trillion

Mint Primer: Ever seen the rain? The price of a truant monsoon

Why much of the world hasn't tasted Indian mangoes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 490 no Rice instead of cash for MNREGS workers? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rice-instead-of-cash-for-mnregs-workers-RM5XhzUA Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The equity markets rose slightly on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.16 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.17 percent.  Imagine investing a hundred rupees into a business, and recovering nothing. You might brush it off, but you'd still like to have made some money off your investment. Dutch investment firm Prosus invested a total of 530 million dollars into Byju's. For that money, it was hoping Byju's could change the education sector in India. But yesterday, it wrote off its entire investment. Prosus's investment was worth around 2 billion dollars just a couple of years ago. But since then, the edtech has had a huge fall from grace, running into financial issues such as alleged misselling and billions in unpaid debt. Mint's newest writer Mansi Verma explains why Prosus gave up on any hopes of making money off Byju's. If you've thought of buying an electric car, you would have understandably been worried about it dying on you on the road. And unlike their fossil fuelled cousins, chargers for EVs aren't as widespread as petrol pumps are. Currently, India is home to only 12,000 charging stations. But EVs aren't just environmentally friendly — they are also really cheap to drive. The next best thing is a hybrid car: a petrol or diesel engine with a small electric engine too. These don't need to be charged separately: the internal combustion is enough to power this too. Sumant Banerji writes a detailed story on the emergence of hybrid cars, and why carmakers are pushing for this new category of vehicles to take over the Indian market. Recently, the government cancelled the National Entrance Test for postgraduate entrances just hours before the test was to commence. One of the fears was that the test had been hacked, and the questions uploaded on the "dark net". Devina Sengupta and Krishna Yadav explore this possibility. Cybersecurity experts told them that while such leaks would be rare, they could have occurred when the papers are set or being sent for printing. However, such breaches are more common in areas such as banking or IT. As Devina and Krishna note, competitive exams may be their next target. The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Scheme is the biggest such initiative anywhere in the world. It guarantees anyone at least a hundred days of employment. But now, instead of being paid in cash, MNREGA employees could be paid in grain. Puja Das reports that the centre is planning on offering rice as part-payment for the workers due to rising rural distress and swelling granaries. The current rate differs from state to state, but ranges between Rs 234 and Rs 374 a day.  Look at any household objects you have — chances are, the tag says "Made in China". Understandably so, since no other country has the manufacturing prowess that our neighbours do. But for two years, the US overtook China as India's biggest trading partner. Political tension between India and China as well as concerns of China flooding the Indian market with cheap and low-quality goods turned out to be to the US's benefit. But not for long: This year, China is back as India's preferred trading partner. Sumant, who also wrote the hybrids long read, explains the hot and cold Indo-China relationship, and how it affects the business between the two countries. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Prosus gives up on Byju’s, writes off its entire investment in edtech firm Hybrids have made a comeback in 2024. Will they spoil the EV party in India?  Exam mess casts cyber scare over education Centre in a first may give rice as part of MNREGS wages How China pipped US to become India’s largest trading partner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Rice instead of cash for MNREGS workers? full 594 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding the Indo-China trade relations, emergence of hybrid cars in India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The equity markets rose slightly on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.16 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.17 percent.  Imagine investing a hundred rupees into a business, and recovering nothing. You might brush it off, but you'd still like to have made some money off your investment. Dutch investment firm Prosus invested a total of 530 million dollars into Byju's. For that money, it was hoping Byju's could change the education sector in India. But yesterday, it wrote off its entire investment. Prosus's investment was worth around 2 billion dollars just a couple of years ago. But since then, the edtech has had a huge fall from grace, running into financial issues such as alleged misselling and billions in unpaid debt. Mint's newest writer Mansi Verma explains why Prosus gave up on any hopes of making money off Byju's. If you've thought of buying an electric car, you would have understandably been worried about it dying on you on the road. And unlike their fossil fuelled cousins, chargers for EVs aren't as widespread as petrol pumps are. Currently, India is home to only 12,000 charging stations. But EVs aren't just environmentally friendly — they are also really cheap to drive. The next best thing is a hybrid car: a petrol or diesel engine with a small electric engine too. These don't need to be charged separately: the internal combustion is enough to power this too. Sumant Banerji writes a detailed story on the emergence of hybrid cars, and why carmakers are pushing for this new category of vehicles to take over the Indian market. Recently, the government cancelled the National Entrance Test for postgraduate entrances just hours before the test was to commence. One of the fears was that the test had been hacked, and the questions uploaded on the "dark net". Devina Sengupta and Krishna Yadav explore this possibility. Cybersecurity experts told them that while such leaks would be rare, they could have occurred when the papers are set or being sent for printing. However, such breaches are more common in areas such as banking or IT. As Devina and Krishna note, competitive exams may be their next target. The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Scheme is the biggest such initiative anywhere in the world. It guarantees anyone at least a hundred days of employment. But now, instead of being paid in cash, MNREGA employees could be paid in grain. Puja Das reports that the centre is planning on offering rice as part-payment for the workers due to rising rural distress and swelling granaries. The current rate differs from state to state, but ranges between Rs 234 and Rs 374 a day.  Look at any household objects you have — chances are, the tag says "Made in China". Understandably so, since no other country has the manufacturing prowess that our neighbours do. But for two years, the US overtook China as India's biggest trading partner. Political tension between India and China as well as concerns of China flooding the Indian market with cheap and low-quality goods turned out to be to the US's benefit. But not for long: This year, China is back as India's preferred trading partner. Sumant, who also wrote the hybrids long read, explains the hot and cold Indo-China relationship, and how it affects the business between the two countries. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Prosus gives up on Byju’s, writes off its entire investment in edtech firm Hybrids have made a comeback in 2024. Will they spoil the EV party in India?  Exam mess casts cyber scare over education Centre in a first may give rice as part of MNREGS wages How China pipped US to become India’s largest trading partner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The equity markets rose slightly on Monday. Nifty was up by 0.16 percent, while Sensex edged up by 0.17 percent. 

Imagine investing a hundred rupees into a business, and recovering nothing. You might brush it off, but you'd still like to have made some money off your investment. Dutch investment firm Prosus invested a total of 530 million dollars into Byju's. For that money, it was hoping Byju's could change the education sector in India. But yesterday, it wrote off its entire investment. Prosus's investment was worth around 2 billion dollars just a couple of years ago. But since then, the edtech has had a huge fall from grace, running into financial issues such as alleged misselling and billions in unpaid debt. Mint's newest writer Mansi Verma explains why Prosus gave up on any hopes of making money off Byju's.

If you've thought of buying an electric car, you would have understandably been worried about it dying on you on the road. And unlike their fossil fuelled cousins, chargers for EVs aren't as widespread as petrol pumps are. Currently, India is home to only 12,000 charging stations. But EVs aren't just environmentally friendly — they are also really cheap to drive. The next best thing is a hybrid car: a petrol or diesel engine with a small electric engine too. These don't need to be charged separately: the internal combustion is enough to power this too. Sumant Banerji writes a detailed story on the emergence of hybrid cars, and why carmakers are pushing for this new category of vehicles to take over the Indian market.

Recently, the government cancelled the National Entrance Test for postgraduate entrances just hours before the test was to commence. One of the fears was that the test had been hacked, and the questions uploaded on the "dark net". Devina Sengupta and Krishna Yadav explore this possibility. Cybersecurity experts told them that while such leaks would be rare, they could have occurred when the papers are set or being sent for printing. However, such breaches are more common in areas such as banking or IT. As Devina and Krishna note, competitive exams may be their next target.

The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Scheme is the biggest such initiative anywhere in the world. It guarantees anyone at least a hundred days of employment. But now, instead of being paid in cash, MNREGA employees could be paid in grain. Puja Das reports that the centre is planning on offering rice as part-payment for the workers due to rising rural distress and swelling granaries. The current rate differs from state to state, but ranges between Rs 234 and Rs 374 a day. 

Look at any household objects you have — chances are, the tag says "Made in China". Understandably so, since no other country has the manufacturing prowess that our neighbours do. But for two years, the US overtook China as India's biggest trading partner. Political tension between India and China as well as concerns of China flooding the Indian market with cheap and low-quality goods turned out to be to the US's benefit. But not for long: This year, China is back as India's preferred trading partner. Sumant, who also wrote the hybrids long read, explains the hot and cold Indo-China relationship, and how it affects the business between the two countries.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Prosus gives up on Byju’s, writes off its entire investment in edtech firm

Hybrids have made a comeback in 2024. Will they spoil the EV party in India? 

Exam mess casts cyber scare over education

Centre in a first may give rice as part of MNREGS wages

How China pipped US to become India’s largest trading partner

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 351 no Adani’s clean energy push https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adanis-clean-energy-push-oBYdSfSG Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Let’s first jump onto the clean energy bandwagon. The Adani Group plans to invest between 25,000 and 27,000 crore rupees (or close to 3 billion dollars) in its first pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) facility. According to Mint’s Anirudh Laskar, Adani Green will set up 5 gigawatts of PSH capacity over the next five years. This process involves moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity, essentially functioning like a giant battery that stores power during periods of low demand, and releasing it when needed. This technology is particularly essential for ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply, unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy. The planned facilities will be located across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Diving into our second highlight of the day: In a world increasingly shaped by technology, smartphones may soon face obsolescence. The smartphone, often hailed as the Swiss Army Knife of the digital age, is now threatened by innovations like extended reality glasses, gesture-based interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Musk envisions a future where devices, such as the Neuralink, could render smartphones redundant by directly interfacing with the human brain to perform all the current functions of smartphones. And it isn't just Musk. Tech and internet analysts have long speculated about a future where wearables and embedded chips could supplant the functions of smartphones. What challenges could this future pose, and which technologies could dominate this transformative tech landscape? Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explores these questions in today’s Mint primer. Now, we will shift focus to regulatory developments: Indian authorities are looking to expand their scrutiny beyond LinkedIn and Samsung to include more local branches of multinational corporations. In fact, six unlisted Indian units of MNCs are now under the lens of the Registrars of Companies. Officials are meticulously reviewing disclosures and shareholding information of these companies, as reported by Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Earlier this month, the RoC in Uttar Pradesh found that two Samsung subsidiaries had failed to adequately disclose Samsung Electronics' executive chairman Lee Jae-Yong as a “significant beneficial owner." Last month, LinkedIn's Indian subsidiary was penalised 27 lakh rupees for failing to comply with SBO reporting standards, involving several top executives, including Microsoft's CEO. A source informed Gireesh that India’s business landscape is expanding rapidly, with approximately 150,000 new entities registering annually. This growth underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight to maintain order and prevent future complications. Moving on to our fourth story of the day. In a rapidly growing economy like India, the challenge of generating sufficient jobs to meet demand is formidable. Despite significant economic growth, many educated young Indians find themselves underemployed, leading to widespread frustration and discontent among the youth. This employment crisis has also had political implications, as evidenced in the recent election outcomes, which saw the ruling BJP lose its absolute majority, resulting in a coalition government. Compounding these challenges is the widening economic disparity with the wealthiest 1% of Indians controlling 40% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% owning just 6.4%. Despite these challenges, experts said the government’s significant investments in capital expenditure has been pivotal in driving India's rapid economic growth.As Prime Minister Modi begins his third term, there is increasing focus on recalibrating economic policies to ensure inclusive growth across all segments of society. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the need for Modi 3.0 to craft a new economic blueprint.  Wrapping up today's episode with some positive news for consumers: In a meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced significant reductions in tax rates on essential items, as well as measures to simplify business operations. The tax rate on everyday items such as milk cans and solar cookers has been reduced from 18% to a more consumer-friendly 12%. Besides, students will also benefit from GST exemptions on hostel stays exceeding 90 days, provided the monthly fee is below 20,000 rupees. Furthermore, in a move aimed at easing costs for daily commuters, GST has been waived on platform tickets and other railway-related services. E-commerce sellers will also see a reduction in the tax collected at source from 1% to 0.5%, which is expected to free up working capital for thousands of small and mid-sized businesses. The Council also proposed legislative changes to provide relief to businesses, including waivers on penalties and interest for tax demands from the early years of GST implementation, provided these are settled if settled by March 2025. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad provides further insights into these developments.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Show notes:Adani Group plans $3-billion push for new clean-energy business Mint Primer: Will XR glasses, Neuralinks kill smartphones? Indian units of more MNCs under beneficial ownership glare Why Modi 3.0 needs a new economic blueprint 53rd GST Council meeting: exemptions and rate cuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Adani’s clean energy push full 593 Mint - HT Smartcast GST Council meeting: what got cheaper; MNCs under govt scanner Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Let’s first jump onto the clean energy bandwagon. The Adani Group plans to invest between 25,000 and 27,000 crore rupees (or close to 3 billion dollars) in its first pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) facility. According to Mint’s Anirudh Laskar, Adani Green will set up 5 gigawatts of PSH capacity over the next five years. This process involves moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity, essentially functioning like a giant battery that stores power during periods of low demand, and releasing it when needed. This technology is particularly essential for ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply, unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy. The planned facilities will be located across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Diving into our second highlight of the day: In a world increasingly shaped by technology, smartphones may soon face obsolescence. The smartphone, often hailed as the Swiss Army Knife of the digital age, is now threatened by innovations like extended reality glasses, gesture-based interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Musk envisions a future where devices, such as the Neuralink, could render smartphones redundant by directly interfacing with the human brain to perform all the current functions of smartphones. And it isn't just Musk. Tech and internet analysts have long speculated about a future where wearables and embedded chips could supplant the functions of smartphones. What challenges could this future pose, and which technologies could dominate this transformative tech landscape? Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explores these questions in today’s Mint primer. Now, we will shift focus to regulatory developments: Indian authorities are looking to expand their scrutiny beyond LinkedIn and Samsung to include more local branches of multinational corporations. In fact, six unlisted Indian units of MNCs are now under the lens of the Registrars of Companies. Officials are meticulously reviewing disclosures and shareholding information of these companies, as reported by Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Earlier this month, the RoC in Uttar Pradesh found that two Samsung subsidiaries had failed to adequately disclose Samsung Electronics' executive chairman Lee Jae-Yong as a “significant beneficial owner." Last month, LinkedIn's Indian subsidiary was penalised 27 lakh rupees for failing to comply with SBO reporting standards, involving several top executives, including Microsoft's CEO. A source informed Gireesh that India’s business landscape is expanding rapidly, with approximately 150,000 new entities registering annually. This growth underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight to maintain order and prevent future complications. Moving on to our fourth story of the day. In a rapidly growing economy like India, the challenge of generating sufficient jobs to meet demand is formidable. Despite significant economic growth, many educated young Indians find themselves underemployed, leading to widespread frustration and discontent among the youth. This employment crisis has also had political implications, as evidenced in the recent election outcomes, which saw the ruling BJP lose its absolute majority, resulting in a coalition government. Compounding these challenges is the widening economic disparity with the wealthiest 1% of Indians controlling 40% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% owning just 6.4%. Despite these challenges, experts said the government’s significant investments in capital expenditure has been pivotal in driving India's rapid economic growth.As Prime Minister Modi begins his third term, there is increasing focus on recalibrating economic policies to ensure inclusive growth across all segments of society. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the need for Modi 3.0 to craft a new economic blueprint.  Wrapping up today's episode with some positive news for consumers: In a meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced significant reductions in tax rates on essential items, as well as measures to simplify business operations. The tax rate on everyday items such as milk cans and solar cookers has been reduced from 18% to a more consumer-friendly 12%. Besides, students will also benefit from GST exemptions on hostel stays exceeding 90 days, provided the monthly fee is below 20,000 rupees. Furthermore, in a move aimed at easing costs for daily commuters, GST has been waived on platform tickets and other railway-related services. E-commerce sellers will also see a reduction in the tax collected at source from 1% to 0.5%, which is expected to free up working capital for thousands of small and mid-sized businesses. The Council also proposed legislative changes to provide relief to businesses, including waivers on penalties and interest for tax demands from the early years of GST implementation, provided these are settled if settled by March 2025. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad provides further insights into these developments.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day! Show notes:Adani Group plans $3-billion push for new clean-energy business Mint Primer: Will XR glasses, Neuralinks kill smartphones? Indian units of more MNCs under beneficial ownership glare Why Modi 3.0 needs a new economic blueprint 53rd GST Council meeting: exemptions and rate cuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Let’s first jump onto the clean energy bandwagon. The Adani Group plans to invest between 25,000 and 27,000 crore rupees (or close to 3 billion dollars) in its first pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) facility. According to Mint’s Anirudh Laskar, Adani Green will set up 5 gigawatts of PSH capacity over the next five years. This process involves moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity, essentially functioning like a giant battery that stores power during periods of low demand, and releasing it when needed. This technology is particularly essential for ensuring stable, round-the-clock power supply, unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy. The planned facilities will be located across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Diving into our second highlight of the day: In a world increasingly shaped by technology, smartphones may soon face obsolescence. The smartphone, often hailed as the Swiss Army Knife of the digital age, is now threatened by innovations like extended reality glasses, gesture-based interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Musk envisions a future where devices, such as the Neuralink, could render smartphones redundant by directly interfacing with the human brain to perform all the current functions of smartphones. And it isn't just Musk. Tech and internet analysts have long speculated about a future where wearables and embedded chips could supplant the functions of smartphones. What challenges could this future pose, and which technologies could dominate this transformative tech landscape? Mint’s Leslie D’Monte explores these questions in today’s Mint primer.

Now, we will shift focus to regulatory developments: Indian authorities are looking to expand their scrutiny beyond LinkedIn and Samsung to include more local branches of multinational corporations. In fact, six unlisted Indian units of MNCs are now under the lens of the Registrars of Companies. Officials are meticulously reviewing disclosures and shareholding information of these companies, as reported by Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad. Earlier this month, the RoC in Uttar Pradesh found that two Samsung subsidiaries had failed to adequately disclose Samsung Electronics' executive chairman Lee Jae-Yong as a “significant beneficial owner." Last month, LinkedIn's Indian subsidiary was penalised 27 lakh rupees for failing to comply with SBO reporting standards, involving several top executives, including Microsoft's CEO. A source informed Gireesh that India’s business landscape is expanding rapidly, with approximately 150,000 new entities registering annually. This growth underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight to maintain order and prevent future complications.

Moving on to our fourth story of the day. In a rapidly growing economy like India, the challenge of generating sufficient jobs to meet demand is formidable. Despite significant economic growth, many educated young Indians find themselves underemployed, leading to widespread frustration and discontent among the youth. This employment crisis has also had political implications, as evidenced in the recent election outcomes, which saw the ruling BJP lose its absolute majority, resulting in a coalition government. Compounding these challenges is the widening economic disparity with the wealthiest 1% of Indians controlling 40% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% owning just 6.4%. Despite these challenges, experts said the government’s significant investments in capital expenditure has been pivotal in driving India's rapid economic growth.As Prime Minister Modi begins his third term, there is increasing focus on recalibrating economic policies to ensure inclusive growth across all segments of society. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the need for Modi 3.0 to craft a new economic blueprint. 

Wrapping up today's episode with some positive news for consumers: In a meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday, the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced significant reductions in tax rates on essential items, as well as measures to simplify business operations. The tax rate on everyday items such as milk cans and solar cookers has been reduced from 18% to a more consumer-friendly 12%. Besides, students will also benefit from GST exemptions on hostel stays exceeding 90 days, provided the monthly fee is below 20,000 rupees. Furthermore, in a move aimed at easing costs for daily commuters, GST has been waived on platform tickets and other railway-related services. E-commerce sellers will also see a reduction in the tax collected at source from 1% to 0.5%, which is expected to free up working capital for thousands of small and mid-sized businesses. The Council also proposed legislative changes to provide relief to businesses, including waivers on penalties and interest for tax demands from the early years of GST implementation, provided these are settled if settled by March 2025. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad provides further insights into these developments. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We're eagerly looking forward to our next Top of the Morning episode, which will be packed with fresh business news. Until then, have a great day!

Show notes:

Adani Group plans $3-billion push for new clean-energy business

Mint Primer: Will XR glasses, Neuralinks kill smartphones?

Indian units of more MNCs under beneficial ownership glare

Why Modi 3.0 needs a new economic blueprint

53rd GST Council meeting: exemptions and rate cuts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 478 no One charger to rule them all https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/one-charger-to-rule-them-all-dj2vA3K0 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices, Nifty and Sensex, opened at record levels and touched new highs during the session before ending the day marginally higher, with Sensex up 0.18 percent and Nifty up 0.22 percent. From next June, every new smartphone and tablet sold in India will need to have a USB-C charging port so that consumers can charge all their devices with just one type of charger. The rule, which will include laptops by 2026, is part of India’s efforts to align itself with global standards set by the European Union to enhance convenience and reduce waste. The new rule doesn’t apply to feature phones and wearables for now, but it's a big step in the right direction. The Indian government said it plans to enforce the new standard vigorously. Companies that fail to comply will face penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar and Gulveen Aulakh report. There's also a push for makers of basic phones and other devices to voluntarily adopt USB-C ports, which would further unify charging standards. Leading smartphone makers such as Xiaomi and Oppo have already voiced their support. Sebi has issued a stern directive to Religare Enterprises Ltd, ordering it to comply with securities law. The development unfolded as the Burman family, promoters of Dabur, made moves to increase their stake in Religare through an open offer. Sebi instructed Religare’s chairperson Rashmi Saluja and the board to seek necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India within a week. The action highlights Sebi’s concerns about Religare's attempts to obstruct the open offer by the Burmans, who are significant stakeholders in Religare through various family-owned entities. Sebi intervened despite resistance from Religare – which expressed doubt about the Burmans' ability to improve the company’s management – highlighting the importance of adhering to the proper procedures in an acquisition. Mint’s Ranjani Raghavan and Neha Joshi report. Apple and Google are diving deep into generative AI, and making smartphones more capable in the process. Apple recently announced ‘Apple Intelligence’, a set of tools that will allow iPhones, iPads and Macs to perform tasks such as transcribing calls, crafting emails, and generating images and emoticons. Google rolled out similar capabilities last September, and Samsung also offers similar AI features on its top-tier devices. However, not all AI tasks are processed on the device itself. Apple's Siri will soon be able to handle simple queries on-device but could tap OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more complex requests. Google’s Pixel phones and Samsung’s devices need internet connections to access hefty AI models stored in the cloud. For now, these cutting-edge AI features are limited to premium models. Apple’s AI suite is exclusive to its 15 Pro and Pro Max iPhones, while Google and Samsung have integrated AI into their latest devices, with potential expansions on the horizon. What’s next for smartphones as tech giants throw their hats in the AI ring? Mint’s tech correspondent Souvik Das has the answers in today’s Primer. Omnichannel furniture retailer Pepperfry ventured into the furniture rental market in 2017, tapping the ‘sharing economy’ vibe that appealed to India's young urbanites. At the time, the company estimated that the market could one day be worth $1 billion a year. Despite a promising start, Pepperfry ended its rental services in 2019, saying the market was too niche. There are still 157 companies worldwide that employ the rental model, including Indian firms such as Rentomojo and Furlenco. But most are still small, thanks to a complex market with overestimated potential. For instance mattress company Wakefit, which started in 2016, later ventured into furniture and saw revenue rise to 813 crore rupees by 2023. Rentomojo made 121 crore that year. These companies face plenty of challenges, from complex logistics to quality issues, and many renters have endured poor service and delayed pickups. Some companies are adapting by diversifying into appliances and electronics, while others are focusing on logistics to improve their services. Mint’s startup correspondent Priyamvada C takes dives deep into the workings of furniture rental startups in today’s Long Story. India is facing a brutal heatwave, with the Health Ministry reporting 110 heatstroke-related deaths and more than 40,000 suspected cases as of June 18. Most of the victims are in rural areas, where many people work outdoors and have limited access to healthcare. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the most heatstroke cases, followed by Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, while Uttar Pradesh has seen the most deaths, reports Mint’s Puja Das. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Common smartphone chargers from next year; laptops to be covered from 2026 Sebi directs Religare board, Saluja to seek approvals for Burman open offer Mint Primer | AI phones on the horizon: promises and pitfalls Rent vs buy: Why startups failed to shake up the furniture rental market India reports 110 heat stroke deaths, 42,000 cases till 18 June Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 One charger to rule them all full 592 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside India’s furniture rental startups; Sebi intervenes in Religare-Burman saga Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices, Nifty and Sensex, opened at record levels and touched new highs during the session before ending the day marginally higher, with Sensex up 0.18 percent and Nifty up 0.22 percent. From next June, every new smartphone and tablet sold in India will need to have a USB-C charging port so that consumers can charge all their devices with just one type of charger. The rule, which will include laptops by 2026, is part of India’s efforts to align itself with global standards set by the European Union to enhance convenience and reduce waste. The new rule doesn’t apply to feature phones and wearables for now, but it's a big step in the right direction. The Indian government said it plans to enforce the new standard vigorously. Companies that fail to comply will face penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar and Gulveen Aulakh report. There's also a push for makers of basic phones and other devices to voluntarily adopt USB-C ports, which would further unify charging standards. Leading smartphone makers such as Xiaomi and Oppo have already voiced their support. Sebi has issued a stern directive to Religare Enterprises Ltd, ordering it to comply with securities law. The development unfolded as the Burman family, promoters of Dabur, made moves to increase their stake in Religare through an open offer. Sebi instructed Religare’s chairperson Rashmi Saluja and the board to seek necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India within a week. The action highlights Sebi’s concerns about Religare's attempts to obstruct the open offer by the Burmans, who are significant stakeholders in Religare through various family-owned entities. Sebi intervened despite resistance from Religare – which expressed doubt about the Burmans' ability to improve the company’s management – highlighting the importance of adhering to the proper procedures in an acquisition. Mint’s Ranjani Raghavan and Neha Joshi report. Apple and Google are diving deep into generative AI, and making smartphones more capable in the process. Apple recently announced ‘Apple Intelligence’, a set of tools that will allow iPhones, iPads and Macs to perform tasks such as transcribing calls, crafting emails, and generating images and emoticons. Google rolled out similar capabilities last September, and Samsung also offers similar AI features on its top-tier devices. However, not all AI tasks are processed on the device itself. Apple's Siri will soon be able to handle simple queries on-device but could tap OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more complex requests. Google’s Pixel phones and Samsung’s devices need internet connections to access hefty AI models stored in the cloud. For now, these cutting-edge AI features are limited to premium models. Apple’s AI suite is exclusive to its 15 Pro and Pro Max iPhones, while Google and Samsung have integrated AI into their latest devices, with potential expansions on the horizon. What’s next for smartphones as tech giants throw their hats in the AI ring? Mint’s tech correspondent Souvik Das has the answers in today’s Primer. Omnichannel furniture retailer Pepperfry ventured into the furniture rental market in 2017, tapping the ‘sharing economy’ vibe that appealed to India's young urbanites. At the time, the company estimated that the market could one day be worth $1 billion a year. Despite a promising start, Pepperfry ended its rental services in 2019, saying the market was too niche. There are still 157 companies worldwide that employ the rental model, including Indian firms such as Rentomojo and Furlenco. But most are still small, thanks to a complex market with overestimated potential. For instance mattress company Wakefit, which started in 2016, later ventured into furniture and saw revenue rise to 813 crore rupees by 2023. Rentomojo made 121 crore that year. These companies face plenty of challenges, from complex logistics to quality issues, and many renters have endured poor service and delayed pickups. Some companies are adapting by diversifying into appliances and electronics, while others are focusing on logistics to improve their services. Mint’s startup correspondent Priyamvada C takes dives deep into the workings of furniture rental startups in today’s Long Story. India is facing a brutal heatwave, with the Health Ministry reporting 110 heatstroke-related deaths and more than 40,000 suspected cases as of June 18. Most of the victims are in rural areas, where many people work outdoors and have limited access to healthcare. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the most heatstroke cases, followed by Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, while Uttar Pradesh has seen the most deaths, reports Mint’s Puja Das. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Common smartphone chargers from next year; laptops to be covered from 2026 Sebi directs Religare board, Saluja to seek approvals for Burman open offer Mint Primer | AI phones on the horizon: promises and pitfalls Rent vs buy: Why startups failed to shake up the furniture rental market India reports 110 heat stroke deaths, 42,000 cases till 18 June Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices, Nifty and Sensex, opened at record levels and touched new highs during the session before ending the day marginally higher, with Sensex up 0.18 percent and Nifty up 0.22 percent.

From next June, every new smartphone and tablet sold in India will need to have a USB-C charging port so that consumers can charge all their devices with just one type of charger. The rule, which will include laptops by 2026, is part of India’s efforts to align itself with global standards set by the European Union to enhance convenience and reduce waste.

The new rule doesn’t apply to feature phones and wearables for now, but it's a big step in the right direction. The Indian government said it plans to enforce the new standard vigorously. Companies that fail to comply will face penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar and Gulveen Aulakh report. There's also a push for makers of basic phones and other devices to voluntarily adopt USB-C ports, which would further unify charging standards. Leading smartphone makers such as Xiaomi and Oppo have already voiced their support.

Sebi has issued a stern directive to Religare Enterprises Ltd, ordering it to comply with securities law. The development unfolded as the Burman family, promoters of Dabur, made moves to increase their stake in Religare through an open offer.

Sebi instructed Religare’s chairperson Rashmi Saluja and the board to seek necessary approvals from the Reserve Bank of India within a week. The action highlights Sebi’s concerns about Religare's attempts to obstruct the open offer by the Burmans, who are significant stakeholders in Religare through various family-owned entities. Sebi intervened despite resistance from Religare – which expressed doubt about the Burmans' ability to improve the company’s management – highlighting the importance of adhering to the proper procedures in an acquisition. Mint’s Ranjani Raghavan and Neha Joshi report.

Apple and Google are diving deep into generative AI, and making smartphones more capable in the process. Apple recently announced ‘Apple Intelligence’, a set of tools that will allow iPhones, iPads and Macs to perform tasks such as transcribing calls, crafting emails, and generating images and emoticons. Google rolled out similar capabilities last September, and Samsung also offers similar AI features on its top-tier devices. However, not all AI tasks are processed on the device itself. Apple's Siri will soon be able to handle simple queries on-device but could tap OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more complex requests. Google’s Pixel phones and Samsung’s devices need internet connections to access hefty AI models stored in the cloud.

For now, these cutting-edge AI features are limited to premium models. Apple’s AI suite is exclusive to its 15 Pro and Pro Max iPhones, while Google and Samsung have integrated AI into their latest devices, with potential expansions on the horizon. What’s next for smartphones as tech giants throw their hats in the AI ring? Mint’s tech correspondent Souvik Das has the answers in today’s Primer.

Omnichannel furniture retailer Pepperfry ventured into the furniture rental market in 2017, tapping the ‘sharing economy’ vibe that appealed to India's young urbanites. At the time, the company estimated that the market could one day be worth $1 billion a year. Despite a promising start, Pepperfry ended its rental services in 2019, saying the market was too niche.

There are still 157 companies worldwide that employ the rental model, including Indian firms such as Rentomojo and Furlenco. But most are still small, thanks to a complex market with overestimated potential. For instance mattress company Wakefit, which started in 2016, later ventured into furniture and saw revenue rise to 813 crore rupees by 2023. Rentomojo made 121 crore that year. These companies face plenty of challenges, from complex logistics to quality issues, and many renters have endured poor service and delayed pickups. Some companies are adapting by diversifying into appliances and electronics, while others are focusing on logistics to improve their services. Mint’s startup correspondent Priyamvada C takes dives deep into the workings of furniture rental startups in today’s Long Story.

India is facing a brutal heatwave, with the Health Ministry reporting 110 heatstroke-related deaths and more than 40,000 suspected cases as of June 18. Most of the victims are in rural areas, where many people work outdoors and have limited access to healthcare. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the most heatstroke cases, followed by Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, while Uttar Pradesh has seen the most deaths, reports Mint’s Puja Das.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Common smartphone chargers from next year; laptops to be covered from 2026

Sebi directs Religare board, Saluja to seek approvals for Burman open offer

Mint Primer | AI phones on the horizon: promises and pitfalls

Rent vs buy: Why startups failed to shake up the furniture rental market

India reports 110 heat stroke deaths, 42,000 cases till 18 June

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 435 no How do we prevent train accidents? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-do-we-prevent-train-accidents-hao5Rgm2 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Equity markets were more or less flat on Wednesday. Nifty was down 0.18 percent, while Sensex edged up 0.05 percent. Markets have rebounded after a huge crash when the general election results were announced at the start of the month. Small- and mid-cap stocks are leading the charge, taking valuations to fresh highs. Dipti Sharma writes that benchmark indices such as Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 100 have each surged by almost 20 percent. However, this immediate rebound has raised questions about the sustainability of the current bull run. Market experts told Dipti that volatility is always possible in small- and mid-cap stocks. Moreover, their sky high valuations also raise concerns about the potential upside moving forward. As always, investor caution is advised. A few years ago, Yes Bank was in a constant crisis. Then, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in. Changes were made and Yes Bank had new stakeholders to steer the ship out of troubled waters. State Bank of India picked up a 49 percent stake in the bank, while a host of private lenders invested some 10,000 crore rupees. These investments were locked in for at least three years to ensure that depositors continue to be serviced. Today, the bank is in a far better position, writes Gopika Gopakumar. Credit for the turnaround goes to Prashant Kumar, the MD and CEO of Yes Bank and an SBI veteran. While Kumar has done well so far, his real challenge begins now, as the investors' three-year lock-in has expired. Some will no doubt come knocking to get their money back. How will Kumar deal with this challenge? Gopika tries to answer this and other questions. India witnessed another train accident this week, which killed 10 people. Plans to modernise and improve the country’s railway infrastructure have been underway for a while. The government has been rolling out a system called "Kavach", which means shield in Hindi. The system automatically hits the brakes on a train if it sees another one approaching. However, only 1,500 km out of 68,000 kilometres of train tracks have been fitted with Kavach. That’s less than 5 percent Such anti-collision systems have been in place in Europe since the 1960s. Shelly Singh notes that we need to increase the coverage of Kavach to prevent or at the very least reduce train accidents. Generally, air travel is safer than rail. One reason is that airports are more modern and adopt safety technologies much faster. Anu Sharma writes that Indian airports are now using artificial intelligence tools to improve their services. AI will mostly help with customer service. However, Anu writes that Delhi international airport, the busiest airport in India, is using AI to plan travel, and manage traffic at crucial places such as immigration counters. For example, waiting times for travellers with electronic visas could be expedited using AI. The scorching summer and delayed monsoon have caused spot prices of electricity to surge. Rituraj Baruah reports that a unit of electricity now costs 6.78 rupees on the India Energy Exchange. It was 5.51 rupees just a month ago. As state power distribution companies have long-term power purchase agreements, they won't be bothered by the sudden price increase. However, those who need to buy power from these markets for immediate consumption will suffer. The past two months saw a 14 percent increase in electricity consumption compared to last year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: After a brief break in March, the broader stock market is buzzing again Yes Bank’s turnaround: Why Prashant Kumar still has miles to go Can tech steer train safety into the future? Indian airlines, airports adopting AI tools to improve services Exchange prices of power increase, hit ceiling price in peak hours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How do we prevent train accidents? full 591 Mint - HT Smartcast Yes Bank's encouraging journey, heatwaves cause power prices to surge on exchanges Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Equity markets were more or less flat on Wednesday. Nifty was down 0.18 percent, while Sensex edged up 0.05 percent. Markets have rebounded after a huge crash when the general election results were announced at the start of the month. Small- and mid-cap stocks are leading the charge, taking valuations to fresh highs. Dipti Sharma writes that benchmark indices such as Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 100 have each surged by almost 20 percent. However, this immediate rebound has raised questions about the sustainability of the current bull run. Market experts told Dipti that volatility is always possible in small- and mid-cap stocks. Moreover, their sky high valuations also raise concerns about the potential upside moving forward. As always, investor caution is advised. A few years ago, Yes Bank was in a constant crisis. Then, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in. Changes were made and Yes Bank had new stakeholders to steer the ship out of troubled waters. State Bank of India picked up a 49 percent stake in the bank, while a host of private lenders invested some 10,000 crore rupees. These investments were locked in for at least three years to ensure that depositors continue to be serviced. Today, the bank is in a far better position, writes Gopika Gopakumar. Credit for the turnaround goes to Prashant Kumar, the MD and CEO of Yes Bank and an SBI veteran. While Kumar has done well so far, his real challenge begins now, as the investors' three-year lock-in has expired. Some will no doubt come knocking to get their money back. How will Kumar deal with this challenge? Gopika tries to answer this and other questions. India witnessed another train accident this week, which killed 10 people. Plans to modernise and improve the country’s railway infrastructure have been underway for a while. The government has been rolling out a system called "Kavach", which means shield in Hindi. The system automatically hits the brakes on a train if it sees another one approaching. However, only 1,500 km out of 68,000 kilometres of train tracks have been fitted with Kavach. That’s less than 5 percent Such anti-collision systems have been in place in Europe since the 1960s. Shelly Singh notes that we need to increase the coverage of Kavach to prevent or at the very least reduce train accidents. Generally, air travel is safer than rail. One reason is that airports are more modern and adopt safety technologies much faster. Anu Sharma writes that Indian airports are now using artificial intelligence tools to improve their services. AI will mostly help with customer service. However, Anu writes that Delhi international airport, the busiest airport in India, is using AI to plan travel, and manage traffic at crucial places such as immigration counters. For example, waiting times for travellers with electronic visas could be expedited using AI. The scorching summer and delayed monsoon have caused spot prices of electricity to surge. Rituraj Baruah reports that a unit of electricity now costs 6.78 rupees on the India Energy Exchange. It was 5.51 rupees just a month ago. As state power distribution companies have long-term power purchase agreements, they won't be bothered by the sudden price increase. However, those who need to buy power from these markets for immediate consumption will suffer. The past two months saw a 14 percent increase in electricity consumption compared to last year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: After a brief break in March, the broader stock market is buzzing again Yes Bank’s turnaround: Why Prashant Kumar still has miles to go Can tech steer train safety into the future? Indian airlines, airports adopting AI tools to improve services Exchange prices of power increase, hit ceiling price in peak hours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Equity markets were more or less flat on Wednesday. Nifty was down 0.18 percent, while Sensex edged up 0.05 percent.

Markets have rebounded after a huge crash when the general election results were announced at the start of the month. Small- and mid-cap stocks are leading the charge, taking valuations to fresh highs. Dipti Sharma writes that benchmark indices such as Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Midcap 100 have each surged by almost 20 percent. However, this immediate rebound has raised questions about the sustainability of the current bull run. Market experts told Dipti that volatility is always possible in small- and mid-cap stocks. Moreover, their sky high valuations also raise concerns about the potential upside moving forward. As always, investor caution is advised.

A few years ago, Yes Bank was in a constant crisis. Then, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in. Changes were made and Yes Bank had new stakeholders to steer the ship out of troubled waters. State Bank of India picked up a 49 percent stake in the bank, while a host of private lenders invested some 10,000 crore rupees. These investments were locked in for at least three years to ensure that depositors continue to be serviced. Today, the bank is in a far better position, writes Gopika Gopakumar. Credit for the turnaround goes to Prashant Kumar, the MD and CEO of Yes Bank and an SBI veteran. While Kumar has done well so far, his real challenge begins now, as the investors' three-year lock-in has expired. Some will no doubt come knocking to get their money back. How will Kumar deal with this challenge? Gopika tries to answer this and other questions.

India witnessed another train accident this week, which killed 10 people. Plans to modernise and improve the country’s railway infrastructure have been underway for a while. The government has been rolling out a system called "Kavach", which means shield in Hindi. The system automatically hits the brakes on a train if it sees another one approaching. However, only 1,500 km out of 68,000 kilometres of train tracks have been fitted with Kavach. That’s less than 5 percent Such anti-collision systems have been in place in Europe since the 1960s. Shelly Singh notes that we need to increase the coverage of Kavach to prevent or at the very least reduce train accidents.

Generally, air travel is safer than rail. One reason is that airports are more modern and adopt safety technologies much faster. Anu Sharma writes that Indian airports are now using artificial intelligence tools to improve their services. AI will mostly help with customer service. However, Anu writes that Delhi international airport, the busiest airport in India, is using AI to plan travel, and manage traffic at crucial places such as immigration counters. For example, waiting times for travellers with electronic visas could be expedited using AI.

The scorching summer and delayed monsoon have caused spot prices of electricity to surge. Rituraj Baruah reports that a unit of electricity now costs 6.78 rupees on the India Energy Exchange. It was 5.51 rupees just a month ago. As state power distribution companies have long-term power purchase agreements, they won't be bothered by the sudden price increase. However, those who need to buy power from these markets for immediate consumption will suffer. The past two months saw a 14 percent increase in electricity consumption compared to last year.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

After a brief break in March, the broader stock market is buzzing again

Yes Bank’s turnaround: Why Prashant Kumar still has miles to go

Can tech steer train safety into the future?

Indian airlines, airports adopting AI tools to improve services

Exchange prices of power increase, hit ceiling price in peak hours

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 361 no Meet the heroes protesting against the NEET fiasco https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/meet-the-heroes-protesting-against-the-neet-fiasco-Q_JNGQ2U Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock market's record-breaking spree continued as key equity indices—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—settled at their fresh record highs on Tuesday. The Sensex closed up by 308 points, gaining 0.40 per cent. The Nifty gained 0.39 per cent at the close.  A severe heatwave has been lashing parts of North and East India for weeks now. Daytime temperatures have perpetually been above 45°C, affecting Indians' daily lives. The recently concluded general election was notably impacted by the heat, with voters in 19 states enduring dangerous 'heat stress' during polling. A recent analysis by Respirer Living Sciences highlighted that during the last three phases of the election, over 70% of the constituencies experienced significant heat stress. The long-term effects of these rising temperatures are evident. Even areas traditionally unaffected by severe heat, like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, recorded multiple heatwave days this year. This year alone, heat-related illnesses have been deadly, and discrepancies in government-reported data on heatwave-related deaths have raised concerns. As the country continues to face record-breaking temperatures, the electricity demand has surged, hitting a five-year high in June. Mint’s Manjul Paul explains through charts how the harsh effects of the heatwave have deepened the misery of millions of Indians.  Click on the links in show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast.  India Inc is calling for a significant increase in government capital expenditure. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president Sanjiv Puri argues for a 25% rise from the ₹11.11 trillion set in the 2024-25 interim budget for 2024-25. The proposed increase would cost an additional ₹2.78 trillion, raising capex to 4.25% of GDP. This demand is aimed at bolstering the rural sector, which has not fully recovered from the pandemic's impact. This demand is somewhat unexpected, given that other economic drivers like government spending, private consumption, and exports have improved. However, private investment has lagged despite significant corporate tax cuts since 2019. So how will this demand affect fiscal consolidation? And will the government heed the call by India Inc? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan tackles these questions in today’s Mint primer.  In Bengaluru, top tech companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and Wipro have seen their office spaces shrink over the past year, reflecting broader changes in the industry. Collectively, these firms ended the previous financial year with a collective 103.2 million sq.ft., a decrease of 3.7% from 107.25 million sq.ft. in FY23. This downsizing has helped bolster profitability amid concerns about the future role of these companies as major employers and leasers of extensive office areas. The contraction in the physical presence of these companies occurs against a backdrop of sluggish growth in the $254 billion Indian IT services sector, Mint’s IT correspondent Varun Sood reports. The industry reported its weakest-ever dollar revenue growth of 3.8% in the fiscal year 2024.  This year, the NEET results stirred significant controversy, revealing a major issue in the exam's handling. On the day the results were released, Alakh Pandey of Physics Wallah was engrossed in tallying NEET scores, noticing alarming discrepancies. Saurabh Pant of Sri Gosalites Medical Academy and concerned parents expressed shock at the unusually high scores. A staggering 67 students scored the maximum of 720 points, many from a single centre in Haryana, raising suspicions of potential misconduct. This anomaly led to widespread concern among students and parents, with many taking to social media and planning legal action to address the perceived injustices. The uproar centered around the inconsistency in scores and alleged issues at the testing centers, including delayed start times that led to the distribution of grace marks. The situation escalated as more individuals demanded a re-examination and a thorough investigation into the handling of NEET, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with legal reporter Krishna Yadav, takes a look at the key figures driving the widespread protests against the alleged discrepancies and injustices surrounding the NEET examinations. Retail investor activity on the National Stock Exchange saw a significant uptick on the day of the Lok Sabha election results. This surge in buying brought their total investments for the first two-and-a-half months of this fiscal year close to the totals for each of the previous two fiscal years. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah report that this change suggests a shift in investment behaviour. On June 4, as the BJP failed to secure a clear majority, causing the Nifty to drop by 8.5%, retail investors bought shares worth more than 21 thousand crore rupees. This large purchase accounted for almost half of their total investments of 46,383 crore rupees up to June 14. In contrast, Foreign Institutional Investors and mutual funds combined sold off shares worth almost 19 thousand crore rupees.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Polls, deaths, and loaded power lines: India’s summer misery deepens Is India Inc.’s call for more public capex justified? Why office space is shrinking at Cognizant, Infosys and Wipro NEET fiasco: Meet the heroes behind the massive protests Retail buying on 4 June pushes F25 buys to levels seen in whole of F24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Meet the heroes protesting against the NEET fiasco full 590 Mint - HT Smartcast How heatwave is affecting millions of lives; India Inc’s call for increased capex Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian stock market's record-breaking spree continued as key equity indices—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—settled at their fresh record highs on Tuesday. The Sensex closed up by 308 points, gaining 0.40 per cent. The Nifty gained 0.39 per cent at the close.  A severe heatwave has been lashing parts of North and East India for weeks now. Daytime temperatures have perpetually been above 45°C, affecting Indians' daily lives. The recently concluded general election was notably impacted by the heat, with voters in 19 states enduring dangerous 'heat stress' during polling. A recent analysis by Respirer Living Sciences highlighted that during the last three phases of the election, over 70% of the constituencies experienced significant heat stress. The long-term effects of these rising temperatures are evident. Even areas traditionally unaffected by severe heat, like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, recorded multiple heatwave days this year. This year alone, heat-related illnesses have been deadly, and discrepancies in government-reported data on heatwave-related deaths have raised concerns. As the country continues to face record-breaking temperatures, the electricity demand has surged, hitting a five-year high in June. Mint’s Manjul Paul explains through charts how the harsh effects of the heatwave have deepened the misery of millions of Indians.  Click on the links in show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast.  India Inc is calling for a significant increase in government capital expenditure. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president Sanjiv Puri argues for a 25% rise from the ₹11.11 trillion set in the 2024-25 interim budget for 2024-25. The proposed increase would cost an additional ₹2.78 trillion, raising capex to 4.25% of GDP. This demand is aimed at bolstering the rural sector, which has not fully recovered from the pandemic's impact. This demand is somewhat unexpected, given that other economic drivers like government spending, private consumption, and exports have improved. However, private investment has lagged despite significant corporate tax cuts since 2019. So how will this demand affect fiscal consolidation? And will the government heed the call by India Inc? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan tackles these questions in today’s Mint primer.  In Bengaluru, top tech companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and Wipro have seen their office spaces shrink over the past year, reflecting broader changes in the industry. Collectively, these firms ended the previous financial year with a collective 103.2 million sq.ft., a decrease of 3.7% from 107.25 million sq.ft. in FY23. This downsizing has helped bolster profitability amid concerns about the future role of these companies as major employers and leasers of extensive office areas. The contraction in the physical presence of these companies occurs against a backdrop of sluggish growth in the $254 billion Indian IT services sector, Mint’s IT correspondent Varun Sood reports. The industry reported its weakest-ever dollar revenue growth of 3.8% in the fiscal year 2024.  This year, the NEET results stirred significant controversy, revealing a major issue in the exam's handling. On the day the results were released, Alakh Pandey of Physics Wallah was engrossed in tallying NEET scores, noticing alarming discrepancies. Saurabh Pant of Sri Gosalites Medical Academy and concerned parents expressed shock at the unusually high scores. A staggering 67 students scored the maximum of 720 points, many from a single centre in Haryana, raising suspicions of potential misconduct. This anomaly led to widespread concern among students and parents, with many taking to social media and planning legal action to address the perceived injustices. The uproar centered around the inconsistency in scores and alleged issues at the testing centers, including delayed start times that led to the distribution of grace marks. The situation escalated as more individuals demanded a re-examination and a thorough investigation into the handling of NEET, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with legal reporter Krishna Yadav, takes a look at the key figures driving the widespread protests against the alleged discrepancies and injustices surrounding the NEET examinations. Retail investor activity on the National Stock Exchange saw a significant uptick on the day of the Lok Sabha election results. This surge in buying brought their total investments for the first two-and-a-half months of this fiscal year close to the totals for each of the previous two fiscal years. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah report that this change suggests a shift in investment behaviour. On June 4, as the BJP failed to secure a clear majority, causing the Nifty to drop by 8.5%, retail investors bought shares worth more than 21 thousand crore rupees. This large purchase accounted for almost half of their total investments of 46,383 crore rupees up to June 14. In contrast, Foreign Institutional Investors and mutual funds combined sold off shares worth almost 19 thousand crore rupees.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Polls, deaths, and loaded power lines: India’s summer misery deepens Is India Inc.’s call for more public capex justified? Why office space is shrinking at Cognizant, Infosys and Wipro NEET fiasco: Meet the heroes behind the massive protests Retail buying on 4 June pushes F25 buys to levels seen in whole of F24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian stock market's record-breaking spree continued as key equity indices—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—settled at their fresh record highs on Tuesday. The Sensex closed up by 308 points, gaining 0.40 per cent. The Nifty gained 0.39 per cent at the close. 

A severe heatwave has been lashing parts of North and East India for weeks now. Daytime temperatures have perpetually been above 45°C, affecting Indians' daily lives. The recently concluded general election was notably impacted by the heat, with voters in 19 states enduring dangerous 'heat stress' during polling. A recent analysis by Respirer Living Sciences highlighted that during the last three phases of the election, over 70% of the constituencies experienced significant heat stress. The long-term effects of these rising temperatures are evident. Even areas traditionally unaffected by severe heat, like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, recorded multiple heatwave days this year. This year alone, heat-related illnesses have been deadly, and discrepancies in government-reported data on heatwave-related deaths have raised concerns. As the country continues to face record-breaking temperatures, the electricity demand has surged, hitting a five-year high in June. Mint’s Manjul Paul explains through charts how the harsh effects of the heatwave have deepened the misery of millions of Indians. 

Click on the links in show notes to read the stories featured in today’s podcast. 

India Inc is calling for a significant increase in government capital expenditure. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president Sanjiv Puri argues for a 25% rise from the ₹11.11 trillion set in the 2024-25 interim budget for 2024-25. The proposed increase would cost an additional ₹2.78 trillion, raising capex to 4.25% of GDP. This demand is aimed at bolstering the rural sector, which has not fully recovered from the pandemic's impact. This demand is somewhat unexpected, given that other economic drivers like government spending, private consumption, and exports have improved. However, private investment has lagged despite significant corporate tax cuts since 2019. So how will this demand affect fiscal consolidation? And will the government heed the call by India Inc? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan tackles these questions in today’s Mint primer. 

In Bengaluru, top tech companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and Wipro have seen their office spaces shrink over the past year, reflecting broader changes in the industry. Collectively, these firms ended the previous financial year with a collective 103.2 million sq.ft., a decrease of 3.7% from 107.25 million sq.ft. in FY23. This downsizing has helped bolster profitability amid concerns about the future role of these companies as major employers and leasers of extensive office areas. The contraction in the physical presence of these companies occurs against a backdrop of sluggish growth in the $254 billion Indian IT services sector, Mint’s IT correspondent Varun Sood reports. The industry reported its weakest-ever dollar revenue growth of 3.8% in the fiscal year 2024. 

This year, the NEET results stirred significant controversy, revealing a major issue in the exam's handling. On the day the results were released, Alakh Pandey of Physics Wallah was engrossed in tallying NEET scores, noticing alarming discrepancies. Saurabh Pant of Sri Gosalites Medical Academy and concerned parents expressed shock at the unusually high scores. A staggering 67 students scored the maximum of 720 points, many from a single centre in Haryana, raising suspicions of potential misconduct. This anomaly led to widespread concern among students and parents, with many taking to social media and planning legal action to address the perceived injustices. The uproar centered around the inconsistency in scores and alleged issues at the testing centers, including delayed start times that led to the distribution of grace marks. The situation escalated as more individuals demanded a re-examination and a thorough investigation into the handling of NEET, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with legal reporter Krishna Yadav, takes a look at the key figures driving the widespread protests against the alleged discrepancies and injustices surrounding the NEET examinations.

Retail investor activity on the National Stock Exchange saw a significant uptick on the day of the Lok Sabha election results. This surge in buying brought their total investments for the first two-and-a-half months of this fiscal year close to the totals for each of the previous two fiscal years. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Sneha Shah report that this change suggests a shift in investment behaviour. On June 4, as the BJP failed to secure a clear majority, causing the Nifty to drop by 8.5%, retail investors bought shares worth more than 21 thousand crore rupees. This large purchase accounted for almost half of their total investments of 46,383 crore rupees up to June 14. In contrast, Foreign Institutional Investors and mutual funds combined sold off shares worth almost 19 thousand crore rupees. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Polls, deaths, and loaded power lines: India’s summer misery deepens

Is India Inc.’s call for more public capex justified?

Why office space is shrinking at Cognizant, Infosys and Wipro

NEET fiasco: Meet the heroes behind the massive protests

Retail buying on 4 June pushes F25 buys to levels seen in whole of F24

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 487 no How can the govt control airfares? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-can-the-govt-control-airfares-K178jCg2 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: We have no market updates for you today, as the markets were shut on the occasion of Bakri Eid on Monday. Looking for a new property? You might soon be buying from insurance giant LIC. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Life Insurance Corporation of India is looking to sell some plots and commercial buildings. LIC is India's third-largest landlord, and hopes to net at least 6 billion dollars from these transactions. It has properties in marquee areas such as Delhi's Connaught Place and Kolkata's Chittaranjan Avenue. Since these have been with LIC for decades, a sale valuation of the properties will need to be carried out. Anirudh writes that ascertaining the value of these properties seems to be the biggest hurdle for LIC. Additionally, some of these properties are part of litigations against LIC, complicating the sale process. Last week, financial services company 360 One announced its acquisition of ET Money, a direct investment platform. Neil Borate writes that it's a puzzling transaction. Just FYI, 360 One was earlier known as IIFL Wealth. But now that ET Money, a mutual fund investment platform, will come under the ownership of a mutual fund, the operations get murky. ET Money might be incentivised to sell the products of its parent company but the markets regulator Sebi prevents such cross-selling or preferential treatment. ET Money also has a paid feature named Genius, an advisory service used by more than 75,000 people. How will this new acquisition play out under Sebi's regulations? ET Money's founders have maintained that no such conflicts will occur, Neil writes. When the pandemic set in, most industries came to a standstill, and took a while to get back on track. But the logistics sector wasn't one of them. In fact, with everyone stuck at home, more deliveries took place, propelling logistics to another level. Mahindra Logistics, a third-party logistics provider, was a beneficiary of the boom. The company now rakes in an annual revenue of more than Rs 5,000 crore. By FY26, it wants to double that figure. Madhurima Nandy writes that Mahindra's logistics arm is expanding at a dizzying pace to accomplish that. But it has also started a worrying trend: Mahindra Logistics has recorded a net loss for the first time since it listed on the markets in 2017. E-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho have beefed up their own logistical arms. How will Mahindra Logistics achieve its targets while maintaining profitability? Madhurima explores the possible answers. Ever since Jet Airways and Go First shut down, flight ticket prices have skyrocketed. But the new civil aviation minister has vowed to control these prices. Is this even possible? Anu Sharma explains that the Indian aviation market is quite seasonal. Fares aren't established or regulated by the central government. But the aviation regulator has a unit that monitors airfares on certain routes to not charge beyond a certain range of prices. The government already had regulated an upper and lower limit on airfares during covid — Anu writes that it might resort to the same measures if prices get out of control during the current peak summer season, when leisure travel is at its highest. The genesis of quick commerce in India was rapid: First there was Zepto. Swiggy's Instamart followed suit. Grofers turned into Blinkit after Zomato acquired it. Dunzo was forced to adapt. Others such as Big Basket also sped up their processes. But a couple of years later, we have a new entrant: Flipkart is ready to roll out its quick commerce arm, reports Suneera Tandon. Flipkart's quick commerce venture would be available in select metro cities in the next few weeks. The company will offer home appliances in addition to groceries. Will Flipkart be able to catch up to its established rivals? To find out, you might want to be ready to download yet another app. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: LIC mega sale: Insurer to sell land, buildings to raise up to $7 billion ET Money’s acquisition by 360 ONE: Should you be worried or excited?  After slipping into the red, can Mahindra Logistics execute a U turn?  Mint Explainer: Can airfares be regulated?  Flipkart's q-commerce entry weeks away, will take on Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How can the govt control airfares? full 589 Mint - HT Smartcast Mahindra Logistics’ ambitious dreams, Flipkart’s quick commerce entry Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: We have no market updates for you today, as the markets were shut on the occasion of Bakri Eid on Monday. Looking for a new property? You might soon be buying from insurance giant LIC. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Life Insurance Corporation of India is looking to sell some plots and commercial buildings. LIC is India's third-largest landlord, and hopes to net at least 6 billion dollars from these transactions. It has properties in marquee areas such as Delhi's Connaught Place and Kolkata's Chittaranjan Avenue. Since these have been with LIC for decades, a sale valuation of the properties will need to be carried out. Anirudh writes that ascertaining the value of these properties seems to be the biggest hurdle for LIC. Additionally, some of these properties are part of litigations against LIC, complicating the sale process. Last week, financial services company 360 One announced its acquisition of ET Money, a direct investment platform. Neil Borate writes that it's a puzzling transaction. Just FYI, 360 One was earlier known as IIFL Wealth. But now that ET Money, a mutual fund investment platform, will come under the ownership of a mutual fund, the operations get murky. ET Money might be incentivised to sell the products of its parent company but the markets regulator Sebi prevents such cross-selling or preferential treatment. ET Money also has a paid feature named Genius, an advisory service used by more than 75,000 people. How will this new acquisition play out under Sebi's regulations? ET Money's founders have maintained that no such conflicts will occur, Neil writes. When the pandemic set in, most industries came to a standstill, and took a while to get back on track. But the logistics sector wasn't one of them. In fact, with everyone stuck at home, more deliveries took place, propelling logistics to another level. Mahindra Logistics, a third-party logistics provider, was a beneficiary of the boom. The company now rakes in an annual revenue of more than Rs 5,000 crore. By FY26, it wants to double that figure. Madhurima Nandy writes that Mahindra's logistics arm is expanding at a dizzying pace to accomplish that. But it has also started a worrying trend: Mahindra Logistics has recorded a net loss for the first time since it listed on the markets in 2017. E-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho have beefed up their own logistical arms. How will Mahindra Logistics achieve its targets while maintaining profitability? Madhurima explores the possible answers. Ever since Jet Airways and Go First shut down, flight ticket prices have skyrocketed. But the new civil aviation minister has vowed to control these prices. Is this even possible? Anu Sharma explains that the Indian aviation market is quite seasonal. Fares aren't established or regulated by the central government. But the aviation regulator has a unit that monitors airfares on certain routes to not charge beyond a certain range of prices. The government already had regulated an upper and lower limit on airfares during covid — Anu writes that it might resort to the same measures if prices get out of control during the current peak summer season, when leisure travel is at its highest. The genesis of quick commerce in India was rapid: First there was Zepto. Swiggy's Instamart followed suit. Grofers turned into Blinkit after Zomato acquired it. Dunzo was forced to adapt. Others such as Big Basket also sped up their processes. But a couple of years later, we have a new entrant: Flipkart is ready to roll out its quick commerce arm, reports Suneera Tandon. Flipkart's quick commerce venture would be available in select metro cities in the next few weeks. The company will offer home appliances in addition to groceries. Will Flipkart be able to catch up to its established rivals? To find out, you might want to be ready to download yet another app. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: LIC mega sale: Insurer to sell land, buildings to raise up to $7 billion ET Money’s acquisition by 360 ONE: Should you be worried or excited?  After slipping into the red, can Mahindra Logistics execute a U turn?  Mint Explainer: Can airfares be regulated?  Flipkart's q-commerce entry weeks away, will take on Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

We have no market updates for you today, as the markets were shut on the occasion of Bakri Eid on Monday.

Looking for a new property? You might soon be buying from insurance giant LIC. Anirudh Laskar reports that the Life Insurance Corporation of India is looking to sell some plots and commercial buildings. LIC is India's third-largest landlord, and hopes to net at least 6 billion dollars from these transactions. It has properties in marquee areas such as Delhi's Connaught Place and Kolkata's Chittaranjan Avenue. Since these have been with LIC for decades, a sale valuation of the properties will need to be carried out. Anirudh writes that ascertaining the value of these properties seems to be the biggest hurdle for LIC. Additionally, some of these properties are part of litigations against LIC, complicating the sale process.

Last week, financial services company 360 One announced its acquisition of ET Money, a direct investment platform. Neil Borate writes that it's a puzzling transaction. Just FYI, 360 One was earlier known as IIFL Wealth. But now that ET Money, a mutual fund investment platform, will come under the ownership of a mutual fund, the operations get murky. ET Money might be incentivised to sell the products of its parent company but the markets regulator Sebi prevents such cross-selling or preferential treatment. ET Money also has a paid feature named Genius, an advisory service used by more than 75,000 people. How will this new acquisition play out under Sebi's regulations? ET Money's founders have maintained that no such conflicts will occur, Neil writes.

When the pandemic set in, most industries came to a standstill, and took a while to get back on track. But the logistics sector wasn't one of them. In fact, with everyone stuck at home, more deliveries took place, propelling logistics to another level. Mahindra Logistics, a third-party logistics provider, was a beneficiary of the boom. The company now rakes in an annual revenue of more than Rs 5,000 crore. By FY26, it wants to double that figure. Madhurima Nandy writes that Mahindra's logistics arm is expanding at a dizzying pace to accomplish that. But it has also started a worrying trend: Mahindra Logistics has recorded a net loss for the first time since it listed on the markets in 2017. E-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho have beefed up their own logistical arms. How will Mahindra Logistics achieve its targets while maintaining profitability? Madhurima explores the possible answers.

Ever since Jet Airways and Go First shut down, flight ticket prices have skyrocketed. But the new civil aviation minister has vowed to control these prices. Is this even possible? Anu Sharma explains that the Indian aviation market is quite seasonal. Fares aren't established or regulated by the central government. But the aviation regulator has a unit that monitors airfares on certain routes to not charge beyond a certain range of prices. The government already had regulated an upper and lower limit on airfares during covid — Anu writes that it might resort to the same measures if prices get out of control during the current peak summer season, when leisure travel is at its highest.

The genesis of quick commerce in India was rapid: First there was Zepto. Swiggy's Instamart followed suit. Grofers turned into Blinkit after Zomato acquired it. Dunzo was forced to adapt. Others such as Big Basket also sped up their processes. But a couple of years later, we have a new entrant: Flipkart is ready to roll out its quick commerce arm, reports Suneera Tandon. Flipkart's quick commerce venture would be available in select metro cities in the next few weeks. The company will offer home appliances in addition to groceries. Will Flipkart be able to catch up to its established rivals? To find out, you might want to be ready to download yet another app.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

LIC mega sale: Insurer to sell land, buildings to raise up to $7 billion

ET Money’s acquisition by 360 ONE: Should you be worried or excited? 

After slipping into the red, can Mahindra Logistics execute a U turn? 

Mint Explainer: Can airfares be regulated? 

Flipkart's q-commerce entry weeks away, will take on Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 383 no Can Hyundai’s India IPO beat the ‘Korean discount’? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/can-hyundais-india-ipo-beat-the-korean-discount-rWYGyBM7 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has announced plans to list its Indian unit. The company, which began its Indian journey 25 years ago with the Santro hatchback, aims to raise between $2.5 billion and $3 billion by offering 142.2 million equity shares, representing 17.5% of Hyundai Motor India Ltd.’s post-offer paid-up equity share capital, valuing the subsidiary at $25-30 billion. This proposed IPO could surpass the record set by the Life Insurance Corp of India’s $2.46 billion issue in May 2022, making it the largest in the country’s history. The IPO also aims to address the traditional undervaluation that Korean companies face due to the dominant, often opaque, chaebol structure—a term for large family-controlled business conglomerates. Hyundai's IPO would make it the fourth major passenger vehicle manufacturer in India to be publicly listed, joining Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra, as reported by Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev. The timing of this public offering is crucial as it coincides with Hyundai’s rival, Tata Motors, making significant strides towards EVs and SUVs, efforts that have helped close the market share gap with Hyundai. Following the recent Lok Sabha election results, which resulted in the formation of a coalition government, bank stocks took a hit due to the perceived political uncertainty. Public sector banks saw sharper declines than the broader market on the results day. While the Nifty 50 index fell 5.9%, the Nifty PSU Bank index dropped about 15%. Although these indices have since recovered, the plunge and subsequent rebound highlight the transformative changes public sector banks have undergone in recent years, thanks primarily due to government decisions. These initiatives have dramatically improved the profitability of these banks. In fiscal year 2023-24, the net profit of the 12 PSU banks exceeded ₹1.4 trillion, a 35% increase from the previous year and a fourfold increase from 2020-21. Our partners at howindialives.com have explained how these PSU banks - the stock prices of which are heavily dependent on policy and regulation - are on an upward trend again. Click on the link in the show notes to check out the charts prepared by howindialives.com.  Since the recent election results, foreign investors have been rapidly cutting down their bearish bets on Indian stock indexes, helping the Nifty and Bank Nifty reach new highs. Initially, these investors held a significant number of short positions—essentially betting that stocks would fall. By June 14, they had dramatically reduced these positions, suggesting a potential shift towards betting on stocks to rise, reports Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal. This substantial change is largely due to increased political stability with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government continuing. Interestingly, retail and high net worth investors seized this opportunity to cash in by selling their long positions—where they bet on stocks going up—to these foreign investors. Your seafood is in danger, and climate change is to blame. People across the country—from Goa to Kolkata—are finding it increasingly difficult to source fresh fish due to marine heatwaves. Rising temperatures are severely impacting marine life, especially in inland water bodies. Trivesh Mahekar, a fisheries scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute in Goa, told Mint’s Puja Das that an alarming 2-5% of fish populations in lakes and ponds may have perished. Warmer water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen levels, leading to a decline in fish populations. Fish consumption in India varies widely by region, with the highest intake in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala. While per capita consumption has more than doubled over the past two years, prices have increased exponentially. This deep dive by Puja Das explores the perils facing the fisheries industry and the effects climate change is having on our dietary habits. To address the sharp rise in pulse prices, the Indian government has mandated that major retail chains and online grocers report their pulse stock levels twice a week. These retailers include D-Mart, Reliance Retail, BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart. This move aims to improve transparency and prevent price manipulation. Recent inspections by government officials at ports and industry hubs revealed that some major retailers had been neglecting to disclose their stocks as required. In response, the Department of Consumer Affairs updated its stock disclosure portal mid-April to more closely monitor these retailers' stock levels, report Mint’s Puja Das and Dhirendra Kumar. This regulatory step comes at a time when the prices of common pulses such as chana dal, tur or arhar, urad, masur, and moong have seen significant increases, ranging from 0.6% to 25% year-over-year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Hyundai Motor India IPO set to help parent drive past ‘Korea discount’ Why PSU banks are on a roll, explained in charts FPIs cut bearish bets ahead of budget session Dead in the water: How heatwaves are killing fish Retail chains face pulses stock rule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Can Hyundai’s India IPO beat the ‘Korean discount’? full 588 Mint - HT Smartcast Climate change’s effect on your seafood; Govt to keep an eye on daal stocks Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has announced plans to list its Indian unit. The company, which began its Indian journey 25 years ago with the Santro hatchback, aims to raise between $2.5 billion and $3 billion by offering 142.2 million equity shares, representing 17.5% of Hyundai Motor India Ltd.’s post-offer paid-up equity share capital, valuing the subsidiary at $25-30 billion. This proposed IPO could surpass the record set by the Life Insurance Corp of India’s $2.46 billion issue in May 2022, making it the largest in the country’s history. The IPO also aims to address the traditional undervaluation that Korean companies face due to the dominant, often opaque, chaebol structure—a term for large family-controlled business conglomerates. Hyundai's IPO would make it the fourth major passenger vehicle manufacturer in India to be publicly listed, joining Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra, as reported by Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev. The timing of this public offering is crucial as it coincides with Hyundai’s rival, Tata Motors, making significant strides towards EVs and SUVs, efforts that have helped close the market share gap with Hyundai. Following the recent Lok Sabha election results, which resulted in the formation of a coalition government, bank stocks took a hit due to the perceived political uncertainty. Public sector banks saw sharper declines than the broader market on the results day. While the Nifty 50 index fell 5.9%, the Nifty PSU Bank index dropped about 15%. Although these indices have since recovered, the plunge and subsequent rebound highlight the transformative changes public sector banks have undergone in recent years, thanks primarily due to government decisions. These initiatives have dramatically improved the profitability of these banks. In fiscal year 2023-24, the net profit of the 12 PSU banks exceeded ₹1.4 trillion, a 35% increase from the previous year and a fourfold increase from 2020-21. Our partners at howindialives.com have explained how these PSU banks - the stock prices of which are heavily dependent on policy and regulation - are on an upward trend again. Click on the link in the show notes to check out the charts prepared by howindialives.com.  Since the recent election results, foreign investors have been rapidly cutting down their bearish bets on Indian stock indexes, helping the Nifty and Bank Nifty reach new highs. Initially, these investors held a significant number of short positions—essentially betting that stocks would fall. By June 14, they had dramatically reduced these positions, suggesting a potential shift towards betting on stocks to rise, reports Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal. This substantial change is largely due to increased political stability with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government continuing. Interestingly, retail and high net worth investors seized this opportunity to cash in by selling their long positions—where they bet on stocks going up—to these foreign investors. Your seafood is in danger, and climate change is to blame. People across the country—from Goa to Kolkata—are finding it increasingly difficult to source fresh fish due to marine heatwaves. Rising temperatures are severely impacting marine life, especially in inland water bodies. Trivesh Mahekar, a fisheries scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute in Goa, told Mint’s Puja Das that an alarming 2-5% of fish populations in lakes and ponds may have perished. Warmer water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen levels, leading to a decline in fish populations. Fish consumption in India varies widely by region, with the highest intake in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala. While per capita consumption has more than doubled over the past two years, prices have increased exponentially. This deep dive by Puja Das explores the perils facing the fisheries industry and the effects climate change is having on our dietary habits. To address the sharp rise in pulse prices, the Indian government has mandated that major retail chains and online grocers report their pulse stock levels twice a week. These retailers include D-Mart, Reliance Retail, BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart. This move aims to improve transparency and prevent price manipulation. Recent inspections by government officials at ports and industry hubs revealed that some major retailers had been neglecting to disclose their stocks as required. In response, the Department of Consumer Affairs updated its stock disclosure portal mid-April to more closely monitor these retailers' stock levels, report Mint’s Puja Das and Dhirendra Kumar. This regulatory step comes at a time when the prices of common pulses such as chana dal, tur or arhar, urad, masur, and moong have seen significant increases, ranging from 0.6% to 25% year-over-year. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Hyundai Motor India IPO set to help parent drive past ‘Korea discount’ Why PSU banks are on a roll, explained in charts FPIs cut bearish bets ahead of budget session Dead in the water: How heatwaves are killing fish Retail chains face pulses stock rule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has announced plans to list its Indian unit. The company, which began its Indian journey 25 years ago with the Santro hatchback, aims to raise between $2.5 billion and $3 billion by offering 142.2 million equity shares, representing 17.5% of Hyundai Motor India Ltd.’s post-offer paid-up equity share capital, valuing the subsidiary at $25-30 billion. This proposed IPO could surpass the record set by the Life Insurance Corp of India’s $2.46 billion issue in May 2022, making it the largest in the country’s history. The IPO also aims to address the traditional undervaluation that Korean companies face due to the dominant, often opaque, chaebol structure—a term for large family-controlled business conglomerates. Hyundai's IPO would make it the fourth major passenger vehicle manufacturer in India to be publicly listed, joining Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra, as reported by Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev. The timing of this public offering is crucial as it coincides with Hyundai’s rival, Tata Motors, making significant strides towards EVs and SUVs, efforts that have helped close the market share gap with Hyundai.

Following the recent Lok Sabha election results, which resulted in the formation of a coalition government, bank stocks took a hit due to the perceived political uncertainty. Public sector banks saw sharper declines than the broader market on the results day. While the Nifty 50 index fell 5.9%, the Nifty PSU Bank index dropped about 15%. Although these indices have since recovered, the plunge and subsequent rebound highlight the transformative changes public sector banks have undergone in recent years, thanks primarily due to government decisions. These initiatives have dramatically improved the profitability of these banks. In fiscal year 2023-24, the net profit of the 12 PSU banks exceeded ₹1.4 trillion, a 35% increase from the previous year and a fourfold increase from 2020-21. Our partners at howindialives.com have explained how these PSU banks - the stock prices of which are heavily dependent on policy and regulation - are on an upward trend again. Click on the link in the show notes to check out the charts prepared by howindialives.com. 

Since the recent election results, foreign investors have been rapidly cutting down their bearish bets on Indian stock indexes, helping the Nifty and Bank Nifty reach new highs. Initially, these investors held a significant number of short positions—essentially betting that stocks would fall. By June 14, they had dramatically reduced these positions, suggesting a potential shift towards betting on stocks to rise, reports Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal. This substantial change is largely due to increased political stability with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government continuing. Interestingly, retail and high net worth investors seized this opportunity to cash in by selling their long positions—where they bet on stocks going up—to these foreign investors.

Your seafood is in danger, and climate change is to blame. People across the country—from Goa to Kolkata—are finding it increasingly difficult to source fresh fish due to marine heatwaves. Rising temperatures are severely impacting marine life, especially in inland water bodies. Trivesh Mahekar, a fisheries scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute in Goa, told Mint’s Puja Das that an alarming 2-5% of fish populations in lakes and ponds may have perished. Warmer water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen levels, leading to a decline in fish populations. Fish consumption in India varies widely by region, with the highest intake in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala. While per capita consumption has more than doubled over the past two years, prices have increased exponentially. This deep dive by Puja Das explores the perils facing the fisheries industry and the effects climate change is having on our dietary habits.

To address the sharp rise in pulse prices, the Indian government has mandated that major retail chains and online grocers report their pulse stock levels twice a week. These retailers include D-Mart, Reliance Retail, BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart. This move aims to improve transparency and prevent price manipulation. Recent inspections by government officials at ports and industry hubs revealed that some major retailers had been neglecting to disclose their stocks as required. In response, the Department of Consumer Affairs updated its stock disclosure portal mid-April to more closely monitor these retailers' stock levels, report Mint’s Puja Das and Dhirendra Kumar. This regulatory step comes at a time when the prices of common pulses such as chana dal, tur or arhar, urad, masur, and moong have seen significant increases, ranging from 0.6% to 25% year-over-year.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Hyundai Motor India IPO set to help parent drive past ‘Korea discount’

Why PSU banks are on a roll, explained in charts

FPIs cut bearish bets ahead of budget session

Dead in the water: How heatwaves are killing fish

Retail chains face pulses stock rule

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 465 no Don't involve your politics in your investing ethos https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/dont-involve-your-politics-in-your-investing-ethos-LJYUk68C Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Equity markets rose on Thursday, with the Nifty up by 0.33 percent and the Sensex edging up by 0.27 percent. After a brief period of volatility, the markets seem to have settled down. Experts told Mayur  Bhalerao that the formation of a government and a clear policy directive following the election results have soothed investors. The surge in investor confidence is making stocks more expensive, with 18 percent of the stocks listed on the BSE trading at a premium of at least 25 to 50 percent, compared to their five-year median price-to-earnings ratios. After a brief acid reflux, investors are saying cheers to the markets yet again. The elections demonstrated that the Indian markets can be a real roller coaster ride. Exit poll results buoyed the hopes of investors and propelled the markets to new highs. However, when these polls turned out to be wrong, the markets crashed as results were announced. Typically, the average investor would consider some fundamentals of a stock before investing: the price-to-earnings ratio, quarterly and annual financial results, and sometimes the CEOs of the companies. Vivek Kaul writes that investors should now account for politics in their stock picks as well. While mixing politics and investing ethos isn't the ideal approach, June 4 showed us that some investors still resort to that line of thinking. The Life Insurance Corporation, better known as LIC, which provides life insurance to around 250 million people in India, holds a commanding market share of 61.5 percent. This dominance leaves only five other private health insurers operating in the country. However, LIC isn't content with maintaining its position; it is aiming for an even bigger slice of the pie. To achieve this, it is open to acquiring a private insurance company. Anirudh Laskar reports that LIC is seeking a composite licence, which would allow it to sell both life and non-life policies. If successful in obtaining this licence, LIC plans to buy out one of its competitors, potentially leading to considerable consolidation in the health insurance market, Anirudh notes in his story. With a new government at the helm, you might see more Indian airlines flying international routes. However, this is a two-way street: if a deal is struck with a foreign country to allow a route to India, that country's airlines must also be permitted to operate on the same route. In the past, this has proven tricky. Anu Sharma writes that international airlines have invariably made better use of these routes, and Indian flyers often prefer foreign airlines over Indian ones. Despite these challenges, opening up more bilateral routes will likely reduce airfares, ultimately benefiting customers. However, Indian companies might not gain as much from this increased competition. This year's NEET exam was highly contentious, marred by allegations of arbitrary grace marks and paper leaks that overshadowed the announcement of the results. A record 67 candidates secured the top rank in this year's exam, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the National Testing Agency, which conducts the exam. The issue reached the Supreme Court, prompting the government to propose a solution: either accept the grace marks or scrap them and conduct a re-test. Krishna Yadav and Devina Sengupta report that students are understandably stressed and coaching classes have voiced the strongest objections to this announcement. These coaching classes, which train millions of kids for competitive exams like NEET, have raised valid concerns about the way this year's exam was conducted. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Markets say ‘cheers’ again after a cocktail of emotions in past week  Dear retail investor, here is how to account for politics in your investing  LIC looks to buy a standalone private health insurer   More rights for foreign airlines: who will fly high?  Unease at coaching centres as NEET lands in SC; govt scraps grace marks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Don't involve your politics in your investing ethos full 587 Mint - HT Smartcast LIC might buy another insurer, coaching classes raise stink about NEET debacle Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Equity markets rose on Thursday, with the Nifty up by 0.33 percent and the Sensex edging up by 0.27 percent. After a brief period of volatility, the markets seem to have settled down. Experts told Mayur  Bhalerao that the formation of a government and a clear policy directive following the election results have soothed investors. The surge in investor confidence is making stocks more expensive, with 18 percent of the stocks listed on the BSE trading at a premium of at least 25 to 50 percent, compared to their five-year median price-to-earnings ratios. After a brief acid reflux, investors are saying cheers to the markets yet again. The elections demonstrated that the Indian markets can be a real roller coaster ride. Exit poll results buoyed the hopes of investors and propelled the markets to new highs. However, when these polls turned out to be wrong, the markets crashed as results were announced. Typically, the average investor would consider some fundamentals of a stock before investing: the price-to-earnings ratio, quarterly and annual financial results, and sometimes the CEOs of the companies. Vivek Kaul writes that investors should now account for politics in their stock picks as well. While mixing politics and investing ethos isn't the ideal approach, June 4 showed us that some investors still resort to that line of thinking. The Life Insurance Corporation, better known as LIC, which provides life insurance to around 250 million people in India, holds a commanding market share of 61.5 percent. This dominance leaves only five other private health insurers operating in the country. However, LIC isn't content with maintaining its position; it is aiming for an even bigger slice of the pie. To achieve this, it is open to acquiring a private insurance company. Anirudh Laskar reports that LIC is seeking a composite licence, which would allow it to sell both life and non-life policies. If successful in obtaining this licence, LIC plans to buy out one of its competitors, potentially leading to considerable consolidation in the health insurance market, Anirudh notes in his story. With a new government at the helm, you might see more Indian airlines flying international routes. However, this is a two-way street: if a deal is struck with a foreign country to allow a route to India, that country's airlines must also be permitted to operate on the same route. In the past, this has proven tricky. Anu Sharma writes that international airlines have invariably made better use of these routes, and Indian flyers often prefer foreign airlines over Indian ones. Despite these challenges, opening up more bilateral routes will likely reduce airfares, ultimately benefiting customers. However, Indian companies might not gain as much from this increased competition. This year's NEET exam was highly contentious, marred by allegations of arbitrary grace marks and paper leaks that overshadowed the announcement of the results. A record 67 candidates secured the top rank in this year's exam, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the National Testing Agency, which conducts the exam. The issue reached the Supreme Court, prompting the government to propose a solution: either accept the grace marks or scrap them and conduct a re-test. Krishna Yadav and Devina Sengupta report that students are understandably stressed and coaching classes have voiced the strongest objections to this announcement. These coaching classes, which train millions of kids for competitive exams like NEET, have raised valid concerns about the way this year's exam was conducted. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Markets say ‘cheers’ again after a cocktail of emotions in past week  Dear retail investor, here is how to account for politics in your investing  LIC looks to buy a standalone private health insurer   More rights for foreign airlines: who will fly high?  Unease at coaching centres as NEET lands in SC; govt scraps grace marks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Equity markets rose on Thursday, with the Nifty up by 0.33 percent and the Sensex edging up by 0.27 percent.

After a brief period of volatility, the markets seem to have settled down. Experts told Mayur  Bhalerao that the formation of a government and a clear policy directive following the election results have soothed investors. The surge in investor confidence is making stocks more expensive, with 18 percent of the stocks listed on the BSE trading at a premium of at least 25 to 50 percent, compared to their five-year median price-to-earnings ratios. After a brief acid reflux, investors are saying cheers to the markets yet again.

The elections demonstrated that the Indian markets can be a real roller coaster ride. Exit poll results buoyed the hopes of investors and propelled the markets to new highs. However, when these polls turned out to be wrong, the markets crashed as results were announced. Typically, the average investor would consider some fundamentals of a stock before investing: the price-to-earnings ratio, quarterly and annual financial results, and sometimes the CEOs of the companies. Vivek Kaul writes that investors should now account for politics in their stock picks as well. While mixing politics and investing ethos isn't the ideal approach, June 4 showed us that some investors still resort to that line of thinking.

The Life Insurance Corporation, better known as LIC, which provides life insurance to around 250 million people in India, holds a commanding market share of 61.5 percent. This dominance leaves only five other private health insurers operating in the country. However, LIC isn't content with maintaining its position; it is aiming for an even bigger slice of the pie. To achieve this, it is open to acquiring a private insurance company. Anirudh Laskar reports that LIC is seeking a composite licence, which would allow it to sell both life and non-life policies. If successful in obtaining this licence, LIC plans to buy out one of its competitors, potentially leading to considerable consolidation in the health insurance market, Anirudh notes in his story.

With a new government at the helm, you might see more Indian airlines flying international routes. However, this is a two-way street: if a deal is struck with a foreign country to allow a route to India, that country's airlines must also be permitted to operate on the same route. In the past, this has proven tricky. Anu Sharma writes that international airlines have invariably made better use of these routes, and Indian flyers often prefer foreign airlines over Indian ones.

Despite these challenges, opening up more bilateral routes will likely reduce airfares, ultimately benefiting customers. However, Indian companies might not gain as much from this increased competition.

This year's NEET exam was highly contentious, marred by allegations of arbitrary grace marks and paper leaks that overshadowed the announcement of the results. A record 67 candidates secured the top rank in this year's exam, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the National Testing Agency, which conducts the exam. The issue reached the Supreme Court, prompting the government to propose a solution: either accept the grace marks or scrap them and conduct a re-test. Krishna Yadav and Devina Sengupta report that students are understandably stressed and coaching classes have voiced the strongest objections to this announcement. These coaching classes, which train millions of kids for competitive exams like NEET, have raised valid concerns about the way this year's exam was conducted.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Markets say ‘cheers’ again after a cocktail of emotions in past week 

Dear retail investor, here is how to account for politics in your investing 

LIC looks to buy a standalone private health insurer


 

More rights for foreign airlines: who will fly high? 

Unease at coaching centres as NEET lands in SC; govt scraps grace marks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 376 no The curious case of missing voters https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-curious-case-of-missing-voters-AaE7avjT Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged on Wednesday to hit fresh highs, driven by heavyweights RIL, HCL Tech, and HDFC Bank. However, by the end of the session, the indices came off their day's highs and closed with mild gains.   N. Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the 18th chief minister of Andhra Pradesh yesterday. Naidu’s term begins under challenging conditions, as he inherits a financially strained state that has been largely overlooked industrially. His Telugu Desam Party (TDP), along with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, secured a sweeping victory, capturing 164 out of 175 seats in the state assembly. During his campaign, Naidu promised to enhance governance and kickstart economic development, aiming to revive industrial activity and generate two million jobs. However, the financial reality of Andhra Pradesh could complicate these plans. The state is grappling with a high debt level—44% of its GDP—and its finances are stretched thin, primarily going towards revenue expenditures rather than building productive assets. This fiscal strain makes the ambitious welfare promises and the revival of the Amaravati capital project, initially estimated to cost ₹50,000 crore, particularly challenging. Mint’s senior editor N. Madhavan explains the challenges Naidu faces as he takes over from Jagan Mohan Reddy as the CM of Andhra Pradesh.     During the recent Lok Sabha elections, many voters, especially in urban areas, seemed reluctant to visit their polling booths. The Election Commission highlighted this trend, noting that urban voters were particularly hesitant. Ultimately, only about 65.8% of eligible voters cast their ballots, down from 67.2% in 2019. In some regions like Nagaland and Manipur, turnout significantly decreased, while Jammu and Kashmir saw an increase. Why does this matter? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team explains through charts and maps. Lower turnouts can sometimes indicate voter satisfaction with the current government, which appeared to be the case in this election. The National Democratic Alliance held more seats in areas with lower voter turnout. However, it's not just about the numbers—it's about who shows up, or rather, who doesn’t. Metros saw a sharper decline in turnout compared to rural regions. Despite this, the overall gender gap in voting was virtually non-existent, similar to the previous election. Women turned out in higher numbers than men in nearly 20 states. The reasons behind voter participation or apathy can vary widely from state to state, influencing everything from local policy to national politics.   India is on the verge of significant changes to its organ transplant policies, aiming to address the massive shortfall between the supply and demand of organs. The Union government is considering allowing organ exchanges between unrelated individuals to bridge the gap when blood groups within families do not match, potentially shortening the long wait times endured by patients. Currently, India sees a stark contrast between the need and the actual transplants performed annually, with only 6,000 kidney transplants against a requirement of about 200,000, and even fewer heart transplants, with only 10 to 15 done yearly. One significant move under consideration is the introduction of "swap" donations, where families could exchange organs with one another if they are compatible, a practice currently not allowed for non-relatives. Additionally, the government is in talks with the insurance regulator to extend health insurance coverage to organ donors, who are presently excluded from most health insurance plans. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports.   India’s economy is showing signs of resilience in the early part of fiscal year 2025, with industrial activity picking up and retail inflation slightly easing. Mint’s Rhik Kundu reports that inflation dipped to 4.75% in May, the lowest in a year, aided by slower increases in food prices. Despite this, food inflation has consistently stayed above 8% since November, largely the result of uneven and below-normal monsoon rains in 2023, which hit India’s crop production. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained the repo rate at 6.5% since last February, cautiously waiting for inflation to stabilize closer to its 4% target before considering any rate changes. On the industrial front, output rose by 5% in April, supported by growth across the manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors. Consumer durables saw a particular surge, likely boosted by rural spending and seasonal purchases.     Boeing, the US aerospace giant, is on a mission to regain trust following several unsettling incidents involving its planes. Recent problems, such as the uncontrolled decompression on an Alaska Airlines flight and stuck rudder pedals on a United Airlines flight, have intensified scrutiny on the company. Top executives from airlines like United and Emirates are closely monitoring the situation. They believe Boeing needs to return to its roots—prioritizing solid engineering and quality over financials. They remain hopeful but cautious, expecting Boeing to improve its performance. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the company’s plan to enhance its safety and quality standards, including increased workforce training and streamlined processes to prevent future issues.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Why Naidu faces a daunting task in Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha poll: The mystery of the absent Indian voter in 2024, in charts Retail inflation eases, factory output ticks higher in May, boosting Indian economy Swap organ donation for other than near relatives, health cover for organ donors Airlines ready to trust Boeing again, but want quality and safety in place Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The curious case of missing voters full 586 Mint - HT Smartcast What’s in store for Chandrababu Naidu; Retail inflation eases in May Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged on Wednesday to hit fresh highs, driven by heavyweights RIL, HCL Tech, and HDFC Bank. However, by the end of the session, the indices came off their day's highs and closed with mild gains.   N. Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the 18th chief minister of Andhra Pradesh yesterday. Naidu’s term begins under challenging conditions, as he inherits a financially strained state that has been largely overlooked industrially. His Telugu Desam Party (TDP), along with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, secured a sweeping victory, capturing 164 out of 175 seats in the state assembly. During his campaign, Naidu promised to enhance governance and kickstart economic development, aiming to revive industrial activity and generate two million jobs. However, the financial reality of Andhra Pradesh could complicate these plans. The state is grappling with a high debt level—44% of its GDP—and its finances are stretched thin, primarily going towards revenue expenditures rather than building productive assets. This fiscal strain makes the ambitious welfare promises and the revival of the Amaravati capital project, initially estimated to cost ₹50,000 crore, particularly challenging. Mint’s senior editor N. Madhavan explains the challenges Naidu faces as he takes over from Jagan Mohan Reddy as the CM of Andhra Pradesh.     During the recent Lok Sabha elections, many voters, especially in urban areas, seemed reluctant to visit their polling booths. The Election Commission highlighted this trend, noting that urban voters were particularly hesitant. Ultimately, only about 65.8% of eligible voters cast their ballots, down from 67.2% in 2019. In some regions like Nagaland and Manipur, turnout significantly decreased, while Jammu and Kashmir saw an increase. Why does this matter? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team explains through charts and maps. Lower turnouts can sometimes indicate voter satisfaction with the current government, which appeared to be the case in this election. The National Democratic Alliance held more seats in areas with lower voter turnout. However, it's not just about the numbers—it's about who shows up, or rather, who doesn’t. Metros saw a sharper decline in turnout compared to rural regions. Despite this, the overall gender gap in voting was virtually non-existent, similar to the previous election. Women turned out in higher numbers than men in nearly 20 states. The reasons behind voter participation or apathy can vary widely from state to state, influencing everything from local policy to national politics.   India is on the verge of significant changes to its organ transplant policies, aiming to address the massive shortfall between the supply and demand of organs. The Union government is considering allowing organ exchanges between unrelated individuals to bridge the gap when blood groups within families do not match, potentially shortening the long wait times endured by patients. Currently, India sees a stark contrast between the need and the actual transplants performed annually, with only 6,000 kidney transplants against a requirement of about 200,000, and even fewer heart transplants, with only 10 to 15 done yearly. One significant move under consideration is the introduction of "swap" donations, where families could exchange organs with one another if they are compatible, a practice currently not allowed for non-relatives. Additionally, the government is in talks with the insurance regulator to extend health insurance coverage to organ donors, who are presently excluded from most health insurance plans. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports.   India’s economy is showing signs of resilience in the early part of fiscal year 2025, with industrial activity picking up and retail inflation slightly easing. Mint’s Rhik Kundu reports that inflation dipped to 4.75% in May, the lowest in a year, aided by slower increases in food prices. Despite this, food inflation has consistently stayed above 8% since November, largely the result of uneven and below-normal monsoon rains in 2023, which hit India’s crop production. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained the repo rate at 6.5% since last February, cautiously waiting for inflation to stabilize closer to its 4% target before considering any rate changes. On the industrial front, output rose by 5% in April, supported by growth across the manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors. Consumer durables saw a particular surge, likely boosted by rural spending and seasonal purchases.     Boeing, the US aerospace giant, is on a mission to regain trust following several unsettling incidents involving its planes. Recent problems, such as the uncontrolled decompression on an Alaska Airlines flight and stuck rudder pedals on a United Airlines flight, have intensified scrutiny on the company. Top executives from airlines like United and Emirates are closely monitoring the situation. They believe Boeing needs to return to its roots—prioritizing solid engineering and quality over financials. They remain hopeful but cautious, expecting Boeing to improve its performance. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the company’s plan to enhance its safety and quality standards, including increased workforce training and streamlined processes to prevent future issues.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Why Naidu faces a daunting task in Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha poll: The mystery of the absent Indian voter in 2024, in charts Retail inflation eases, factory output ticks higher in May, boosting Indian economy Swap organ donation for other than near relatives, health cover for organ donors Airlines ready to trust Boeing again, but want quality and safety in place Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged on Wednesday to hit fresh highs, driven by heavyweights RIL, HCL Tech, and HDFC Bank. However, by the end of the session, the indices came off their day's highs and closed with mild gains.


 

N. Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as the 18th chief minister of Andhra Pradesh yesterday. Naidu’s term begins under challenging conditions, as he inherits a financially strained state that has been largely overlooked industrially. His Telugu Desam Party (TDP), along with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, secured a sweeping victory, capturing 164 out of 175 seats in the state assembly. During his campaign, Naidu promised to enhance governance and kickstart economic development, aiming to revive industrial activity and generate two million jobs. However, the financial reality of Andhra Pradesh could complicate these plans. The state is grappling with a high debt level—44% of its GDP—and its finances are stretched thin, primarily going towards revenue expenditures rather than building productive assets. This fiscal strain makes the ambitious welfare promises and the revival of the Amaravati capital project, initially estimated to cost ₹50,000 crore, particularly challenging. Mint’s senior editor N. Madhavan explains the challenges Naidu faces as he takes over from Jagan Mohan Reddy as the CM of Andhra Pradesh.


 


 

During the recent Lok Sabha elections, many voters, especially in urban areas, seemed reluctant to visit their polling booths. The Election Commission highlighted this trend, noting that urban voters were particularly hesitant. Ultimately, only about 65.8% of eligible voters cast their ballots, down from 67.2% in 2019. In some regions like Nagaland and Manipur, turnout significantly decreased, while Jammu and Kashmir saw an increase. Why does this matter? Niti Kiran from Mint’s data team explains through charts and maps. Lower turnouts can sometimes indicate voter satisfaction with the current government, which appeared to be the case in this election. The National Democratic Alliance held more seats in areas with lower voter turnout. However, it's not just about the numbers—it's about who shows up, or rather, who doesn’t. Metros saw a sharper decline in turnout compared to rural regions. Despite this, the overall gender gap in voting was virtually non-existent, similar to the previous election. Women turned out in higher numbers than men in nearly 20 states. The reasons behind voter participation or apathy can vary widely from state to state, influencing everything from local policy to national politics.


 

India is on the verge of significant changes to its organ transplant policies, aiming to address the massive shortfall between the supply and demand of organs. The Union government is considering allowing organ exchanges between unrelated individuals to bridge the gap when blood groups within families do not match, potentially shortening the long wait times endured by patients. Currently, India sees a stark contrast between the need and the actual transplants performed annually, with only 6,000 kidney transplants against a requirement of about 200,000, and even fewer heart transplants, with only 10 to 15 done yearly. One significant move under consideration is the introduction of "swap" donations, where families could exchange organs with one another if they are compatible, a practice currently not allowed for non-relatives. Additionally, the government is in talks with the insurance regulator to extend health insurance coverage to organ donors, who are presently excluded from most health insurance plans. Mint’s Priyanka Sharma reports.


 

India’s economy is showing signs of resilience in the early part of fiscal year 2025, with industrial activity picking up and retail inflation slightly easing. Mint’s Rhik Kundu reports that inflation dipped to 4.75% in May, the lowest in a year, aided by slower increases in food prices. Despite this, food inflation has consistently stayed above 8% since November, largely the result of uneven and below-normal monsoon rains in 2023, which hit India’s crop production. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained the repo rate at 6.5% since last February, cautiously waiting for inflation to stabilize closer to its 4% target before considering any rate changes. On the industrial front, output rose by 5% in April, supported by growth across the manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors. Consumer durables saw a particular surge, likely boosted by rural spending and seasonal purchases.


 


 

Boeing, the US aerospace giant, is on a mission to regain trust following several unsettling incidents involving its planes. Recent problems, such as the uncontrolled decompression on an Alaska Airlines flight and stuck rudder pedals on a United Airlines flight, have intensified scrutiny on the company. Top executives from airlines like United and Emirates are closely monitoring the situation. They believe Boeing needs to return to its roots—prioritizing solid engineering and quality over financials. They remain hopeful but cautious, expecting Boeing to improve its performance. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the company’s plan to enhance its safety and quality standards, including increased workforce training and streamlined processes to prevent future issues.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:


 

Mint Primer | Why Naidu faces a daunting task in Andhra Pradesh

Lok Sabha poll: The mystery of the absent Indian voter in 2024, in charts

Retail inflation eases, factory output ticks higher in May, boosting Indian economy

Swap organ donation for other than near relatives, health cover for organ donors

Airlines ready to trust Boeing again, but want quality and safety in place

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 498 no Another down year for IT stocks? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/another-down-year-for-it-stocks-7DC_iXRd Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The equity markets remained flat on Tuesday, with no major gains or losses across any market indices during the trading session.   The financial year 2023-2024 was largely forgettable for information technology (IT) stocks. Revenues were low across the board, leading to muted stock prices for companies such as TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech. Mint correspondent Harsha Jethmalani notes that the situation isn't expected to improve in the current financial year. The revenue guidance for these companies is bleak, with growth expectations of just 1 to 3 percent. If you hold IT stocks, Harsha's detailed analysis is a must-read.   Now that the portfolios have been allocated, the real work begins. The new government must reconstitute the parliamentary committees that are the backbone of India's policymaking process. Subhash Narayan, Manas Pimpalkhare, and Rituraj Baruah report that major parliamentary panels, such as finance, IT, and defence, are likely to retain their current heads to maintain policy continuity and ensure a quick rollout of reforms. Each ministry has a parliamentary committee that plays an advisory role in policymaking. Those concerned about big-ticket reforms slowing down due to a coalition government might find reassurance in this story.     Early last year, there was much celebration as scientists discovered high reserves of lithium in Kashmir. The Geological Survey of India found about 5.9 million tonnes of the precious metal. Lithium is crucial for many sectors, including infrastructure and electric vehicle batteries. However, the initial excitement has since died down. Sumant Banerji notes that one concern is the location of these reserves — just 50 kilometres from the Pakistan border. Additionally, such discoveries take a long time to realize, potentially decades before mining can begin. Despite this, lithium is the future, and corporate India remains eager to win bids for these mines. While the response is currently lukewarm, Sumant writes that interest will increase as the mines become more viable for exploration.   Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, leading to many malls shuttering and others struggling to survive. However, real estate developers remain optimistic about brick-and-mortar stores. Madhurima Nandy reports that the organized retail space is poised for a significant upsurge, with around 45 million square feet set to be added by 2028. Despite the closure of smaller malls, larger ones are thriving with better occupancy rates and increased footfall. If you live in the National Capital Region, Hyderabad, or Chennai, expect to see more retail stores popping up near you.   Here are some movie names for you: All We Imagine As Light, All That Breathes, Agra, and Kennedy. What's common between them? They're all international film festival-winning movies from India. You know what else is common? You probably haven't seen them. The Indian cinema industry has made it difficult for these movies to get a theatrical release in the country. Lata Jha writes that such movies need to spend at least 3 to 4 crore rupees on marketing — a budget they can't afford. Even if they receive international acclaim, some might make it to theatres but only in major metro cities. It's an unfortunate development, as the industry has shifted to a model focused on maximizing profits, leaving indie movies out of the ecosystem.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   IT companies' revenue revival seen delayed to FY26    After government formation, focus now on parliamentary committees  No white gold rush: Why interest in Kashmir’s lithium reserves is lukewarm Why developers are shopping for offline retail  Festival favourites struggle for screen time in Indian cinemas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Another down year for IT stocks? full 585 Mint - HT Smartcast No country for indie films, where's the excitement about Kashmir's reserves? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The equity markets remained flat on Tuesday, with no major gains or losses across any market indices during the trading session.   The financial year 2023-2024 was largely forgettable for information technology (IT) stocks. Revenues were low across the board, leading to muted stock prices for companies such as TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech. Mint correspondent Harsha Jethmalani notes that the situation isn't expected to improve in the current financial year. The revenue guidance for these companies is bleak, with growth expectations of just 1 to 3 percent. If you hold IT stocks, Harsha's detailed analysis is a must-read.   Now that the portfolios have been allocated, the real work begins. The new government must reconstitute the parliamentary committees that are the backbone of India's policymaking process. Subhash Narayan, Manas Pimpalkhare, and Rituraj Baruah report that major parliamentary panels, such as finance, IT, and defence, are likely to retain their current heads to maintain policy continuity and ensure a quick rollout of reforms. Each ministry has a parliamentary committee that plays an advisory role in policymaking. Those concerned about big-ticket reforms slowing down due to a coalition government might find reassurance in this story.     Early last year, there was much celebration as scientists discovered high reserves of lithium in Kashmir. The Geological Survey of India found about 5.9 million tonnes of the precious metal. Lithium is crucial for many sectors, including infrastructure and electric vehicle batteries. However, the initial excitement has since died down. Sumant Banerji notes that one concern is the location of these reserves — just 50 kilometres from the Pakistan border. Additionally, such discoveries take a long time to realize, potentially decades before mining can begin. Despite this, lithium is the future, and corporate India remains eager to win bids for these mines. While the response is currently lukewarm, Sumant writes that interest will increase as the mines become more viable for exploration.   Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, leading to many malls shuttering and others struggling to survive. However, real estate developers remain optimistic about brick-and-mortar stores. Madhurima Nandy reports that the organized retail space is poised for a significant upsurge, with around 45 million square feet set to be added by 2028. Despite the closure of smaller malls, larger ones are thriving with better occupancy rates and increased footfall. If you live in the National Capital Region, Hyderabad, or Chennai, expect to see more retail stores popping up near you.   Here are some movie names for you: All We Imagine As Light, All That Breathes, Agra, and Kennedy. What's common between them? They're all international film festival-winning movies from India. You know what else is common? You probably haven't seen them. The Indian cinema industry has made it difficult for these movies to get a theatrical release in the country. Lata Jha writes that such movies need to spend at least 3 to 4 crore rupees on marketing — a budget they can't afford. Even if they receive international acclaim, some might make it to theatres but only in major metro cities. It's an unfortunate development, as the industry has shifted to a model focused on maximizing profits, leaving indie movies out of the ecosystem.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   IT companies' revenue revival seen delayed to FY26    After government formation, focus now on parliamentary committees  No white gold rush: Why interest in Kashmir’s lithium reserves is lukewarm Why developers are shopping for offline retail  Festival favourites struggle for screen time in Indian cinemas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The equity markets remained flat on Tuesday, with no major gains or losses across any market indices during the trading session.


 

The financial year 2023-2024 was largely forgettable for information technology (IT) stocks. Revenues were low across the board, leading to muted stock prices for companies such as TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech. Mint correspondent Harsha Jethmalani notes that the situation isn't expected to improve in the current financial year. The revenue guidance for these companies is bleak, with growth expectations of just 1 to 3 percent. If you hold IT stocks, Harsha's detailed analysis is a must-read.


 

Now that the portfolios have been allocated, the real work begins. The new government must reconstitute the parliamentary committees that are the backbone of India's policymaking process. Subhash Narayan, Manas Pimpalkhare, and Rituraj Baruah report that major parliamentary panels, such as finance, IT, and defence, are likely to retain their current heads to maintain policy continuity and ensure a quick rollout of reforms. Each ministry has a parliamentary committee that plays an advisory role in policymaking. Those concerned about big-ticket reforms slowing down due to a coalition government might find reassurance in this story.


 


 

Early last year, there was much celebration as scientists discovered high reserves of lithium in Kashmir. The Geological Survey of India found about 5.9 million tonnes of the precious metal. Lithium is crucial for many sectors, including infrastructure and electric vehicle batteries. However, the initial excitement has since died down. Sumant Banerji notes that one concern is the location of these reserves — just 50 kilometres from the Pakistan border. Additionally, such discoveries take a long time to realize, potentially decades before mining can begin. Despite this, lithium is the future, and corporate India remains eager to win bids for these mines. While the response is currently lukewarm, Sumant writes that interest will increase as the mines become more viable for exploration.


 

Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, leading to many malls shuttering and others struggling to survive. However, real estate developers remain optimistic about brick-and-mortar stores. Madhurima Nandy reports that the organized retail space is poised for a significant upsurge, with around 45 million square feet set to be added by 2028. Despite the closure of smaller malls, larger ones are thriving with better occupancy rates and increased footfall. If you live in the National Capital Region, Hyderabad, or Chennai, expect to see more retail stores popping up near you.


 

Here are some movie names for you: All We Imagine As Light, All That Breathes, Agra, and Kennedy. What's common between them? They're all international film festival-winning movies from India. You know what else is common? You probably haven't seen them. The Indian cinema industry has made it difficult for these movies to get a theatrical release in the country. Lata Jha writes that such movies need to spend at least 3 to 4 crore rupees on marketing — a budget they can't afford. Even if they receive international acclaim, some might make it to theatres but only in major metro cities. It's an unfortunate development, as the industry has shifted to a model focused on maximizing profits, leaving indie movies out of the ecosystem.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

Show notes:


 

IT companies' revenue revival seen delayed to FY26 


 

After government formation, focus now on parliamentary committees 

No white gold rush: Why interest in Kashmir’s lithium reserves is lukewarm

Why developers are shopping for offline retail 

Festival favourites struggle for screen time in Indian cinemas 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 366 no Modi 3.0 to greenlight more international flights https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/modi-30-to-greenlight-more-international-flights-w4kfJDzC Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices closed in the red on Monday, ending a three-session streak of gains. The Nifty fell by 0.13%, while the Sensex dropped by 0.27%. India's IT giants, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, have seen a significant decline in their younger workforce over the past couple of years. According to an analysis by Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia, the share of employees under 30 at TCS has decreased from 59% in FY22 to 50.3% in FY24. Similarly, Infosys has seen a drop from 60% to 55% during the same period. This trend is not due to AI replacing jobs but rather the IT sector's slowdown in hiring following a period of subdued growth. Analysts note that both companies, along with others like Cognizant and Wipro, have a substantial portion of their workforce based in India. TCS and Infosys are particularly transparent about their younger employee demographics. Just last week, Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple to become the world's second most-valuable company, reaching a market capitalization of $3.01 trillion. This milestone left Nvidia's CEO and shareholders in high spirits but also raised concerns among analysts about the company's future trajectory. What's behind Nvidia's meteoric rise? According to Mint’s Shouvik Das, it's all about AI. As AI technology like OpenAI's ChatGPT gained prominence, Nvidia's GPUs, for long a favourite among gamers, became essential for major companies globally. This surge in demand has placed Nvidia in a favourable position—its chips are now on a years-long waitlist, allowing the company to set premium prices. India is on the brink of a significant boost in international air travel. The government is considering greenlighting more international flights due to a surge in demand, sparking a mix of reactions within the aviation industry. Akasa Air and several foreign airlines are in favour of increasing flight rights, but Air India is strongly opposed. Discussions, which began pre-election, are focusing on potential increases to destinations where flights are already at capacity, such as Dubai and Qatar. This could lead to more air traffic and more options for travellers. However, the impact on Indian carriers is a major concern. While newer airlines like Akasa are eager for the expansion, fearing that limiting flights will lead to skyrocketing airfares, Air India worries that it might hinder their growth and plans to become a major global hub. Airlines like Emirates and Saudia are also pushing for more access, arguing that the current caps no longer reflect the growth in air travel demand, especially from the booming Indian diaspora. Mint’s aviation correspondents Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra report on the evolving landscape of Indian aviation. Maniraj Pattamsetti, a mechanical engineering graduate from Bengaluru, hoped Simplilearn Solutions' job guarantee programme would be his gateway to a new career in data science. Despite investing over ₹2 lakh and completing a six-month course, Pattamsetti found himself working a customer support role in a BPO, earning far less than promised, without any job offers in his field of study. Simplilearn, valued at $600 million and backed by Blackstone, had assured Pattamsetti and others a job with a minimum salary of ₹5 lakh per year post-completion, with a full refund if they failed to secure employment. However, two years later, only 271 out of 900 enrollees landed jobs through the programme. Many, like Pattamsetti, feel cheated, having invested significant amounts into an education that didn't pay off as expected. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel reports on the situation, which has led to numerous complaints, with some students considering legal action against Simplilearn. The company, however, has stopped the programme and moved on, leaving many students grappling with debt and disappointment. This scenario underscores the challenges within the edtech sector, where aggressive sales tactics and over-promising can lead to significant consumer dissatisfaction. As Xiaomi marks a decade in India next month, the tech giant remains undaunted by the Indian government's cautious stance towards Chinese companies. In an interview with Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das, Xiaomi India's President, Muralikrishnan B, outlined the company’s ambitious three-year strategy to solidify its brand presence and enhance local manufacturing efforts.Despite past market dominance, a recent sales dip has spurred Xiaomi to implement a robust recovery strategy. This includes revamping its image in the premium segment, enhancing its ecosystem of devices, and balancing sales across online and offline platforms. In an industry where local sourcing and manufacturing are increasingly crucial, Xiaomi claims that nearly half of its non-semiconductor components, including key elements like camera modules, are procured locally. This effort aligns with ongoing discussions to encourage more of Xiaomi’s supply chain partners to establish operations in India, further deepening its local integration. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: TCS, Infosys witness dip in younger employees Mint Primer | Intelligent bet: Can Nvidia keep up its swift rise? Modi 3.0 may increase quota for foreign flights Hard lesson: The dark reality of Simplilearn’s job guarantee plan Xiaomi India eyes increased localization, Apple-like ecosystem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Modi 3.0 to greenlight more international flights full 584 Mint - HT Smartcast IT companies getting less young; Behind Nvidia’s meteoric rise Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices closed in the red on Monday, ending a three-session streak of gains. The Nifty fell by 0.13%, while the Sensex dropped by 0.27%. India's IT giants, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, have seen a significant decline in their younger workforce over the past couple of years. According to an analysis by Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia, the share of employees under 30 at TCS has decreased from 59% in FY22 to 50.3% in FY24. Similarly, Infosys has seen a drop from 60% to 55% during the same period. This trend is not due to AI replacing jobs but rather the IT sector's slowdown in hiring following a period of subdued growth. Analysts note that both companies, along with others like Cognizant and Wipro, have a substantial portion of their workforce based in India. TCS and Infosys are particularly transparent about their younger employee demographics. Just last week, Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple to become the world's second most-valuable company, reaching a market capitalization of $3.01 trillion. This milestone left Nvidia's CEO and shareholders in high spirits but also raised concerns among analysts about the company's future trajectory. What's behind Nvidia's meteoric rise? According to Mint’s Shouvik Das, it's all about AI. As AI technology like OpenAI's ChatGPT gained prominence, Nvidia's GPUs, for long a favourite among gamers, became essential for major companies globally. This surge in demand has placed Nvidia in a favourable position—its chips are now on a years-long waitlist, allowing the company to set premium prices. India is on the brink of a significant boost in international air travel. The government is considering greenlighting more international flights due to a surge in demand, sparking a mix of reactions within the aviation industry. Akasa Air and several foreign airlines are in favour of increasing flight rights, but Air India is strongly opposed. Discussions, which began pre-election, are focusing on potential increases to destinations where flights are already at capacity, such as Dubai and Qatar. This could lead to more air traffic and more options for travellers. However, the impact on Indian carriers is a major concern. While newer airlines like Akasa are eager for the expansion, fearing that limiting flights will lead to skyrocketing airfares, Air India worries that it might hinder their growth and plans to become a major global hub. Airlines like Emirates and Saudia are also pushing for more access, arguing that the current caps no longer reflect the growth in air travel demand, especially from the booming Indian diaspora. Mint’s aviation correspondents Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra report on the evolving landscape of Indian aviation. Maniraj Pattamsetti, a mechanical engineering graduate from Bengaluru, hoped Simplilearn Solutions' job guarantee programme would be his gateway to a new career in data science. Despite investing over ₹2 lakh and completing a six-month course, Pattamsetti found himself working a customer support role in a BPO, earning far less than promised, without any job offers in his field of study. Simplilearn, valued at $600 million and backed by Blackstone, had assured Pattamsetti and others a job with a minimum salary of ₹5 lakh per year post-completion, with a full refund if they failed to secure employment. However, two years later, only 271 out of 900 enrollees landed jobs through the programme. Many, like Pattamsetti, feel cheated, having invested significant amounts into an education that didn't pay off as expected. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel reports on the situation, which has led to numerous complaints, with some students considering legal action against Simplilearn. The company, however, has stopped the programme and moved on, leaving many students grappling with debt and disappointment. This scenario underscores the challenges within the edtech sector, where aggressive sales tactics and over-promising can lead to significant consumer dissatisfaction. As Xiaomi marks a decade in India next month, the tech giant remains undaunted by the Indian government's cautious stance towards Chinese companies. In an interview with Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das, Xiaomi India's President, Muralikrishnan B, outlined the company’s ambitious three-year strategy to solidify its brand presence and enhance local manufacturing efforts.Despite past market dominance, a recent sales dip has spurred Xiaomi to implement a robust recovery strategy. This includes revamping its image in the premium segment, enhancing its ecosystem of devices, and balancing sales across online and offline platforms. In an industry where local sourcing and manufacturing are increasingly crucial, Xiaomi claims that nearly half of its non-semiconductor components, including key elements like camera modules, are procured locally. This effort aligns with ongoing discussions to encourage more of Xiaomi’s supply chain partners to establish operations in India, further deepening its local integration. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: TCS, Infosys witness dip in younger employees Mint Primer | Intelligent bet: Can Nvidia keep up its swift rise? Modi 3.0 may increase quota for foreign flights Hard lesson: The dark reality of Simplilearn’s job guarantee plan Xiaomi India eyes increased localization, Apple-like ecosystem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices closed in the red on Monday, ending a three-session streak of gains. The Nifty fell by 0.13%, while the Sensex dropped by 0.27%.

India's IT giants, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, have seen a significant decline in their younger workforce over the past couple of years. According to an analysis by Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia, the share of employees under 30 at TCS has decreased from 59% in FY22 to 50.3% in FY24. Similarly, Infosys has seen a drop from 60% to 55% during the same period. This trend is not due to AI replacing jobs but rather the IT sector's slowdown in hiring following a period of subdued growth. Analysts note that both companies, along with others like Cognizant and Wipro, have a substantial portion of their workforce based in India. TCS and Infosys are particularly transparent about their younger employee demographics.

Just last week, Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple to become the world's second most-valuable company, reaching a market capitalization of $3.01 trillion. This milestone left Nvidia's CEO and shareholders in high spirits but also raised concerns among analysts about the company's future trajectory. What's behind Nvidia's meteoric rise? According to Mint’s Shouvik Das, it's all about AI. As AI technology like OpenAI's ChatGPT gained prominence, Nvidia's GPUs, for long a favourite among gamers, became essential for major companies globally. This surge in demand has placed Nvidia in a favourable position—its chips are now on a years-long waitlist, allowing the company to set premium prices.

India is on the brink of a significant boost in international air travel. The government is considering greenlighting more international flights due to a surge in demand, sparking a mix of reactions within the aviation industry. Akasa Air and several foreign airlines are in favour of increasing flight rights, but Air India is strongly opposed. Discussions, which began pre-election, are focusing on potential increases to destinations where flights are already at capacity, such as Dubai and Qatar. This could lead to more air traffic and more options for travellers. However, the impact on Indian carriers is a major concern. While newer airlines like Akasa are eager for the expansion, fearing that limiting flights will lead to skyrocketing airfares, Air India worries that it might hinder their growth and plans to become a major global hub. Airlines like Emirates and Saudia are also pushing for more access, arguing that the current caps no longer reflect the growth in air travel demand, especially from the booming Indian diaspora. Mint’s aviation correspondents Anu Sharma and Mihir Mishra report on the evolving landscape of Indian aviation.

Maniraj Pattamsetti, a mechanical engineering graduate from Bengaluru, hoped Simplilearn Solutions' job guarantee programme would be his gateway to a new career in data science. Despite investing over ₹2 lakh and completing a six-month course, Pattamsetti found himself working a customer support role in a BPO, earning far less than promised, without any job offers in his field of study. Simplilearn, valued at $600 million and backed by Blackstone, had assured Pattamsetti and others a job with a minimum salary of ₹5 lakh per year post-completion, with a full refund if they failed to secure employment. However, two years later, only 271 out of 900 enrollees landed jobs through the programme. Many, like Pattamsetti, feel cheated, having invested significant amounts into an education that didn't pay off as expected. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel reports on the situation, which has led to numerous complaints, with some students considering legal action against Simplilearn. The company, however, has stopped the programme and moved on, leaving many students grappling with debt and disappointment. This scenario underscores the challenges within the edtech sector, where aggressive sales tactics and over-promising can lead to significant consumer dissatisfaction.

As Xiaomi marks a decade in India next month, the tech giant remains undaunted by the Indian government's cautious stance towards Chinese companies. In an interview with Mint’s tech correspondent Shouvik Das, Xiaomi India's President, Muralikrishnan B, outlined the company’s ambitious three-year strategy to solidify its brand presence and enhance local manufacturing efforts.Despite past market dominance, a recent sales dip has spurred Xiaomi to implement a robust recovery strategy. This includes revamping its image in the premium segment, enhancing its ecosystem of devices, and balancing sales across online and offline platforms. In an industry where local sourcing and manufacturing are increasingly crucial, Xiaomi claims that nearly half of its non-semiconductor components, including key elements like camera modules, are procured locally. This effort aligns with ongoing discussions to encourage more of Xiaomi’s supply chain partners to establish operations in India, further deepening its local integration.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

TCS, Infosys witness dip in younger employees

Mint Primer | Intelligent bet: Can Nvidia keep up its swift rise?

Modi 3.0 may increase quota for foreign flights

Hard lesson: The dark reality of Simplilearn’s job guarantee plan

Xiaomi India eyes increased localization, Apple-like ecosystem

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 468 no How will the aam aadmi afford a trip to the movies? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-will-the-aam-aadmi-afford-a-trip-to-the-movies-jSnHV3z8 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The markets are still recuperating from the bloodbath from election results day. However, it wasn't so bad for all of them: Ram Sahgal writes that retail investors, who buy and sell shares directly, outsmarted the broader market. Instead of buying while the markets were rising prior to the results, retail investors sold heavily. These stocks were bought by foreign portfolio investors, as well as mutual funds. When the market tanked by nearly 6 percent the following day, retail investors were fairly safe, while the other sets of investors were left holding the losses. This was a rare case of the average investor outsmarting larger, institutional investors, Ram writes. Public sector utility stocks have continued to fare poorly since the election results were announced. The formation of the coalition government has exposed these PSUs to certain risks. As Manish Joshi points out, the coalition members would have opinions about sensitive issues such as the price of fuel and electricity. These decisions may be taken to placate the political partners — but might not be fundamentally sound for the businesses. Subsidised rates in electricity, in particular, are concerning. Investors might steer clear of these stocks until the new government is established and takes some policy decisions. Corporate India always waits to see which sectors get a boost after a new government is formed. This time around, consumer goods companies might have some reason to cheer: a post-election analysis by brokerage firms says that the new government is likely to roll out "pro-consumption initiatives". Suneera Tandon writes that this could provide a boost for FMCG stocks. The central weather department has predicted that India will see a normal monsoon this year — another positive sign for these consumer goods companies. FMCGs have had a rough couple of years, owing to increasing prices due to inflation. On their part, FMCGs are investing heavily in improving their distribution networks to improve their revenue, notes Suneera. In India, the heart of the jewellery market is the wedding market. In its early days, Tanishq didn't exactly understand that: much of its marketing was aimed at a different target market. The jewellery business in India is worth some 50,000 crore rupees — but Tanishq was only pulling in a revenue of about 500 crore rupees. CK Venkatraman, ex-COO of Tanishq, details how the company went from this feeble income to the behemoth it is today. Venkatraman writes it in his own words in his book titled "The Tanishq Story", an excerpt of which we have published. Movie ticket prices have slowly been creeping up. Once in a while, you'll notice that tickets are available for a flick you want to watch — but they cost an arm and a leg! That's because movie theatres in India are increasingly turning premium. Multiplex chains insist on creating fancy infrastructure for movie theatres, while theatres in tier 2 and 3 cities have been dying for a few years. This contrasting trajectory means that the common man is being priced out of going for movies. Lata Jha takes a deep dive into the cinema industry, and writes about its developments — both the good and bad. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Retail investors outplay FIIs, MFs on 4 June Will PSUs lose their thunder in Modi 3.0? Brokerages see likely gain in FMCG stock with BJP’s return to power How Tanishq broke into the bridal jewellery market in India  Luxury-format cinemas: Where tickets cost an arm, and popcorn, a leg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How will the aam aadmi afford a trip to the movies? full 583 Mint - HT Smartcast Why FMCG stocks look promising Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The markets are still recuperating from the bloodbath from election results day. However, it wasn't so bad for all of them: Ram Sahgal writes that retail investors, who buy and sell shares directly, outsmarted the broader market. Instead of buying while the markets were rising prior to the results, retail investors sold heavily. These stocks were bought by foreign portfolio investors, as well as mutual funds. When the market tanked by nearly 6 percent the following day, retail investors were fairly safe, while the other sets of investors were left holding the losses. This was a rare case of the average investor outsmarting larger, institutional investors, Ram writes. Public sector utility stocks have continued to fare poorly since the election results were announced. The formation of the coalition government has exposed these PSUs to certain risks. As Manish Joshi points out, the coalition members would have opinions about sensitive issues such as the price of fuel and electricity. These decisions may be taken to placate the political partners — but might not be fundamentally sound for the businesses. Subsidised rates in electricity, in particular, are concerning. Investors might steer clear of these stocks until the new government is established and takes some policy decisions. Corporate India always waits to see which sectors get a boost after a new government is formed. This time around, consumer goods companies might have some reason to cheer: a post-election analysis by brokerage firms says that the new government is likely to roll out "pro-consumption initiatives". Suneera Tandon writes that this could provide a boost for FMCG stocks. The central weather department has predicted that India will see a normal monsoon this year — another positive sign for these consumer goods companies. FMCGs have had a rough couple of years, owing to increasing prices due to inflation. On their part, FMCGs are investing heavily in improving their distribution networks to improve their revenue, notes Suneera. In India, the heart of the jewellery market is the wedding market. In its early days, Tanishq didn't exactly understand that: much of its marketing was aimed at a different target market. The jewellery business in India is worth some 50,000 crore rupees — but Tanishq was only pulling in a revenue of about 500 crore rupees. CK Venkatraman, ex-COO of Tanishq, details how the company went from this feeble income to the behemoth it is today. Venkatraman writes it in his own words in his book titled "The Tanishq Story", an excerpt of which we have published. Movie ticket prices have slowly been creeping up. Once in a while, you'll notice that tickets are available for a flick you want to watch — but they cost an arm and a leg! That's because movie theatres in India are increasingly turning premium. Multiplex chains insist on creating fancy infrastructure for movie theatres, while theatres in tier 2 and 3 cities have been dying for a few years. This contrasting trajectory means that the common man is being priced out of going for movies. Lata Jha takes a deep dive into the cinema industry, and writes about its developments — both the good and bad. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Retail investors outplay FIIs, MFs on 4 June Will PSUs lose their thunder in Modi 3.0? Brokerages see likely gain in FMCG stock with BJP’s return to power How Tanishq broke into the bridal jewellery market in India  Luxury-format cinemas: Where tickets cost an arm, and popcorn, a leg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The markets are still recuperating from the bloodbath from election results day. However, it wasn't so bad for all of them: Ram Sahgal writes that retail investors, who buy and sell shares directly, outsmarted the broader market. Instead of buying while the markets were rising prior to the results, retail investors sold heavily. These stocks were bought by foreign portfolio investors, as well as mutual funds. When the market tanked by nearly 6 percent the following day, retail investors were fairly safe, while the other sets of investors were left holding the losses. This was a rare case of the average investor outsmarting larger, institutional investors, Ram writes.

Public sector utility stocks have continued to fare poorly since the election results were announced. The formation of the coalition government has exposed these PSUs to certain risks. As Manish Joshi points out, the coalition members would have opinions about sensitive issues such as the price of fuel and electricity. These decisions may be taken to placate the political partners — but might not be fundamentally sound for the businesses. Subsidised rates in electricity, in particular, are concerning. Investors might steer clear of these stocks until the new government is established and takes some policy decisions.

Corporate India always waits to see which sectors get a boost after a new government is formed. This time around, consumer goods companies might have some reason to cheer: a post-election analysis by brokerage firms says that the new government is likely to roll out "pro-consumption initiatives". Suneera Tandon writes that this could provide a boost for FMCG stocks. The central weather department has predicted that India will see a normal monsoon this year — another positive sign for these consumer goods companies. FMCGs have had a rough couple of years, owing to increasing prices due to inflation. On their part, FMCGs are investing heavily in improving their distribution networks to improve their revenue, notes Suneera.

In India, the heart of the jewellery market is the wedding market. In its early days, Tanishq didn't exactly understand that: much of its marketing was aimed at a different target market. The jewellery business in India is worth some 50,000 crore rupees — but Tanishq was only pulling in a revenue of about 500 crore rupees. CK Venkatraman, ex-COO of Tanishq, details how the company went from this feeble income to the behemoth it is today. Venkatraman writes it in his own words in his book titled "The Tanishq Story", an excerpt of which we have published.

Movie ticket prices have slowly been creeping up. Once in a while, you'll notice that tickets are available for a flick you want to watch — but they cost an arm and a leg! That's because movie theatres in India are increasingly turning premium. Multiplex chains insist on creating fancy infrastructure for movie theatres, while theatres in tier 2 and 3 cities have been dying for a few years. This contrasting trajectory means that the common man is being priced out of going for movies. Lata Jha takes a deep dive into the cinema industry, and writes about its developments — both the good and bad.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Retail investors outplay FIIs, MFs on 4 June

Will PSUs lose their thunder in Modi 3.0?

Brokerages see likely gain in FMCG stock with BJP’s return to power

How Tanishq broke into the bridal jewellery market in India 

Luxury-format cinemas: Where tickets cost an arm, and popcorn, a leg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 340 no What ‘Modi 3.0’ means for your investment portfolio https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-modi-30-means-for-your-investment-portfolio-zrvN8mlx Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices closed higher for the second day running, buoyed by progress on the formation of a new government by Narendra Modi-led NDA alliance. Both Sensex and Nifty gained almost one per cent on Thursday.  With the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi securing a fractured mandate, India's back to coalition politics. So, what does this mean for the big reforms we've been hearing about? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Primer. Well, green energy reforms like renewables and electric mobility are likely still on the menu. Modi himself has been big on green energy, talking it up in his post-election speech. We've already seen initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive schemes boosting local manufacturing of EVs and lithium cell batteries. Expect more of these sector-specific perks to roll out, including the next phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme. But what about the sticky issues of labor and land reforms? These have always been tough nuts to crack, and with a coalition, don't expect any sweeping changes soon. Speaking of reforms and policy decisions that could be put on hold as a result of a coalition government, the BJP might have to give up on its ambitions of introducing a nationwide Uniform Civil Code. Key coalition partners, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), have expressed their opposition to the UCC, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports. The proposed UCC aims to standardize personal laws across all religions in India, addressing marriage, divorce, and inheritance with a single legal framework. However, the nuanced victory in the elections means the BJP must rely more heavily on its allies, making contentious legislation like the UCC difficult to advance. Soon, navigating from Google search results directly to a hotel’s website or Google Maps might become a thing of the past. This change stems from the proposed digital competition bill aimed at putting a stop to anti-competitive behaviours. This proposed bill is about stopping companies from mixing personal or business user data across different services without clear user consent. It also talks about ending 'self-preferencing'—which means a platform can't push its own services in search results. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to industry experts who believe the law intends to enhance market competitiveness and benefit consumers. However, there's concern that broad prohibitions could backfire, diminishing user experience and product effectiveness. For instance, due to these restrictions, users might soon find themselves taking multiple steps to transition from a Google Search result to Google Maps. Bollywood is hitting the pause button on new projects as the industry grapples with skyrocketing star fees and unpredictable audience tastes. Despite a 20% surge in actor fees post-pandemic, the returns aren't matching up, with several high-profile films flopping at the box office. Big names like Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh are seeing projects stall or fall apart, indicating a deeper malaise in the industry. Cost concerns are forcing some ongoing projects to seek tax rebates by filming in specific locations, while others are slashing marketing budgets to keep expenses in check. A significant challenge lies in the reluctance of stars to accept revenue-sharing models, opting instead to wait out the storm with income from endorsements and social media, rather than lowering their fees. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the delay the Hindi film industry is facing with new releases.  On June 4, the day election results were announced, investors showed evident fear of a coalition government forming at the centre. With the Bharatiya Janata Party's decade of dominance potentially giving way to coalition politics, market jitters have surfaced, but experts argue that investor panic might be exaggerated. The term ‘coalition’ often triggers fears of fiscal irresponsibility due to the complex dynamics of coalition governance. However, it's worth noting that some of India's most significant economic reforms have emerged under coalition governments. These include the economic liberalization initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during Manmohan Singh’s administration. These historical precedents suggest that coalitions can indeed facilitate substantial economic reforms. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what a coalition government could mean for the stock market and how the third Modi government may requisite some tweaks in your portfolio. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What ‘Modi 3.0’ means for your investment portfolio full 582 Mint - HT Smartcast Digital competition bill’s impact on your Google search; UCC’s fate in limbo Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices closed higher for the second day running, buoyed by progress on the formation of a new government by Narendra Modi-led NDA alliance. Both Sensex and Nifty gained almost one per cent on Thursday.  With the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi securing a fractured mandate, India's back to coalition politics. So, what does this mean for the big reforms we've been hearing about? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Primer. Well, green energy reforms like renewables and electric mobility are likely still on the menu. Modi himself has been big on green energy, talking it up in his post-election speech. We've already seen initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive schemes boosting local manufacturing of EVs and lithium cell batteries. Expect more of these sector-specific perks to roll out, including the next phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme. But what about the sticky issues of labor and land reforms? These have always been tough nuts to crack, and with a coalition, don't expect any sweeping changes soon. Speaking of reforms and policy decisions that could be put on hold as a result of a coalition government, the BJP might have to give up on its ambitions of introducing a nationwide Uniform Civil Code. Key coalition partners, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), have expressed their opposition to the UCC, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports. The proposed UCC aims to standardize personal laws across all religions in India, addressing marriage, divorce, and inheritance with a single legal framework. However, the nuanced victory in the elections means the BJP must rely more heavily on its allies, making contentious legislation like the UCC difficult to advance. Soon, navigating from Google search results directly to a hotel’s website or Google Maps might become a thing of the past. This change stems from the proposed digital competition bill aimed at putting a stop to anti-competitive behaviours. This proposed bill is about stopping companies from mixing personal or business user data across different services without clear user consent. It also talks about ending 'self-preferencing'—which means a platform can't push its own services in search results. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to industry experts who believe the law intends to enhance market competitiveness and benefit consumers. However, there's concern that broad prohibitions could backfire, diminishing user experience and product effectiveness. For instance, due to these restrictions, users might soon find themselves taking multiple steps to transition from a Google Search result to Google Maps. Bollywood is hitting the pause button on new projects as the industry grapples with skyrocketing star fees and unpredictable audience tastes. Despite a 20% surge in actor fees post-pandemic, the returns aren't matching up, with several high-profile films flopping at the box office. Big names like Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh are seeing projects stall or fall apart, indicating a deeper malaise in the industry. Cost concerns are forcing some ongoing projects to seek tax rebates by filming in specific locations, while others are slashing marketing budgets to keep expenses in check. A significant challenge lies in the reluctance of stars to accept revenue-sharing models, opting instead to wait out the storm with income from endorsements and social media, rather than lowering their fees. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the delay the Hindi film industry is facing with new releases.  On June 4, the day election results were announced, investors showed evident fear of a coalition government forming at the centre. With the Bharatiya Janata Party's decade of dominance potentially giving way to coalition politics, market jitters have surfaced, but experts argue that investor panic might be exaggerated. The term ‘coalition’ often triggers fears of fiscal irresponsibility due to the complex dynamics of coalition governance. However, it's worth noting that some of India's most significant economic reforms have emerged under coalition governments. These include the economic liberalization initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during Manmohan Singh’s administration. These historical precedents suggest that coalitions can indeed facilitate substantial economic reforms. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what a coalition government could mean for the stock market and how the third Modi government may requisite some tweaks in your portfolio. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, June 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices closed higher for the second day running, buoyed by progress on the formation of a new government by Narendra Modi-led NDA alliance. Both Sensex and Nifty gained almost one per cent on Thursday. 

With the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi securing a fractured mandate, India's back to coalition politics. So, what does this mean for the big reforms we've been hearing about? Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains in today’s Primer. Well, green energy reforms like renewables and electric mobility are likely still on the menu. Modi himself has been big on green energy, talking it up in his post-election speech. We've already seen initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive schemes boosting local manufacturing of EVs and lithium cell batteries. Expect more of these sector-specific perks to roll out, including the next phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme. But what about the sticky issues of labor and land reforms? These have always been tough nuts to crack, and with a coalition, don't expect any sweeping changes soon.

Speaking of reforms and policy decisions that could be put on hold as a result of a coalition government, the BJP might have to give up on its ambitions of introducing a nationwide Uniform Civil Code. Key coalition partners, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), have expressed their opposition to the UCC, Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports. The proposed UCC aims to standardize personal laws across all religions in India, addressing marriage, divorce, and inheritance with a single legal framework. However, the nuanced victory in the elections means the BJP must rely more heavily on its allies, making contentious legislation like the UCC difficult to advance.

Soon, navigating from Google search results directly to a hotel’s website or Google Maps might become a thing of the past. This change stems from the proposed digital competition bill aimed at putting a stop to anti-competitive behaviours. This proposed bill is about stopping companies from mixing personal or business user data across different services without clear user consent. It also talks about ending 'self-preferencing'—which means a platform can't push its own services in search results. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to industry experts who believe the law intends to enhance market competitiveness and benefit consumers. However, there's concern that broad prohibitions could backfire, diminishing user experience and product effectiveness. For instance, due to these restrictions, users might soon find themselves taking multiple steps to transition from a Google Search result to Google Maps.

Bollywood is hitting the pause button on new projects as the industry grapples with skyrocketing star fees and unpredictable audience tastes. Despite a 20% surge in actor fees post-pandemic, the returns aren't matching up, with several high-profile films flopping at the box office. Big names like Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh are seeing projects stall or fall apart, indicating a deeper malaise in the industry. Cost concerns are forcing some ongoing projects to seek tax rebates by filming in specific locations, while others are slashing marketing budgets to keep expenses in check. A significant challenge lies in the reluctance of stars to accept revenue-sharing models, opting instead to wait out the storm with income from endorsements and social media, rather than lowering their fees. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the delay the Hindi film industry is facing with new releases. 

On June 4, the day election results were announced, investors showed evident fear of a coalition government forming at the centre. With the Bharatiya Janata Party's decade of dominance potentially giving way to coalition politics, market jitters have surfaced, but experts argue that investor panic might be exaggerated. The term ‘coalition’ often triggers fears of fiscal irresponsibility due to the complex dynamics of coalition governance. However, it's worth noting that some of India's most significant economic reforms have emerged under coalition governments. These include the economic liberalization initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during Manmohan Singh’s administration. These historical precedents suggest that coalitions can indeed facilitate substantial economic reforms. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what a coalition government could mean for the stock market and how the third Modi government may requisite some tweaks in your portfolio.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 448 no Understanding the market's roller-coaster ride https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/understanding-the-markets-roller-coaster-ride-G_kVabWx Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After suffering the worst crash in four years, the Indian equity markets bounced back yesterday to recoup some losses recorded on Tuesday. Nifty and Sensex rose around 3.2% each. The last three have been a roller coaster for investors. Why have they been reactionary and jittery? Ram Sahgal has the answer: BJP being unable to secure a simple majority on its own has spooked investors. They feel that the new NDA government will have to resort to populist measures in order to effect some damage control. This could potentially delay major infrastructure projects like new airports or bullet trains, making market participants unhappy. Ram explains that future market movements will likely be based on which politician gets which ministry in the new government. Like the broader market, Tech Mahindra too rose more than two percent yesterday. But a broader look at its share price and financials would have any investor worried. The IT company's net profit crashed by more than 40%, while revenue declined too. While the overall picture for the IT sector looks grim, Tech Mahindra, in particular, seems to have borne the worst of it. Still, it's not a small company with a total revenue of more than $6 billion. But for Mohit Joshi, this situation provides an opportunity. Joshi took the reins of the company in December 2023. He wants to transform Tech Mahindra into an upper-tier IT company that competes with TCS and Infosys. As Shelley Singh outlines, this is easier said than done. Joshi has his work cut out for him, but the only way for Tech Mahindra is up. One of the main issues in this year's general elections was jobs — or the lack thereof. Creating new jobs should be a central focus of the new government. Devina Sengupta writes that two-thirds of Indian citizens are now under 35 years old. This statistic means that the ongoing job crunch will only worsen as more of India comes of working age. Analysts told Devina that the focus needs to be on higher-paying jobs and getting small and medium businesses to hire employees on a larger scale. Tier 2 and beyond cities especially have immense scope to create and localise jobs, they added. Lastly, a concerted effort needs to be made in the labour market, which is dominated by migrant workers. It's a tough task ahead that will almost immediately assume importance for the new government. If you've been in the market for earphones, it's tough to look past Boat. The electronics company, which started with audio and then moved into wearables, provides a tonne of cheap options for earphones, speakers, and smartwatches. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Samiksha Goel write, the company transformed the domestic market for wearables by unleashing an affordable range of products. But now, you have plenty of other options in the same segment, lowering Boat's market share. Now, the company plans to reset its focus to audio, a segment providing 80 percent of its revenue. It's going to take a step back in the wearables segment to assess its options, according to Sowmya and Samiksha's report. For the longest time, a small car in India usually meant a Maruti Suzuki. The 800, Alto, Zen, Swift, Wagon R... the list goes on. But the winds of change have reached the country's biggest carmaker. Alisha Sachdev reports that Maruti Suzuki will now shift its focus to bigger cars. There's a very good reason for this: every other car sold today in India is an SUV. Maruti wants to strengthen its presence in the SUV, EV, and hybrid segments moving forward. This will also see Maruti dip out of sedans too, a segment where it's only been selling the Ciaz and the market-leading Swift Dzire. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Why markets will remain volatile until the new govt is formed Can Mohit Joshi catapult Tech Mahindra into the big league of Indian IT?  New government must focus on jobs, get more women to join labour force   boAt helped make smartwatches affordable for Indians. That’s now come to bite it  Maruti Suzuki begins portfolio revamp strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Understanding the market's roller-coaster ride full 581 Mint - HT Smartcast New govt needs to focus on job creation, Maruti's shifted focus Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After suffering the worst crash in four years, the Indian equity markets bounced back yesterday to recoup some losses recorded on Tuesday. Nifty and Sensex rose around 3.2% each. The last three have been a roller coaster for investors. Why have they been reactionary and jittery? Ram Sahgal has the answer: BJP being unable to secure a simple majority on its own has spooked investors. They feel that the new NDA government will have to resort to populist measures in order to effect some damage control. This could potentially delay major infrastructure projects like new airports or bullet trains, making market participants unhappy. Ram explains that future market movements will likely be based on which politician gets which ministry in the new government. Like the broader market, Tech Mahindra too rose more than two percent yesterday. But a broader look at its share price and financials would have any investor worried. The IT company's net profit crashed by more than 40%, while revenue declined too. While the overall picture for the IT sector looks grim, Tech Mahindra, in particular, seems to have borne the worst of it. Still, it's not a small company with a total revenue of more than $6 billion. But for Mohit Joshi, this situation provides an opportunity. Joshi took the reins of the company in December 2023. He wants to transform Tech Mahindra into an upper-tier IT company that competes with TCS and Infosys. As Shelley Singh outlines, this is easier said than done. Joshi has his work cut out for him, but the only way for Tech Mahindra is up. One of the main issues in this year's general elections was jobs — or the lack thereof. Creating new jobs should be a central focus of the new government. Devina Sengupta writes that two-thirds of Indian citizens are now under 35 years old. This statistic means that the ongoing job crunch will only worsen as more of India comes of working age. Analysts told Devina that the focus needs to be on higher-paying jobs and getting small and medium businesses to hire employees on a larger scale. Tier 2 and beyond cities especially have immense scope to create and localise jobs, they added. Lastly, a concerted effort needs to be made in the labour market, which is dominated by migrant workers. It's a tough task ahead that will almost immediately assume importance for the new government. If you've been in the market for earphones, it's tough to look past Boat. The electronics company, which started with audio and then moved into wearables, provides a tonne of cheap options for earphones, speakers, and smartwatches. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Samiksha Goel write, the company transformed the domestic market for wearables by unleashing an affordable range of products. But now, you have plenty of other options in the same segment, lowering Boat's market share. Now, the company plans to reset its focus to audio, a segment providing 80 percent of its revenue. It's going to take a step back in the wearables segment to assess its options, according to Sowmya and Samiksha's report. For the longest time, a small car in India usually meant a Maruti Suzuki. The 800, Alto, Zen, Swift, Wagon R... the list goes on. But the winds of change have reached the country's biggest carmaker. Alisha Sachdev reports that Maruti Suzuki will now shift its focus to bigger cars. There's a very good reason for this: every other car sold today in India is an SUV. Maruti wants to strengthen its presence in the SUV, EV, and hybrid segments moving forward. This will also see Maruti dip out of sedans too, a segment where it's only been selling the Ciaz and the market-leading Swift Dzire. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Why markets will remain volatile until the new govt is formed Can Mohit Joshi catapult Tech Mahindra into the big league of Indian IT?  New government must focus on jobs, get more women to join labour force   boAt helped make smartwatches affordable for Indians. That’s now come to bite it  Maruti Suzuki begins portfolio revamp strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, June 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

After suffering the worst crash in four years, the Indian equity markets bounced back yesterday to recoup some losses recorded on Tuesday. Nifty and Sensex rose around 3.2% each.

The last three have been a roller coaster for investors. Why have they been reactionary and jittery? Ram Sahgal has the answer: BJP being unable to secure a simple majority on its own has spooked investors. They feel that the new NDA government will have to resort to populist measures in order to effect some damage control. This could potentially delay major infrastructure projects like new airports or bullet trains, making market participants unhappy. Ram explains that future market movements will likely be based on which politician gets which ministry in the new government.

Like the broader market, Tech Mahindra too rose more than two percent yesterday. But a broader look at its share price and financials would have any investor worried. The IT company's net profit crashed by more than 40%, while revenue declined too. While the overall picture for the IT sector looks grim, Tech Mahindra, in particular, seems to have borne the worst of it. Still, it's not a small company with a total revenue of more than $6 billion. But for Mohit Joshi, this situation provides an opportunity. Joshi took the reins of the company in December 2023. He wants to transform Tech Mahindra into an upper-tier IT company that competes with TCS and Infosys. As Shelley Singh outlines, this is easier said than done. Joshi has his work cut out for him, but the only way for Tech Mahindra is up.

One of the main issues in this year's general elections was jobs — or the lack thereof. Creating new jobs should be a central focus of the new government. Devina Sengupta writes that two-thirds of Indian citizens are now under 35 years old. This statistic means that the ongoing job crunch will only worsen as more of India comes of working age. Analysts told Devina that the focus needs to be on higher-paying jobs and getting small and medium businesses to hire employees on a larger scale. Tier 2 and beyond cities especially have immense scope to create and localise jobs, they added. Lastly, a concerted effort needs to be made in the labour market, which is dominated by migrant workers. It's a tough task ahead that will almost immediately assume importance for the new government.

If you've been in the market for earphones, it's tough to look past Boat. The electronics company, which started with audio and then moved into wearables, provides a tonne of cheap options for earphones, speakers, and smartwatches. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Samiksha Goel write, the company transformed the domestic market for wearables by unleashing an affordable range of products. But now, you have plenty of other options in the same segment, lowering Boat's market share. Now, the company plans to reset its focus to audio, a segment providing 80 percent of its revenue. It's going to take a step back in the wearables segment to assess its options, according to Sowmya and Samiksha's report.

For the longest time, a small car in India usually meant a Maruti Suzuki. The 800, Alto, Zen, Swift, Wagon R... the list goes on. But the winds of change have reached the country's biggest carmaker. Alisha Sachdev reports that Maruti Suzuki will now shift its focus to bigger cars. There's a very good reason for this: every other car sold today in India is an SUV. Maruti wants to strengthen its presence in the SUV, EV, and hybrid segments moving forward. This will also see Maruti dip out of sedans too, a segment where it's only been selling the Ciaz and the market-leading Swift Dzire.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Why markets will remain volatile until the new govt is formed

Can Mohit Joshi catapult Tech Mahindra into the big league of Indian IT? 

New government must focus on jobs, get more women to join labour force  

boAt helped make smartwatches affordable for Indians. That’s now come to bite it 

Maruti Suzuki begins portfolio revamp strategy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 375 no Coalition politics is back as Modi looks at a third straight term https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/coalition-politics-is-back-as-modi-looks-at-a-third-straight-term-bX63T4Av Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The people have spoken. Results of the 2024 General Election are here, and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is set to form the government at the Centre. This time, however, no single party got an absolute majority. Far from the centre’s seat of power in Delhi, Dalal Street in Mumbai saw a milestone day. The last two days have been a rollercoaster ride for the Indian markets. The markets, which were soaring a day before results - on the back of a strong comeback predicted for the BJP by pollsters - saw a day of bloodbath on Tuesday. Investors lost more than ₹31 trillion on Tuesday as benchmark indices plunged. Both Nifty and Sensex saw a fall of close to 6 per cent - the biggest since the first pandemic-induced lockdown was announced on March 23 2020. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the biggest market crash in four years.  Coalition politics is back. A decade after the BJP won a majority on its own for the first time, NDA - the coalition led by it, is seeing a comeback to power. Narendra Modi is set to become the Prime Minister for a third straight term. While the NDA’s tally of about 290 is nowhere close to the government’s call for “400 paar”, the coalition made a dent in key southern states. The BJP finally breached Kerala, winning one seat in the state. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP failed to open its account but saw its vote share rise to 11% from earlier 3.7%. The opposition INDIA bloc is likely to secure 234 seats led by the Indian National Congress, which has nearly doubled its strength in Parliament to 99 seats. The crown jewel of the BJP’s electoral victories in the past - Uttar Pradesh - favoured the opposition alliance over the BJP. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc outnumbered the NDA by 43 to 33. Modi’s BJP also broke into new territories in the east - notably Odisha, where it not only swept the Lok Sabha election but also closed in on a majority in the state assembly. The results also imply that Modi will now have to rely on his allies - mainly TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar - for a stable government at the centre. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and N Madhavan report on the results of the world’s largest election.  N Madhavan also explains the verdict of 2024 in today’s Mint Primer. From a setback for the BJP in the heartland states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, to the return of regional parties, the 2024 verdict was full of surprises. Despite holding 206 public meetings and rallies over the course of the last 45 days, it became evident that Modi’s magic too has its limits. The Lok Sabha will also boast of a stronger Opposition - something that was missing for a decade. Another insight from the verdict is how inaccurate exit polls can be. Most of the pollsters missed the mark massively this election. As the BJP-led NDA appears set to continue its tenure with a reduced majority, industries across India are looking forward to policy stability and the extension of current incentives. The technology sector is particularly focused on advancing India's semiconductor capabilities, enhancing AI regulation, and implementing crucial digital laws such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the upcoming Digital India Bill. Meanwhile, the telecom sector anticipates the enactment of new rules under the forthcoming telecom bill, along with potential tariff revisions. The aviation industry hopes for the establishment of global aviation hubs, and a reduction in jet fuel taxes to improve operational economics. There's also a significant focus on incentives for electric vehicles and regulations affecting fuel economy and emissions, which are crucial for the road transport sector. Gulveen Aulakh takes a look at the expectations of major industrial sectors from the upcoming government at the centre.   Yesterday's results had one outstanding result: that the BJP would not be able to form a government on its own. We invited Surjit Bhalla, economist and author, to opine on this historic result. Bhalla writes that no exit poll got this election right — especially the rise of the INDIA coalition. UP, West Bengal, and Maharashtra stood out for the new age coalition group. Bhalla also writes that the lower turnout could have hampered the NDA's chances at a greater majority. Lastly, he writes that this election is a victory for many stakeholders, but none bigger than the one for the average Indian voter, who has made their voice resonant.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Slender win for NDA queers pitch for street, investors lose ₹31 trillion INDIA heat wilts lotus, coalition saves the day Mint Primer: The 2024 verdict in three minutes Mint Explainer: What major industries expect from the next government Failure has many mothers: The Indian voter gets it right again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Coalition politics is back as Modi looks at a third straight term full 580 Mint - HT Smartcast Markets wilt as BJP loses majority; What industries want from new government Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The people have spoken. Results of the 2024 General Election are here, and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is set to form the government at the Centre. This time, however, no single party got an absolute majority. Far from the centre’s seat of power in Delhi, Dalal Street in Mumbai saw a milestone day. The last two days have been a rollercoaster ride for the Indian markets. The markets, which were soaring a day before results - on the back of a strong comeback predicted for the BJP by pollsters - saw a day of bloodbath on Tuesday. Investors lost more than ₹31 trillion on Tuesday as benchmark indices plunged. Both Nifty and Sensex saw a fall of close to 6 per cent - the biggest since the first pandemic-induced lockdown was announced on March 23 2020. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the biggest market crash in four years.  Coalition politics is back. A decade after the BJP won a majority on its own for the first time, NDA - the coalition led by it, is seeing a comeback to power. Narendra Modi is set to become the Prime Minister for a third straight term. While the NDA’s tally of about 290 is nowhere close to the government’s call for “400 paar”, the coalition made a dent in key southern states. The BJP finally breached Kerala, winning one seat in the state. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP failed to open its account but saw its vote share rise to 11% from earlier 3.7%. The opposition INDIA bloc is likely to secure 234 seats led by the Indian National Congress, which has nearly doubled its strength in Parliament to 99 seats. The crown jewel of the BJP’s electoral victories in the past - Uttar Pradesh - favoured the opposition alliance over the BJP. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc outnumbered the NDA by 43 to 33. Modi’s BJP also broke into new territories in the east - notably Odisha, where it not only swept the Lok Sabha election but also closed in on a majority in the state assembly. The results also imply that Modi will now have to rely on his allies - mainly TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar - for a stable government at the centre. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and N Madhavan report on the results of the world’s largest election.  N Madhavan also explains the verdict of 2024 in today’s Mint Primer. From a setback for the BJP in the heartland states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, to the return of regional parties, the 2024 verdict was full of surprises. Despite holding 206 public meetings and rallies over the course of the last 45 days, it became evident that Modi’s magic too has its limits. The Lok Sabha will also boast of a stronger Opposition - something that was missing for a decade. Another insight from the verdict is how inaccurate exit polls can be. Most of the pollsters missed the mark massively this election. As the BJP-led NDA appears set to continue its tenure with a reduced majority, industries across India are looking forward to policy stability and the extension of current incentives. The technology sector is particularly focused on advancing India's semiconductor capabilities, enhancing AI regulation, and implementing crucial digital laws such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the upcoming Digital India Bill. Meanwhile, the telecom sector anticipates the enactment of new rules under the forthcoming telecom bill, along with potential tariff revisions. The aviation industry hopes for the establishment of global aviation hubs, and a reduction in jet fuel taxes to improve operational economics. There's also a significant focus on incentives for electric vehicles and regulations affecting fuel economy and emissions, which are crucial for the road transport sector. Gulveen Aulakh takes a look at the expectations of major industrial sectors from the upcoming government at the centre.   Yesterday's results had one outstanding result: that the BJP would not be able to form a government on its own. We invited Surjit Bhalla, economist and author, to opine on this historic result. Bhalla writes that no exit poll got this election right — especially the rise of the INDIA coalition. UP, West Bengal, and Maharashtra stood out for the new age coalition group. Bhalla also writes that the lower turnout could have hampered the NDA's chances at a greater majority. Lastly, he writes that this election is a victory for many stakeholders, but none bigger than the one for the average Indian voter, who has made their voice resonant.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Slender win for NDA queers pitch for street, investors lose ₹31 trillion INDIA heat wilts lotus, coalition saves the day Mint Primer: The 2024 verdict in three minutes Mint Explainer: What major industries expect from the next government Failure has many mothers: The Indian voter gets it right again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, June 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The people have spoken. Results of the 2024 General Election are here, and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is set to form the government at the Centre. This time, however, no single party got an absolute majority. Far from the centre’s seat of power in Delhi, Dalal Street in Mumbai saw a milestone day. The last two days have been a rollercoaster ride for the Indian markets. The markets, which were soaring a day before results - on the back of a strong comeback predicted for the BJP by pollsters - saw a day of bloodbath on Tuesday. Investors lost more than ₹31 trillion on Tuesday as benchmark indices plunged. Both Nifty and Sensex saw a fall of close to 6 per cent - the biggest since the first pandemic-induced lockdown was announced on March 23 2020. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the biggest market crash in four years. 

Coalition politics is back. A decade after the BJP won a majority on its own for the first time, NDA - the coalition led by it, is seeing a comeback to power. Narendra Modi is set to become the Prime Minister for a third straight term. While the NDA’s tally of about 290 is nowhere close to the government’s call for “400 paar”, the coalition made a dent in key southern states. The BJP finally breached Kerala, winning one seat in the state. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP failed to open its account but saw its vote share rise to 11% from earlier 3.7%. The opposition INDIA bloc is likely to secure 234 seats led by the Indian National Congress, which has nearly doubled its strength in Parliament to 99 seats. The crown jewel of the BJP’s electoral victories in the past - Uttar Pradesh - favoured the opposition alliance over the BJP. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc outnumbered the NDA by 43 to 33. Modi’s BJP also broke into new territories in the east - notably Odisha, where it not only swept the Lok Sabha election but also closed in on a majority in the state assembly. The results also imply that Modi will now have to rely on his allies - mainly TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar - for a stable government at the centre. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and N Madhavan report on the results of the world’s largest election. 

N Madhavan also explains the verdict of 2024 in today’s Mint Primer. From a setback for the BJP in the heartland states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, to the return of regional parties, the 2024 verdict was full of surprises. Despite holding 206 public meetings and rallies over the course of the last 45 days, it became evident that Modi’s magic too has its limits. The Lok Sabha will also boast of a stronger Opposition - something that was missing for a decade. Another insight from the verdict is how inaccurate exit polls can be. Most of the pollsters missed the mark massively this election.

As the BJP-led NDA appears set to continue its tenure with a reduced majority, industries across India are looking forward to policy stability and the extension of current incentives. The technology sector is particularly focused on advancing India's semiconductor capabilities, enhancing AI regulation, and implementing crucial digital laws such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the upcoming Digital India Bill. Meanwhile, the telecom sector anticipates the enactment of new rules under the forthcoming telecom bill, along with potential tariff revisions. The aviation industry hopes for the establishment of global aviation hubs, and a reduction in jet fuel taxes to improve operational economics. There's also a significant focus on incentives for electric vehicles and regulations affecting fuel economy and emissions, which are crucial for the road transport sector. Gulveen Aulakh takes a look at the expectations of major industrial sectors from the upcoming government at the centre.


 

Yesterday's results had one outstanding result: that the BJP would not be able to form a government on its own. We invited Surjit Bhalla, economist and author, to opine on this historic result. Bhalla writes that no exit poll got this election right — especially the rise of the INDIA coalition. UP, West Bengal, and Maharashtra stood out for the new age coalition group. Bhalla also writes that the lower turnout could have hampered the NDA's chances at a greater majority. Lastly, he writes that this election is a victory for many stakeholders, but none bigger than the one for the average Indian voter, who has made their voice resonant.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

 

Slender win for NDA queers pitch for street, investors lose ₹31 trillion

INDIA heat wilts lotus, coalition saves the day

Mint Primer: The 2024 verdict in three minutes

Mint Explainer: What major industries expect from the next government

Failure has many mothers: The Indian voter gets it right again

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 426 no Markets reach new highs after exit poll results https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-reach-new-highs-after-exit-poll-results-b29NuIyr Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The markets surged on Monday, after every exit poll predicted the BJP to come back to power. Nifty was up 3.25 percent, while Sensex surged by 3.39 percent. Experts told Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma that the markets could still zoom by 2 to 3 percent today if the BJP wins 400 or more seats. However, some of them advised caution: this sudden uptick could mostly be attributed to the election resultsn, but the highs may not last too long if investors start quickly booking their profits later in the week.   While the stock market is already seeing a huge push, what about India's economy? The world's fastest growing economy needs some energy to sustain the run it is on. N. Madhavan writes that a third term with a stable government at the helm can bring about policy changes and unleash new reforms that could accelerate India's growth. While the infamous GST has finally settled into India's economic framework more than seven years after it was introduced, other areas like labour, land, and agriculture need to be relooked at by the next government.   It's simple enough to say that the next government "has to fix the economy". It's a broad target, and one that is understandably difficult to achieve. Our partners at howindialives.com list out some other challenges that need fixing: joblessness, private capital expenditure, and exports to name a few. Along with these ideas, they add some charts to show the potential that India has in excelling in these fields, but there's still work to be done. In particular, this story notes that a determined government could help India and its economy reach its full potential.   It's time to say good bye to Vistara: by the end of 2024, the Tata Group plans on shuttering the Vistara brand. Anu Sharma reports that the Tatas plan on starting 2025 with just two main brands: Air India, and Air India Express, its low-cost counterpart. After a lengthy process, the Tata Group won the ownership of Air India in 2022 — welcoming the airline it had first started. It had planned to integrate all three of its brands: Air India, Vistara, and Air Asia into a simplified version, which will now just have Air India and AI Express in around 8 months.   Conducting the world's biggest exercise in democracy is not a simple feat. The polling, which lasted for 7 phases across 44 days, finally came to an end last week. But the preparation for these 44 days begins months in advance. Krishna Yadav presents an on-ground report on how difficult it is to organise such a humongous activity for millions of voters across the length and breadth of India. He travels from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh, and speaks to prior and current officials in charge of making sure that every India can try and cast their vote. From security to routes to the voting ink, read this story for a great overview of how difficult the entire process is.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.  Show notes: Market to take cues from surprises to exit poll results Will the poll give India’s economy another boost? The five big economic challenges before the new government  Air India to operate as merged entity from 2025; no Vistara brand by year-end How Election Commission orchestrated the ‘big fat Indian wedding’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:19:56 -0000 Markets reach new highs after exit poll results full 579 Mint - HT Smartcast Goodbye Vistara, how to conduct polls for 1 billion voters Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The markets surged on Monday, after every exit poll predicted the BJP to come back to power. Nifty was up 3.25 percent, while Sensex surged by 3.39 percent. Experts told Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma that the markets could still zoom by 2 to 3 percent today if the BJP wins 400 or more seats. However, some of them advised caution: this sudden uptick could mostly be attributed to the election resultsn, but the highs may not last too long if investors start quickly booking their profits later in the week.   While the stock market is already seeing a huge push, what about India's economy? The world's fastest growing economy needs some energy to sustain the run it is on. N. Madhavan writes that a third term with a stable government at the helm can bring about policy changes and unleash new reforms that could accelerate India's growth. While the infamous GST has finally settled into India's economic framework more than seven years after it was introduced, other areas like labour, land, and agriculture need to be relooked at by the next government.   It's simple enough to say that the next government "has to fix the economy". It's a broad target, and one that is understandably difficult to achieve. Our partners at howindialives.com list out some other challenges that need fixing: joblessness, private capital expenditure, and exports to name a few. Along with these ideas, they add some charts to show the potential that India has in excelling in these fields, but there's still work to be done. In particular, this story notes that a determined government could help India and its economy reach its full potential.   It's time to say good bye to Vistara: by the end of 2024, the Tata Group plans on shuttering the Vistara brand. Anu Sharma reports that the Tatas plan on starting 2025 with just two main brands: Air India, and Air India Express, its low-cost counterpart. After a lengthy process, the Tata Group won the ownership of Air India in 2022 — welcoming the airline it had first started. It had planned to integrate all three of its brands: Air India, Vistara, and Air Asia into a simplified version, which will now just have Air India and AI Express in around 8 months.   Conducting the world's biggest exercise in democracy is not a simple feat. The polling, which lasted for 7 phases across 44 days, finally came to an end last week. But the preparation for these 44 days begins months in advance. Krishna Yadav presents an on-ground report on how difficult it is to organise such a humongous activity for millions of voters across the length and breadth of India. He travels from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh, and speaks to prior and current officials in charge of making sure that every India can try and cast their vote. From security to routes to the voting ink, read this story for a great overview of how difficult the entire process is.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.  Show notes: Market to take cues from surprises to exit poll results Will the poll give India’s economy another boost? The five big economic challenges before the new government  Air India to operate as merged entity from 2025; no Vistara brand by year-end How Election Commission orchestrated the ‘big fat Indian wedding’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, June 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The markets surged on Monday, after every exit poll predicted the BJP to come back to power. Nifty was up 3.25 percent, while Sensex surged by 3.39 percent. Experts told Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma that the markets could still zoom by 2 to 3 percent today if the BJP wins 400 or more seats. However, some of them advised caution: this sudden uptick could mostly be attributed to the election resultsn, but the highs may not last too long if investors start quickly booking their profits later in the week.


 

While the stock market is already seeing a huge push, what about India's economy? The world's fastest growing economy needs some energy to sustain the run it is on. N. Madhavan writes that a third term with a stable government at the helm can bring about policy changes and unleash new reforms that could accelerate India's growth. While the infamous GST has finally settled into India's economic framework more than seven years after it was introduced, other areas like labour, land, and agriculture need to be relooked at by the next government.


 

It's simple enough to say that the next government "has to fix the economy". It's a broad target, and one that is understandably difficult to achieve. Our partners at howindialives.com list out some other challenges that need fixing: joblessness, private capital expenditure, and exports to name a few. Along with these ideas, they add some charts to show the potential that India has in excelling in these fields, but there's still work to be done. In particular, this story notes that a determined government could help India and its economy reach its full potential.


 

It's time to say good bye to Vistara: by the end of 2024, the Tata Group plans on shuttering the Vistara brand. Anu Sharma reports that the Tatas plan on starting 2025 with just two main brands: Air India, and Air India Express, its low-cost counterpart. After a lengthy process, the Tata Group won the ownership of Air India in 2022 — welcoming the airline it had first started. It had planned to integrate all three of its brands: Air India, Vistara, and Air Asia into a simplified version, which will now just have Air India and AI Express in around 8 months.


 

Conducting the world's biggest exercise in democracy is not a simple feat. The polling, which lasted for 7 phases across 44 days, finally came to an end last week. But the preparation for these 44 days begins months in advance. Krishna Yadav presents an on-ground report on how difficult it is to organise such a humongous activity for millions of voters across the length and breadth of India. He travels from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh, and speaks to prior and current officials in charge of making sure that every India can try and cast their vote. From security to routes to the voting ink, read this story for a great overview of how difficult the entire process is.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.
 

Show notes:

Market to take cues from surprises to exit poll results

Will the poll give India’s economy another boost?

The five big economic challenges before the new government 

Air India to operate as merged entity from 2025; no Vistara brand by year-end

How Election Commission orchestrated the ‘big fat Indian wedding’

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 315 no Markets eye surge on exit poll predictions https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-eye-surge-on-exit-poll-predictions-3IDtG_cD Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: 2024’s marathon seven-phase elections finally came to an end on Saturday, with voters across 57 constituencies exercising their democratic rights. In just 24 hours, elections officers across the country will start counting votes that will decide the future of India. The pollsters, however, have already spoken. Almost all of the exit polls predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance , and along with a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Buoyed by the poll predictions, market experts expect Nifty to surge by 2.5-3% when markets open today. This expectation is leading to a scramble among foreign institutional investors and proprietary traders to cover short positions, anticipating the NDA securing well over the expected 300-310 seats. Exit polls predict around 350 seats for the NDA, with some forecasts even suggesting as many as 400 seats. This is likely to boost market sentiment as it solidifies expectations of continued policy and fiscal stability. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma report the bullish sentiment among traders on D-street on the eve of election results.  Artificial intelligence systems, often compared to "black boxes," work in complex ways that are hard to explain. Like the human brain, they process information through multiple layers but, unlike humans, their decision-making paths are not easily traceable. This makes it difficult to understand why an AI makes certain choices, such as a self-driving car failing to stop for a pedestrian. To address these challenges, the field of explainable AI or XAI aims to make AI decisions more transparent and understandable. Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’monte explains the emergence of this new field, which involves developing methods to clarify AI processes, auditing these decisions, and implementing regulatory measures to ensure accountability. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, alongside research institutions and government bodies, are actively working on XAI technologies.  India's external debt, at 18% of its GDP, is relatively low among G20 countries, as pointed out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. However, to fully understand what India owes to other countries, it's better to look at the International Investment Position, which covers all foreign financial assets and liabilities. This includes the country's reserves and any domestic assets owned by foreigners, such as investments and loans. India's net international investment position is negative, meaning the country owes more to the rest of the world than it owns in foreign assets. This debt increased from 60 billion dollars in 2003 to 396 billion dollars in 2023, rising from 9.9% to 11.1% of its GDP. This status places India among countries that owe more internationally than they possess, writes Deepa Vasudevan.  In India, the services sector is taking the lead when it comes to starting new businesses. Out of nearly 16,000 firms that popped up in April, 72% were in services, while manufacturing tagged along at 15%. That’s what the latest data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs tells us. This isn't just a one-off thing; services have been dominating the new business scene for a while. As of April this year, 65% of all active companies in India were in the services sector. That's a jump from 61% back in 2015. Throughout the last financial year, the services sector consistently claimed 70-72% of all new business registrations each month, dipping slightly to 69% in April 2023. So, what kind of services are we talking about? Well, it's a broad mix—everything from schools and hospitals to fitness centers and professional associations. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports these numbers.  India’s savings landscape is seeing a potential shift, claim  economic analysts. After years of decline, financial savings—like cash, bank deposits, and investments—might actually be on the rise. In 2011-12, these savings were 7.4% of our GDP, but by 2022-23, they dropped to 5.3%. Now, Goldman Sachs and Crisil suggest we might see these savings bump up to 6% of GDP for 2023-24. What's driving this? Even though our economy grew by 8.2% last year, it looks like households might be tightening their belts, possibly boosting their savings as private consumption cools down. But what does this mean for the economy? Normally, if folks are saving rather than spending, it's not great news for economic vibrancy. However, these savings do provide essential funds for businesses to invest and grow, so it’s not all doom and gloom. Looking at the broader picture, India’s total savings rate, which combines savings from households, businesses, and the government, dipped from about 35% of GDP in 2011-12 to 30% by 2022-23. But for the current fiscal year, it's expected to inch up slightly above 31%. The drop over the past decade is mainly due to a decline in household savings, which fell from about 24% of GDP to 18%. This Long Story by howindialives.com takes a deep dive into the rise in India’s savings, and whether it is a sustainable rise.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Markets likely to open higher as exit polls signal sweep for NDA Will decoding AI ‘black boxes’ make AI models safer?  India can cheer its low debt, but here’s the catch At 72%, service sector dominates new business registrations in April Indians may have saved more in FY24. Is the rise sustainable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Markets eye surge on exit poll predictions full 578 Mint - HT Smartcast Service sector leads business registrations; behind India’s rising savings Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: 2024’s marathon seven-phase elections finally came to an end on Saturday, with voters across 57 constituencies exercising their democratic rights. In just 24 hours, elections officers across the country will start counting votes that will decide the future of India. The pollsters, however, have already spoken. Almost all of the exit polls predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance , and along with a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Buoyed by the poll predictions, market experts expect Nifty to surge by 2.5-3% when markets open today. This expectation is leading to a scramble among foreign institutional investors and proprietary traders to cover short positions, anticipating the NDA securing well over the expected 300-310 seats. Exit polls predict around 350 seats for the NDA, with some forecasts even suggesting as many as 400 seats. This is likely to boost market sentiment as it solidifies expectations of continued policy and fiscal stability. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma report the bullish sentiment among traders on D-street on the eve of election results.  Artificial intelligence systems, often compared to "black boxes," work in complex ways that are hard to explain. Like the human brain, they process information through multiple layers but, unlike humans, their decision-making paths are not easily traceable. This makes it difficult to understand why an AI makes certain choices, such as a self-driving car failing to stop for a pedestrian. To address these challenges, the field of explainable AI or XAI aims to make AI decisions more transparent and understandable. Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’monte explains the emergence of this new field, which involves developing methods to clarify AI processes, auditing these decisions, and implementing regulatory measures to ensure accountability. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, alongside research institutions and government bodies, are actively working on XAI technologies.  India's external debt, at 18% of its GDP, is relatively low among G20 countries, as pointed out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. However, to fully understand what India owes to other countries, it's better to look at the International Investment Position, which covers all foreign financial assets and liabilities. This includes the country's reserves and any domestic assets owned by foreigners, such as investments and loans. India's net international investment position is negative, meaning the country owes more to the rest of the world than it owns in foreign assets. This debt increased from 60 billion dollars in 2003 to 396 billion dollars in 2023, rising from 9.9% to 11.1% of its GDP. This status places India among countries that owe more internationally than they possess, writes Deepa Vasudevan.  In India, the services sector is taking the lead when it comes to starting new businesses. Out of nearly 16,000 firms that popped up in April, 72% were in services, while manufacturing tagged along at 15%. That’s what the latest data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs tells us. This isn't just a one-off thing; services have been dominating the new business scene for a while. As of April this year, 65% of all active companies in India were in the services sector. That's a jump from 61% back in 2015. Throughout the last financial year, the services sector consistently claimed 70-72% of all new business registrations each month, dipping slightly to 69% in April 2023. So, what kind of services are we talking about? Well, it's a broad mix—everything from schools and hospitals to fitness centers and professional associations. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports these numbers.  India’s savings landscape is seeing a potential shift, claim  economic analysts. After years of decline, financial savings—like cash, bank deposits, and investments—might actually be on the rise. In 2011-12, these savings were 7.4% of our GDP, but by 2022-23, they dropped to 5.3%. Now, Goldman Sachs and Crisil suggest we might see these savings bump up to 6% of GDP for 2023-24. What's driving this? Even though our economy grew by 8.2% last year, it looks like households might be tightening their belts, possibly boosting their savings as private consumption cools down. But what does this mean for the economy? Normally, if folks are saving rather than spending, it's not great news for economic vibrancy. However, these savings do provide essential funds for businesses to invest and grow, so it’s not all doom and gloom. Looking at the broader picture, India’s total savings rate, which combines savings from households, businesses, and the government, dipped from about 35% of GDP in 2011-12 to 30% by 2022-23. But for the current fiscal year, it's expected to inch up slightly above 31%. The drop over the past decade is mainly due to a decline in household savings, which fell from about 24% of GDP to 18%. This Long Story by howindialives.com takes a deep dive into the rise in India’s savings, and whether it is a sustainable rise.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Markets likely to open higher as exit polls signal sweep for NDA Will decoding AI ‘black boxes’ make AI models safer?  India can cheer its low debt, but here’s the catch At 72%, service sector dominates new business registrations in April Indians may have saved more in FY24. Is the rise sustainable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, June 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

2024’s marathon seven-phase elections finally came to an end on Saturday, with voters across 57 constituencies exercising their democratic rights. In just 24 hours, elections officers across the country will start counting votes that will decide the future of India. The pollsters, however, have already spoken. Almost all of the exit polls predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance , and along with a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Buoyed by the poll predictions, market experts expect Nifty to surge by 2.5-3% when markets open today. This expectation is leading to a scramble among foreign institutional investors and proprietary traders to cover short positions, anticipating the NDA securing well over the expected 300-310 seats. Exit polls predict around 350 seats for the NDA, with some forecasts even suggesting as many as 400 seats. This is likely to boost market sentiment as it solidifies expectations of continued policy and fiscal stability. Mint’s markets correspondents Ram Sahgal and Dipti Sharma report the bullish sentiment among traders on D-street on the eve of election results. 

Artificial intelligence systems, often compared to "black boxes," work in complex ways that are hard to explain. Like the human brain, they process information through multiple layers but, unlike humans, their decision-making paths are not easily traceable. This makes it difficult to understand why an AI makes certain choices, such as a self-driving car failing to stop for a pedestrian. To address these challenges, the field of explainable AI or XAI aims to make AI decisions more transparent and understandable. Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’monte explains the emergence of this new field, which involves developing methods to clarify AI processes, auditing these decisions, and implementing regulatory measures to ensure accountability. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, alongside research institutions and government bodies, are actively working on XAI technologies. 

India's external debt, at 18% of its GDP, is relatively low among G20 countries, as pointed out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. However, to fully understand what India owes to other countries, it's better to look at the International Investment Position, which covers all foreign financial assets and liabilities. This includes the country's reserves and any domestic assets owned by foreigners, such as investments and loans. India's net international investment position is negative, meaning the country owes more to the rest of the world than it owns in foreign assets. This debt increased from 60 billion dollars in 2003 to 396 billion dollars in 2023, rising from 9.9% to 11.1% of its GDP. This status places India among countries that owe more internationally than they possess, writes Deepa Vasudevan. 

In India, the services sector is taking the lead when it comes to starting new businesses. Out of nearly 16,000 firms that popped up in April, 72% were in services, while manufacturing tagged along at 15%. That’s what the latest data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs tells us. This isn't just a one-off thing; services have been dominating the new business scene for a while. As of April this year, 65% of all active companies in India were in the services sector. That's a jump from 61% back in 2015. Throughout the last financial year, the services sector consistently claimed 70-72% of all new business registrations each month, dipping slightly to 69% in April 2023. So, what kind of services are we talking about? Well, it's a broad mix—everything from schools and hospitals to fitness centers and professional associations. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports these numbers. 

India’s savings landscape is seeing a potential shift, claim  economic analysts. After years of decline, financial savings—like cash, bank deposits, and investments—might actually be on the rise. In 2011-12, these savings were 7.4% of our GDP, but by 2022-23, they dropped to 5.3%. Now, Goldman Sachs and Crisil suggest we might see these savings bump up to 6% of GDP for 2023-24. What's driving this? Even though our economy grew by 8.2% last year, it looks like households might be tightening their belts, possibly boosting their savings as private consumption cools down. But what does this mean for the economy? Normally, if folks are saving rather than spending, it's not great news for economic vibrancy. However, these savings do provide essential funds for businesses to invest and grow, so it’s not all doom and gloom.

Looking at the broader picture, India’s total savings rate, which combines savings from households, businesses, and the government, dipped from about 35% of GDP in 2011-12 to 30% by 2022-23. But for the current fiscal year, it's expected to inch up slightly above 31%. The drop over the past decade is mainly due to a decline in household savings, which fell from about 24% of GDP to 18%. This Long Story by howindialives.com takes a deep dive into the rise in India’s savings, and whether it is a sustainable rise.  

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Markets likely to open higher as exit polls signal sweep for NDA

Will decoding AI ‘black boxes’ make AI models safer? 

India can cheer its low debt, but here’s the catch

At 72%, service sector dominates new business registrations in April

Indians may have saved more in FY24. Is the rise sustainable?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 473 no Where are the jobs for MBA grads? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/where-are-the-jobs-for-mba-grads-wguw0_vi Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: It's been a rough week for stockholders: the Indian equity markets fell slightly again on Thursday. Nifty was down by 0.95 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.83 percent.  The Reserve Bank of India released its annual report yesterday. It said that despite challenges, India is set to grow faster and stronger over the next decade. RBI noted the resilience of the Indian economy in the face of multiple external factors, including geopolitical tensions and  risks due to climate change. Shayan Ghosh and Gopika Gopakumar write that another challenge that the RBI specifically pointed out was the rapid development of artificial intelligence, as opposed to being treated as an opportunity. Interestingly, a deficient monsoon meant that India had to over rely on manufacturing and services sectors to power its 7.6 percent growth last year. Thierry Delaporte's time as the CEO of Wipro was a rocky one. He was set to be at Wipro's helm for five years, but could barely eke out 14 months. Despite the short stint, he became one of the richest executives in India's IT sector. When Delaporte was asked to resign by Wipro chairman Rishad Premji, he was told he could have a hefty severance — 4.33 million dollars, or 36 crore rupees. However, public investors weren't too thrilled at such an expensive severance package: Varun Sood reports that more than 75 percent of investors voted against it. However, strong promoter holding meant that Premji could guarantee Delaporte his exit pay. It's a rare dispute between investors and the management in a company as well managed as Wipro, Varun writes. It's not been a good year for MBA students: a Deloitte report said that campus placement budgets for business graduates had fallen by 33 percent. This is the first time companies have reduced their budgets for freshers. Even top engineering colleges have failed to attract recruiters this past placement season. Devina Sengupta writes that a global economic slowdown has affected foreign companies hiring Indian graduates, while other companies are looking for hires that require minimal training. It's a dim job market out there. Chinese EV makers were hoping to expand across the globe, but the options are dwindling. First, the European Union planned to increase their import duties to around 25 to 30 percent on these vehicles. Next, the US said it would increase the taxes to 100 percent of the car's value. And now, the next most viable foreign market, India, might soon lose out too: the central government is ramping up its efforts to monitor the dumping of Chinese EVs in India. Dhirendra Kumar reports that senior government officials are worried that after being shunned from the western markets, these automakers will fill the Indian market with cheap electric cars. Officials are considering raising the import duties on electric engines, or imposing stringent quality checks to protect Indian car makers, reports Dhirendra. At one point, old age homes were the only available option for senior citizens. But today, we have independent senior living — an arrangement where retirees stay alone, with services such as meals and health checkups provided regularly. By 2050, India will be home to more than 17 percent of the world's elderly population. That provides a huge market for senior living, but at the moment, it's a luxury that only the affluent can afford. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into this industry, and writes about the present situation, the opportunities, and the challenges for senior living to become a viable part of India's booming real estate market. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: India poised for stronger growth over next decade amid AI, climate risks: RBI  Wipro’s public investors baulk at ₹36-crore severance to Delaporte  B-school grad? You may be paid less this year Govt steps up vigilance against Chinese EV battery In Indian real estate, senior living is still in the junior league  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Where are the jobs for MBA grads? full 577 Mint - HT Smartcast Wipro shareholders disapprove of Delaporte's severance, more duties on Chinese EVs? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: It's been a rough week for stockholders: the Indian equity markets fell slightly again on Thursday. Nifty was down by 0.95 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.83 percent.  The Reserve Bank of India released its annual report yesterday. It said that despite challenges, India is set to grow faster and stronger over the next decade. RBI noted the resilience of the Indian economy in the face of multiple external factors, including geopolitical tensions and  risks due to climate change. Shayan Ghosh and Gopika Gopakumar write that another challenge that the RBI specifically pointed out was the rapid development of artificial intelligence, as opposed to being treated as an opportunity. Interestingly, a deficient monsoon meant that India had to over rely on manufacturing and services sectors to power its 7.6 percent growth last year. Thierry Delaporte's time as the CEO of Wipro was a rocky one. He was set to be at Wipro's helm for five years, but could barely eke out 14 months. Despite the short stint, he became one of the richest executives in India's IT sector. When Delaporte was asked to resign by Wipro chairman Rishad Premji, he was told he could have a hefty severance — 4.33 million dollars, or 36 crore rupees. However, public investors weren't too thrilled at such an expensive severance package: Varun Sood reports that more than 75 percent of investors voted against it. However, strong promoter holding meant that Premji could guarantee Delaporte his exit pay. It's a rare dispute between investors and the management in a company as well managed as Wipro, Varun writes. It's not been a good year for MBA students: a Deloitte report said that campus placement budgets for business graduates had fallen by 33 percent. This is the first time companies have reduced their budgets for freshers. Even top engineering colleges have failed to attract recruiters this past placement season. Devina Sengupta writes that a global economic slowdown has affected foreign companies hiring Indian graduates, while other companies are looking for hires that require minimal training. It's a dim job market out there. Chinese EV makers were hoping to expand across the globe, but the options are dwindling. First, the European Union planned to increase their import duties to around 25 to 30 percent on these vehicles. Next, the US said it would increase the taxes to 100 percent of the car's value. And now, the next most viable foreign market, India, might soon lose out too: the central government is ramping up its efforts to monitor the dumping of Chinese EVs in India. Dhirendra Kumar reports that senior government officials are worried that after being shunned from the western markets, these automakers will fill the Indian market with cheap electric cars. Officials are considering raising the import duties on electric engines, or imposing stringent quality checks to protect Indian car makers, reports Dhirendra. At one point, old age homes were the only available option for senior citizens. But today, we have independent senior living — an arrangement where retirees stay alone, with services such as meals and health checkups provided regularly. By 2050, India will be home to more than 17 percent of the world's elderly population. That provides a huge market for senior living, but at the moment, it's a luxury that only the affluent can afford. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into this industry, and writes about the present situation, the opportunities, and the challenges for senior living to become a viable part of India's booming real estate market. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: India poised for stronger growth over next decade amid AI, climate risks: RBI  Wipro’s public investors baulk at ₹36-crore severance to Delaporte  B-school grad? You may be paid less this year Govt steps up vigilance against Chinese EV battery In Indian real estate, senior living is still in the junior league  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 31, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

It's been a rough week for stockholders: the Indian equity markets fell slightly again on Thursday. Nifty was down by 0.95 percent, while Sensex dropped 0.83 percent. 

The Reserve Bank of India released its annual report yesterday. It said that despite challenges, India is set to grow faster and stronger over the next decade. RBI noted the resilience of the Indian economy in the face of multiple external factors, including geopolitical tensions and  risks due to climate change. Shayan Ghosh and Gopika Gopakumar write that another challenge that the RBI specifically pointed out was the rapid development of artificial intelligence, as opposed to being treated as an opportunity. Interestingly, a deficient monsoon meant that India had to over rely on manufacturing and services sectors to power its 7.6 percent growth last year.

Thierry Delaporte's time as the CEO of Wipro was a rocky one. He was set to be at Wipro's helm for five years, but could barely eke out 14 months. Despite the short stint, he became one of the richest executives in India's IT sector. When Delaporte was asked to resign by Wipro chairman Rishad Premji, he was told he could have a hefty severance — 4.33 million dollars, or 36 crore rupees. However, public investors weren't too thrilled at such an expensive severance package: Varun Sood reports that more than 75 percent of investors voted against it. However, strong promoter holding meant that Premji could guarantee Delaporte his exit pay. It's a rare dispute between investors and the management in a company as well managed as Wipro, Varun writes.

It's not been a good year for MBA students: a Deloitte report said that campus placement budgets for business graduates had fallen by 33 percent. This is the first time companies have reduced their budgets for freshers. Even top engineering colleges have failed to attract recruiters this past placement season. Devina Sengupta writes that a global economic slowdown has affected foreign companies hiring Indian graduates, while other companies are looking for hires that require minimal training. It's a dim job market out there.

Chinese EV makers were hoping to expand across the globe, but the options are dwindling. First, the European Union planned to increase their import duties to around 25 to 30 percent on these vehicles. Next, the US said it would increase the taxes to 100 percent of the car's value. And now, the next most viable foreign market, India, might soon lose out too: the central government is ramping up its efforts to monitor the dumping of Chinese EVs in India. Dhirendra Kumar reports that senior government officials are worried that after being shunned from the western markets, these automakers will fill the Indian market with cheap electric cars. Officials are considering raising the import duties on electric engines, or imposing stringent quality checks to protect Indian car makers, reports Dhirendra.

At one point, old age homes were the only available option for senior citizens. But today, we have independent senior living — an arrangement where retirees stay alone, with services such as meals and health checkups provided regularly. By 2050, India will be home to more than 17 percent of the world's elderly population. That provides a huge market for senior living, but at the moment, it's a luxury that only the affluent can afford. Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into this industry, and writes about the present situation, the opportunities, and the challenges for senior living to become a viable part of India's booming real estate market.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

India poised for stronger growth over next decade amid AI, climate risks: RBI 

Wipro’s public investors baulk at ₹36-crore severance to Delaporte 

B-school grad? You may be paid less this year

Govt steps up vigilance against Chinese EV battery

In Indian real estate, senior living is still in the junior league 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 361 no Why heatwaves are getting hotter and longer https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-heatwaves-are-getting-hotter-and-longer-LtAdwvIR Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian benchmark indices closed in the red for the fourth straight session on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.89 percent below its previous close, while NSE’s Nifty was down 0.8 percent.   Delhi hit a blistering 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking its hottest day in history. The scorching summer sun has been draining the energy of Delhiites. Earth sciences minister Kiren Rijuju later said this was “not official yet” and described such a high temperature as “very unlikely” while asking the weather office to verify the report.  Unfortunately, it is not just the people of Delhi-NCR who are suffering; the entire country is grappling with a nearly violent heatwave. Moreover, heatwaves are becoming more prolonged and intense. So, what causes a heatwave? Experts attribute this to two factors:  One is El Nino, the infamous weather phenomenon frequently in the spotlight, and the second is the presence of high-pressure areas over southern peninsular India. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, examines the long-drawn heatwaves and the reasons behind their  increasing duration in today’s Mint Primer.   In the world of stock trading, it’s crunch time, much like the final overs of a gripping cricket match. As India nears the end of its Lok Sabha elections, with the last votes being cast this Saturday and exit polls expected the same evening, investors are on the edge. Recently, there's been a notable shift in the stock market, particularly among retail and high-net-worth investors. These individuals, often referred to as the 'Client' category by the NSE, have traditionally been savvy, sometimes even outguessing foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in predicting market trends. However, in a striking move, they’ve significantly scaled back their bullish positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures. Conversely, foreign investors, who were net bearish in mid-May, flipped their stance to net bullish by the end of the month. This shift suggests a mix of caution and repositioning as everyone braces for the election results. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to experts who pointed out that the market is playing between a position of optimism and caution.   The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in Indian elections hasn't quite stirred the political pot as some might have hoped. Despite being around for a decade and touted as a tool for voter dissent, its impact has been minimal. In the last couple of Lok Sabha elections, barely 1% of voters chose NOTA. It has gained slightly more traction in places like Bihar and Odisha, particularly in tribal areas, but it’s still not causing major ripples.   To break it down: in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, the majority of the 543 Lok Sabha seats saw less than 1% of voters picking NOTA. About a third of the seats saw slightly higher engagement, with 1-2% opting for it, but only a very few seats saw it cross the 4% threshold. Interestingly, its popularity dipped in 2019. Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a closer look at the impact of the NOTA option on India’s elections. Chart links: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SFqmT/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ywrY2/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sADPO/full.png   The United States is preparing to discuss a preferential trade agreement with India, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti. In an interview with Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad, the former mayor of Los Angeles indicated that while Washington isn't exactly eager to sign free trade agreements, it is open to exploring trade opportunities focused on specific products or sectors.  This move aligns with the two nations' ambitious goal to double their trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. Relations between the two countries have been improving, highlighted by the resolution of six trade disputes last June. Following this, India reduced customs duties on several U.S. goods, including apples and almonds.   Last year, Amazon called off its deal to buy MX Player, a video platform owned by Times Internet. Now, after almost a year of back-and-forth, the e-commerce giant is back at the negotiating table with Times Internet, reports Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Initially, Amazon valued MX Player at about $60 million, while Times Internet was seeking over $100 million. Fast forward to now, and MX Player's situation has worsened. Its valuation has dropped further due to financial struggles, including a substantial debt of about ₹2,500 crore (roughly $300 million). While Amazon remains interested, it has made it clear that it won't take on that debt.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Into the 50s: Why heatwaves are hotter & longer In a market segment with its ear to the ground, apprehension is rising After two big polls, Nota remains a one-percenter Washington ready to discuss preferential trade deal with India: US Ambassador Amazon to buy MXPlayer from Times Internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why heatwaves are getting hotter and longer full 576 Mint - HT Smartcast Has NOTA been useful? Amazon looks to snag MXPlayer from Times Internet Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian benchmark indices closed in the red for the fourth straight session on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.89 percent below its previous close, while NSE’s Nifty was down 0.8 percent.   Delhi hit a blistering 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking its hottest day in history. The scorching summer sun has been draining the energy of Delhiites. Earth sciences minister Kiren Rijuju later said this was “not official yet” and described such a high temperature as “very unlikely” while asking the weather office to verify the report.  Unfortunately, it is not just the people of Delhi-NCR who are suffering; the entire country is grappling with a nearly violent heatwave. Moreover, heatwaves are becoming more prolonged and intense. So, what causes a heatwave? Experts attribute this to two factors:  One is El Nino, the infamous weather phenomenon frequently in the spotlight, and the second is the presence of high-pressure areas over southern peninsular India. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, examines the long-drawn heatwaves and the reasons behind their  increasing duration in today’s Mint Primer.   In the world of stock trading, it’s crunch time, much like the final overs of a gripping cricket match. As India nears the end of its Lok Sabha elections, with the last votes being cast this Saturday and exit polls expected the same evening, investors are on the edge. Recently, there's been a notable shift in the stock market, particularly among retail and high-net-worth investors. These individuals, often referred to as the 'Client' category by the NSE, have traditionally been savvy, sometimes even outguessing foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in predicting market trends. However, in a striking move, they’ve significantly scaled back their bullish positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures. Conversely, foreign investors, who were net bearish in mid-May, flipped their stance to net bullish by the end of the month. This shift suggests a mix of caution and repositioning as everyone braces for the election results. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to experts who pointed out that the market is playing between a position of optimism and caution.   The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in Indian elections hasn't quite stirred the political pot as some might have hoped. Despite being around for a decade and touted as a tool for voter dissent, its impact has been minimal. In the last couple of Lok Sabha elections, barely 1% of voters chose NOTA. It has gained slightly more traction in places like Bihar and Odisha, particularly in tribal areas, but it’s still not causing major ripples.   To break it down: in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, the majority of the 543 Lok Sabha seats saw less than 1% of voters picking NOTA. About a third of the seats saw slightly higher engagement, with 1-2% opting for it, but only a very few seats saw it cross the 4% threshold. Interestingly, its popularity dipped in 2019. Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a closer look at the impact of the NOTA option on India’s elections. Chart links: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SFqmT/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ywrY2/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sADPO/full.png   The United States is preparing to discuss a preferential trade agreement with India, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti. In an interview with Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad, the former mayor of Los Angeles indicated that while Washington isn't exactly eager to sign free trade agreements, it is open to exploring trade opportunities focused on specific products or sectors.  This move aligns with the two nations' ambitious goal to double their trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. Relations between the two countries have been improving, highlighted by the resolution of six trade disputes last June. Following this, India reduced customs duties on several U.S. goods, including apples and almonds.   Last year, Amazon called off its deal to buy MX Player, a video platform owned by Times Internet. Now, after almost a year of back-and-forth, the e-commerce giant is back at the negotiating table with Times Internet, reports Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Initially, Amazon valued MX Player at about $60 million, while Times Internet was seeking over $100 million. Fast forward to now, and MX Player's situation has worsened. Its valuation has dropped further due to financial struggles, including a substantial debt of about ₹2,500 crore (roughly $300 million). While Amazon remains interested, it has made it clear that it won't take on that debt.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   Mint Primer | Into the 50s: Why heatwaves are hotter & longer In a market segment with its ear to the ground, apprehension is rising After two big polls, Nota remains a one-percenter Washington ready to discuss preferential trade deal with India: US Ambassador Amazon to buy MXPlayer from Times Internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian benchmark indices closed in the red for the fourth straight session on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.89 percent below its previous close, while NSE’s Nifty was down 0.8 percent.


 

Delhi hit a blistering 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, marking its hottest day in history. The scorching summer sun has been draining the energy of Delhiites. Earth sciences minister Kiren Rijuju later said this was “not official yet” and described such a high temperature as “very unlikely” while asking the weather office to verify the report.  Unfortunately, it is not just the people of Delhi-NCR who are suffering; the entire country is grappling with a nearly violent heatwave. Moreover, heatwaves are becoming more prolonged and intense. So, what causes a heatwave? Experts attribute this to two factors:  One is El Nino, the infamous weather phenomenon frequently in the spotlight, and the second is the presence of high-pressure areas over southern peninsular India. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, examines the long-drawn heatwaves and the reasons behind their 

increasing duration in today’s Mint Primer.


 

In the world of stock trading, it’s crunch time, much like the final overs of a gripping cricket match. As India nears the end of its Lok Sabha elections, with the last votes being cast this Saturday and exit polls expected the same evening, investors are on the edge. Recently, there's been a notable shift in the stock market, particularly among retail and high-net-worth investors. These individuals, often referred to as the 'Client' category by the NSE, have traditionally been savvy, sometimes even outguessing foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in predicting market trends. However, in a striking move, they’ve significantly scaled back their bullish positions on Nifty and Bank Nifty futures. Conversely, foreign investors, who were net bearish in mid-May, flipped their stance to net bullish by the end of the month. This shift suggests a mix of caution and repositioning as everyone braces for the election results. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to experts who pointed out that the market is playing between a position of optimism and caution.


 

The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in Indian elections hasn't quite stirred the political pot as some might have hoped. Despite being around for a decade and touted as a tool for voter dissent, its impact has been minimal. In the last couple of Lok Sabha elections, barely 1% of voters chose NOTA. It has gained slightly more traction in places like Bihar and Odisha, particularly in tribal areas, but it’s still not causing major ripples.


 

To break it down: in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, the majority of the 543 Lok Sabha seats saw less than 1% of voters picking NOTA. About a third of the seats saw slightly higher engagement, with 1-2% opting for it, but only a very few seats saw it cross the 4% threshold. Interestingly, its popularity dipped in 2019. Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a closer look at the impact of the NOTA option on India’s elections.

Chart links:

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SFqmT/full.png

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ywrY2/full.png

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sADPO/full.png


 

The United States is preparing to discuss a preferential trade agreement with India, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti. In an interview with Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad, the former mayor of Los Angeles indicated that while Washington isn't exactly eager to sign free trade agreements, it is open to exploring trade opportunities focused on specific products or sectors.  This move aligns with the two nations' ambitious goal to double their trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. Relations between the two countries have been improving, highlighted by the resolution of six trade disputes last June. Following this, India reduced customs duties on several U.S. goods, including apples and almonds.


 

Last year, Amazon called off its deal to buy MX Player, a video platform owned by Times Internet. Now, after almost a year of back-and-forth, the e-commerce giant is back at the negotiating table with Times Internet, reports Mint’s Gaurav Laghate. Initially, Amazon valued MX Player at about $60 million, while Times Internet was seeking over $100 million. Fast forward to now, and MX Player's situation has worsened. Its valuation has dropped further due to financial struggles, including a substantial debt of about ₹2,500 crore (roughly $300 million). While Amazon remains interested, it has made it clear that it won't take on that debt.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

 

Mint Primer | Into the 50s: Why heatwaves are hotter & longer

In a market segment with its ear to the ground, apprehension is rising

After two big polls, Nota remains a one-percenter

Washington ready to discuss preferential trade deal with India: US Ambassador

Amazon to buy MXPlayer from Times Internet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 407 no Why political parties are wooing women voters https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-political-parties-are-wooing-women-voters-OxRwbeeI Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The Indian equity markets fell slightly on Tuesday. Nifty was down by 0.19 percent, while the Sensex dropped by 0.29 percent.    We've got a pretty hot edition for you today: a lot of our top stories of the day have to do with the summer. Let's get into it.   The summers are here — and with it, comes enormous demand for power. Temperatures are a good indicator of the demand for electricity, but that can vary a lot for a given place — and even on the same day. 2024 is shaping up to be warmer than last year , which would mean that India's power demand will peak again at some point in the next few weeks. Can India keep up with this fluctuating demand? Our partners at How India Lives . com try and answer that in five succinct charts. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kbPDA/full.png   The heatwave is also bad news for automakers. Fewer people are stepping out to escape the sun, and in turn, fewer prospective buyers are going to the showroom to look at cars. Sales in May are sharply down from the same period a year ago, reports Alisha Sachdev. But the heatwave isn't the only one at fault: the election cycle, as well as a lack of auspicious days are also to blame. To counter that, dealerships are offering widespread discounts and doorstep deliveries. If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, now might be the time to capitalise.   Despite a record harvest, wheat prices are still rising. Lower production due to untimely rains in some states has marred the distribution for wheat. This might push the Indian government to allow the import of wheat, which is currently banned. While currently wheat prices are fine, they might steadily but surely rise as there's less wheat stock in the market. Sayantan Bera explores the current predicament and the future outlook in this Mint Primer. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0B1nT/full.png   For global media conglomerate Walt Disney, a particular piece of inheritance in India has turned into a white elephant. When Disney bought out 21st century Fox, it also received a 30 percent share of Tata's DTH company, Tata Play. However, sources told Gaurav Laghate that Disney wants nothing to do with this business. The Tata Group has refused to buy Disney out, and other buyers aren't interested either — further complicating the matter. The Tatas had hoped to IPO this company in at least three different instances, but decided against it. Tata Play has now become the strange DTH that nobody wants to play with. https://www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2024/05/27/600x338/HULU-EVALUATION-DISNEY-COMCAST-1_1715095044262_1716804336688.JPG   The Indian society isn't firmly patriarchal anymore: women now have various rights, and more importantly, cash in hand. Romita Datta's on-ground report from Kolkata during this election season proves that point. A host of women-centric schemes by the BJP government have made women in rural and semi-urban areas quite independent. More women are now registering as voters , and according to one research report from the State Bank of India, the 2029 national election will see more women voters than men. So, it's time for campaigns to focus on women now, as political parties see huge returns from them. The numbers make that clear too, Romita writes. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SXMyh/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7TzBH/full.png   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Can India keep up with the ebbs and flows of power demand?    Heatwave cooks car sales in May, footfall stalls in car showrooms   Our daily bread’s getting hot. Can imports help?   The curious case of Disney’s 30% stake in Tata Play    Why political parties are breaking the bank to win over women voters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why political parties are wooing women voters full 575 Mint - HT Smartcast How will India manage its power demand this summer? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The Indian equity markets fell slightly on Tuesday. Nifty was down by 0.19 percent, while the Sensex dropped by 0.29 percent.    We've got a pretty hot edition for you today: a lot of our top stories of the day have to do with the summer. Let's get into it.   The summers are here — and with it, comes enormous demand for power. Temperatures are a good indicator of the demand for electricity, but that can vary a lot for a given place — and even on the same day. 2024 is shaping up to be warmer than last year , which would mean that India's power demand will peak again at some point in the next few weeks. Can India keep up with this fluctuating demand? Our partners at How India Lives . com try and answer that in five succinct charts. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kbPDA/full.png   The heatwave is also bad news for automakers. Fewer people are stepping out to escape the sun, and in turn, fewer prospective buyers are going to the showroom to look at cars. Sales in May are sharply down from the same period a year ago, reports Alisha Sachdev. But the heatwave isn't the only one at fault: the election cycle, as well as a lack of auspicious days are also to blame. To counter that, dealerships are offering widespread discounts and doorstep deliveries. If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, now might be the time to capitalise.   Despite a record harvest, wheat prices are still rising. Lower production due to untimely rains in some states has marred the distribution for wheat. This might push the Indian government to allow the import of wheat, which is currently banned. While currently wheat prices are fine, they might steadily but surely rise as there's less wheat stock in the market. Sayantan Bera explores the current predicament and the future outlook in this Mint Primer. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0B1nT/full.png   For global media conglomerate Walt Disney, a particular piece of inheritance in India has turned into a white elephant. When Disney bought out 21st century Fox, it also received a 30 percent share of Tata's DTH company, Tata Play. However, sources told Gaurav Laghate that Disney wants nothing to do with this business. The Tata Group has refused to buy Disney out, and other buyers aren't interested either — further complicating the matter. The Tatas had hoped to IPO this company in at least three different instances, but decided against it. Tata Play has now become the strange DTH that nobody wants to play with. https://www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2024/05/27/600x338/HULU-EVALUATION-DISNEY-COMCAST-1_1715095044262_1716804336688.JPG   The Indian society isn't firmly patriarchal anymore: women now have various rights, and more importantly, cash in hand. Romita Datta's on-ground report from Kolkata during this election season proves that point. A host of women-centric schemes by the BJP government have made women in rural and semi-urban areas quite independent. More women are now registering as voters , and according to one research report from the State Bank of India, the 2029 national election will see more women voters than men. So, it's time for campaigns to focus on women now, as political parties see huge returns from them. The numbers make that clear too, Romita writes. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SXMyh/full.png https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7TzBH/full.png   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Can India keep up with the ebbs and flows of power demand?    Heatwave cooks car sales in May, footfall stalls in car showrooms   Our daily bread’s getting hot. Can imports help?   The curious case of Disney’s 30% stake in Tata Play    Why political parties are breaking the bank to win over women voters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The Indian equity markets fell slightly on Tuesday. Nifty was down by 0.19 percent, while the Sensex dropped by 0.29 percent. 


 

We've got a pretty hot edition for you today: a lot of our top stories of the day have to do with the summer. Let's get into it.


 

The summers are here — and with it, comes enormous demand for power. Temperatures are a good indicator of the demand for electricity, but that can vary a lot for a given place — and even on the same day. 2024 is shaping up to be warmer than last year , which would mean that India's power demand will peak again at some point in the next few weeks. Can India keep up with this fluctuating demand? Our partners at How India Lives . com try and answer that in five succinct charts.

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The heatwave is also bad news for automakers. Fewer people are stepping out to escape the sun, and in turn, fewer prospective buyers are going to the showroom to look at cars. Sales in May are sharply down from the same period a year ago, reports Alisha Sachdev. But the heatwave isn't the only one at fault: the election cycle, as well as a lack of auspicious days are also to blame. To counter that, dealerships are offering widespread discounts and doorstep deliveries. If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, now might be the time to capitalise.


 

Despite a record harvest, wheat prices are still rising. Lower production due to untimely rains in some states has marred the distribution for wheat. This might push the Indian government to allow the import of wheat, which is currently banned. While currently wheat prices are fine, they might steadily but surely rise as there's less wheat stock in the market. Sayantan Bera explores the current predicament and the future outlook in this Mint Primer.

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For global media conglomerate Walt Disney, a particular piece of inheritance in India has turned into a white elephant. When Disney bought out 21st century Fox, it also received a 30 percent share of Tata's DTH company, Tata Play. However, sources told Gaurav Laghate that Disney wants nothing to do with this business. The Tata Group has refused to buy Disney out, and other buyers aren't interested either — further complicating the matter. The Tatas had hoped to IPO this company in at least three different instances, but decided against it. Tata Play has now become the strange DTH that nobody wants to play with.

https://www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2024/05/27/600x338/HULU-EVALUATION-DISNEY-COMCAST-1_1715095044262_1716804336688.JPG


 

The Indian society isn't firmly patriarchal anymore: women now have various rights, and more importantly, cash in hand. Romita Datta's on-ground report from Kolkata during this election season proves that point. A host of women-centric schemes by the BJP government have made women in rural and semi-urban areas quite independent. More women are now registering as voters , and according to one research report from the State Bank of India, the 2029 national election will see more women voters than men. So, it's time for campaigns to focus on women now, as political parties see huge returns from them. The numbers make that clear too, Romita writes.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SXMyh/full.png

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We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Can India keep up with the ebbs and flows of power demand? 


 

Heatwave cooks car sales in May, footfall stalls in car showrooms


 

Our daily bread’s getting hot. Can imports help?


 

The curious case of Disney’s 30% stake in Tata Play 


 

Why political parties are breaking the bank to win over women voters 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 333 no Markets raise a vote of confidence https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-raise-a-vote-of-confidence-7YmQKJv_ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark equity indices touched their all-time highs intraday trading on Monday only to end the session on a muted note. The Sensex touched a new high of 76,009 points before climbing down and closing 0.03 per cent below its previous close. Similarly, the Nifty touched an all-time high of 23,110 points, only to close 0.11 per cent below its previous close.  As the Lok Sabha election reaches its final stretch, with the last phase of polling scheduled for this Saturday, Mint’s Plain Facts series on the government’s schemes brings an overview of the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) - a rural housing scheme. Originally evolving from the Congress-era Indira Awaas Yojana, PMAY-G has targeted 60% of its homes for SC/ST families, managing to reach about 11.4 million households. Launched in 2016, the scheme covers roughly 22% of India's rural SC/ST population, according to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census. One standout feature of PMAY-G is the substantial ownership by women, who individually or jointly own nearly 72% of the houses constructed under the scheme—a stark contrast to the national rate of 43%. However, despite these impressive numbers, the implementation of PMAY-G has been uneven. Most houses were constructed in a concentrated period from 2019 to 2021, with recent years showing a slowdown. Moreover, the financial model supporting PMAY-G involves substantial central funding and a significant reliance on unskilled labour from the rural job guarantee scheme. Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Mint’s data team and senior editor Nandita Venkatesan. Markets too are reacting to the final leg of the Lok Sabha election. Signs of restored investor confidence are emerging in the equity markets. The net value of marketwide options' open position saw a drastic reduction, from ₹4.96 trillion on May 7 to ₹91,149 crore by May 24, reflecting a shift in market sentiment. This decrease is significant as it indicates a wave of short covering. This means investors are unwinding their bets against the market. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to market insiders and mutual fund executives who see this as an expectation of political continuity at the centre.  People for years have been getting intellectual property rights protected for their own innovations. Be it technological innovations or a brand symbol - IP or intellectual property rights cover all of them. However, recently, Bollywood bigwigs Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor won legal protections for their iconic phrases "bhidu" and "jhakaas," stirring quite the pot about creative freedom. Essentially, they've set a legal boundary that prevents anyone from using their catchphrases, or even their images and voices, without permission. This move is part of a trend where celebs are locking down their personal brand elements to control how they're used, especially in our digital world. Experts now warn that this aggressive enforcement of personality rights could stifle creative content and legitimate freedom of expression. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav spoke to experts who pointed out that if celebrities push too hard on these rights, we might see a serious drop in the variety of creative content online. While there’s no specific law in India for personality rights, the courts recognize them under the right to privacy. And yes, celebs can trademark their names and unique attributes. With more celebrities likely to follow suit, digital content creators are in a tight spot. India's highway building spree has hit a bit of a speed bump. Over the last decade, we've seen the construction pace shoot up from less than 12 km a day back in 2013-14 to a peak of 37 km per day in 2020-21. But now, it looks like things are slowing down. Last year, the government managed about 34 km per day, and it seems like we'll see even less this year. Estimates suggest highway building might drop to around 31 km per day. So, what's behind this slowdown? There's been some stalling with project cost approvals under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, thanks to the rising prices of raw materials and land. Plus, there's been a snag in the execution of projects awarded under the hybrid annuity model. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the pace of highway construction is seeing a slowdown, in today’s Mint Primer.  India's FMCG sector has been on a roll, especially in the rural areas. After some tough years marked by demonetization, financial crises, and a global pandemic, rural India is finally seeing some sun. The latest figures tell us that for the first time in over a year, rural shoppers are buying more, outpacing their urban peers with a 7.6% jump in demand. This comes after a pretty steady climb from a more modest 5.7% rise in urban areas. Now, what’s really kicked things into gear? Well, it looks like the agriculture sector's getting back on its feet. Plus, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a normal monsoon this year. Big names in the FMCG world are not just selling more, but also spreading out into new territories with tailored products that fit the rural wallet and lifestyle. It's about making sure that a shop in a small town gets the same goods as a supermarket in a big city, but maybe in sizes and prices that make more sense for its customers. In cities, though, it's all about going fancy. Premium products are flying off the shelves as urban consumers are willing to shell out a bit more for something special. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the world of FMCG companies, riding high on robust fourth quarter results.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Markets raise a vote of confidence full 574 Mint - HT Smartcast Highway construction hits a speed bump; Green shoots in India’s FMCG sector Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark equity indices touched their all-time highs intraday trading on Monday only to end the session on a muted note. The Sensex touched a new high of 76,009 points before climbing down and closing 0.03 per cent below its previous close. Similarly, the Nifty touched an all-time high of 23,110 points, only to close 0.11 per cent below its previous close.  As the Lok Sabha election reaches its final stretch, with the last phase of polling scheduled for this Saturday, Mint’s Plain Facts series on the government’s schemes brings an overview of the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) - a rural housing scheme. Originally evolving from the Congress-era Indira Awaas Yojana, PMAY-G has targeted 60% of its homes for SC/ST families, managing to reach about 11.4 million households. Launched in 2016, the scheme covers roughly 22% of India's rural SC/ST population, according to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census. One standout feature of PMAY-G is the substantial ownership by women, who individually or jointly own nearly 72% of the houses constructed under the scheme—a stark contrast to the national rate of 43%. However, despite these impressive numbers, the implementation of PMAY-G has been uneven. Most houses were constructed in a concentrated period from 2019 to 2021, with recent years showing a slowdown. Moreover, the financial model supporting PMAY-G involves substantial central funding and a significant reliance on unskilled labour from the rural job guarantee scheme. Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Mint’s data team and senior editor Nandita Venkatesan. Markets too are reacting to the final leg of the Lok Sabha election. Signs of restored investor confidence are emerging in the equity markets. The net value of marketwide options' open position saw a drastic reduction, from ₹4.96 trillion on May 7 to ₹91,149 crore by May 24, reflecting a shift in market sentiment. This decrease is significant as it indicates a wave of short covering. This means investors are unwinding their bets against the market. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to market insiders and mutual fund executives who see this as an expectation of political continuity at the centre.  People for years have been getting intellectual property rights protected for their own innovations. Be it technological innovations or a brand symbol - IP or intellectual property rights cover all of them. However, recently, Bollywood bigwigs Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor won legal protections for their iconic phrases "bhidu" and "jhakaas," stirring quite the pot about creative freedom. Essentially, they've set a legal boundary that prevents anyone from using their catchphrases, or even their images and voices, without permission. This move is part of a trend where celebs are locking down their personal brand elements to control how they're used, especially in our digital world. Experts now warn that this aggressive enforcement of personality rights could stifle creative content and legitimate freedom of expression. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav spoke to experts who pointed out that if celebrities push too hard on these rights, we might see a serious drop in the variety of creative content online. While there’s no specific law in India for personality rights, the courts recognize them under the right to privacy. And yes, celebs can trademark their names and unique attributes. With more celebrities likely to follow suit, digital content creators are in a tight spot. India's highway building spree has hit a bit of a speed bump. Over the last decade, we've seen the construction pace shoot up from less than 12 km a day back in 2013-14 to a peak of 37 km per day in 2020-21. But now, it looks like things are slowing down. Last year, the government managed about 34 km per day, and it seems like we'll see even less this year. Estimates suggest highway building might drop to around 31 km per day. So, what's behind this slowdown? There's been some stalling with project cost approvals under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, thanks to the rising prices of raw materials and land. Plus, there's been a snag in the execution of projects awarded under the hybrid annuity model. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the pace of highway construction is seeing a slowdown, in today’s Mint Primer.  India's FMCG sector has been on a roll, especially in the rural areas. After some tough years marked by demonetization, financial crises, and a global pandemic, rural India is finally seeing some sun. The latest figures tell us that for the first time in over a year, rural shoppers are buying more, outpacing their urban peers with a 7.6% jump in demand. This comes after a pretty steady climb from a more modest 5.7% rise in urban areas. Now, what’s really kicked things into gear? Well, it looks like the agriculture sector's getting back on its feet. Plus, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a normal monsoon this year. Big names in the FMCG world are not just selling more, but also spreading out into new territories with tailored products that fit the rural wallet and lifestyle. It's about making sure that a shop in a small town gets the same goods as a supermarket in a big city, but maybe in sizes and prices that make more sense for its customers. In cities, though, it's all about going fancy. Premium products are flying off the shelves as urban consumers are willing to shell out a bit more for something special. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the world of FMCG companies, riding high on robust fourth quarter results.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 28, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark equity indices touched their all-time highs intraday trading on Monday only to end the session on a muted note. The Sensex touched a new high of 76,009 points before climbing down and closing 0.03 per cent below its previous close. Similarly, the Nifty touched an all-time high of 23,110 points, only to close 0.11 per cent below its previous close. 

As the Lok Sabha election reaches its final stretch, with the last phase of polling scheduled for this Saturday, Mint’s Plain Facts series on the government’s schemes brings an overview of the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) - a rural housing scheme. Originally evolving from the Congress-era Indira Awaas Yojana, PMAY-G has targeted 60% of its homes for SC/ST families, managing to reach about 11.4 million households. Launched in 2016, the scheme covers roughly 22% of India's rural SC/ST population, according to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census. One standout feature of PMAY-G is the substantial ownership by women, who individually or jointly own nearly 72% of the houses constructed under the scheme—a stark contrast to the national rate of 43%. However, despite these impressive numbers, the implementation of PMAY-G has been uneven. Most houses were constructed in a concentrated period from 2019 to 2021, with recent years showing a slowdown. Moreover, the financial model supporting PMAY-G involves substantial central funding and a significant reliance on unskilled labour from the rural job guarantee scheme. Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Mint’s data team and senior editor Nandita Venkatesan.

Markets too are reacting to the final leg of the Lok Sabha election. Signs of restored investor confidence are emerging in the equity markets. The net value of marketwide options' open position saw a drastic reduction, from ₹4.96 trillion on May 7 to ₹91,149 crore by May 24, reflecting a shift in market sentiment. This decrease is significant as it indicates a wave of short covering. This means investors are unwinding their bets against the market. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal spoke to market insiders and mutual fund executives who see this as an expectation of political continuity at the centre. 

People for years have been getting intellectual property rights protected for their own innovations. Be it technological innovations or a brand symbol - IP or intellectual property rights cover all of them. However, recently, Bollywood bigwigs Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor won legal protections for their iconic phrases "bhidu" and "jhakaas," stirring quite the pot about creative freedom. Essentially, they've set a legal boundary that prevents anyone from using their catchphrases, or even their images and voices, without permission. This move is part of a trend where celebs are locking down their personal brand elements to control how they're used, especially in our digital world. Experts now warn that this aggressive enforcement of personality rights could stifle creative content and legitimate freedom of expression. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav spoke to experts who pointed out that if celebrities push too hard on these rights, we might see a serious drop in the variety of creative content online. While there’s no specific law in India for personality rights, the courts recognize them under the right to privacy. And yes, celebs can trademark their names and unique attributes. With more celebrities likely to follow suit, digital content creators are in a tight spot.

India's highway building spree has hit a bit of a speed bump. Over the last decade, we've seen the construction pace shoot up from less than 12 km a day back in 2013-14 to a peak of 37 km per day in 2020-21. But now, it looks like things are slowing down. Last year, the government managed about 34 km per day, and it seems like we'll see even less this year. Estimates suggest highway building might drop to around 31 km per day. So, what's behind this slowdown? There's been some stalling with project cost approvals under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, thanks to the rising prices of raw materials and land. Plus, there's been a snag in the execution of projects awarded under the hybrid annuity model. Mint’s Sumant Banerji explains why the pace of highway construction is seeing a slowdown, in today’s Mint Primer. 

India's FMCG sector has been on a roll, especially in the rural areas. After some tough years marked by demonetization, financial crises, and a global pandemic, rural India is finally seeing some sun. The latest figures tell us that for the first time in over a year, rural shoppers are buying more, outpacing their urban peers with a 7.6% jump in demand. This comes after a pretty steady climb from a more modest 5.7% rise in urban areas. Now, what’s really kicked things into gear? Well, it looks like the agriculture sector's getting back on its feet. Plus, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a normal monsoon this year. Big names in the FMCG world are not just selling more, but also spreading out into new territories with tailored products that fit the rural wallet and lifestyle. It's about making sure that a shop in a small town gets the same goods as a supermarket in a big city, but maybe in sizes and prices that make more sense for its customers. In cities, though, it's all about going fancy. Premium products are flying off the shelves as urban consumers are willing to shell out a bit more for something special. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into the world of FMCG companies, riding high on robust fourth quarter results. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 500 no A few questions for BJP, INDIA alliance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-few-questions-for-bjp-india-alliance-uvxvuLaa Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The seventh and final phase of the 2024 general elections will conclude this week. Despite numerous rallies and manifesto releases, the parties' economic plans remain unclear. Puja Mehra raises a critical question to the two main blocs: how will they kick-start India's economic progress? She argues that both parties' plans have glaring loopholes. The prime minister must justify the  modest economic progress over the past decade of his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the INDIA coalition must specify the source of their planned economic development. Mehra also poses open-ended questions about corporate tax policies and the relationship between public and private investment. Be sure to read this piece for thought-provoking queries about the country's future, regardless of who comes to power. While election results are yet to be announced, the central government is already planning for the next term. The Centre aims to significantly scale up its interest-free loans to states to boost capital expenditure. Rhik Kundu reports that this initiative will be part of the full budget, set to be released in July. The government has currently earmarked 75,000 crore rupees for this scheme. To qualify, states must implement several reform-oriented structural changes in sectors such as housing and vehicle scrappage. Facebook has faced widespread criticism over its content moderation policies, leading it to contract IT giant Cognizant to filter out harmful content. Cognizant directed its staff to manually review reported content to determine its suitability for posting. However, these employees, who have since left the firm, are now suing Cognizant. They allege that the reviews were extreme in nature and high in volume. The 14 plaintiffs claim the work was misrepresented to them and that they now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Varun Sood provides the details of the latest issue facing Cognizant. Eleven successive quarters of net profit, an EBITDA margin of around 25 percent, and a stock price increase of nearly 200 percent—any chief executive would be delighted with these numbers. But Amur Lakshminarayanan has just one question: what's next? Lakshminarayanan, the MD and CEO of Tata Communications, is now in his fifth year at the helm. The Trichy-born engineer has successfully diversified Tata Communications' revenue streams, including an exciting new venture into live streaming sports events. Right before the pandemic, Tata Communications also began modernizing its operations with artificial intelligence—a move that has paid off dividends. Arun Janardhan profiles Lakshminarayanan in this "Business of Life" piece for Mint Lounge. There are necessities, and then there are luxuries. Common Indian wisdom says it's always a good idea to buy a house. But what if you aim for a luxurious one? Generally, no financial advisor would recommend overextending yourself to buy a house beyond your means. However, Shah Rukh Khan differs in philosophy, suggesting that buying a more expensive house will motivate you to work harder to achieve it. Vivek Kaul, in his trademark writing style, explores this concept—examining whether it makes financial and common sense to follow this model. He provides answers through a narrative involving a young couple and their family's desires, making for an informative yet entertaining read. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Questions on India's economy that Modi and Gandhi should answer  Centre's interest-free loans to states could be scaled up in the full budget Ex-Cognizant staff sue over mental health harm from Facebook work Amur Lakshminarayanan: The communicator  Why SRK’s home-buying guide doesn’t apply to everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 A few questions for BJP, INDIA alliance full 573 Mint - HT Smartcast Cognizant faces lawsuits over Facebook deal, analysing SRK's real estate advice Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The seventh and final phase of the 2024 general elections will conclude this week. Despite numerous rallies and manifesto releases, the parties' economic plans remain unclear. Puja Mehra raises a critical question to the two main blocs: how will they kick-start India's economic progress? She argues that both parties' plans have glaring loopholes. The prime minister must justify the  modest economic progress over the past decade of his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the INDIA coalition must specify the source of their planned economic development. Mehra also poses open-ended questions about corporate tax policies and the relationship between public and private investment. Be sure to read this piece for thought-provoking queries about the country's future, regardless of who comes to power. While election results are yet to be announced, the central government is already planning for the next term. The Centre aims to significantly scale up its interest-free loans to states to boost capital expenditure. Rhik Kundu reports that this initiative will be part of the full budget, set to be released in July. The government has currently earmarked 75,000 crore rupees for this scheme. To qualify, states must implement several reform-oriented structural changes in sectors such as housing and vehicle scrappage. Facebook has faced widespread criticism over its content moderation policies, leading it to contract IT giant Cognizant to filter out harmful content. Cognizant directed its staff to manually review reported content to determine its suitability for posting. However, these employees, who have since left the firm, are now suing Cognizant. They allege that the reviews were extreme in nature and high in volume. The 14 plaintiffs claim the work was misrepresented to them and that they now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Varun Sood provides the details of the latest issue facing Cognizant. Eleven successive quarters of net profit, an EBITDA margin of around 25 percent, and a stock price increase of nearly 200 percent—any chief executive would be delighted with these numbers. But Amur Lakshminarayanan has just one question: what's next? Lakshminarayanan, the MD and CEO of Tata Communications, is now in his fifth year at the helm. The Trichy-born engineer has successfully diversified Tata Communications' revenue streams, including an exciting new venture into live streaming sports events. Right before the pandemic, Tata Communications also began modernizing its operations with artificial intelligence—a move that has paid off dividends. Arun Janardhan profiles Lakshminarayanan in this "Business of Life" piece for Mint Lounge. There are necessities, and then there are luxuries. Common Indian wisdom says it's always a good idea to buy a house. But what if you aim for a luxurious one? Generally, no financial advisor would recommend overextending yourself to buy a house beyond your means. However, Shah Rukh Khan differs in philosophy, suggesting that buying a more expensive house will motivate you to work harder to achieve it. Vivek Kaul, in his trademark writing style, explores this concept—examining whether it makes financial and common sense to follow this model. He provides answers through a narrative involving a young couple and their family's desires, making for an informative yet entertaining read. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Questions on India's economy that Modi and Gandhi should answer  Centre's interest-free loans to states could be scaled up in the full budget Ex-Cognizant staff sue over mental health harm from Facebook work Amur Lakshminarayanan: The communicator  Why SRK’s home-buying guide doesn’t apply to everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The seventh and final phase of the 2024 general elections will conclude this week. Despite numerous rallies and manifesto releases, the parties' economic plans remain unclear. Puja Mehra raises a critical question to the two main blocs: how will they kick-start India's economic progress? She argues that both parties' plans have glaring loopholes. The prime minister must justify the  modest economic progress over the past decade of his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the INDIA coalition must specify the source of their planned economic development. Mehra also poses open-ended questions about corporate tax policies and the relationship between public and private investment. Be sure to read this piece for thought-provoking queries about the country's future, regardless of who comes to power.

While election results are yet to be announced, the central government is already planning for the next term. The Centre aims to significantly scale up its interest-free loans to states to boost capital expenditure. Rhik Kundu reports that this initiative will be part of the full budget, set to be released in July. The government has currently earmarked 75,000 crore rupees for this scheme. To qualify, states must implement several reform-oriented structural changes in sectors such as housing and vehicle scrappage.

Facebook has faced widespread criticism over its content moderation policies, leading it to contract IT giant Cognizant to filter out harmful content. Cognizant directed its staff to manually review reported content to determine its suitability for posting. However, these employees, who have since left the firm, are now suing Cognizant. They allege that the reviews were extreme in nature and high in volume. The 14 plaintiffs claim the work was misrepresented to them and that they now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Varun Sood provides the details of the latest issue facing Cognizant.

Eleven successive quarters of net profit, an EBITDA margin of around 25 percent, and a stock price increase of nearly 200 percent—any chief executive would be delighted with these numbers. But Amur Lakshminarayanan has just one question: what's next? Lakshminarayanan, the MD and CEO of Tata Communications, is now in his fifth year at the helm. The Trichy-born engineer has successfully diversified Tata Communications' revenue streams, including an exciting new venture into live streaming sports events. Right before the pandemic, Tata Communications also began modernizing its operations with artificial intelligence—a move that has paid off dividends. Arun Janardhan profiles Lakshminarayanan in this "Business of Life" piece for Mint Lounge.

There are necessities, and then there are luxuries. Common Indian wisdom says it's always a good idea to buy a house. But what if you aim for a luxurious one? Generally, no financial advisor would recommend overextending yourself to buy a house beyond your means. However, Shah Rukh Khan differs in philosophy, suggesting that buying a more expensive house will motivate you to work harder to achieve it. Vivek Kaul, in his trademark writing style, explores this concept—examining whether it makes financial and common sense to follow this model. He provides answers through a narrative involving a young couple and their family's desires, making for an informative yet entertaining read.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Questions on India's economy that Modi and Gandhi should answer 

Centre's interest-free loans to states could be scaled up in the full budget

Ex-Cognizant staff sue over mental health harm from Facebook work

Amur Lakshminarayanan: The communicator 

Why SRK’s home-buying guide doesn’t apply to everyone

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 355 no Markets reach new record highs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-reach-new-record-highs-NyvOzroo Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s stock markets had a great Thursday, with the Nifty and Sensex benchmarks each rising more than 1.6% to close at record highs. As a result, India's stock markets are now valued at over 5 trillion dollars, writes Dipti Sharma. Banking stocks, which have largely underperformed this year, also saw significant gains. Additionally, investor sentiment was boosted by the Prime Minister's projection that the stock markets would hit record highs on 4 June if the BJP returns to power with a comfortable majority. Zomato, on the other hand, rose just about a per cent yesterday. However, its share price has surged over 50 per cent since the beginning of the year. The food delivery company distinguishes itself from its startup peers as a consistently profitable and innovative entity. However, Zomato wasn't always this way—it spent its first four years burning through investor money. TN Hari, a senior executive with multiple growth-stage startups, chronicles Zomato's journey from a struggling startup to an investor darling. Paytm, another startup, which listed around the same time as Zomato, has faced a contrasting fate. Yesterday, Paytm's shares dropped nearly 3 per cent, bringing its total decline in 2024 to over 44 per cent. When the Reserve Bank of India cancelled its banking licence, Paytm's share price cracked. That has had an impact on its employees as well, who have flooded the job market with their resumes. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report about the fintech's challenges. While Paytm hasn't resorted to any layoffs, yet, employees are concerned about potential cuts and career stagnation. If you're hiring, expect to see resumes from Paytm employees soon. Every year, India adds to its electric power generation capacity, a necessity given the record highs in electricity consumption we hit annually. With summer officially here, the demand for electronic items to keep cool has surged. However, June might bring with it a power crisis. As N. Madhavan writes, the power deficit in June is expected to be the highest in 14 years. Night-time demand is projected to reach 235 gigawatts, while supply lags at only 221 gigawatts. In response, the government has reopened old coal plants and plans to open new ones to meet this demand. Despite these efforts, power cuts are likely this year. These days, it seems only brands text me on WhatsApp. The app, once a cheap way to communicate with friends and family, has become a platform for endless coupons and shopping offers. This shift began a few years ago when Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, integrated commercial features into the messaging app. According to our reporter Gulveen Aulakh, this trend will only become more widespread. Gulveen spoke with Sandhya Devanathan, the head of Meta India, who said that conversational commerce is set to be a priority for Meta. Users will be able to chat with bots and shop for goods directly. Meta is targeting the 350 million Indians who have already used UPI for payments, believing they will be more receptive to online shopping on WhatsApp. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   RBI largesse catapults market to fresh high Profits delivered: What Zomato’s sizzling results teach investors, VCs  Paytm, its payments bank employees seek greener pastures  Power crisis: Are we in for another sizzling summer? Chat-based e-commerce key priority for WhatsApp: Meta India head  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Markets reach new record highs full 572 Mint - HT Smartcast Zomato and Paytm's mixed fortunes; more power cuts in June? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: India’s stock markets had a great Thursday, with the Nifty and Sensex benchmarks each rising more than 1.6% to close at record highs. As a result, India's stock markets are now valued at over 5 trillion dollars, writes Dipti Sharma. Banking stocks, which have largely underperformed this year, also saw significant gains. Additionally, investor sentiment was boosted by the Prime Minister's projection that the stock markets would hit record highs on 4 June if the BJP returns to power with a comfortable majority. Zomato, on the other hand, rose just about a per cent yesterday. However, its share price has surged over 50 per cent since the beginning of the year. The food delivery company distinguishes itself from its startup peers as a consistently profitable and innovative entity. However, Zomato wasn't always this way—it spent its first four years burning through investor money. TN Hari, a senior executive with multiple growth-stage startups, chronicles Zomato's journey from a struggling startup to an investor darling. Paytm, another startup, which listed around the same time as Zomato, has faced a contrasting fate. Yesterday, Paytm's shares dropped nearly 3 per cent, bringing its total decline in 2024 to over 44 per cent. When the Reserve Bank of India cancelled its banking licence, Paytm's share price cracked. That has had an impact on its employees as well, who have flooded the job market with their resumes. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report about the fintech's challenges. While Paytm hasn't resorted to any layoffs, yet, employees are concerned about potential cuts and career stagnation. If you're hiring, expect to see resumes from Paytm employees soon. Every year, India adds to its electric power generation capacity, a necessity given the record highs in electricity consumption we hit annually. With summer officially here, the demand for electronic items to keep cool has surged. However, June might bring with it a power crisis. As N. Madhavan writes, the power deficit in June is expected to be the highest in 14 years. Night-time demand is projected to reach 235 gigawatts, while supply lags at only 221 gigawatts. In response, the government has reopened old coal plants and plans to open new ones to meet this demand. Despite these efforts, power cuts are likely this year. These days, it seems only brands text me on WhatsApp. The app, once a cheap way to communicate with friends and family, has become a platform for endless coupons and shopping offers. This shift began a few years ago when Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, integrated commercial features into the messaging app. According to our reporter Gulveen Aulakh, this trend will only become more widespread. Gulveen spoke with Sandhya Devanathan, the head of Meta India, who said that conversational commerce is set to be a priority for Meta. Users will be able to chat with bots and shop for goods directly. Meta is targeting the 350 million Indians who have already used UPI for payments, believing they will be more receptive to online shopping on WhatsApp. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   RBI largesse catapults market to fresh high Profits delivered: What Zomato’s sizzling results teach investors, VCs  Paytm, its payments bank employees seek greener pastures  Power crisis: Are we in for another sizzling summer? Chat-based e-commerce key priority for WhatsApp: Meta India head  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

India’s stock markets had a great Thursday, with the Nifty and Sensex benchmarks each rising more than 1.6% to close at record highs. As a result, India's stock markets are now valued at over 5 trillion dollars, writes Dipti Sharma. Banking stocks, which have largely underperformed this year, also saw significant gains. Additionally, investor sentiment was boosted by the Prime Minister's projection that the stock markets would hit record highs on 4 June if the BJP returns to power with a comfortable majority.

Zomato, on the other hand, rose just about a per cent yesterday. However, its share price has surged over 50 per cent since the beginning of the year. The food delivery company distinguishes itself from its startup peers as a consistently profitable and innovative entity. However, Zomato wasn't always this way—it spent its first four years burning through investor money. TN Hari, a senior executive with multiple growth-stage startups, chronicles Zomato's journey from a struggling startup to an investor darling.

Paytm, another startup, which listed around the same time as Zomato, has faced a contrasting fate. Yesterday, Paytm's shares dropped nearly 3 per cent, bringing its total decline in 2024 to over 44 per cent. When the Reserve Bank of India cancelled its banking licence, Paytm's share price cracked. That has had an impact on its employees as well, who have flooded the job market with their resumes. Shayan Ghosh and Devina Sengupta report about the fintech's challenges. While Paytm hasn't resorted to any layoffs, yet, employees are concerned about potential cuts and career stagnation. If you're hiring, expect to see resumes from Paytm employees soon.

Every year, India adds to its electric power generation capacity, a necessity given the record highs in electricity consumption we hit annually. With summer officially here, the demand for electronic items to keep cool has surged. However, June might bring with it a power crisis. As N. Madhavan writes, the power deficit in June is expected to be the highest in 14 years. Night-time demand is projected to reach 235 gigawatts, while supply lags at only 221 gigawatts. In response, the government has reopened old coal plants and plans to open new ones to meet this demand. Despite these efforts, power cuts are likely this year.

These days, it seems only brands text me on WhatsApp. The app, once a cheap way to communicate with friends and family, has become a platform for endless coupons and shopping offers. This shift began a few years ago when Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, integrated commercial features into the messaging app. According to our reporter Gulveen Aulakh, this trend will only become more widespread. Gulveen spoke with Sandhya Devanathan, the head of Meta India, who said that conversational commerce is set to be a priority for Meta. Users will be able to chat with bots and shop for goods directly. Meta is targeting the 350 million Indians who have already used UPI for payments, believing they will be more receptive to online shopping on WhatsApp.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

RBI largesse catapults market to fresh high

Profits delivered: What Zomato’s sizzling results teach investors, VCs 

Paytm, its payments bank employees seek greener pastures 

Power crisis: Are we in for another sizzling summer?

Chat-based e-commerce key priority for WhatsApp: Meta India head 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 340 no GenZ vs Millenials: Workplace wars https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/genz-vs-millenials-workplace-wars-I4Z_WJpb Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark equity indices closed higher on Wednesday, driven by positive cues from global markets and strong Q4 earnings reports from major companies. The Sensex climbed 267 points, closing 0.36% higher than the previous session. The Nifty remained relatively flat, gaining a modest 22 points. For decades, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been a beacon of hope for millions of Indians aspiring to build a stable and strong career. However, this year, IITians are struggling to get placed. The anxiety at IITs is palpable, with hundreds of students from the 2024 batch still jobless even after the second round of placements. The traditional powerhouse of engineering talent is now casting a wider net, reaching out to startups, alumni, and exploring new industry segments to secure opportunities for its students. In particular, IIT Bombay reports that out of 1,973 students registered for placements, 1,387 have secured jobs in the first and second phases. Yet, 300 to 400 students are still searching for employment. To address this, the placement teams are proactively contacting previous recruiters and broadening their search to include companies offering lower starting salaries than before. The challenge is more acute this year due to several large IT firms scaling back campus hires, a direct consequence of the economic downturn which has tightened budgets and led to job cuts across sectors. The newer IITs are feeling the pinch as well, navigating their placement season with cautious optimism. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with Pratishtha Bagai, report on a challenging placement season at the IITs. Amid a severe heatwave and unpredictable weather patterns, India is grappling with a rise in health issues such as heatstrokes and vector-borne diseases like dengue. In response, the health ministry has introduced an initiative that feels more necessary now than ever: including climate change in the medical curriculum. Medical students could soon be learning about climate change and its effects. The proposed course aims to prepare future medical professionals to better understand and tackle health challenges directly linked to climate fluctuations. Given the complexity of diagnosing conditions like heatstroke and managing emerging diseases like monkeypox, which are exacerbated by climate shifts, this educational update seems timely. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent, Somitra Ghosh, reports on the proposed inclusion, which could help our healthcare professionals deal with climate change more efficiently. The Indian state has been in existence for close to 77 years, yet a basic necessity like clean water for all remains a challenge. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. While it has made significant strides, achieving 76.6% coverage of the estimated 193 million rural households, it still faces the challenge of ensuring these facilities are fully functional and sustainable.The initiative has seen substantial uptake, with 11 states and Union territories reaching 100% coverage. However, states like West Bengal and Rajasthan lag, with less than half of rural households connected. The discrepancy often stems from variations in local implementation and reliance on state-level schemes. In the second instalment of a new Plain Facts series by Mint’s data team, Shuja Asrar and Payal Bhattacharya examine the progress the Jal Jeevan Mission has made in rural parts of the country.  Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Shuja, Payal, and the data team. Indian carmakers are pushing back against new fuel efficiency standards proposed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The BEE aims to align with Europe's stringent vehicle emission norms, targeting carbon emissions of about 70 grams per kilometre by 2030. Automakers argue that this target is too ambitious, given that gas-powered vehicles will likely remain dominant for the next decade despite ongoing electrification efforts. The BEE, advised by the U.S.-based International Council on Clean Transportation, is advocating for these strict standards to enhance carbon reduction efforts and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles. This would involve hefty penalties for carmakers that fail to comply. Mint’s auto correspondent, Alisha Sachdev, spoke to industry insiders who warn that such stringent rules could drastically impact sales and jobs, as EV technology in India isn't as advanced as in Europe, and the charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped. Navigating generational differences at work has always been a challenge, but the gap seems to be widening. Today, companies are increasingly cautious about how they handle younger employees, especially those belonging to Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. These younger workers often bring a different perspective to the work environment, leading to tensions with older managers. The generational shift reflects broader changes in workplace dynamics. Companies are finding that traditional approaches may not resonate with younger workers, who value flexibility and personal well-being over conventional workplace rewards. The challenges extend beyond daily operations to strategic considerations. Many young professionals joined the workforce during the pandemic, missing out on traditional office bonding, and thus have a different view of workplace expectations. This shift has prompted some firms to link office attendance with appraisals to encourage a return to office settings. Moreover, younger workers are not shy about voicing their needs or moving on if those needs are unmet. For instance, they might prioritize sufficient holiday time over salary increases, reflecting a shift towards valuing experiences over material gains. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the challenges and struggles associated with this generational divide in workplaces. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   IITs scramble in last leg of placements, hundreds left to be placed India plans a new breed of warriors to battle extreme climate impact: Doctors Much of rural India now has taps, but running water largely remains a pipe dream Indian automakers resist Europe-like fuel efficiency standards Why senior managers walk on eggshells around Gen Z at the workplace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 GenZ vs Millenials: Workplace wars full 571 Mint - HT Smartcast Placement woes at IITs; The state of clean drinking water in India Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark equity indices closed higher on Wednesday, driven by positive cues from global markets and strong Q4 earnings reports from major companies. The Sensex climbed 267 points, closing 0.36% higher than the previous session. The Nifty remained relatively flat, gaining a modest 22 points. For decades, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been a beacon of hope for millions of Indians aspiring to build a stable and strong career. However, this year, IITians are struggling to get placed. The anxiety at IITs is palpable, with hundreds of students from the 2024 batch still jobless even after the second round of placements. The traditional powerhouse of engineering talent is now casting a wider net, reaching out to startups, alumni, and exploring new industry segments to secure opportunities for its students. In particular, IIT Bombay reports that out of 1,973 students registered for placements, 1,387 have secured jobs in the first and second phases. Yet, 300 to 400 students are still searching for employment. To address this, the placement teams are proactively contacting previous recruiters and broadening their search to include companies offering lower starting salaries than before. The challenge is more acute this year due to several large IT firms scaling back campus hires, a direct consequence of the economic downturn which has tightened budgets and led to job cuts across sectors. The newer IITs are feeling the pinch as well, navigating their placement season with cautious optimism. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with Pratishtha Bagai, report on a challenging placement season at the IITs. Amid a severe heatwave and unpredictable weather patterns, India is grappling with a rise in health issues such as heatstrokes and vector-borne diseases like dengue. In response, the health ministry has introduced an initiative that feels more necessary now than ever: including climate change in the medical curriculum. Medical students could soon be learning about climate change and its effects. The proposed course aims to prepare future medical professionals to better understand and tackle health challenges directly linked to climate fluctuations. Given the complexity of diagnosing conditions like heatstroke and managing emerging diseases like monkeypox, which are exacerbated by climate shifts, this educational update seems timely. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent, Somitra Ghosh, reports on the proposed inclusion, which could help our healthcare professionals deal with climate change more efficiently. The Indian state has been in existence for close to 77 years, yet a basic necessity like clean water for all remains a challenge. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. While it has made significant strides, achieving 76.6% coverage of the estimated 193 million rural households, it still faces the challenge of ensuring these facilities are fully functional and sustainable.The initiative has seen substantial uptake, with 11 states and Union territories reaching 100% coverage. However, states like West Bengal and Rajasthan lag, with less than half of rural households connected. The discrepancy often stems from variations in local implementation and reliance on state-level schemes. In the second instalment of a new Plain Facts series by Mint’s data team, Shuja Asrar and Payal Bhattacharya examine the progress the Jal Jeevan Mission has made in rural parts of the country.  Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Shuja, Payal, and the data team. Indian carmakers are pushing back against new fuel efficiency standards proposed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The BEE aims to align with Europe's stringent vehicle emission norms, targeting carbon emissions of about 70 grams per kilometre by 2030. Automakers argue that this target is too ambitious, given that gas-powered vehicles will likely remain dominant for the next decade despite ongoing electrification efforts. The BEE, advised by the U.S.-based International Council on Clean Transportation, is advocating for these strict standards to enhance carbon reduction efforts and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles. This would involve hefty penalties for carmakers that fail to comply. Mint’s auto correspondent, Alisha Sachdev, spoke to industry insiders who warn that such stringent rules could drastically impact sales and jobs, as EV technology in India isn't as advanced as in Europe, and the charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped. Navigating generational differences at work has always been a challenge, but the gap seems to be widening. Today, companies are increasingly cautious about how they handle younger employees, especially those belonging to Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. These younger workers often bring a different perspective to the work environment, leading to tensions with older managers. The generational shift reflects broader changes in workplace dynamics. Companies are finding that traditional approaches may not resonate with younger workers, who value flexibility and personal well-being over conventional workplace rewards. The challenges extend beyond daily operations to strategic considerations. Many young professionals joined the workforce during the pandemic, missing out on traditional office bonding, and thus have a different view of workplace expectations. This shift has prompted some firms to link office attendance with appraisals to encourage a return to office settings. Moreover, younger workers are not shy about voicing their needs or moving on if those needs are unmet. For instance, they might prioritize sufficient holiday time over salary increases, reflecting a shift towards valuing experiences over material gains. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the challenges and struggles associated with this generational divide in workplaces. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   IITs scramble in last leg of placements, hundreds left to be placed India plans a new breed of warriors to battle extreme climate impact: Doctors Much of rural India now has taps, but running water largely remains a pipe dream Indian automakers resist Europe-like fuel efficiency standards Why senior managers walk on eggshells around Gen Z at the workplace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian benchmark equity indices closed higher on Wednesday, driven by positive cues from global markets and strong Q4 earnings reports from major companies. The Sensex climbed 267 points, closing 0.36% higher than the previous session. The Nifty remained relatively flat, gaining a modest 22 points.

For decades, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been a beacon of hope for millions of Indians aspiring to build a stable and strong career. However, this year, IITians are struggling to get placed. The anxiety at IITs is palpable, with hundreds of students from the 2024 batch still jobless even after the second round of placements. The traditional powerhouse of engineering talent is now casting a wider net, reaching out to startups, alumni, and exploring new industry segments to secure opportunities for its students. In particular, IIT Bombay reports that out of 1,973 students registered for placements, 1,387 have secured jobs in the first and second phases. Yet, 300 to 400 students are still searching for employment. To address this, the placement teams are proactively contacting previous recruiters and broadening their search to include companies offering lower starting salaries than before. The challenge is more acute this year due to several large IT firms scaling back campus hires, a direct consequence of the economic downturn which has tightened budgets and led to job cuts across sectors. The newer IITs are feeling the pinch as well, navigating their placement season with cautious optimism. Mint’s careers correspondent Devina Sengupta, along with Pratishtha Bagai, report on a challenging placement season at the IITs.

Amid a severe heatwave and unpredictable weather patterns, India is grappling with a rise in health issues such as heatstrokes and vector-borne diseases like dengue. In response, the health ministry has introduced an initiative that feels more necessary now than ever: including climate change in the medical curriculum. Medical students could soon be learning about climate change and its effects. The proposed course aims to prepare future medical professionals to better understand and tackle health challenges directly linked to climate fluctuations. Given the complexity of diagnosing conditions like heatstroke and managing emerging diseases like monkeypox, which are exacerbated by climate shifts, this educational update seems timely. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent, Somitra Ghosh, reports on the proposed inclusion, which could help our healthcare professionals deal with climate change more efficiently.

The Indian state has been in existence for close to 77 years, yet a basic necessity like clean water for all remains a challenge. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. While it has made significant strides, achieving 76.6% coverage of the estimated 193 million rural households, it still faces the challenge of ensuring these facilities are fully functional and sustainable.The initiative has seen substantial uptake, with 11 states and Union territories reaching 100% coverage. However, states like West Bengal and Rajasthan lag, with less than half of rural households connected. The discrepancy often stems from variations in local implementation and reliance on state-level schemes. In the second instalment of a new Plain Facts series by Mint’s data team, Shuja Asrar and Payal Bhattacharya examine the progress the Jal Jeevan Mission has made in rural parts of the country. 

Click on the link in the show notes to see the charts and interactive maps prepared by Shuja, Payal, and the data team.

Indian carmakers are pushing back against new fuel efficiency standards proposed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The BEE aims to align with Europe's stringent vehicle emission norms, targeting carbon emissions of about 70 grams per kilometre by 2030. Automakers argue that this target is too ambitious, given that gas-powered vehicles will likely remain dominant for the next decade despite ongoing electrification efforts. The BEE, advised by the U.S.-based International Council on Clean Transportation, is advocating for these strict standards to enhance carbon reduction efforts and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles. This would involve hefty penalties for carmakers that fail to comply. Mint’s auto correspondent, Alisha Sachdev, spoke to industry insiders who warn that such stringent rules could drastically impact sales and jobs, as EV technology in India isn't as advanced as in Europe, and the charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped.

Navigating generational differences at work has always been a challenge, but the gap seems to be widening. Today, companies are increasingly cautious about how they handle younger employees, especially those belonging to Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. These younger workers often bring a different perspective to the work environment, leading to tensions with older managers. The generational shift reflects broader changes in workplace dynamics. Companies are finding that traditional approaches may not resonate with younger workers, who value flexibility and personal well-being over conventional workplace rewards. The challenges extend beyond daily operations to strategic considerations. Many young professionals joined the workforce during the pandemic, missing out on traditional office bonding, and thus have a different view of workplace expectations. This shift has prompted some firms to link office attendance with appraisals to encourage a return to office settings.

Moreover, younger workers are not shy about voicing their needs or moving on if those needs are unmet. For instance, they might prioritize sufficient holiday time over salary increases, reflecting a shift towards valuing experiences over material gains. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the challenges and struggles associated with this generational divide in workplaces.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

IITs scramble in last leg of placements, hundreds left to be placed

India plans a new breed of warriors to battle extreme climate impact: Doctors

Much of rural India now has taps, but running water largely remains a pipe dream

Indian automakers resist Europe-like fuel efficiency standards

Why senior managers walk on eggshells around Gen Z at the workplace

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 542 no Flipkart’s quick-commerce FOMO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/flipkarts-quick-commerce-fomo-U0DwmkZD Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark indices climbed off the day's high to close on a mixed note on Tuesday. Sensex fell marginally by 52 points to end the day 0.07 percent below its previous close while Nifty rose 27 points to close 0.12 per cent higher.   India's IPO market is heating up and could be on track to set a new record in FY25. The apparent surge in enthusiasm seems to defy the usual election-season jitters. Just two months into the financial year, new share offerings valued at more than Rs 50,000 crore are already in the pipeline. This figure is fast approaching the nearly Rs 62,000 crore that 76 companies raised through mainboard IPOs in FY24. Well-known companies such as Ola Electric Mobility, Swiggy, and NSDL are among those that have filed for IPOs with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and with heavy hitters like Tata Capital and Hexaware Technologies also expected to join the fray, the buzz is undeniable. Mint’s Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan spoke to market experts who are particularly bullish on the IPO scene. They predict the number and size of IPOs in FY25 could double those of the previous year. Munish Aggarwal of Equirus echoed this optimism and suggested that barring any major volatility, issuances could top ₹1.5 trillion this year—a milestone previously achieved only in FY22. The growing IPO market isn't just about raising more funds; it's a testament to the maturing of India's primary markets. The expanding real estate market has seen a distinct shift in dynamics that has particularly affected the availability and sales of affordable housing. Over the past five years, there's been a noticeable decline in the sale of homes priced ₹40 lakh or less in top Indian cities, even as the overall property sector has seen a recovery. The share of affordable housing in total home sales dropped dramatically from 38% in 2019 to just 19% by 2023, with a slight increase to 20% in early 2024. This trend is mirrored in the supply of new budget housing projects, which plummeted from 40% to 18% over the same period. Conversely, the luxury housing segment has thrived during this period. Benefiting from the real estate upcycle post-pandemic, luxury homes have seen an increase in both supply and sales. So, is there a way the affordable housing market could see a recovery? In which cities is this trend most visible? And has the government decided to step in? Mint’s Madhurima Nandy tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer. Just days after the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Norway’s Norges Bank, blacklisted its ports business, Gautam Adani's conglomerate is setting up a $3 billion fund to enhance its global ports capacity significantly. The Adani Group aims to create a strong presence in the crucial international trade corridor linking India with Europe through Central and West Asia, two company insiders told Mint’s senior editor Anirudh Laskar. The move is part of a strategic push to capitalise on the increasing export demands for commodities such as iron-ore and coal from India. The plan includes a substantial 25-30% increase in international port capacity over the next two years, primarily through acquisitions. The expansion will see Adani's current container-handling capacity increase from about 600 million metric tons a year to 800 million.  Have you ever wondered how India’s polling stations have evolved since Independence? In the latest instalment of Mint’s election data series, Nandita Venkatesan looks at the math around India’s polling stations. As India’s population has grown, the number of polling stations has skyrocketed from just over 200,000 in the 1960s to one million in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The average number of voters per station has declined, however, from more than 1,000 per booth in the 1960s to 879 in 2019, thanks to efforts to make voting less of a hassle. But here’s where it gets interesting — not all polling stations are under the same pressure. In 2019, places in Kerala, Bihar and Rajasthan recorded the highest number of voters per station, while those in northeastern states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh had among the fewest voters each. Click the link in the show notes to read the full story, illustrated with charts and an interactive map prepared by Nandita and her team.  E-commerce major Flipkart is feeling the heat from quick-commerce companies such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Having started by delivering groceries, these platforms now offer everything from electronics to personal care items, encroaching on Flipkart’s turf. They’ve mastered the art of ultra-fast delivery, delivering products in 15-20 minutes from dark stores and reshaping consumer expectations in the process. The rise of quick commerce has been nothing short of explosive. Their gross merchandise value (GMV) jumped from just $0.1 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion by 2023. The business taps the increasing need for instant gratification — a trend that Flipkart has previously tried to capture, albeit with little success. Owned by Walmart, Flipkart pioneered online shopping in India but has stumbled in the quick-commerce race. Initiatives such as Flipkart Nearby and Flipkart Quick were bogged down by logistical snags and inventory issues that made speedy delivery impossible. Now, it seems Flipkart is gearing up for another shot at quick commerce, fearing it could lose more ground to these nimble competitors. Mint’s startup correspondent Samikdha Goel examines the company’s quick-commerce FOMO in today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: IPO rush sets up India’s equity market for another record year Mint Primer: Budget homes are in coma. Can they be revived? Adani group plans to invest $3 billion to boost international ports business How many polling stations does it take to conduct India's elections? Flipkart has FOMO? Zepto and Blinkit are changing the e-commerce giant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Flipkart’s quick-commerce FOMO full 570 Mint - HT Smartcast How many polling booths does India have? Adani’s push for ports Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. Indian benchmark indices climbed off the day's high to close on a mixed note on Tuesday. Sensex fell marginally by 52 points to end the day 0.07 percent below its previous close while Nifty rose 27 points to close 0.12 per cent higher.   India's IPO market is heating up and could be on track to set a new record in FY25. The apparent surge in enthusiasm seems to defy the usual election-season jitters. Just two months into the financial year, new share offerings valued at more than Rs 50,000 crore are already in the pipeline. This figure is fast approaching the nearly Rs 62,000 crore that 76 companies raised through mainboard IPOs in FY24. Well-known companies such as Ola Electric Mobility, Swiggy, and NSDL are among those that have filed for IPOs with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and with heavy hitters like Tata Capital and Hexaware Technologies also expected to join the fray, the buzz is undeniable. Mint’s Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan spoke to market experts who are particularly bullish on the IPO scene. They predict the number and size of IPOs in FY25 could double those of the previous year. Munish Aggarwal of Equirus echoed this optimism and suggested that barring any major volatility, issuances could top ₹1.5 trillion this year—a milestone previously achieved only in FY22. The growing IPO market isn't just about raising more funds; it's a testament to the maturing of India's primary markets. The expanding real estate market has seen a distinct shift in dynamics that has particularly affected the availability and sales of affordable housing. Over the past five years, there's been a noticeable decline in the sale of homes priced ₹40 lakh or less in top Indian cities, even as the overall property sector has seen a recovery. The share of affordable housing in total home sales dropped dramatically from 38% in 2019 to just 19% by 2023, with a slight increase to 20% in early 2024. This trend is mirrored in the supply of new budget housing projects, which plummeted from 40% to 18% over the same period. Conversely, the luxury housing segment has thrived during this period. Benefiting from the real estate upcycle post-pandemic, luxury homes have seen an increase in both supply and sales. So, is there a way the affordable housing market could see a recovery? In which cities is this trend most visible? And has the government decided to step in? Mint’s Madhurima Nandy tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer. Just days after the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Norway’s Norges Bank, blacklisted its ports business, Gautam Adani's conglomerate is setting up a $3 billion fund to enhance its global ports capacity significantly. The Adani Group aims to create a strong presence in the crucial international trade corridor linking India with Europe through Central and West Asia, two company insiders told Mint’s senior editor Anirudh Laskar. The move is part of a strategic push to capitalise on the increasing export demands for commodities such as iron-ore and coal from India. The plan includes a substantial 25-30% increase in international port capacity over the next two years, primarily through acquisitions. The expansion will see Adani's current container-handling capacity increase from about 600 million metric tons a year to 800 million.  Have you ever wondered how India’s polling stations have evolved since Independence? In the latest instalment of Mint’s election data series, Nandita Venkatesan looks at the math around India’s polling stations. As India’s population has grown, the number of polling stations has skyrocketed from just over 200,000 in the 1960s to one million in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The average number of voters per station has declined, however, from more than 1,000 per booth in the 1960s to 879 in 2019, thanks to efforts to make voting less of a hassle. But here’s where it gets interesting — not all polling stations are under the same pressure. In 2019, places in Kerala, Bihar and Rajasthan recorded the highest number of voters per station, while those in northeastern states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh had among the fewest voters each. Click the link in the show notes to read the full story, illustrated with charts and an interactive map prepared by Nandita and her team.  E-commerce major Flipkart is feeling the heat from quick-commerce companies such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Having started by delivering groceries, these platforms now offer everything from electronics to personal care items, encroaching on Flipkart’s turf. They’ve mastered the art of ultra-fast delivery, delivering products in 15-20 minutes from dark stores and reshaping consumer expectations in the process. The rise of quick commerce has been nothing short of explosive. Their gross merchandise value (GMV) jumped from just $0.1 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion by 2023. The business taps the increasing need for instant gratification — a trend that Flipkart has previously tried to capture, albeit with little success. Owned by Walmart, Flipkart pioneered online shopping in India but has stumbled in the quick-commerce race. Initiatives such as Flipkart Nearby and Flipkart Quick were bogged down by logistical snags and inventory issues that made speedy delivery impossible. Now, it seems Flipkart is gearing up for another shot at quick commerce, fearing it could lose more ground to these nimble competitors. Mint’s startup correspondent Samikdha Goel examines the company’s quick-commerce FOMO in today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: IPO rush sets up India’s equity market for another record year Mint Primer: Budget homes are in coma. Can they be revived? Adani group plans to invest $3 billion to boost international ports business How many polling stations does it take to conduct India's elections? Flipkart has FOMO? Zepto and Blinkit are changing the e-commerce giant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

Indian benchmark indices climbed off the day's high to close on a mixed note on Tuesday. Sensex fell marginally by 52 points to end the day 0.07 percent below its previous close while Nifty rose 27 points to close 0.12 per cent higher.  

India's IPO market is heating up and could be on track to set a new record in FY25. The apparent surge in enthusiasm seems to defy the usual election-season jitters. Just two months into the financial year, new share offerings valued at more than Rs 50,000 crore are already in the pipeline. This figure is fast approaching the nearly Rs 62,000 crore that 76 companies raised through mainboard IPOs in FY24. Well-known companies such as Ola Electric Mobility, Swiggy, and NSDL are among those that have filed for IPOs with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and with heavy hitters like Tata Capital and Hexaware Technologies also expected to join the fray, the buzz is undeniable. Mint’s Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan spoke to market experts who are particularly bullish on the IPO scene. They predict the number and size of IPOs in FY25 could double those of the previous year. Munish Aggarwal of Equirus echoed this optimism and suggested that barring any major volatility, issuances could top ₹1.5 trillion this year—a milestone previously achieved only in FY22. The growing IPO market isn't just about raising more funds; it's a testament to the maturing of India's primary markets.

The expanding real estate market has seen a distinct shift in dynamics that has particularly affected the availability and sales of affordable housing. Over the past five years, there's been a noticeable decline in the sale of homes priced ₹40 lakh or less in top Indian cities, even as the overall property sector has seen a recovery. The share of affordable housing in total home sales dropped dramatically from 38% in 2019 to just 19% by 2023, with a slight increase to 20% in early 2024. This trend is mirrored in the supply of new budget housing projects, which plummeted from 40% to 18% over the same period. Conversely, the luxury housing segment has thrived during this period. Benefiting from the real estate upcycle post-pandemic, luxury homes have seen an increase in both supply and sales. So, is there a way the affordable housing market could see a recovery? In which cities is this trend most visible? And has the government decided to step in? Mint’s Madhurima Nandy tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer.

Just days after the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Norway’s Norges Bank, blacklisted its ports business, Gautam Adani's conglomerate is setting up a $3 billion fund to enhance its global ports capacity significantly. The Adani Group aims to create a strong presence in the crucial international trade corridor linking India with Europe through Central and West Asia, two company insiders told Mint’s senior editor Anirudh Laskar. The move is part of a strategic push to capitalise on the increasing export demands for commodities such as iron-ore and coal from India.

The plan includes a substantial 25-30% increase in international port capacity over the next two years, primarily through acquisitions. The expansion will see Adani's current container-handling capacity increase from about 600 million metric tons a year to 800 million. 

Have you ever wondered how India’s polling stations have evolved since Independence? In the latest instalment of Mint’s election data series, Nandita Venkatesan looks at the math around India’s polling stations. As India’s population has grown, the number of polling stations has skyrocketed from just over 200,000 in the 1960s to one million in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The average number of voters per station has declined, however, from more than 1,000 per booth in the 1960s to 879 in 2019, thanks to efforts to make voting less of a hassle. But here’s where it gets interesting — not all polling stations are under the same pressure. In 2019, places in Kerala, Bihar and Rajasthan recorded the highest number of voters per station, while those in northeastern states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh had among the fewest voters each. Click the link in the show notes to read the full story, illustrated with charts and an interactive map prepared by Nandita and her team. 

E-commerce major Flipkart is feeling the heat from quick-commerce companies such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Having started by delivering groceries, these platforms now offer everything from electronics to personal care items, encroaching on Flipkart’s turf. They’ve mastered the art of ultra-fast delivery, delivering products in 15-20 minutes from dark stores and reshaping consumer expectations in the process. The rise of quick commerce has been nothing short of explosive. Their gross merchandise value (GMV) jumped from just $0.1 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion by 2023. The business taps the increasing need for instant gratification — a trend that Flipkart has previously tried to capture, albeit with little success.

Owned by Walmart, Flipkart pioneered online shopping in India but has stumbled in the quick-commerce race. Initiatives such as Flipkart Nearby and Flipkart Quick were bogged down by logistical snags and inventory issues that made speedy delivery impossible. Now, it seems Flipkart is gearing up for another shot at quick commerce, fearing it could lose more ground to these nimble competitors. Mint’s startup correspondent Samikdha Goel examines the company’s quick-commerce FOMO in today’s Long Story.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

IPO rush sets up India’s equity market for another record year

Mint Primer: Budget homes are in coma. Can they be revived?

Adani group plans to invest $3 billion to boost international ports business

How many polling stations does it take to conduct India's elections?

Flipkart has FOMO? Zepto and Blinkit are changing the e-commerce giant

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 521 no RBI’s ‘no carrot, all stick’ approach https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbis-no-carrot-all-stick-approach-AGlQBl_M Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. No stock market updates from us today as the markets remained shut on Monday as Mumbai went to the polls. Yesterday, Iran's interior minister confirmed that the country's leader, Ebrahim Raisi, had died in a helicopter crash that also killed the country’s foreign minister. We invited Elizabeth Roche, an associate professor at Jindal University, to write about the implications of this tragedy. Roche also answers what's next for Iran, and how this will affect India, the Middle East, and the West. A couple of weeks ago, a research paper by Banaras Hindu University sparked widespread worries among Indians. The paper said a significant number of people faced adverse side-effects after taking Covaxin, the indigenously developed covid vaccine. Bharat Biotech, which developed the vaccine, brushed off the concerns, pointing to other studies that proved the vaccine's safety record. Now, the government is stepping in to dismiss any concerns: the Indian Council of Medical Sciences said that BHU's study was poorly designed, and had no control group of unvaccinated individuals to compare with. Priyanka Sharma writes that the participants were contacted by telephone, and no physical examination was conducted. This ought to put Covaxin users at ease. The Reserve Bank of India has reprimanded a host of financial entities lately, from Paytm to Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bank of Baroda. Under governor Shaktikanta Das, the banking regulator is doing its best to whip every lender into shape. Prior to Das, Raghuram Rajan was at the helm. His goal was cleaning up banks' balance sheets, while Das wants to ensure better governance. But as Shayan Ghosh writes, the way the RBI has been going about this is interesting: it is now not afraid of taking big decisions. Earlier, the central bank relied on fines and warnings. Today, it is cancelling banking licences and preventing companies from taking on new customers — essentially hurting the core of their business. Shayan takes a deep dive into the RBI's practices, and why it's resorting to such measures to protect citizens. If you go to buy an electric vehicle, you'll realise that one big advantage EVs have over their fossil fuel-counterparts is that they don't carry any road tax. For example, in Karnataka, the road tax for petrol cars can be up to 17 percent of the car's price. This is an incentive from the government for companies and buyers to go green. But you don't have to electrify yourself fully to get discounts from the government. Take for example, ethanol-powered cars. Alisha Sachdev reports that union road minister Nitin Gadkari expressed interest in lowering the taxes on ethanol and ethanol-blend cars from anywhere between 2 and 14 percent. This would significantly lower the cost of cars that use either pure ethanol or a blend of ethanol and petrol, called flex-fuel cars. While flex-fuel cars aren't yet produced in India, Gadkari claims they pollute even less than EVs. In the battle between electric and petrol, ethanol seems to have gained the political upper hand. It's a good time to be a premium D2C company. Brands such as bespoke apparel maker Bombay Shirt Company, luggage maker Mokobara, and organic dairy startup Akshay Kalpa have raised funds from some of India's largest venture capital firms in the recent past. Sowmya Ramasubramanian speaks to investors who are bullish on this segment, as they see an increasing number of people willing to pay premium prices. Convenience plays a role, too. Sowmya writes that these products are more likely to be available on quick commerce apps than legacy brands. She also writes about the reality of affluent consumers, and how big an audience such brands can actually target. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: India’s ties with Iran: What after Ebrahim Raisi? Govt rejects Indian study about Covaxin side-effects  In EV vs hybrid battle, flex fuel vehicles win political favour No carrot, only stick: Why the RBI has gone beyond moral suasion and fines    VCs chase a pot of gold as India's growing affluent class goes premium  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 RBI’s ‘no carrot, all stick’ approach full 569 Mint - HT Smartcast Gadkari wants subsidies for ethanol cars; implications of Iran PM death, and more. Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started. No stock market updates from us today as the markets remained shut on Monday as Mumbai went to the polls. Yesterday, Iran's interior minister confirmed that the country's leader, Ebrahim Raisi, had died in a helicopter crash that also killed the country’s foreign minister. We invited Elizabeth Roche, an associate professor at Jindal University, to write about the implications of this tragedy. Roche also answers what's next for Iran, and how this will affect India, the Middle East, and the West. A couple of weeks ago, a research paper by Banaras Hindu University sparked widespread worries among Indians. The paper said a significant number of people faced adverse side-effects after taking Covaxin, the indigenously developed covid vaccine. Bharat Biotech, which developed the vaccine, brushed off the concerns, pointing to other studies that proved the vaccine's safety record. Now, the government is stepping in to dismiss any concerns: the Indian Council of Medical Sciences said that BHU's study was poorly designed, and had no control group of unvaccinated individuals to compare with. Priyanka Sharma writes that the participants were contacted by telephone, and no physical examination was conducted. This ought to put Covaxin users at ease. The Reserve Bank of India has reprimanded a host of financial entities lately, from Paytm to Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bank of Baroda. Under governor Shaktikanta Das, the banking regulator is doing its best to whip every lender into shape. Prior to Das, Raghuram Rajan was at the helm. His goal was cleaning up banks' balance sheets, while Das wants to ensure better governance. But as Shayan Ghosh writes, the way the RBI has been going about this is interesting: it is now not afraid of taking big decisions. Earlier, the central bank relied on fines and warnings. Today, it is cancelling banking licences and preventing companies from taking on new customers — essentially hurting the core of their business. Shayan takes a deep dive into the RBI's practices, and why it's resorting to such measures to protect citizens. If you go to buy an electric vehicle, you'll realise that one big advantage EVs have over their fossil fuel-counterparts is that they don't carry any road tax. For example, in Karnataka, the road tax for petrol cars can be up to 17 percent of the car's price. This is an incentive from the government for companies and buyers to go green. But you don't have to electrify yourself fully to get discounts from the government. Take for example, ethanol-powered cars. Alisha Sachdev reports that union road minister Nitin Gadkari expressed interest in lowering the taxes on ethanol and ethanol-blend cars from anywhere between 2 and 14 percent. This would significantly lower the cost of cars that use either pure ethanol or a blend of ethanol and petrol, called flex-fuel cars. While flex-fuel cars aren't yet produced in India, Gadkari claims they pollute even less than EVs. In the battle between electric and petrol, ethanol seems to have gained the political upper hand. It's a good time to be a premium D2C company. Brands such as bespoke apparel maker Bombay Shirt Company, luggage maker Mokobara, and organic dairy startup Akshay Kalpa have raised funds from some of India's largest venture capital firms in the recent past. Sowmya Ramasubramanian speaks to investors who are bullish on this segment, as they see an increasing number of people willing to pay premium prices. Convenience plays a role, too. Sowmya writes that these products are more likely to be available on quick commerce apps than legacy brands. She also writes about the reality of affluent consumers, and how big an audience such brands can actually target. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: India’s ties with Iran: What after Ebrahim Raisi? Govt rejects Indian study about Covaxin side-effects  In EV vs hybrid battle, flex fuel vehicles win political favour No carrot, only stick: Why the RBI has gone beyond moral suasion and fines    VCs chase a pot of gold as India's growing affluent class goes premium  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started.

No stock market updates from us today as the markets remained shut on Monday as Mumbai went to the polls.

Yesterday, Iran's interior minister confirmed that the country's leader, Ebrahim Raisi, had died in a helicopter crash that also killed the country’s foreign minister. We invited Elizabeth Roche, an associate professor at Jindal University, to write about the implications of this tragedy. Roche also answers what's next for Iran, and how this will affect India, the Middle East, and the West.

A couple of weeks ago, a research paper by Banaras Hindu University sparked widespread worries among Indians. The paper said a significant number of people faced adverse side-effects after taking Covaxin, the indigenously developed covid vaccine. Bharat Biotech, which developed the vaccine, brushed off the concerns, pointing to other studies that proved the vaccine's safety record. Now, the government is stepping in to dismiss any concerns: the Indian Council of Medical Sciences said that BHU's study was poorly designed, and had no control group of unvaccinated individuals to compare with. Priyanka Sharma writes that the participants were contacted by telephone, and no physical examination was conducted. This ought to put Covaxin users at ease.

The Reserve Bank of India has reprimanded a host of financial entities lately, from Paytm to Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bank of Baroda. Under governor Shaktikanta Das, the banking regulator is doing its best to whip every lender into shape. Prior to Das, Raghuram Rajan was at the helm. His goal was cleaning up banks' balance sheets, while Das wants to ensure better governance. But as Shayan Ghosh writes, the way the RBI has been going about this is interesting: it is now not afraid of taking big decisions. Earlier, the central bank relied on fines and warnings. Today, it is cancelling banking licences and preventing companies from taking on new customers — essentially hurting the core of their business. Shayan takes a deep dive into the RBI's practices, and why it's resorting to such measures to protect citizens.

If you go to buy an electric vehicle, you'll realise that one big advantage EVs have over their fossil fuel-counterparts is that they don't carry any road tax. For example, in Karnataka, the road tax for petrol cars can be up to 17 percent of the car's price. This is an incentive from the government for companies and buyers to go green. But you don't have to electrify yourself fully to get discounts from the government. Take for example, ethanol-powered cars. Alisha Sachdev reports that union road minister Nitin Gadkari expressed interest in lowering the taxes on ethanol and ethanol-blend cars from anywhere between 2 and 14 percent. This would significantly lower the cost of cars that use either pure ethanol or a blend of ethanol and petrol, called flex-fuel cars. While flex-fuel cars aren't yet produced in India, Gadkari claims they pollute even less than EVs. In the battle between electric and petrol, ethanol seems to have gained the political upper hand.

It's a good time to be a premium D2C company. Brands such as bespoke apparel maker Bombay Shirt Company, luggage maker Mokobara, and organic dairy startup Akshay Kalpa have raised funds from some of India's largest venture capital firms in the recent past. Sowmya Ramasubramanian speaks to investors who are bullish on this segment, as they see an increasing number of people willing to pay premium prices. Convenience plays a role, too. Sowmya writes that these products are more likely to be available on quick commerce apps than legacy brands. She also writes about the reality of affluent consumers, and how big an audience such brands can actually target.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

India’s ties with Iran: What after Ebrahim Raisi?

Govt rejects Indian study about Covaxin side-effects 

In EV vs hybrid battle, flex fuel vehicles win political favour

No carrot, only stick: Why the RBI has gone beyond moral suasion and fines 


 

VCs chase a pot of gold as India's growing affluent class goes premium 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 388 no Bye-ju’s: Key advisors quit Byju’s https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bye-jus-key-advisors-quit-byjus-qmMg86al Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: What used to be the poster child of Indian startups and had a presence everywhere, from the FIFA World Cup to the Indian Cricket Team’s jersey - Byju’s - has witnessed a fall from grace over the last two years. The company, which was once a unicorn saw a 95% nosedive in its value. The Bengaluru-based company’s woes do not seem to end. Rajnish Kumar and T.V. Mohandas Pai, advisors on the panel of Byju’s parent company Think & Learn, have decided not to extend their tenure beyond June 30. This adds to the challenges faced by the company, as it navigates board exits, financial troubles, and increasing litigation. Both advisors have chosen to leave due to the company's ongoing legal entanglements, report Mint’s senior editors Gopika Gopakumar and Varun Sood. The advisory panel, established in July last year following notable resignations from the board due to governance concerns, was part of a strategy to address these corporate governance issues. Unfortunately, Byju's continued to face operational challenges, including the inability to secure additional funding, leading to layoffs and delayed salaries. In the past three years up to March 2023, a staggering revelation came from India's food safety authorities: out of 43 million food samples tested, a quarter did not meet domestic food safety laws. Alarmingly, one in six of these were found to be either 'unsafe' or 'substandard,' while the remainder failed to adhere to labelling laws, often misleading consumers with incorrect information. While India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI, did initiate litigation against these outliers, what they forgot to do was inform the citizens about them. Fssai and state agencies have not sufficiently informed the public about the specific manufacturers or brands involved, leaving consumers uninformed about potentially harmful products. The lack of transparency is evident in Fssai’s 2021-22 annual report, which notably omits any mention of product recalls or license cancellations — standard practices in many other countries to protect consumers. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and Suneera Tandon spoke to FSSAI insiders to understand why the central government agency has failed to crack the whip on companies selling substandard products, amidst global scrutiny of Indian packaged food brands. Sayantan and Suneera also break down the challenges being faced by the FSSAI including a lack of testing labs. The Financial Services Institutions Bureau, an autonomous body under the central government, is set to conduct interviews on May 21 to recommend a candidate for the chairman's post of the country's largest bank - the State Bank of India. This decision will be finalised on the same day, replacing the incumbent Dinesh Kumar Khara who is slated to retire on August 28. The candidates in consideration for the chairman's position are State Bank of India’s (SBI) three managing directors—C.S. Setty, Ashwini Kumar Tewari, and Vinay M. Tonse. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar reports on the closely monitored selection process. C.S. Setty, the most senior among the candidates, has a background in managing the bank's stressed assets and comprehensive experience across various banking verticals. Ashwini Kumar Tewari brings a strong international and corporate banking portfolio, having managed SBI's operations in the U.S. and as the former CEO of SBI Card. Vinay M. Tonse, who oversees retail banking, has a deep understanding of the domestic market and a record of effective team-building. Last year, online gaming companies in India were hit with a significant tax demand totaling over ₹1.12 trillion from their past revenues, leading to a legal challenge currently pending in the Supreme Court. The GST Council, the central body overseeing indirect taxation, is set to deliberate on this issue, considering the industry's plea for relief from these substantial tax claims. Previously, the tax regime for online gaming was ambiguous, with companies paying an 18% GST on platform fees or commissions, which range from 5% to 20% of the deposits. However, a dramatic shift occurred on October 1, 2023, when the GST Council imposed a 28% tax on the full face value of deposits, retroactively applying this rate to past earnings. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the central and state GST officials are currently reviewing the grievances expressed by the industry regarding the notices for the period leading up to October 2023.  As the summer holiday season kicks off, the limitations of the Indian passport become glaringly apparent. According to the Henley Passport Index, out of 227 possible destinations, Indians can enter 31 countries without a visa and get a visa-on-arrival in 30 countries. This totals visa-free access to just 61 countries, leaving the vast majority requiring a visa obtained through traditional, more cumbersome means. Compare that with Brazil, where folks enjoy visa-free access to a whopping 173 countries. Even Russia, despite facing international sanctions, can access 120 countries relatively freely. It’s a bit of an eye-opener, especially considering India’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Visa-free access isn't just about economics, writes independent journalist Deepa Vasudevan. It's also influenced by a mix of factors like geography and reciprocal agreements. Take the European Union or the Asean bloc, for instance, where members enjoy hopping across each other's borders without much fuss.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Byju’s woes worsen: Rajnish Kumar, Mohandas Pai to step down from advisory panel In a pickle: Why it’s time for Fssai to wake up and crack the whip At India's biggest bank, a new chairman to be anointed this week GST Council to hear gaming firms' plea on past tax demands Mint Primer: Beam me up, Scotty... into the boardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bye-ju’s: Key advisors quit Byju’s full 568 Mint - HT Smartcast Inside India’s food safety regulator; Candidates line up for SBI chairman post Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: What used to be the poster child of Indian startups and had a presence everywhere, from the FIFA World Cup to the Indian Cricket Team’s jersey - Byju’s - has witnessed a fall from grace over the last two years. The company, which was once a unicorn saw a 95% nosedive in its value. The Bengaluru-based company’s woes do not seem to end. Rajnish Kumar and T.V. Mohandas Pai, advisors on the panel of Byju’s parent company Think & Learn, have decided not to extend their tenure beyond June 30. This adds to the challenges faced by the company, as it navigates board exits, financial troubles, and increasing litigation. Both advisors have chosen to leave due to the company's ongoing legal entanglements, report Mint’s senior editors Gopika Gopakumar and Varun Sood. The advisory panel, established in July last year following notable resignations from the board due to governance concerns, was part of a strategy to address these corporate governance issues. Unfortunately, Byju's continued to face operational challenges, including the inability to secure additional funding, leading to layoffs and delayed salaries. In the past three years up to March 2023, a staggering revelation came from India's food safety authorities: out of 43 million food samples tested, a quarter did not meet domestic food safety laws. Alarmingly, one in six of these were found to be either 'unsafe' or 'substandard,' while the remainder failed to adhere to labelling laws, often misleading consumers with incorrect information. While India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI, did initiate litigation against these outliers, what they forgot to do was inform the citizens about them. Fssai and state agencies have not sufficiently informed the public about the specific manufacturers or brands involved, leaving consumers uninformed about potentially harmful products. The lack of transparency is evident in Fssai’s 2021-22 annual report, which notably omits any mention of product recalls or license cancellations — standard practices in many other countries to protect consumers. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and Suneera Tandon spoke to FSSAI insiders to understand why the central government agency has failed to crack the whip on companies selling substandard products, amidst global scrutiny of Indian packaged food brands. Sayantan and Suneera also break down the challenges being faced by the FSSAI including a lack of testing labs. The Financial Services Institutions Bureau, an autonomous body under the central government, is set to conduct interviews on May 21 to recommend a candidate for the chairman's post of the country's largest bank - the State Bank of India. This decision will be finalised on the same day, replacing the incumbent Dinesh Kumar Khara who is slated to retire on August 28. The candidates in consideration for the chairman's position are State Bank of India’s (SBI) three managing directors—C.S. Setty, Ashwini Kumar Tewari, and Vinay M. Tonse. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar reports on the closely monitored selection process. C.S. Setty, the most senior among the candidates, has a background in managing the bank's stressed assets and comprehensive experience across various banking verticals. Ashwini Kumar Tewari brings a strong international and corporate banking portfolio, having managed SBI's operations in the U.S. and as the former CEO of SBI Card. Vinay M. Tonse, who oversees retail banking, has a deep understanding of the domestic market and a record of effective team-building. Last year, online gaming companies in India were hit with a significant tax demand totaling over ₹1.12 trillion from their past revenues, leading to a legal challenge currently pending in the Supreme Court. The GST Council, the central body overseeing indirect taxation, is set to deliberate on this issue, considering the industry's plea for relief from these substantial tax claims. Previously, the tax regime for online gaming was ambiguous, with companies paying an 18% GST on platform fees or commissions, which range from 5% to 20% of the deposits. However, a dramatic shift occurred on October 1, 2023, when the GST Council imposed a 28% tax on the full face value of deposits, retroactively applying this rate to past earnings. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the central and state GST officials are currently reviewing the grievances expressed by the industry regarding the notices for the period leading up to October 2023.  As the summer holiday season kicks off, the limitations of the Indian passport become glaringly apparent. According to the Henley Passport Index, out of 227 possible destinations, Indians can enter 31 countries without a visa and get a visa-on-arrival in 30 countries. This totals visa-free access to just 61 countries, leaving the vast majority requiring a visa obtained through traditional, more cumbersome means. Compare that with Brazil, where folks enjoy visa-free access to a whopping 173 countries. Even Russia, despite facing international sanctions, can access 120 countries relatively freely. It’s a bit of an eye-opener, especially considering India’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Visa-free access isn't just about economics, writes independent journalist Deepa Vasudevan. It's also influenced by a mix of factors like geography and reciprocal agreements. Take the European Union or the Asean bloc, for instance, where members enjoy hopping across each other's borders without much fuss.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Byju’s woes worsen: Rajnish Kumar, Mohandas Pai to step down from advisory panel In a pickle: Why it’s time for Fssai to wake up and crack the whip At India's biggest bank, a new chairman to be anointed this week GST Council to hear gaming firms' plea on past tax demands Mint Primer: Beam me up, Scotty... into the boardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

What used to be the poster child of Indian startups and had a presence everywhere, from the FIFA World Cup to the Indian Cricket Team’s jersey - Byju’s - has witnessed a fall from grace over the last two years. The company, which was once a unicorn saw a 95% nosedive in its value. The Bengaluru-based company’s woes do not seem to end. Rajnish Kumar and T.V. Mohandas Pai, advisors on the panel of Byju’s parent company Think & Learn, have decided not to extend their tenure beyond June 30. This adds to the challenges faced by the company, as it navigates board exits, financial troubles, and increasing litigation. Both advisors have chosen to leave due to the company's ongoing legal entanglements, report Mint’s senior editors Gopika Gopakumar and Varun Sood. The advisory panel, established in July last year following notable resignations from the board due to governance concerns, was part of a strategy to address these corporate governance issues. Unfortunately, Byju's continued to face operational challenges, including the inability to secure additional funding, leading to layoffs and delayed salaries.

In the past three years up to March 2023, a staggering revelation came from India's food safety authorities: out of 43 million food samples tested, a quarter did not meet domestic food safety laws. Alarmingly, one in six of these were found to be either 'unsafe' or 'substandard,' while the remainder failed to adhere to labelling laws, often misleading consumers with incorrect information. While India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI, did initiate litigation against these outliers, what they forgot to do was inform the citizens about them. Fssai and state agencies have not sufficiently informed the public about the specific manufacturers or brands involved, leaving consumers uninformed about potentially harmful products. The lack of transparency is evident in Fssai’s 2021-22 annual report, which notably omits any mention of product recalls or license cancellations — standard practices in many other countries to protect consumers. Mint’s Sayantan Bera and Suneera Tandon spoke to FSSAI insiders to understand why the central government agency has failed to crack the whip on companies selling substandard products, amidst global scrutiny of Indian packaged food brands. Sayantan and Suneera also break down the challenges being faced by the FSSAI including a lack of testing labs.

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau, an autonomous body under the central government, is set to conduct interviews on May 21 to recommend a candidate for the chairman's post of the country's largest bank - the State Bank of India. This decision will be finalised on the same day, replacing the incumbent Dinesh Kumar Khara who is slated to retire on August 28.

The candidates in consideration for the chairman's position are State Bank of India’s (SBI) three managing directors—C.S. Setty, Ashwini Kumar Tewari, and Vinay M. Tonse. Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar reports on the closely monitored selection process. C.S. Setty, the most senior among the candidates, has a background in managing the bank's stressed assets and comprehensive experience across various banking verticals. Ashwini Kumar Tewari brings a strong international and corporate banking portfolio, having managed SBI's operations in the U.S. and as the former CEO of SBI Card. Vinay M. Tonse, who oversees retail banking, has a deep understanding of the domestic market and a record of effective team-building.

Last year, online gaming companies in India were hit with a significant tax demand totaling over ₹1.12 trillion from their past revenues, leading to a legal challenge currently pending in the Supreme Court. The GST Council, the central body overseeing indirect taxation, is set to deliberate on this issue, considering the industry's plea for relief from these substantial tax claims. Previously, the tax regime for online gaming was ambiguous, with companies paying an 18% GST on platform fees or commissions, which range from 5% to 20% of the deposits. However, a dramatic shift occurred on October 1, 2023, when the GST Council imposed a 28% tax on the full face value of deposits, retroactively applying this rate to past earnings. Mint’s Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the central and state GST officials are currently reviewing the grievances expressed by the industry regarding the notices for the period leading up to October 2023. 

As the summer holiday season kicks off, the limitations of the Indian passport become glaringly apparent. According to the Henley Passport Index, out of 227 possible destinations, Indians can enter 31 countries without a visa and get a visa-on-arrival in 30 countries. This totals visa-free access to just 61 countries, leaving the vast majority requiring a visa obtained through traditional, more cumbersome means. Compare that with Brazil, where folks enjoy visa-free access to a whopping 173 countries. Even Russia, despite facing international sanctions, can access 120 countries relatively freely. It’s a bit of an eye-opener, especially considering India’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Visa-free access isn't just about economics, writes independent journalist Deepa Vasudevan. It's also influenced by a mix of factors like geography and reciprocal agreements. Take the European Union or the Asean bloc, for instance, where members enjoy hopping across each other's borders without much fuss. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Byju’s woes worsen: Rajnish Kumar, Mohandas Pai to step down from advisory panel

In a pickle: Why it’s time for Fssai to wake up and crack the whip

At India's biggest bank, a new chairman to be anointed this week

GST Council to hear gaming firms' plea on past tax demands

Mint Primer: Beam me up, Scotty... into the boardroom

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 504 no Fresh setback for Adani https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fresh-setback-for-adani-vxo4RjDH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After Wednesday’s fall, the Indian benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex rose by nearly one percent on Thursday. While the Sensex climbed 670 points, the Nifty surged by more than 200 points. As we edge closer to the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, there's a clear divide between domestic and foreign investors' market play, especially in their bets on Nifty derivatives. Retail and wealthy investors, usually called 'clients' on NSE, are really bullish right now. They believe the ruling NDA coalition is heading for a big win, and have ramped up their bullish positions on Nifty futures to the highest levels since November 2. On the flip side, Foreign Portfolio Investors are treading cautiously. Maybe they're sensing a potential upset because they've gone and hedged their massive $794-billion portfolio of Indian stocks by taking on a hefty amount of bearish index futures. It's their highest level of bearish bets since, well, the same date as the domestic bulls. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal brings the latest on how the markets are reacting to the national election. The Supreme Court recently made a big decision: lawyers are now exempt from the Consumer Protection Act. This change could pave the way for doctors to get a similar exemption. So what does this mean for you when you need to complain about poor service? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains in today’s Primer. On 14 May, the Supreme Court said that legal services are unique and don't fall under the Consumer Protection Act. It pointed out that the law never intended to include professionals like lawyers and doctors. Instead, these professionals are regulated by their own bodies, like the Bar Council of India or the Indian Medical Association. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Supreme Court also hinted that it might reconsider its 1996 ruling that brought doctors under the Consumer Protection Act. This could mean doctors might also be exempted soon. The biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world - Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management <pronounced Nor-ges> has blacklisted billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, or APSEZ. The fund, which has $1.63 trillion in assets under management, blacklisted the firm citing unacceptable risk related to “serious violations of individuals' rights in situations of war or conflict.” Adani Ports became the 16th Indian company to be on its exclusion list. The Adani Group company acquired Israel’s Haifa port in 2022. However, it is unclear whether the $1.15 billion acquisition is the reason behind the blacklisting. APSEZ, which owns 14 ports globally, handles a significant portion of India’s cargo. Norges Bank, which owns 1.5% of the world’s listed companies, had a 0.24% stake in Adani Ports as of December. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the decision by the sovereign wealth fund, which has shares in over 300 Indian companies. Its Exclusion List now includes 192 companies, with 16 from India. The fund avoids investing in companies involved in tobacco, coal, nuclear weapons, and those violating international conduct rules. For instance, it blacklisted ITC Ltd in 2010. NTPC and Coal India Ltd have also faced exclusion.  Former Wipro CEO Thierry Delaporte has recently been quite busy in the stock market. Over the past month, he's sold Wipro shares worth 34.5 crore rupees, bringing his total earnings from share sales since stepping down on 6 April to a hefty sum of 70 crore 63 lakh rupees, or about 8.5 million dollars. And that’s on top of the 36 crore rupee cash payment Wipro offered him as a parting gift. It’s not clear if Wipro allowed Delaporte to accelerate the vesting of his employee stock options or if he just cashed in on the shares he already had. Mint’s Varun Sood and Jas Bardia report on the development. The 2024 Lok Sabha election is in full swing. Politicians are leaving no stone unturned to have their voices heard by the people. And just as with everything in 2024, AI has entered the political game as well. Political parties are using AI to evoke all kinds of emotions in voters. For instance, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa was heard critiquing both the central and state governments in a clip released on her birthday in February. However, the Dravidian leader passed away in 2016. Her voice was recreated using AI as part of the AIADMK's strategy to commemorate Jayalalithaa and galvanise support for its current leader, Edappadi Palaniswami, ahead of the election. The trend of using AI to recreate the voices and images of late politicians has been gaining traction across India. The technology allows parties to forge a personal connection with voters, especially the youth, who are new to the electoral process. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are awash with such content, crafted to sway voter sentiment and solidify party loyalties. Mint invited independent journalist Sanghamitra Kar P to write about the latest election tech trend in today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Retail bulls run into wary FPIs on Street   Mint Primer: Has consumer protection just got weaker?   Fund giant Norges cuts off Adani Ports   Wipro’s outgoing CEO adds to his resignation bounty with $4-mn share sale How political parties are using AI to bring personalities to life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Fresh setback for Adani full 567 Mint - HT Smartcast AI’s election play; Retail investors bullish, FPIs bearish as election results loom Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After Wednesday’s fall, the Indian benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex rose by nearly one percent on Thursday. While the Sensex climbed 670 points, the Nifty surged by more than 200 points. As we edge closer to the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, there's a clear divide between domestic and foreign investors' market play, especially in their bets on Nifty derivatives. Retail and wealthy investors, usually called 'clients' on NSE, are really bullish right now. They believe the ruling NDA coalition is heading for a big win, and have ramped up their bullish positions on Nifty futures to the highest levels since November 2. On the flip side, Foreign Portfolio Investors are treading cautiously. Maybe they're sensing a potential upset because they've gone and hedged their massive $794-billion portfolio of Indian stocks by taking on a hefty amount of bearish index futures. It's their highest level of bearish bets since, well, the same date as the domestic bulls. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal brings the latest on how the markets are reacting to the national election. The Supreme Court recently made a big decision: lawyers are now exempt from the Consumer Protection Act. This change could pave the way for doctors to get a similar exemption. So what does this mean for you when you need to complain about poor service? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains in today’s Primer. On 14 May, the Supreme Court said that legal services are unique and don't fall under the Consumer Protection Act. It pointed out that the law never intended to include professionals like lawyers and doctors. Instead, these professionals are regulated by their own bodies, like the Bar Council of India or the Indian Medical Association. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Supreme Court also hinted that it might reconsider its 1996 ruling that brought doctors under the Consumer Protection Act. This could mean doctors might also be exempted soon. The biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world - Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management <pronounced Nor-ges> has blacklisted billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, or APSEZ. The fund, which has $1.63 trillion in assets under management, blacklisted the firm citing unacceptable risk related to “serious violations of individuals' rights in situations of war or conflict.” Adani Ports became the 16th Indian company to be on its exclusion list. The Adani Group company acquired Israel’s Haifa port in 2022. However, it is unclear whether the $1.15 billion acquisition is the reason behind the blacklisting. APSEZ, which owns 14 ports globally, handles a significant portion of India’s cargo. Norges Bank, which owns 1.5% of the world’s listed companies, had a 0.24% stake in Adani Ports as of December. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the decision by the sovereign wealth fund, which has shares in over 300 Indian companies. Its Exclusion List now includes 192 companies, with 16 from India. The fund avoids investing in companies involved in tobacco, coal, nuclear weapons, and those violating international conduct rules. For instance, it blacklisted ITC Ltd in 2010. NTPC and Coal India Ltd have also faced exclusion.  Former Wipro CEO Thierry Delaporte has recently been quite busy in the stock market. Over the past month, he's sold Wipro shares worth 34.5 crore rupees, bringing his total earnings from share sales since stepping down on 6 April to a hefty sum of 70 crore 63 lakh rupees, or about 8.5 million dollars. And that’s on top of the 36 crore rupee cash payment Wipro offered him as a parting gift. It’s not clear if Wipro allowed Delaporte to accelerate the vesting of his employee stock options or if he just cashed in on the shares he already had. Mint’s Varun Sood and Jas Bardia report on the development. The 2024 Lok Sabha election is in full swing. Politicians are leaving no stone unturned to have their voices heard by the people. And just as with everything in 2024, AI has entered the political game as well. Political parties are using AI to evoke all kinds of emotions in voters. For instance, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa was heard critiquing both the central and state governments in a clip released on her birthday in February. However, the Dravidian leader passed away in 2016. Her voice was recreated using AI as part of the AIADMK's strategy to commemorate Jayalalithaa and galvanise support for its current leader, Edappadi Palaniswami, ahead of the election. The trend of using AI to recreate the voices and images of late politicians has been gaining traction across India. The technology allows parties to forge a personal connection with voters, especially the youth, who are new to the electoral process. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are awash with such content, crafted to sway voter sentiment and solidify party loyalties. Mint invited independent journalist Sanghamitra Kar P to write about the latest election tech trend in today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Retail bulls run into wary FPIs on Street   Mint Primer: Has consumer protection just got weaker?   Fund giant Norges cuts off Adani Ports   Wipro’s outgoing CEO adds to his resignation bounty with $4-mn share sale How political parties are using AI to bring personalities to life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

After Wednesday’s fall, the Indian benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex rose by nearly one percent on Thursday. While the Sensex climbed 670 points, the Nifty surged by more than 200 points.

As we edge closer to the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, there's a clear divide between domestic and foreign investors' market play, especially in their bets on Nifty derivatives. Retail and wealthy investors, usually called 'clients' on NSE, are really bullish right now. They believe the ruling NDA coalition is heading for a big win, and have ramped up their bullish positions on Nifty futures to the highest levels since November 2. On the flip side, Foreign Portfolio Investors are treading cautiously. Maybe they're sensing a potential upset because they've gone and hedged their massive $794-billion portfolio of Indian stocks by taking on a hefty amount of bearish index futures. It's their highest level of bearish bets since, well, the same date as the domestic bulls. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal brings the latest on how the markets are reacting to the national election.

The Supreme Court recently made a big decision: lawyers are now exempt from the Consumer Protection Act. This change could pave the way for doctors to get a similar exemption. So what does this mean for you when you need to complain about poor service? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains in today’s Primer. On 14 May, the Supreme Court said that legal services are unique and don't fall under the Consumer Protection Act. It pointed out that the law never intended to include professionals like lawyers and doctors. Instead, these professionals are regulated by their own bodies, like the Bar Council of India or the Indian Medical Association. Here’s where it gets interesting. The Supreme Court also hinted that it might reconsider its 1996 ruling that brought doctors under the Consumer Protection Act. This could mean doctors might also be exempted soon.

The biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world - Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management <pronounced Nor-ges> has blacklisted billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, or APSEZ. The fund, which has $1.63 trillion in assets under management, blacklisted the firm citing unacceptable risk related to “serious violations of individuals' rights in situations of war or conflict.” Adani Ports became the 16th Indian company to be on its exclusion list. The Adani Group company acquired Israel’s Haifa port in 2022. However, it is unclear whether the $1.15 billion acquisition is the reason behind the blacklisting. APSEZ, which owns 14 ports globally, handles a significant portion of India’s cargo. Norges Bank, which owns 1.5% of the world’s listed companies, had a 0.24% stake in Adani Ports as of December. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the decision by the sovereign wealth fund, which has shares in over 300 Indian companies. Its Exclusion List now includes 192 companies, with 16 from India. The fund avoids investing in companies involved in tobacco, coal, nuclear weapons, and those violating international conduct rules. For instance, it blacklisted ITC Ltd in 2010. NTPC and Coal India Ltd have also faced exclusion. 

Former Wipro CEO Thierry Delaporte has recently been quite busy in the stock market. Over the past month, he's sold Wipro shares worth 34.5 crore rupees, bringing his total earnings from share sales since stepping down on 6 April to a hefty sum of 70 crore 63 lakh rupees, or about 8.5 million dollars. And that’s on top of the 36 crore rupee cash payment Wipro offered him as a parting gift. It’s not clear if Wipro allowed Delaporte to accelerate the vesting of his employee stock options or if he just cashed in on the shares he already had. Mint’s Varun Sood and Jas Bardia report on the development.

The 2024 Lok Sabha election is in full swing. Politicians are leaving no stone unturned to have their voices heard by the people. And just as with everything in 2024, AI has entered the political game as well. Political parties are using AI to evoke all kinds of emotions in voters. For instance, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa was heard critiquing both the central and state governments in a clip released on her birthday in February. However, the Dravidian leader passed away in 2016. Her voice was recreated using AI as part of the AIADMK's strategy to commemorate Jayalalithaa and galvanise support for its current leader, Edappadi Palaniswami, ahead of the election. The trend of using AI to recreate the voices and images of late politicians has been gaining traction across India. The technology allows parties to forge a personal connection with voters, especially the youth, who are new to the electoral process. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are awash with such content, crafted to sway voter sentiment and solidify party loyalties. Mint invited independent journalist Sanghamitra Kar P to write about the latest election tech trend in today’s Long Story.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Retail bulls run into wary FPIs on Street


 

Mint Primer: Has consumer protection just got weaker?


 

Fund giant Norges cuts off Adani Ports


 

Wipro’s outgoing CEO adds to his resignation bounty with $4-mn share sale

How political parties are using AI to bring personalities to life

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 473 no Govt to crack down on fake reviews https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-to-crack-down-on-fake-reviews-oUhQ_RZy Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After a couple of days of gains, the Indian stock markets fell on Wednesday. The Sensex shed 117 points, while the Nifty dropped by 0.16 percent during yesterday's trading session.  Fake reviews have plagued e-commerce. But the central government might soon have a solution. The ministry of consumer affairs wants to establish a quality check order to crack down on fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. Dhirendra Kumar reports that these platforms will have to curb these dubious reviews or face action under the centre's consumer protection act. This proposal comes after there were a substantially large number of consumer grievances related to e-commerce on the national consumer helpline. In 2023, the helpline saw more than 440,000 complaints pertaining to e-commerce alone.  Canada was the preferred destination for thousands of Indian students every year, but that is now changing. As Devina Sengupta writes, applications to Canadian universities have dropped by more than 40 percent this year. Canada is to blame here — the government had vowed to cut its international student number by a third last year. Moreover, a housing crisis and lack of jobs have also dissuaded Indian students from flying there. Devina spoke to higher studies consultants who told her that this dip is likely to continue till at least the end of 2025, which is when Canada is scheduled to have their next round of general elections.  Health-conscious people always read the nutritional value of items when they buy any packaged foods. But what happens when the labels themselves are misleading? To help with that, the National Institute of Nutrition has issued a list of 17 do's and don'ts as dietary guidelines. This assumes importance as more than half of India's total disease are borne out of unhealthy diets. Indian diets are quite low in protein — the guide recommends you to increase your intake of proteins to improve your health. As Sayantan Bera writes, some fruit juices contain way too much sugar and not enough fruit. Getting into mutual funds can be a little daunting. There are some 140,000 mutual fund distributors in India today. These distributors cherry-pick their best-performing funds to get you to invest your money — but past history is not a certain indicator of the future. Some buy through banks because it's more convenient, but banks take a healthy cut out of your earnings. Neil Borate and Sashind Ningthoukhongjam outline some basic advice to help you choose a path through the mutual fund maze. They write about what a good distributor should have, and more importantly, how to spot a bad investment advisor. Remember: if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Hilton, Hyatt, Taj, Marriott — these are some of the most famous hotel chains across the globe. But now, real estate bigwigs want to get in on the action. Varuni Khosla writes that Prestige Group and DB Realty are among developers looking to expand their hospitality businesses. Varuni spoke with executives from the industry who hailed the next few years as the "golden era" for India's hotels sector, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Some of these builders are co-investing with other hospitality companies to develop properties together. There's a fair amount of dealmaking that is currently underway in this business, so expect a host of luxury hotels to pop up across India very soon. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Govt cracks down on fake reviews, proposes QCO for e-commerce players Indian students shy away from applying to Canada for higher studies ‘Read that label’ and 16 more food commandments Real estate majors are coming for the hotel industry bearing a ₹10,000-cr purse  Where to find reliable advice in the mutual fund maze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Govt to crack down on fake reviews full 566 Mint - HT Smartcast How to spot a bad investment advisor, real estate giants want slice of hospitality pie Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After a couple of days of gains, the Indian stock markets fell on Wednesday. The Sensex shed 117 points, while the Nifty dropped by 0.16 percent during yesterday's trading session.  Fake reviews have plagued e-commerce. But the central government might soon have a solution. The ministry of consumer affairs wants to establish a quality check order to crack down on fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. Dhirendra Kumar reports that these platforms will have to curb these dubious reviews or face action under the centre's consumer protection act. This proposal comes after there were a substantially large number of consumer grievances related to e-commerce on the national consumer helpline. In 2023, the helpline saw more than 440,000 complaints pertaining to e-commerce alone.  Canada was the preferred destination for thousands of Indian students every year, but that is now changing. As Devina Sengupta writes, applications to Canadian universities have dropped by more than 40 percent this year. Canada is to blame here — the government had vowed to cut its international student number by a third last year. Moreover, a housing crisis and lack of jobs have also dissuaded Indian students from flying there. Devina spoke to higher studies consultants who told her that this dip is likely to continue till at least the end of 2025, which is when Canada is scheduled to have their next round of general elections.  Health-conscious people always read the nutritional value of items when they buy any packaged foods. But what happens when the labels themselves are misleading? To help with that, the National Institute of Nutrition has issued a list of 17 do's and don'ts as dietary guidelines. This assumes importance as more than half of India's total disease are borne out of unhealthy diets. Indian diets are quite low in protein — the guide recommends you to increase your intake of proteins to improve your health. As Sayantan Bera writes, some fruit juices contain way too much sugar and not enough fruit. Getting into mutual funds can be a little daunting. There are some 140,000 mutual fund distributors in India today. These distributors cherry-pick their best-performing funds to get you to invest your money — but past history is not a certain indicator of the future. Some buy through banks because it's more convenient, but banks take a healthy cut out of your earnings. Neil Borate and Sashind Ningthoukhongjam outline some basic advice to help you choose a path through the mutual fund maze. They write about what a good distributor should have, and more importantly, how to spot a bad investment advisor. Remember: if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Hilton, Hyatt, Taj, Marriott — these are some of the most famous hotel chains across the globe. But now, real estate bigwigs want to get in on the action. Varuni Khosla writes that Prestige Group and DB Realty are among developers looking to expand their hospitality businesses. Varuni spoke with executives from the industry who hailed the next few years as the "golden era" for India's hotels sector, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Some of these builders are co-investing with other hospitality companies to develop properties together. There's a fair amount of dealmaking that is currently underway in this business, so expect a host of luxury hotels to pop up across India very soon. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Govt cracks down on fake reviews, proposes QCO for e-commerce players Indian students shy away from applying to Canada for higher studies ‘Read that label’ and 16 more food commandments Real estate majors are coming for the hotel industry bearing a ₹10,000-cr purse  Where to find reliable advice in the mutual fund maze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

After a couple of days of gains, the Indian stock markets fell on Wednesday. The Sensex shed 117 points, while the Nifty dropped by 0.16 percent during yesterday's trading session. 

Fake reviews have plagued e-commerce. But the central government might soon have a solution. The ministry of consumer affairs wants to establish a quality check order to crack down on fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. Dhirendra Kumar reports that these platforms will have to curb these dubious reviews or face action under the centre's consumer protection act. This proposal comes after there were a substantially large number of consumer grievances related to e-commerce on the national consumer helpline. In 2023, the helpline saw more than 440,000 complaints pertaining to e-commerce alone. 

Canada was the preferred destination for thousands of Indian students every year, but that is now changing. As Devina Sengupta writes, applications to Canadian universities have dropped by more than 40 percent this year. Canada is to blame here — the government had vowed to cut its international student number by a third last year. Moreover, a housing crisis and lack of jobs have also dissuaded Indian students from flying there. Devina spoke to higher studies consultants who told her that this dip is likely to continue till at least the end of 2025, which is when Canada is scheduled to have their next round of general elections. 

Health-conscious people always read the nutritional value of items when they buy any packaged foods. But what happens when the labels themselves are misleading? To help with that, the National Institute of Nutrition has issued a list of 17 do's and don'ts as dietary guidelines. This assumes importance as more than half of India's total disease are borne out of unhealthy diets. Indian diets are quite low in protein — the guide recommends you to increase your intake of proteins to improve your health. As Sayantan Bera writes, some fruit juices contain way too much sugar and not enough fruit.

Getting into mutual funds can be a little daunting. There are some 140,000 mutual fund distributors in India today. These distributors cherry-pick their best-performing funds to get you to invest your money — but past history is not a certain indicator of the future. Some buy through banks because it's more convenient, but banks take a healthy cut out of your earnings. Neil Borate and Sashind Ningthoukhongjam outline some basic advice to help you choose a path through the mutual fund maze. They write about what a good distributor should have, and more importantly, how to spot a bad investment advisor. Remember: if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Hilton, Hyatt, Taj, Marriott — these are some of the most famous hotel chains across the globe. But now, real estate bigwigs want to get in on the action. Varuni Khosla writes that Prestige Group and DB Realty are among developers looking to expand their hospitality businesses. Varuni spoke with executives from the industry who hailed the next few years as the "golden era" for India's hotels sector, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Some of these builders are co-investing with other hospitality companies to develop properties together. There's a fair amount of dealmaking that is currently underway in this business, so expect a host of luxury hotels to pop up across India very soon.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Govt cracks down on fake reviews, proposes QCO for e-commerce players

Indian students shy away from applying to Canada for higher studies

‘Read that label’ and 16 more food commandments

Real estate majors are coming for the hotel industry bearing a ₹10,000-cr purse 

Where to find reliable advice in the mutual fund maze

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 347 no Why election results scared investors https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-election-results-scared-investors-zIo8t_dO Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets trended upwards on Tuesday. Sensex and Nifty gained about half a percent each in yesterday's trading session.  That was welcome news for Indian equity investors, who suffered through a string of loss-making sessions last week. That's all due to Vix — no, not the cough drop. Vix is an indication of the fear in the market sentiment. If the markets are up, Vix is down, as there is less fear of volatility in the market. Last week, the markets took a turn for the worse as the results of the general elections stoked fear among investors. Vix has been at a 19-month high of late, and investors want to book their profits in case of an unexpected result on June 4. Ram Sahgal writes a detailed explainer on why the elections are causing such instability across Indian equities. When the government launched the open network for digital commerce, or ONDC for short, it was supposed to be a game changer. A year and a half later, only one segment has actually seen some noted disruption: food delivery. Mobility, especially auto-rickshaw rides, are also doing well. But the rest of the apps haven't made ONDC their home just yet. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes, apparel, electronics, and other e-commerce ventures haven't fared well on ONDC. Even its success story, food delivery, did roughly 10 million orders, as opposed to 100 million between Zomato and Swiggy. ONDC was once heralded as the next possible success story after UPI. That comparison pales heavily today. Will ONDC be able to pick up some momentum soon? If you had friends in the West, you probably would've gotten some spectacular pictures of the sky from them. Social media was full of colourful skies last week, delighting many. But they were the result of a solar flare on the surface of the sun. This phenomenon can hurt power infrastructure, communications, and disrupt navigation. The pretty aurora borealis can thus disrupt our lives as we know it. Shouvik Das explains this occurrence, their severity, and how we can defend ourselves from a solar flare's negative effects. Godrej Properties is a landmark in India — both in terms of its name, and its real estate business. It has a market cap of 78,400 crore rupees, but its beginnings were quite humble. When it listed publicly in December 2009, it raised just 469 crore rupees — double of its revenue. But today, Godrej Properties rakes in more than 22,000 crore rupees as annual revenue. Its shares have increased by 239 percent in the last five years. There's one man from the Godrej family who can take credit for making its real estate arm as successful as it is today: Pirojsha Godrej. Godrej now competes with DLF, Prestige, and Macrotech in the real estate market. Madhurima Nandy tries to answer a burning question: what next for Godrej Properties? We were supposed to get Teslas on the Indian roads — instead, we got Tesla in the Indian courts. Recently, Tesla filed its first lawsuit in India against a battery seller named Tesla Power India. The Elon Musk-headed Tesla made this aggressive move to protect its brand and name. Krishna Yadav explains the rationale behind this move, which is the latest in the series of international brands protecting their likeness in India. Interestingly, as Krishna notes, the court's decision could also set a precedent for future trademark-infringement cases in India's growing electric vehicles market. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Explainer: Why the national election is making the market swing wildly  ONDC's e-commerce puzzle: Food thrives but apparel and electronics lag  Solar storms: How deadly can they get?  How Pirojsha Godrej changed India’s real estate business  Mint Explainer: How Tesla’s first India lawsuit will affect EV trademark battles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why election results scared investors full 565 Mint - HT Smartcast Godrej Properties' future, Tesla's lawsuit's ramifications Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets trended upwards on Tuesday. Sensex and Nifty gained about half a percent each in yesterday's trading session.  That was welcome news for Indian equity investors, who suffered through a string of loss-making sessions last week. That's all due to Vix — no, not the cough drop. Vix is an indication of the fear in the market sentiment. If the markets are up, Vix is down, as there is less fear of volatility in the market. Last week, the markets took a turn for the worse as the results of the general elections stoked fear among investors. Vix has been at a 19-month high of late, and investors want to book their profits in case of an unexpected result on June 4. Ram Sahgal writes a detailed explainer on why the elections are causing such instability across Indian equities. When the government launched the open network for digital commerce, or ONDC for short, it was supposed to be a game changer. A year and a half later, only one segment has actually seen some noted disruption: food delivery. Mobility, especially auto-rickshaw rides, are also doing well. But the rest of the apps haven't made ONDC their home just yet. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes, apparel, electronics, and other e-commerce ventures haven't fared well on ONDC. Even its success story, food delivery, did roughly 10 million orders, as opposed to 100 million between Zomato and Swiggy. ONDC was once heralded as the next possible success story after UPI. That comparison pales heavily today. Will ONDC be able to pick up some momentum soon? If you had friends in the West, you probably would've gotten some spectacular pictures of the sky from them. Social media was full of colourful skies last week, delighting many. But they were the result of a solar flare on the surface of the sun. This phenomenon can hurt power infrastructure, communications, and disrupt navigation. The pretty aurora borealis can thus disrupt our lives as we know it. Shouvik Das explains this occurrence, their severity, and how we can defend ourselves from a solar flare's negative effects. Godrej Properties is a landmark in India — both in terms of its name, and its real estate business. It has a market cap of 78,400 crore rupees, but its beginnings were quite humble. When it listed publicly in December 2009, it raised just 469 crore rupees — double of its revenue. But today, Godrej Properties rakes in more than 22,000 crore rupees as annual revenue. Its shares have increased by 239 percent in the last five years. There's one man from the Godrej family who can take credit for making its real estate arm as successful as it is today: Pirojsha Godrej. Godrej now competes with DLF, Prestige, and Macrotech in the real estate market. Madhurima Nandy tries to answer a burning question: what next for Godrej Properties? We were supposed to get Teslas on the Indian roads — instead, we got Tesla in the Indian courts. Recently, Tesla filed its first lawsuit in India against a battery seller named Tesla Power India. The Elon Musk-headed Tesla made this aggressive move to protect its brand and name. Krishna Yadav explains the rationale behind this move, which is the latest in the series of international brands protecting their likeness in India. Interestingly, as Krishna notes, the court's decision could also set a precedent for future trademark-infringement cases in India's growing electric vehicles market. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Explainer: Why the national election is making the market swing wildly  ONDC's e-commerce puzzle: Food thrives but apparel and electronics lag  Solar storms: How deadly can they get?  How Pirojsha Godrej changed India’s real estate business  Mint Explainer: How Tesla’s first India lawsuit will affect EV trademark battles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian stock markets trended upwards on Tuesday. Sensex and Nifty gained about half a percent each in yesterday's trading session. 

That was welcome news for Indian equity investors, who suffered through a string of loss-making sessions last week. That's all due to Vix — no, not the cough drop. Vix is an indication of the fear in the market sentiment. If the markets are up, Vix is down, as there is less fear of volatility in the market. Last week, the markets took a turn for the worse as the results of the general elections stoked fear among investors. Vix has been at a 19-month high of late, and investors want to book their profits in case of an unexpected result on June 4. Ram Sahgal writes a detailed explainer on why the elections are causing such instability across Indian equities.

When the government launched the open network for digital commerce, or ONDC for short, it was supposed to be a game changer. A year and a half later, only one segment has actually seen some noted disruption: food delivery. Mobility, especially auto-rickshaw rides, are also doing well. But the rest of the apps haven't made ONDC their home just yet. As Sowmya Ramasubramanian writes, apparel, electronics, and other e-commerce ventures haven't fared well on ONDC. Even its success story, food delivery, did roughly 10 million orders, as opposed to 100 million between Zomato and Swiggy. ONDC was once heralded as the next possible success story after UPI. That comparison pales heavily today. Will ONDC be able to pick up some momentum soon?

If you had friends in the West, you probably would've gotten some spectacular pictures of the sky from them. Social media was full of colourful skies last week, delighting many. But they were the result of a solar flare on the surface of the sun. This phenomenon can hurt power infrastructure, communications, and disrupt navigation. The pretty aurora borealis can thus disrupt our lives as we know it. Shouvik Das explains this occurrence, their severity, and how we can defend ourselves from a solar flare's negative effects.

Godrej Properties is a landmark in India — both in terms of its name, and its real estate business. It has a market cap of 78,400 crore rupees, but its beginnings were quite humble. When it listed publicly in December 2009, it raised just 469 crore rupees — double of its revenue. But today, Godrej Properties rakes in more than 22,000 crore rupees as annual revenue. Its shares have increased by 239 percent in the last five years. There's one man from the Godrej family who can take credit for making its real estate arm as successful as it is today: Pirojsha Godrej. Godrej now competes with DLF, Prestige, and Macrotech in the real estate market. Madhurima Nandy tries to answer a burning question: what next for Godrej Properties?

We were supposed to get Teslas on the Indian roads — instead, we got Tesla in the Indian courts. Recently, Tesla filed its first lawsuit in India against a battery seller named Tesla Power India. The Elon Musk-headed Tesla made this aggressive move to protect its brand and name. Krishna Yadav explains the rationale behind this move, which is the latest in the series of international brands protecting their likeness in India. Interestingly, as Krishna notes, the court's decision could also set a precedent for future trademark-infringement cases in India's growing electric vehicles market.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Mint Explainer: Why the national election is making the market swing wildly 

ONDC's e-commerce puzzle: Food thrives but apparel and electronics lag 

Solar storms: How deadly can they get? 

How Pirojsha Godrej changed India’s real estate business 

Mint Explainer: How Tesla’s first India lawsuit will affect EV trademark battles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 367 no Entry-level hatchbacks are popular no more https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/entry-level-hatchbacks-are-popular-no-more-zWp2pcd3   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices remained upbeat on Monday, with both Nifty and Sensex closing the session in the green. BSE’s 30-company Sensex surged 0.15 percent while NSE’s Nifty-50 saw a rise of 0.22 percent. Mini-cars have long been the gateway to four-wheeled transport for many in India, but they're facing a bit of a rough patch. Maruti Suzuki, the big player in India's car market, is hitting the pause button on sprucing up this segment. Why? Well, it boils down to costs and affordability. Right now, Maruti dominates the hatchback market, holding about 70% of it, but they're choosing to hold off on upgrades until these cars become more wallet-friendly for the average buyer. Their mainstays—the Alto, Celerio, and S-Presso—won't see significant changes for a while. Maruti's betting that once incomes go up, these entry-level cars will become popular again among first-time buyers. But here’s the kicker: the overall market for entry-level cars has really dipped, from more than 470 thousand units back in 2011 to just over 160 thousand in 2024. Customers are more inclined towards entry-level SUVs instead. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev writes on the shrinking market for entry-level hatchbacks. Nasdaq-listed IT firm Cognizant, which has more than 250 thousand employees in India, is getting tough with employees who are resisting returning to the office. They've warned that continued absence could lead to termination. This move, detailed in a letter from April 15, makes Cognizant one of the first major IT companies to use firing to get people back to their office cubicles. Until recently, Cognizant was flexible about office attendance, letting individual teams decide based on their project needs. But earlier this year, they changed gears and started asking their employees in India to be in the office three days a week. They even began tracking office attendance closely. Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia reports on the emerging trend of IT companies using termination as a tool to get people back to office. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have also been tightening policies around office attendance, linking them to pay hikes and bonuses, indicating a significant shift from the more flexible remote work policies during the pandemic. The banking sector is basking in the glow of an extraordinary earnings season for the March quarter. State Bank of India, the country's largest lender, just posted a record-breaking profit of more than 20,000 crore rupees for the quarter, outshining even Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company. Punjab National Bank is another state-run lender that's making waves, with its net profit skyrocketing almost three-fold. Private players including HDFC and Axis Bank, too have reported strong numbers. However, not everything is smooth sailing. The robust post-pandemic economic recovery has led to a surge in credit growth, especially in the retail segment, which has outpaced deposit growth. This situation has pushed the loan-to-deposit ratio to a decadal high of 80%, signalling potential liquidity and credit risks. Banks are now caught in a tough spot. They need to either reduce loans, which could stifle growth, or increase deposits, which might hurt margins because higher interest rates would have to be offered to attract depositors. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what’s behind the stellar fourth-quarter performance of banks and whether the results show the complete picture.  Tata Motors experienced a standout fiscal 2024, thanks mainly to the performance of its British subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover. JLR's margin climbed impressively to 8.5% from just 2.4% the previous year, a boost attributed to better scale, reduced costs for input materials, and strong sales of the Range Rover and Defender models. Additionally, JLR generated a whopping ₹24,000 crore in free cash flow for FY24, significantly cutting down TaMo's net automotive debt from ₹43,700 crore at the end of the previous year to ₹16,000 crore by March's end. Looking ahead, Tata Motors is potentially on track to erase its net debt by FY25, thanks to the continued cash flow from JLR. Mint’s Manish Joshi brings a snapshot of Tata Motors’ fourth-quarter performance and how the growth of its British subsidiary is on its way to a slower lane.  The buzz is real! Cinema owners across India are all smiles as they gear up for a slew of blockbuster releases from the South. With big names and even bigger stories, movies like Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone’s "Kalki 2898 AD," and  Kamal Haasan’s "Indian 2," are set to hit the screens in the coming months. Experts are predicting these films could rake in a whopping ₹1,500 crore at the box office. After a bit of a slump, with few Hindi movies catching eyes since the Eid weekend in April, these multi-language, star-studded films from the South are ready to bring the magic back. They're following in the footsteps of giants like "Baahubali" and "RRR," banking on a mix of high-octane action, deep drama, and emotional hooks to pull in audiences, including those in the Hindi-speaking belt through dubbed versions. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several experts and industry insiders who are looking at the upcoming South Indian projects with anticipation, hoping to attract the mass-market audiences.   Mini cars stall as some can't afford them, some want more Not working from office might lead to job loss, Cognizant tells employees Banks had a blockbuster quarter. But don’t let that fool you JLR drives TaMo’s FY24, but slow lane ahead? Exhibitors pin hopes on big southern films to bring cheer to box office Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Entry-level hatchbacks are popular no more full 564 Mint - HT Smartcast Cognizant’s new work from office policy; Behind the stellar show of Indian banks   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices remained upbeat on Monday, with both Nifty and Sensex closing the session in the green. BSE’s 30-company Sensex surged 0.15 percent while NSE’s Nifty-50 saw a rise of 0.22 percent. Mini-cars have long been the gateway to four-wheeled transport for many in India, but they're facing a bit of a rough patch. Maruti Suzuki, the big player in India's car market, is hitting the pause button on sprucing up this segment. Why? Well, it boils down to costs and affordability. Right now, Maruti dominates the hatchback market, holding about 70% of it, but they're choosing to hold off on upgrades until these cars become more wallet-friendly for the average buyer. Their mainstays—the Alto, Celerio, and S-Presso—won't see significant changes for a while. Maruti's betting that once incomes go up, these entry-level cars will become popular again among first-time buyers. But here’s the kicker: the overall market for entry-level cars has really dipped, from more than 470 thousand units back in 2011 to just over 160 thousand in 2024. Customers are more inclined towards entry-level SUVs instead. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev writes on the shrinking market for entry-level hatchbacks. Nasdaq-listed IT firm Cognizant, which has more than 250 thousand employees in India, is getting tough with employees who are resisting returning to the office. They've warned that continued absence could lead to termination. This move, detailed in a letter from April 15, makes Cognizant one of the first major IT companies to use firing to get people back to their office cubicles. Until recently, Cognizant was flexible about office attendance, letting individual teams decide based on their project needs. But earlier this year, they changed gears and started asking their employees in India to be in the office three days a week. They even began tracking office attendance closely. Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia reports on the emerging trend of IT companies using termination as a tool to get people back to office. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have also been tightening policies around office attendance, linking them to pay hikes and bonuses, indicating a significant shift from the more flexible remote work policies during the pandemic. The banking sector is basking in the glow of an extraordinary earnings season for the March quarter. State Bank of India, the country's largest lender, just posted a record-breaking profit of more than 20,000 crore rupees for the quarter, outshining even Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company. Punjab National Bank is another state-run lender that's making waves, with its net profit skyrocketing almost three-fold. Private players including HDFC and Axis Bank, too have reported strong numbers. However, not everything is smooth sailing. The robust post-pandemic economic recovery has led to a surge in credit growth, especially in the retail segment, which has outpaced deposit growth. This situation has pushed the loan-to-deposit ratio to a decadal high of 80%, signalling potential liquidity and credit risks. Banks are now caught in a tough spot. They need to either reduce loans, which could stifle growth, or increase deposits, which might hurt margins because higher interest rates would have to be offered to attract depositors. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what’s behind the stellar fourth-quarter performance of banks and whether the results show the complete picture.  Tata Motors experienced a standout fiscal 2024, thanks mainly to the performance of its British subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover. JLR's margin climbed impressively to 8.5% from just 2.4% the previous year, a boost attributed to better scale, reduced costs for input materials, and strong sales of the Range Rover and Defender models. Additionally, JLR generated a whopping ₹24,000 crore in free cash flow for FY24, significantly cutting down TaMo's net automotive debt from ₹43,700 crore at the end of the previous year to ₹16,000 crore by March's end. Looking ahead, Tata Motors is potentially on track to erase its net debt by FY25, thanks to the continued cash flow from JLR. Mint’s Manish Joshi brings a snapshot of Tata Motors’ fourth-quarter performance and how the growth of its British subsidiary is on its way to a slower lane.  The buzz is real! Cinema owners across India are all smiles as they gear up for a slew of blockbuster releases from the South. With big names and even bigger stories, movies like Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone’s "Kalki 2898 AD," and  Kamal Haasan’s "Indian 2," are set to hit the screens in the coming months. Experts are predicting these films could rake in a whopping ₹1,500 crore at the box office. After a bit of a slump, with few Hindi movies catching eyes since the Eid weekend in April, these multi-language, star-studded films from the South are ready to bring the magic back. They're following in the footsteps of giants like "Baahubali" and "RRR," banking on a mix of high-octane action, deep drama, and emotional hooks to pull in audiences, including those in the Hindi-speaking belt through dubbed versions. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several experts and industry insiders who are looking at the upcoming South Indian projects with anticipation, hoping to attract the mass-market audiences.   Mini cars stall as some can't afford them, some want more Not working from office might lead to job loss, Cognizant tells employees Banks had a blockbuster quarter. But don’t let that fool you JLR drives TaMo’s FY24, but slow lane ahead? Exhibitors pin hopes on big southern films to bring cheer to box office Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices remained upbeat on Monday, with both Nifty and Sensex closing the session in the green. BSE’s 30-company Sensex surged 0.15 percent while NSE’s Nifty-50 saw a rise of 0.22 percent.

Mini-cars have long been the gateway to four-wheeled transport for many in India, but they're facing a bit of a rough patch. Maruti Suzuki, the big player in India's car market, is hitting the pause button on sprucing up this segment. Why? Well, it boils down to costs and affordability. Right now, Maruti dominates the hatchback market, holding about 70% of it, but they're choosing to hold off on upgrades until these cars become more wallet-friendly for the average buyer. Their mainstays—the Alto, Celerio, and S-Presso—won't see significant changes for a while. Maruti's betting that once incomes go up, these entry-level cars will become popular again among first-time buyers. But here’s the kicker: the overall market for entry-level cars has really dipped, from more than 470 thousand units back in 2011 to just over 160 thousand in 2024. Customers are more inclined towards entry-level SUVs instead. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev writes on the shrinking market for entry-level hatchbacks.

Nasdaq-listed IT firm Cognizant, which has more than 250 thousand employees in India, is getting tough with employees who are resisting returning to the office. They've warned that continued absence could lead to termination. This move, detailed in a letter from April 15, makes Cognizant one of the first major IT companies to use firing to get people back to their office cubicles. Until recently, Cognizant was flexible about office attendance, letting individual teams decide based on their project needs. But earlier this year, they changed gears and started asking their employees in India to be in the office three days a week. They even began tracking office attendance closely. Mint’s IT correspondent Jas Bardia reports on the emerging trend of IT companies using termination as a tool to get people back to office. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have also been tightening policies around office attendance, linking them to pay hikes and bonuses, indicating a significant shift from the more flexible remote work policies during the pandemic.

The banking sector is basking in the glow of an extraordinary earnings season for the March quarter. State Bank of India, the country's largest lender, just posted a record-breaking profit of more than 20,000 crore rupees for the quarter, outshining even Reliance Industries, India's most valuable company. Punjab National Bank is another state-run lender that's making waves, with its net profit skyrocketing almost three-fold. Private players including HDFC and Axis Bank, too have reported strong numbers. However, not everything is smooth sailing. The robust post-pandemic economic recovery has led to a surge in credit growth, especially in the retail segment, which has outpaced deposit growth. This situation has pushed the loan-to-deposit ratio to a decadal high of 80%, signalling potential liquidity and credit risks. Banks are now caught in a tough spot. They need to either reduce loans, which could stifle growth, or increase deposits, which might hurt margins because higher interest rates would have to be offered to attract depositors. Mint’s Abhishek Mukherjee examines what’s behind the stellar fourth-quarter performance of banks and whether the results show the complete picture. 

Tata Motors experienced a standout fiscal 2024, thanks mainly to the performance of its British subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover. JLR's margin climbed impressively to 8.5% from just 2.4% the previous year, a boost attributed to better scale, reduced costs for input materials, and strong sales of the Range Rover and Defender models. Additionally, JLR generated a whopping ₹24,000 crore in free cash flow for FY24, significantly cutting down TaMo's net automotive debt from ₹43,700 crore at the end of the previous year to ₹16,000 crore by March's end.

Looking ahead, Tata Motors is potentially on track to erase its net debt by FY25, thanks to the continued cash flow from JLR. Mint’s Manish Joshi brings a snapshot of Tata Motors’ fourth-quarter performance and how the growth of its British subsidiary is on its way to a slower lane. 

The buzz is real! Cinema owners across India are all smiles as they gear up for a slew of blockbuster releases from the South. With big names and even bigger stories, movies like Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone’s "Kalki 2898 AD," and  Kamal Haasan’s "Indian 2," are set to hit the screens in the coming months. Experts are predicting these films could rake in a whopping ₹1,500 crore at the box office. After a bit of a slump, with few Hindi movies catching eyes since the Eid weekend in April, these multi-language, star-studded films from the South are ready to bring the magic back. They're following in the footsteps of giants like "Baahubali" and "RRR," banking on a mix of high-octane action, deep drama, and emotional hooks to pull in audiences, including those in the Hindi-speaking belt through dubbed versions.

Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several experts and industry insiders who are looking at the upcoming South Indian projects with anticipation, hoping to attract the mass-market audiences.

 

Mini cars stall as some can't afford them, some want more

Not working from office might lead to job loss, Cognizant tells employees

Banks had a blockbuster quarter. But don’t let that fool you

JLR drives TaMo’s FY24, but slow lane ahead?

Exhibitors pin hopes on big southern films to bring cheer to box office

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 491 no India: a chess powerhouse https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/india-a-chess-powerhouse-JtTOxKUk Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Active investors in Indian equity markets have had a good run: in the last three years, the Sensex has increased by more than 45 percent. Often, the state of the stock markets also reflects the mood of the nation. If the country's economic output is robust, the market trends upwards. As Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, writes, it is often assumed that a rising stock index is indicative of broad confidence in the economy and acts as a foreteller of its performance. But is this really true? Sabnavis argues that broader market trends do not reflect the true picture of Indian commerce or macroeconomic conditions. He compares India's GDP, Nifty, and Nifty companies' profits to make his point. Next time someone says the country is doing great because the stock market hit a new high, you might want to point out that the correlation isn't necessarily true. Investors opt for mutual funds when they want a more passive experience to investing. If you're bullish on one sector, you can even choose a sector-specific fund like banking, PSUs, and auto stocks. But what if you want to reap the rewards from a more risky instrument like cryptocurrencies? Since January 2020, the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index, which is a collection of some of the top cryptocurrencies, has delivered 500 percent returns. That's where a fund like BitSave comes in. BitSave is a startup that operates a crypto-only fund, and isn't bound by SEBI's regulations as it operates out of Seychelles. We invited Yash Roongta, founder of Alt Investor, to write about this interesting but volatile investment option. AI this, AI that — it's impossible to escape the all-encompassing artificial intelligence. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is drumming up hype for GPT-5. Some believe that along with GPT-5, OpenAI is also set to launch a search engine that would go toe-to-toe with Google. ChatGPT has also been licensed to a variety of businesses, and makes a lot of money from it. But as Leslie D'Monte writes, companies would do well to hedge their AI bets. Despite the hype for GPT-5, it might turn out to be a dud — that's where the competitors come in. If you've made international summer vacation plans, I must commend your patience. It's incredibly difficult to get a visa to the US or Europe these days. Appointments for the Schengen visa are months away, and you're not certain to get them either. Spurned by Europe, Indians are now looking at other destinations, writes Varuni Khosla. Varuni spoke with travel agents who are curating trips for holidays to places such as South Korea and Japan. Closer home, countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are attractive destinations too, especially after they started providing visa on arrival for Indians. Europe's loss is India's gain, and Indians are cashing in. India is now a chess-playing nation. Much of the credit must be given to Vishvanathan Anand, India's first, and for a long time, only chess grandmaster. India now has 84 grandmasters. The latest Indian chess star is Gukesh Dommaraju, a 17-year-old prodigy who became a grandmaster at the tender age of 12. Gukesh now enjoys fame and celebration usually reserved for India's cricket heroes. We invited Deepti Patwardhan, noted sportswriter, to take a deep dive into the history and moves that made Indians in chess a force to be reckoned with.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Stock market indices say little about economic growth  The curious case of India’s first crypto mutual fund  Why buzz over search engine may help big tech Spurned by Schengen, Indians are being swayed by the lure of liberal visas  Gukesh D and the rise of Indian chess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 India: a chess powerhouse full 563 Mint - HT Smartcast A crypto-only mutual fund, Indians opt for alternative travel destinations Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Active investors in Indian equity markets have had a good run: in the last three years, the Sensex has increased by more than 45 percent. Often, the state of the stock markets also reflects the mood of the nation. If the country's economic output is robust, the market trends upwards. As Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, writes, it is often assumed that a rising stock index is indicative of broad confidence in the economy and acts as a foreteller of its performance. But is this really true? Sabnavis argues that broader market trends do not reflect the true picture of Indian commerce or macroeconomic conditions. He compares India's GDP, Nifty, and Nifty companies' profits to make his point. Next time someone says the country is doing great because the stock market hit a new high, you might want to point out that the correlation isn't necessarily true. Investors opt for mutual funds when they want a more passive experience to investing. If you're bullish on one sector, you can even choose a sector-specific fund like banking, PSUs, and auto stocks. But what if you want to reap the rewards from a more risky instrument like cryptocurrencies? Since January 2020, the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index, which is a collection of some of the top cryptocurrencies, has delivered 500 percent returns. That's where a fund like BitSave comes in. BitSave is a startup that operates a crypto-only fund, and isn't bound by SEBI's regulations as it operates out of Seychelles. We invited Yash Roongta, founder of Alt Investor, to write about this interesting but volatile investment option. AI this, AI that — it's impossible to escape the all-encompassing artificial intelligence. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is drumming up hype for GPT-5. Some believe that along with GPT-5, OpenAI is also set to launch a search engine that would go toe-to-toe with Google. ChatGPT has also been licensed to a variety of businesses, and makes a lot of money from it. But as Leslie D'Monte writes, companies would do well to hedge their AI bets. Despite the hype for GPT-5, it might turn out to be a dud — that's where the competitors come in. If you've made international summer vacation plans, I must commend your patience. It's incredibly difficult to get a visa to the US or Europe these days. Appointments for the Schengen visa are months away, and you're not certain to get them either. Spurned by Europe, Indians are now looking at other destinations, writes Varuni Khosla. Varuni spoke with travel agents who are curating trips for holidays to places such as South Korea and Japan. Closer home, countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are attractive destinations too, especially after they started providing visa on arrival for Indians. Europe's loss is India's gain, and Indians are cashing in. India is now a chess-playing nation. Much of the credit must be given to Vishvanathan Anand, India's first, and for a long time, only chess grandmaster. India now has 84 grandmasters. The latest Indian chess star is Gukesh Dommaraju, a 17-year-old prodigy who became a grandmaster at the tender age of 12. Gukesh now enjoys fame and celebration usually reserved for India's cricket heroes. We invited Deepti Patwardhan, noted sportswriter, to take a deep dive into the history and moves that made Indians in chess a force to be reckoned with.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Stock market indices say little about economic growth  The curious case of India’s first crypto mutual fund  Why buzz over search engine may help big tech Spurned by Schengen, Indians are being swayed by the lure of liberal visas  Gukesh D and the rise of Indian chess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Active investors in Indian equity markets have had a good run: in the last three years, the Sensex has increased by more than 45 percent. Often, the state of the stock markets also reflects the mood of the nation. If the country's economic output is robust, the market trends upwards. As Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda, writes, it is often assumed that a rising stock index is indicative of broad confidence in the economy and acts as a foreteller of its performance. But is this really true? Sabnavis argues that broader market trends do not reflect the true picture of Indian commerce or macroeconomic conditions. He compares India's GDP, Nifty, and Nifty companies' profits to make his point. Next time someone says the country is doing great because the stock market hit a new high, you might want to point out that the correlation isn't necessarily true.

Investors opt for mutual funds when they want a more passive experience to investing. If you're bullish on one sector, you can even choose a sector-specific fund like banking, PSUs, and auto stocks. But what if you want to reap the rewards from a more risky instrument like cryptocurrencies? Since January 2020, the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index, which is a collection of some of the top cryptocurrencies, has delivered 500 percent returns. That's where a fund like BitSave comes in. BitSave is a startup that operates a crypto-only fund, and isn't bound by SEBI's regulations as it operates out of Seychelles. We invited Yash Roongta, founder of Alt Investor, to write about this interesting but volatile investment option.

AI this, AI that — it's impossible to escape the all-encompassing artificial intelligence. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is drumming up hype for GPT-5. Some believe that along with GPT-5, OpenAI is also set to launch a search engine that would go toe-to-toe with Google. ChatGPT has also been licensed to a variety of businesses, and makes a lot of money from it. But as Leslie D'Monte writes, companies would do well to hedge their AI bets. Despite the hype for GPT-5, it might turn out to be a dud — that's where the competitors come in.

If you've made international summer vacation plans, I must commend your patience. It's incredibly difficult to get a visa to the US or Europe these days. Appointments for the Schengen visa are months away, and you're not certain to get them either. Spurned by Europe, Indians are now looking at other destinations, writes Varuni Khosla. Varuni spoke with travel agents who are curating trips for holidays to places such as South Korea and Japan. Closer home, countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are attractive destinations too, especially after they started providing visa on arrival for Indians. Europe's loss is India's gain, and Indians are cashing in.

India is now a chess-playing nation. Much of the credit must be given to Vishvanathan Anand, India's first, and for a long time, only chess grandmaster. India now has 84 grandmasters. The latest Indian chess star is Gukesh Dommaraju, a 17-year-old prodigy who became a grandmaster at the tender age of 12. Gukesh now enjoys fame and celebration usually reserved for India's cricket heroes. We invited Deepti Patwardhan, noted sportswriter, to take a deep dive into the history and moves that made Indians in chess a force to be reckoned with. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Stock market indices say little about economic growth 

The curious case of India’s first crypto mutual fund 

Why buzz over search engine may help big tech

Spurned by Schengen, Indians are being swayed by the lure of liberal visas 

Gukesh D and the rise of Indian chess

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 368 no The steady saffronisation of Mamata didi https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-steady-saffronisation-of-mamata-didi-eLrgMFb9 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 10, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: The Indian benchmark indices ended deep in the red on Thursday, marking their third consecutive session of losses, weighed down by a raft of weak March quarter results and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Sensex, which had opened higher, tumbled more than a thousand points to close 1.45 percent lower than its previous close. The Nifty also ended in the red, down 1.55 percent. Spices and Indian masalas are an integral part of the subcontinent’s history and global identity. The spice trade in medieval times shaped India’s colonial history. However, Indian spices are now facing a crisis of confidence. It all began early last month when regulatory authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore suspended the sale of MDH and Everest spice mixes due to alleged chemical contamination. The regulators found high levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogen, in the spice mixes. The Maldives has also banned both brands, while regulators in the US, Bangladesh, and Australia have initiated investigations. Indian spice exports are substantial, estimated at $4.25 billion in FY24, constituting 12% of the global spice trade valued at $35 billion. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, explains how the regulatory action against these Indian spice companies could impact the $4 billion spice export sector. India’s largest public sector bank, the State Bank of India, announced stellar fiscal fourth-quarter results on Thursday. Profit for the quarter ended in March rose to more than Rs 20 thousand crores. Rising 24 percent year-on-year, the profit was the highest quarterly number it has ever reported. For the whole of FY24, SBI’s income stood at more than Rs 61 thousand crores, yet another record for the lender. SBI chairman Dinesh Khara expressed confidence in the bank’s growth prospects, saying that the lender aims to expand its credit book by 14-16%. Despite the positive outlook, SBI's projected deposit growth for FY25 is expected to lag its credit growth, a trend playing out across the banking industry. Khara remains optimistic, citing broad-based growth across various loan segments, including retail, corporate, small businesses, and agriculture. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on SBI’s results and examines what the current fiscal year has in store for the bank. In 2023, Tesla chief Elon Musk conceptualized the Hyperloop—a revolution in mobility. The Hyperloop is envisioned as a low-pressure tube for high-speed transportation of cargo and passengers using magnetically levitated pod-like vehicles. Despite skepticism about its viability, Satyanarayan Chakravarthy, a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, believes in its potential. Speaking with Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’Monte, Chakravarthy revealed plans for Avishkar Hyperloop, a project at IIT-Madras, to demonstrate a Hyperloop stack, including a vacuum tube, at their new campus. This demonstration will take place during the 'Global Hyperloop Competition' hosted by IIT-Madras next January. Despite challenges, Chakravarthy remains optimistic, highlighting Avishkar Hyperloop's progress in developing Hyperloop technology since 2017. The initiative has garnered support from the Ministry of Railways and various research institutions. Russian companies have utilized nearly $4 billion from their rupee vostro accounts in Indian banks over the past 6-8 months. These funds have been allocated toward purchasing various items, including locally manufactured arms. This spending surge follows a period where these accounts saw a significant influx of rupees due to India's heightened purchases of Russian crude oil. But wait, let's back up a bit. What exactly are vostro accounts? A vostro account is managed by a domestic bank on behalf of a foreign bank. The foreign lender can use the account for transactions, including forex settlements, cross-border payments, and investments in the domestic market. Notably, these vostro accounts also facilitate settlements for Indian exports to Russia. This arrangement serves as a workaround for Russian banks, which face limitations in interbank payment transactions following their exclusion from the SWIFT payment system due to Western sanctions. Mint’s foreign affairs correspondent, Rhik Kundu, reports on how Russia is exploiting all its resources—including money in its vostro accounts—to fund its war in Ukraine. Until recently, West Bengal's Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee, was notably uncomfortable with overt displays of political Hinduism. She even expressed disdain for the politicisation of religious sentiments, evident when she dismissed the grand spectacle of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya as a political manoeuvre by the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls. However, Banerjee's stance has gradually softened in response to political dynamics. For instance, she surprised many by declaring a state holiday on Ram Navami, albeit under the guise of celebrating the Maha Navami of the Chaitra Durga Puja, avoiding explicit acknowledgment of Ram's birthday. Her party leaders, meanwhile, enthusiastically embraced Ram Navami celebrations, with TMC candidates actively participating in festivities. This subtle shift in TMC's approach is part of a broader strategy to consolidate support among Hindu voters in West Bengal, a response to the BJP's growing influence in the state. The TMC has been quietly bolstering its Hindu credentials through measures such as stipends for priests, allowances for Durga Puja celebrations, and temple construction and restoration projects. By embracing a lighter shade of saffron, the TMC aims to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative and prevent further erosion of its Hindu vote base. Mint invited West Bengal-based journalist Romita Dutta to examine the steady saffronization of TMC’s politics in the state. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Are Indian spices facing a crisis of confidence?  After stellar FY24, SBI aims at better show in next fiscal Can India leapfrog the high-speed rail story with Hyperloop? Russian exporters ramp up spending from rupee funds on defence equipment, arms Hindutva-lite: Behind Didi’s new formula to boost Trinamool in Bengal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The steady saffronisation of Mamata didi full 562 Mint - HT Smartcast Spice exports mellowing down? SBI’s remarkable Q4 results Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 10, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: The Indian benchmark indices ended deep in the red on Thursday, marking their third consecutive session of losses, weighed down by a raft of weak March quarter results and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Sensex, which had opened higher, tumbled more than a thousand points to close 1.45 percent lower than its previous close. The Nifty also ended in the red, down 1.55 percent. Spices and Indian masalas are an integral part of the subcontinent’s history and global identity. The spice trade in medieval times shaped India’s colonial history. However, Indian spices are now facing a crisis of confidence. It all began early last month when regulatory authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore suspended the sale of MDH and Everest spice mixes due to alleged chemical contamination. The regulators found high levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogen, in the spice mixes. The Maldives has also banned both brands, while regulators in the US, Bangladesh, and Australia have initiated investigations. Indian spice exports are substantial, estimated at $4.25 billion in FY24, constituting 12% of the global spice trade valued at $35 billion. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, explains how the regulatory action against these Indian spice companies could impact the $4 billion spice export sector. India’s largest public sector bank, the State Bank of India, announced stellar fiscal fourth-quarter results on Thursday. Profit for the quarter ended in March rose to more than Rs 20 thousand crores. Rising 24 percent year-on-year, the profit was the highest quarterly number it has ever reported. For the whole of FY24, SBI’s income stood at more than Rs 61 thousand crores, yet another record for the lender. SBI chairman Dinesh Khara expressed confidence in the bank’s growth prospects, saying that the lender aims to expand its credit book by 14-16%. Despite the positive outlook, SBI's projected deposit growth for FY25 is expected to lag its credit growth, a trend playing out across the banking industry. Khara remains optimistic, citing broad-based growth across various loan segments, including retail, corporate, small businesses, and agriculture. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on SBI’s results and examines what the current fiscal year has in store for the bank. In 2023, Tesla chief Elon Musk conceptualized the Hyperloop—a revolution in mobility. The Hyperloop is envisioned as a low-pressure tube for high-speed transportation of cargo and passengers using magnetically levitated pod-like vehicles. Despite skepticism about its viability, Satyanarayan Chakravarthy, a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, believes in its potential. Speaking with Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’Monte, Chakravarthy revealed plans for Avishkar Hyperloop, a project at IIT-Madras, to demonstrate a Hyperloop stack, including a vacuum tube, at their new campus. This demonstration will take place during the 'Global Hyperloop Competition' hosted by IIT-Madras next January. Despite challenges, Chakravarthy remains optimistic, highlighting Avishkar Hyperloop's progress in developing Hyperloop technology since 2017. The initiative has garnered support from the Ministry of Railways and various research institutions. Russian companies have utilized nearly $4 billion from their rupee vostro accounts in Indian banks over the past 6-8 months. These funds have been allocated toward purchasing various items, including locally manufactured arms. This spending surge follows a period where these accounts saw a significant influx of rupees due to India's heightened purchases of Russian crude oil. But wait, let's back up a bit. What exactly are vostro accounts? A vostro account is managed by a domestic bank on behalf of a foreign bank. The foreign lender can use the account for transactions, including forex settlements, cross-border payments, and investments in the domestic market. Notably, these vostro accounts also facilitate settlements for Indian exports to Russia. This arrangement serves as a workaround for Russian banks, which face limitations in interbank payment transactions following their exclusion from the SWIFT payment system due to Western sanctions. Mint’s foreign affairs correspondent, Rhik Kundu, reports on how Russia is exploiting all its resources—including money in its vostro accounts—to fund its war in Ukraine. Until recently, West Bengal's Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee, was notably uncomfortable with overt displays of political Hinduism. She even expressed disdain for the politicisation of religious sentiments, evident when she dismissed the grand spectacle of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya as a political manoeuvre by the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls. However, Banerjee's stance has gradually softened in response to political dynamics. For instance, she surprised many by declaring a state holiday on Ram Navami, albeit under the guise of celebrating the Maha Navami of the Chaitra Durga Puja, avoiding explicit acknowledgment of Ram's birthday. Her party leaders, meanwhile, enthusiastically embraced Ram Navami celebrations, with TMC candidates actively participating in festivities. This subtle shift in TMC's approach is part of a broader strategy to consolidate support among Hindu voters in West Bengal, a response to the BJP's growing influence in the state. The TMC has been quietly bolstering its Hindu credentials through measures such as stipends for priests, allowances for Durga Puja celebrations, and temple construction and restoration projects. By embracing a lighter shade of saffron, the TMC aims to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative and prevent further erosion of its Hindu vote base. Mint invited West Bengal-based journalist Romita Dutta to examine the steady saffronization of TMC’s politics in the state. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Are Indian spices facing a crisis of confidence?  After stellar FY24, SBI aims at better show in next fiscal Can India leapfrog the high-speed rail story with Hyperloop? Russian exporters ramp up spending from rupee funds on defence equipment, arms Hindutva-lite: Behind Didi’s new formula to boost Trinamool in Bengal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 10, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in:

The Indian benchmark indices ended deep in the red on Thursday, marking their third consecutive session of losses, weighed down by a raft of weak March quarter results and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Sensex, which had opened higher, tumbled more than a thousand points to close 1.45 percent lower than its previous close. The Nifty also ended in the red, down 1.55 percent.

Spices and Indian masalas are an integral part of the subcontinent’s history and global identity. The spice trade in medieval times shaped India’s colonial history. However, Indian spices are now facing a crisis of confidence. It all began early last month when regulatory authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore suspended the sale of MDH and Everest spice mixes due to alleged chemical contamination. The regulators found high levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogen, in the spice mixes. The Maldives has also banned both brands, while regulators in the US, Bangladesh, and Australia have initiated investigations. Indian spice exports are substantial, estimated at $4.25 billion in FY24, constituting 12% of the global spice trade valued at $35 billion. Mint’s senior editor, N Madhavan, explains how the regulatory action against these Indian spice companies could impact the $4 billion spice export sector.

India’s largest public sector bank, the State Bank of India, announced stellar fiscal fourth-quarter results on Thursday. Profit for the quarter ended in March rose to more than Rs 20 thousand crores. Rising 24 percent year-on-year, the profit was the highest quarterly number it has ever reported. For the whole of FY24, SBI’s income stood at more than Rs 61 thousand crores, yet another record for the lender. SBI chairman Dinesh Khara expressed confidence in the bank’s growth prospects, saying that the lender aims to expand its credit book by 14-16%. Despite the positive outlook, SBI's projected deposit growth for FY25 is expected to lag its credit growth, a trend playing out across the banking industry. Khara remains optimistic, citing broad-based growth across various loan segments, including retail, corporate, small businesses, and agriculture. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on SBI’s results and examines what the current fiscal year has in store for the bank.

In 2023, Tesla chief Elon Musk conceptualized the Hyperloop—a revolution in mobility. The Hyperloop is envisioned as a low-pressure tube for high-speed transportation of cargo and passengers using magnetically levitated pod-like vehicles. Despite skepticism about its viability, Satyanarayan Chakravarthy, a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, believes in its potential. Speaking with Mint’s senior editor Leslie D’Monte, Chakravarthy revealed plans for Avishkar Hyperloop, a project at IIT-Madras, to demonstrate a Hyperloop stack, including a vacuum tube, at their new campus. This demonstration will take place during the 'Global Hyperloop Competition' hosted by IIT-Madras next January. Despite challenges, Chakravarthy remains optimistic, highlighting Avishkar Hyperloop's progress in developing Hyperloop technology since 2017. The initiative has garnered support from the Ministry of Railways and various research institutions.

Russian companies have utilized nearly $4 billion from their rupee vostro accounts in Indian banks over the past 6-8 months. These funds have been allocated toward purchasing various items, including locally manufactured arms. This spending surge follows a period where these accounts saw a significant influx of rupees due to India's heightened purchases of Russian crude oil. But wait, let's back up a bit. What exactly are vostro accounts? A vostro account is managed by a domestic bank on behalf of a foreign bank. The foreign lender can use the account for transactions, including forex settlements, cross-border payments, and investments in the domestic market. Notably, these vostro accounts also facilitate settlements for Indian exports to Russia. This arrangement serves as a workaround for Russian banks, which face limitations in interbank payment transactions following their exclusion from the SWIFT payment system due to Western sanctions. Mint’s foreign affairs correspondent, Rhik Kundu, reports on how Russia is exploiting all its resources—including money in its vostro accounts—to fund its war in Ukraine.

Until recently, West Bengal's Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee, was notably uncomfortable with overt displays of political Hinduism. She even expressed disdain for the politicisation of religious sentiments, evident when she dismissed the grand spectacle of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya as a political manoeuvre by the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls. However, Banerjee's stance has gradually softened in response to political dynamics. For instance, she surprised many by declaring a state holiday on Ram Navami, albeit under the guise of celebrating the Maha Navami of the Chaitra Durga Puja, avoiding explicit acknowledgment of Ram's birthday. Her party leaders, meanwhile, enthusiastically embraced Ram Navami celebrations, with TMC candidates actively participating in festivities. This subtle shift in TMC's approach is part of a broader strategy to consolidate support among Hindu voters in West Bengal, a response to the BJP's growing influence in the state. The TMC has been quietly bolstering its Hindu credentials through measures such as stipends for priests, allowances for Durga Puja celebrations, and temple construction and restoration projects. By embracing a lighter shade of saffron, the TMC aims to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative and prevent further erosion of its Hindu vote base. Mint invited West Bengal-based journalist Romita Dutta to examine the steady saffronization of TMC’s politics in the state.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

Are Indian spices facing a crisis of confidence? 

After stellar FY24, SBI aims at better show in next fiscal

Can India leapfrog the high-speed rail story with Hyperloop?

Russian exporters ramp up spending from rupee funds on defence equipment, arms

Hindutva-lite: Behind Didi’s new formula to boost Trinamool in Bengal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 532 no Most Indians don't have a favourite IPL team https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/most-indians-dont-have-a-favourite-ipl-team-kEvqhJu6 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 9, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: Indian benchmark market indices remained largely muted for the second straight day on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex ended in the red, falling 0.06 percent, settling below its previous close. NSE’s Nifty 50, on the other hand, closed largely flat, dropping 45 points. The biggest spectacle of Indian cricket is in full swing. The Indian Premier League started early last month and is nearing its final leg as 10 teams battle it out for the coveted trophy, which comes with a prize money of ₹20 crore. The tournament—usually the biggest TV event every year—exhibits a peculiar trend among its fan base. According to a recent study by marketing analytics firm Crisp and agency Kadence, nearly half of IPL viewers don't consistently support a specific team. However, there are some favourites. The survey, which looked into brand-recognition dynamics and involved about 20,000 people, shows that there's a strong emotional connection that goes beyond just victories. Take Chennai Super Kings, for example; a lot of their appeal comes from the 'Dhoni effect.' Despite not topping the table like they do every year, CSK has emerged as one of the fan favourites. Nearly a third of those surveyed from 13 Indian cities said they prefer the team over others. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports on the survey, which revealed that more than 86 percent of the fans prefer one of four teams. These teams are CSK, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Varuni also looks at how the league’s brand value hasn't budged an inch as ad rates remain on par with the previous year. Since you are listening to this podcast, it is fair to assume that you get your information from podcasts. Now, imagine listening to a podcast run by the government. The consumer affairs ministry is taking creative steps to combat consumer fraud with the launch of a new podcast. Aimed at educating digitally literate consumers about fraudulent practices, the podcast will utilize storytelling to share real experiences of fraud victims and how their issues were resolved. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports on the initiative being developed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. The podcast is set to air episodes every Sunday across various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The government is mulling over a proposal to eliminate import duty on business jets, aligning it with the zero-duty policy on commercial jets. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, along with Gireesh Chandra Prasad, reports on the change advocated by the civil aviation ministry. The tax changes aim to stimulate growth in the private charters industry, which has stagnated over the last decade and a half with only 100-120 operators. The current tax, a modest 2.5%, has been in place for nearly fifteen years under a sunset clause, set to expire at the end of March 2024. The rationale behind this move is to level the playing field between the commercial and private aviation sectors. As of December, India had 381 aircraft and helicopters registered under non-scheduled operations, serving not just large conglomerates like Reliance and Tata but also offering more flexible travel options without fixed schedules, unlike commercial airlines. However, any decision on this duty removal will likely wait until the formation of a new government, as indicated by finance ministry officials. Demand for enterprise 5G services in India's $254-billion IT industry might be lower than expected this year. Big players like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra are bracing for slower growth, particularly from telecom clients, who contribute over 10% of their yearly revenue. In FY24, revenue from telecom clients dipped by almost 3% to $8.25 billion. Tech Mahindra took a hard hit, losing 12.1% in annual telecom revenue. Analysts predict a further 3-5% decline in telecom revenue for these firms in FY25. Mint’s IT reporter Shouvik Das reports on this downturn, which could mean a loss of over $400 million in revenue. Amid general elections, the Centre has lifted the ban on onion exports, bringing relief to farmers. Last year, onion exports were banned to stabilize retail prices amid low production. Maharashtra's farmers protested the ban, demanding a reversal. The recent lift, just before the western state goes to polls, comes with a minimum export price and a 40% duty, citing improved supplies and stable domestic prices. But can the decision be reversed? Current retail prices are 56% higher than this time last year, making exports viable. However, if prices surge due to exports or crop losses, the decision might be overturned. Hopes rest on a promising monsoon to boost local supplies. So, are export restrictions common? Does such a move have other implications as well? Mint’s Sayantan Bera tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Most Indians don't have a favourite IPL team full 561 Mint - HT Smartcast Consumer Affairs Ministry’s new podcast; Import duty on business jets to be curbed Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 9, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: Indian benchmark market indices remained largely muted for the second straight day on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex ended in the red, falling 0.06 percent, settling below its previous close. NSE’s Nifty 50, on the other hand, closed largely flat, dropping 45 points. The biggest spectacle of Indian cricket is in full swing. The Indian Premier League started early last month and is nearing its final leg as 10 teams battle it out for the coveted trophy, which comes with a prize money of ₹20 crore. The tournament—usually the biggest TV event every year—exhibits a peculiar trend among its fan base. According to a recent study by marketing analytics firm Crisp and agency Kadence, nearly half of IPL viewers don't consistently support a specific team. However, there are some favourites. The survey, which looked into brand-recognition dynamics and involved about 20,000 people, shows that there's a strong emotional connection that goes beyond just victories. Take Chennai Super Kings, for example; a lot of their appeal comes from the 'Dhoni effect.' Despite not topping the table like they do every year, CSK has emerged as one of the fan favourites. Nearly a third of those surveyed from 13 Indian cities said they prefer the team over others. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports on the survey, which revealed that more than 86 percent of the fans prefer one of four teams. These teams are CSK, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Varuni also looks at how the league’s brand value hasn't budged an inch as ad rates remain on par with the previous year. Since you are listening to this podcast, it is fair to assume that you get your information from podcasts. Now, imagine listening to a podcast run by the government. The consumer affairs ministry is taking creative steps to combat consumer fraud with the launch of a new podcast. Aimed at educating digitally literate consumers about fraudulent practices, the podcast will utilize storytelling to share real experiences of fraud victims and how their issues were resolved. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports on the initiative being developed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. The podcast is set to air episodes every Sunday across various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The government is mulling over a proposal to eliminate import duty on business jets, aligning it with the zero-duty policy on commercial jets. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, along with Gireesh Chandra Prasad, reports on the change advocated by the civil aviation ministry. The tax changes aim to stimulate growth in the private charters industry, which has stagnated over the last decade and a half with only 100-120 operators. The current tax, a modest 2.5%, has been in place for nearly fifteen years under a sunset clause, set to expire at the end of March 2024. The rationale behind this move is to level the playing field between the commercial and private aviation sectors. As of December, India had 381 aircraft and helicopters registered under non-scheduled operations, serving not just large conglomerates like Reliance and Tata but also offering more flexible travel options without fixed schedules, unlike commercial airlines. However, any decision on this duty removal will likely wait until the formation of a new government, as indicated by finance ministry officials. Demand for enterprise 5G services in India's $254-billion IT industry might be lower than expected this year. Big players like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra are bracing for slower growth, particularly from telecom clients, who contribute over 10% of their yearly revenue. In FY24, revenue from telecom clients dipped by almost 3% to $8.25 billion. Tech Mahindra took a hard hit, losing 12.1% in annual telecom revenue. Analysts predict a further 3-5% decline in telecom revenue for these firms in FY25. Mint’s IT reporter Shouvik Das reports on this downturn, which could mean a loss of over $400 million in revenue. Amid general elections, the Centre has lifted the ban on onion exports, bringing relief to farmers. Last year, onion exports were banned to stabilize retail prices amid low production. Maharashtra's farmers protested the ban, demanding a reversal. The recent lift, just before the western state goes to polls, comes with a minimum export price and a 40% duty, citing improved supplies and stable domestic prices. But can the decision be reversed? Current retail prices are 56% higher than this time last year, making exports viable. However, if prices surge due to exports or crop losses, the decision might be overturned. Hopes rest on a promising monsoon to boost local supplies. So, are export restrictions common? Does such a move have other implications as well? Mint’s Sayantan Bera tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 9, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in:

Indian benchmark market indices remained largely muted for the second straight day on Wednesday. BSE’s Sensex ended in the red, falling 0.06 percent, settling below its previous close. NSE’s Nifty 50, on the other hand, closed largely flat, dropping 45 points.

The biggest spectacle of Indian cricket is in full swing. The Indian Premier League started early last month and is nearing its final leg as 10 teams battle it out for the coveted trophy, which comes with a prize money of ₹20 crore. The tournament—usually the biggest TV event every year—exhibits a peculiar trend among its fan base. According to a recent study by marketing analytics firm Crisp and agency Kadence, nearly half of IPL viewers don't consistently support a specific team. However, there are some favourites. The survey, which looked into brand-recognition dynamics and involved about 20,000 people, shows that there's a strong emotional connection that goes beyond just victories. Take Chennai Super Kings, for example; a lot of their appeal comes from the 'Dhoni effect.' Despite not topping the table like they do every year, CSK has emerged as one of the fan favourites. Nearly a third of those surveyed from 13 Indian cities said they prefer the team over others. Mint’s Varuni Khosla reports on the survey, which revealed that more than 86 percent of the fans prefer one of four teams. These teams are CSK, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Varuni also looks at how the league’s brand value hasn't budged an inch as ad rates remain on par with the previous year.

Since you are listening to this podcast, it is fair to assume that you get your information from podcasts. Now, imagine listening to a podcast run by the government. The consumer affairs ministry is taking creative steps to combat consumer fraud with the launch of a new podcast. Aimed at educating digitally literate consumers about fraudulent practices, the podcast will utilize storytelling to share real experiences of fraud victims and how their issues were resolved. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar reports on the initiative being developed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. The podcast is set to air episodes every Sunday across various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The government is mulling over a proposal to eliminate import duty on business jets, aligning it with the zero-duty policy on commercial jets. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, along with Gireesh Chandra Prasad, reports on the change advocated by the civil aviation ministry. The tax changes aim to stimulate growth in the private charters industry, which has stagnated over the last decade and a half with only 100-120 operators. The current tax, a modest 2.5%, has been in place for nearly fifteen years under a sunset clause, set to expire at the end of March 2024. The rationale behind this move is to level the playing field between the commercial and private aviation sectors. As of December, India had 381 aircraft and helicopters registered under non-scheduled operations, serving not just large conglomerates like Reliance and Tata but also offering more flexible travel options without fixed schedules, unlike commercial airlines. However, any decision on this duty removal will likely wait until the formation of a new government, as indicated by finance ministry officials.

Demand for enterprise 5G services in India's $254-billion IT industry might be lower than expected this year. Big players like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra are bracing for slower growth, particularly from telecom clients, who contribute over 10% of their yearly revenue. In FY24, revenue from telecom clients dipped by almost 3% to $8.25 billion. Tech Mahindra took a hard hit, losing 12.1% in annual telecom revenue. Analysts predict a further 3-5% decline in telecom revenue for these firms in FY25. Mint’s IT reporter Shouvik Das reports on this downturn, which could mean a loss of over $400 million in revenue.

Amid general elections, the Centre has lifted the ban on onion exports, bringing relief to farmers. Last year, onion exports were banned to stabilize retail prices amid low production. Maharashtra's farmers protested the ban, demanding a reversal. The recent lift, just before the western state goes to polls, comes with a minimum export price and a 40% duty, citing improved supplies and stable domestic prices. But can the decision be reversed? Current retail prices are 56% higher than this time last year, making exports viable. However, if prices surge due to exports or crop losses, the decision might be overturned. Hopes rest on a promising monsoon to boost local supplies. So, are export restrictions common? Does such a move have other implications as well? Mint’s Sayantan Bera tackles these questions in today’s Mint Primer.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 478 no Investors seek protection ahead of election results https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/investors-seek-protection-ahead-of-election-results-KRZ6NyyV   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: India’s equity markets fell on Wednesday, with both the Sensex and Nifty declining by about half a percent. However, consumer stocks such as Marico, HUL, and Godrej performed well, defying the broader market downturn. IT stocks, meanwhile, have been on a downward spiral for a while now. However, a reversal in fortunes might be imminent, thanks to 'clouds'—and no, I'm not referring to the impending monsoon season, but to cloud computing. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud have had a spectacular first three months of the year. Historically, the success of these companies has directly and positively impacted the bottomlines of IT firms in India. As Microsoft, AWS, and Google continue to pick more business, companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro are likely to benefit as well, writes Varun Sood. This could be some much-needed good news for the IT sector, at last. Following the potential upturn in the IT sector, attention shifts to how the general elections might influence the broader stock market. Generally, the market favours stability at the helm. And a change in leadership could introduce new policies and widespread uncertainty—conditions no investor likes. Ram Sahgal reports that investors are increasingly taking measures to protect their portfolios in case of a regime change, or in a scenario where the BJP secures a win but with a narrower margin than expected. Currently, there are nearly 1.48 million put options on the market, indicating that investors are betting on a market decline. Market experts have told Ram that the mood among investors is nervous and jittery, evidenced by a persistently high volatility index. Everyone loves Haldiram snacks — but how much are you willing to spend on them? Maybe 500 rupees? A thousand? It turns out, private equity firms are willing to shell out a lot more to acquire a majority stake in the popular snack company. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report that Blackstone, Temasek, and Bain Capital are gearing up to buy at least 51 percent stake in the sweets-and-savouries maker. The company has been valued at 8 to 10 billion dollars. Currently, the companies are conducting due diligence on the deal. That’s one expensive snack, indeed. Every election season, voters get their fingers stained with indelible ink. This practice, started in India in 1962, has found worldwide adoption as election commissions attempt to eliminate fraudulent voting. Such voting ink is made by a single company: Mysore Paints and Varnish. Originally founded by the king of Mysore, the company is now owned by the government of Karnataka and is a listed entity. Mysore Paints comes into the limelight once every five years, as production ramps up significantly during the general elections. However, as N. Madhavan writes, it is a rather small operation, covering just seven acres. Despite its modest scale, Mysore Paints has always been a profitable and a dividend-paying stock. But what happens to the company if India moves away from using ink on its voters? Madhavan explores this. India’s consumer affairs ministry is bullish on onions. Initially, it wanted to make a sweetener out of them. This was understandable: onions usually have a sweet tinge. But now, the ministry wants to extract tea from the purple vegetable, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The idea of onion in anyone's tea might be off-putting, but the authorities believe they might have stumbled upon a unique, gut-friendly blend. We already use items like lemon, jasmine, and chamomile to make tea — why not onion? Well, I might not try that anytime soon. However, if you feel brave enough, it might be available on the market soon. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   The cloud is building; will TCS, Infosys, Wipro get showers of joy?    Investors take cover ahead of election outcome    Blackstone, Temasek, Bain eye a big bite of Haldiram Snacks    Indelible ink maker looks to make a mark beyond the poll booth   Onion tea might make you tear up, but listen to your gut  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Investors seek protection ahead of election results full 560 Mint - HT Smartcast Buying bhujiya for $5 billion, an onion-based tea?   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in: India’s equity markets fell on Wednesday, with both the Sensex and Nifty declining by about half a percent. However, consumer stocks such as Marico, HUL, and Godrej performed well, defying the broader market downturn. IT stocks, meanwhile, have been on a downward spiral for a while now. However, a reversal in fortunes might be imminent, thanks to 'clouds'—and no, I'm not referring to the impending monsoon season, but to cloud computing. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud have had a spectacular first three months of the year. Historically, the success of these companies has directly and positively impacted the bottomlines of IT firms in India. As Microsoft, AWS, and Google continue to pick more business, companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro are likely to benefit as well, writes Varun Sood. This could be some much-needed good news for the IT sector, at last. Following the potential upturn in the IT sector, attention shifts to how the general elections might influence the broader stock market. Generally, the market favours stability at the helm. And a change in leadership could introduce new policies and widespread uncertainty—conditions no investor likes. Ram Sahgal reports that investors are increasingly taking measures to protect their portfolios in case of a regime change, or in a scenario where the BJP secures a win but with a narrower margin than expected. Currently, there are nearly 1.48 million put options on the market, indicating that investors are betting on a market decline. Market experts have told Ram that the mood among investors is nervous and jittery, evidenced by a persistently high volatility index. Everyone loves Haldiram snacks — but how much are you willing to spend on them? Maybe 500 rupees? A thousand? It turns out, private equity firms are willing to shell out a lot more to acquire a majority stake in the popular snack company. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report that Blackstone, Temasek, and Bain Capital are gearing up to buy at least 51 percent stake in the sweets-and-savouries maker. The company has been valued at 8 to 10 billion dollars. Currently, the companies are conducting due diligence on the deal. That’s one expensive snack, indeed. Every election season, voters get their fingers stained with indelible ink. This practice, started in India in 1962, has found worldwide adoption as election commissions attempt to eliminate fraudulent voting. Such voting ink is made by a single company: Mysore Paints and Varnish. Originally founded by the king of Mysore, the company is now owned by the government of Karnataka and is a listed entity. Mysore Paints comes into the limelight once every five years, as production ramps up significantly during the general elections. However, as N. Madhavan writes, it is a rather small operation, covering just seven acres. Despite its modest scale, Mysore Paints has always been a profitable and a dividend-paying stock. But what happens to the company if India moves away from using ink on its voters? Madhavan explores this. India’s consumer affairs ministry is bullish on onions. Initially, it wanted to make a sweetener out of them. This was understandable: onions usually have a sweet tinge. But now, the ministry wants to extract tea from the purple vegetable, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The idea of onion in anyone's tea might be off-putting, but the authorities believe they might have stumbled upon a unique, gut-friendly blend. We already use items like lemon, jasmine, and chamomile to make tea — why not onion? Well, I might not try that anytime soon. However, if you feel brave enough, it might be available on the market soon. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:   The cloud is building; will TCS, Infosys, Wipro get showers of joy?    Investors take cover ahead of election outcome    Blackstone, Temasek, Bain eye a big bite of Haldiram Snacks    Indelible ink maker looks to make a mark beyond the poll booth   Onion tea might make you tear up, but listen to your gut  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that  brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and I'm Nelson John. Let's dive in:

India’s equity markets fell on Wednesday, with both the Sensex and Nifty declining by about half a percent. However, consumer stocks such as Marico, HUL, and Godrej performed well, defying the broader market downturn.

IT stocks, meanwhile, have been on a downward spiral for a while now. However, a reversal in fortunes might be imminent, thanks to 'clouds'—and no, I'm not referring to the impending monsoon season, but to cloud computing. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud have had a spectacular first three months of the year. Historically, the success of these companies has directly and positively impacted the bottomlines of IT firms in India. As Microsoft, AWS, and Google continue to pick more business, companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro are likely to benefit as well, writes Varun Sood. This could be some much-needed good news for the IT sector, at last.

Following the potential upturn in the IT sector, attention shifts to how the general elections might influence the broader stock market. Generally, the market favours stability at the helm. And a change in leadership could introduce new policies and widespread uncertainty—conditions no investor likes. Ram Sahgal reports that investors are increasingly taking measures to protect their portfolios in case of a regime change, or in a scenario where the BJP secures a win but with a narrower margin than expected. Currently, there are nearly 1.48 million put options on the market, indicating that investors are betting on a market decline. Market experts have told Ram that the mood among investors is nervous and jittery, evidenced by a persistently high volatility index.

Everyone loves Haldiram snacks — but how much are you willing to spend on them? Maybe 500 rupees? A thousand? It turns out, private equity firms are willing to shell out a lot more to acquire a majority stake in the popular snack company. Sneha Shah and Ranjani Raghavan report that Blackstone, Temasek, and Bain Capital are gearing up to buy at least 51 percent stake in the sweets-and-savouries maker. The company has been valued at 8 to 10 billion dollars. Currently, the companies are conducting due diligence on the deal. That’s one expensive snack, indeed.

Every election season, voters get their fingers stained with indelible ink. This practice, started in India in 1962, has found worldwide adoption as election commissions attempt to eliminate fraudulent voting. Such voting ink is made by a single company: Mysore Paints and Varnish. Originally founded by the king of Mysore, the company is now owned by the government of Karnataka and is a listed entity. Mysore Paints comes into the limelight once every five years, as production ramps up significantly during the general elections. However, as N. Madhavan writes, it is a rather small operation, covering just seven acres. Despite its modest scale, Mysore Paints has always been a profitable and a dividend-paying stock. But what happens to the company if India moves away from using ink on its voters? Madhavan explores this.

India’s consumer affairs ministry is bullish on onions. Initially, it wanted to make a sweetener out of them. This was understandable: onions usually have a sweet tinge. But now, the ministry wants to extract tea from the purple vegetable, reports Dhirendra Kumar. The idea of onion in anyone's tea might be off-putting, but the authorities believe they might have stumbled upon a unique, gut-friendly blend. We already use items like lemon, jasmine, and chamomile to make tea — why not onion? Well, I might not try that anytime soon. However, if you feel brave enough, it might be available on the market soon.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:


 

The cloud is building; will TCS, Infosys, Wipro get showers of joy? 


 

Investors take cover ahead of election outcome 


 

Blackstone, Temasek, Bain eye a big bite of Haldiram Snacks 


 

Indelible ink maker looks to make a mark beyond the poll booth


 

Onion tea might make you tear up, but listen to your gut 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 381 no Why Elon Musk chose China above India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-elon-musk-chose-china-above-india-7s_Oz_bH Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The public markets stayed largely flat on Tuesday. Sensex was marginally up, while Nifty fell by 0.15 percent. Linde India, an industrial gas giant, did better than the market indices yesterday: its shares were up 1 percent on the day. In the past two months, the company’s share price has surged by 50 percent as investors have anticipated a windfall from Linde's parent company announcing multiple deals to supply gas in India. As India gears up to try and become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, there are some unanswered questions regarding Linde's India business. Linde's parent company, which is listed in the US, had announced the proposed business deals in India. Investors assumed that these businesses would be carried out by the company's India arm. However, Linde hasn't provided any clarity over this matter at all, reports Nehal Chaliawala. This is an odd case of a parent company being at odds with a regional unit, and millions of retail shareholders might get hurt as a result. A few weeks ago, Elon Musk appeared pumped to come to India. He was going to meet the prime minister, as officials provided Tesla with a slew of benefits to sell the electric vehicle in India. But at the last minute, he cancelled this trip—and ended up in China instead. Musk was able to secure an approval for Tesla's self-driving cars to be sold in China as a result of this trip. This was crucial for the company: China is the world's largest market for EVs. These are some of the reasons why Musk rebuked India for China, write our partners at how india lives . com. Click the link to the story from the show notes in your app to see the charts accompanying this story. Indians love to shop — and they want their cart to be delivered to their doorstep. While metro cities have always enjoyed widespread service, e-commerce penetration has also improved in smaller towns of India. But it's not just online marketplaces that are reaping the benefits: logistics firms are enjoying the boom too. Priyamvada C writes that companies like Ecom Express, XpressBees, ShadowFax, and Delhivery are earning a significant chunk of their revenue from tier 2 and beyond cities. Priyamvada spoke to executives from the startup ecosystem for this story, one of whom told her that around 60% of growth is likely to come from smaller towns.  Who doesn't like to save on tax? In India, the personal finance industry seemingly finds loopholes in no time. Often, these are plugged by the authorities. The rules for a particular type of tax-saving insurance scheme with expensive premiums were changed. Now, any premium above 5 lakh rupees gets taxed at your income tax rate. But since the loophole was plugged, expensive life insurances have seldom found buyers. But fret not: another loophole has been found, reports Aprajita Sharma. For whole-life insurance plans, insurers are offering a complex plan: one could avail a loan against the maturity proceeds of this scheme, tax-free. It's an interesting idea for the time being, but Aprajita recommends checking with your tax advisor before entertaining this idea. Pepsi versus coca cola has been a fight the world over. In most areas, Coke wins by a comfortable margin. But in a particular segment in India, Pepsi has the upper hand: the energy drinks market. You might have seen it in any given shop with a fridge: a small, bright red coloured plastic bottle named Sting. In just 6 years, Sting now makes up 15 percent of the total bottling capacity of Varun Beverages, the main bottler for Pepsi in India. Sting is a hit across social stratas, and at a starting price of 20 rupees, is the most popular energy drink in India. Red Bull created this segment the world over, but Sting is the king in India, and in nearby countries like Pakistan and Vietnam. Sumant Banerji writes about this wildly popular product, and what kind of potential it has in the Indian market right now. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Will Linde India really benefit from the semiconductor business? Why Elon Musk prioritized China over India  As small-town shoppers go online, it’s not only ecomm firms that are celebrating  Take loan to avoid tax: a new loophole in insurance town  How a re-energized PepsiCo stung Red Bull with Sting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 May 2024 00:20:00 -0000 Why Elon Musk chose China above India full 559 Mint - HT Smartcast How Sting became India's choice of energy drink Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The public markets stayed largely flat on Tuesday. Sensex was marginally up, while Nifty fell by 0.15 percent. Linde India, an industrial gas giant, did better than the market indices yesterday: its shares were up 1 percent on the day. In the past two months, the company’s share price has surged by 50 percent as investors have anticipated a windfall from Linde's parent company announcing multiple deals to supply gas in India. As India gears up to try and become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, there are some unanswered questions regarding Linde's India business. Linde's parent company, which is listed in the US, had announced the proposed business deals in India. Investors assumed that these businesses would be carried out by the company's India arm. However, Linde hasn't provided any clarity over this matter at all, reports Nehal Chaliawala. This is an odd case of a parent company being at odds with a regional unit, and millions of retail shareholders might get hurt as a result. A few weeks ago, Elon Musk appeared pumped to come to India. He was going to meet the prime minister, as officials provided Tesla with a slew of benefits to sell the electric vehicle in India. But at the last minute, he cancelled this trip—and ended up in China instead. Musk was able to secure an approval for Tesla's self-driving cars to be sold in China as a result of this trip. This was crucial for the company: China is the world's largest market for EVs. These are some of the reasons why Musk rebuked India for China, write our partners at how india lives . com. Click the link to the story from the show notes in your app to see the charts accompanying this story. Indians love to shop — and they want their cart to be delivered to their doorstep. While metro cities have always enjoyed widespread service, e-commerce penetration has also improved in smaller towns of India. But it's not just online marketplaces that are reaping the benefits: logistics firms are enjoying the boom too. Priyamvada C writes that companies like Ecom Express, XpressBees, ShadowFax, and Delhivery are earning a significant chunk of their revenue from tier 2 and beyond cities. Priyamvada spoke to executives from the startup ecosystem for this story, one of whom told her that around 60% of growth is likely to come from smaller towns.  Who doesn't like to save on tax? In India, the personal finance industry seemingly finds loopholes in no time. Often, these are plugged by the authorities. The rules for a particular type of tax-saving insurance scheme with expensive premiums were changed. Now, any premium above 5 lakh rupees gets taxed at your income tax rate. But since the loophole was plugged, expensive life insurances have seldom found buyers. But fret not: another loophole has been found, reports Aprajita Sharma. For whole-life insurance plans, insurers are offering a complex plan: one could avail a loan against the maturity proceeds of this scheme, tax-free. It's an interesting idea for the time being, but Aprajita recommends checking with your tax advisor before entertaining this idea. Pepsi versus coca cola has been a fight the world over. In most areas, Coke wins by a comfortable margin. But in a particular segment in India, Pepsi has the upper hand: the energy drinks market. You might have seen it in any given shop with a fridge: a small, bright red coloured plastic bottle named Sting. In just 6 years, Sting now makes up 15 percent of the total bottling capacity of Varun Beverages, the main bottler for Pepsi in India. Sting is a hit across social stratas, and at a starting price of 20 rupees, is the most popular energy drink in India. Red Bull created this segment the world over, but Sting is the king in India, and in nearby countries like Pakistan and Vietnam. Sumant Banerji writes about this wildly popular product, and what kind of potential it has in the Indian market right now. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Will Linde India really benefit from the semiconductor business? Why Elon Musk prioritized China over India  As small-town shoppers go online, it’s not only ecomm firms that are celebrating  Take loan to avoid tax: a new loophole in insurance town  How a re-energized PepsiCo stung Red Bull with Sting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, May 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The public markets stayed largely flat on Tuesday. Sensex was marginally up, while Nifty fell by 0.15 percent.

Linde India, an industrial gas giant, did better than the market indices yesterday: its shares were up 1 percent on the day. In the past two months, the company’s share price has surged by 50 percent as investors have anticipated a windfall from Linde's parent company announcing multiple deals to supply gas in India. As India gears up to try and become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, there are some unanswered questions regarding Linde's India business. Linde's parent company, which is listed in the US, had announced the proposed business deals in India. Investors assumed that these businesses would be carried out by the company's India arm. However, Linde hasn't provided any clarity over this matter at all, reports Nehal Chaliawala. This is an odd case of a parent company being at odds with a regional unit, and millions of retail shareholders might get hurt as a result.

A few weeks ago, Elon Musk appeared pumped to come to India. He was going to meet the prime minister, as officials provided Tesla with a slew of benefits to sell the electric vehicle in India. But at the last minute, he cancelled this trip—and ended up in China instead. Musk was able to secure an approval for Tesla's self-driving cars to be sold in China as a result of this trip. This was crucial for the company: China is the world's largest market for EVs. These are some of the reasons why Musk rebuked India for China, write our partners at how india lives . com. Click the link to the story from the show notes in your app to see the charts accompanying this story.

Indians love to shop — and they want their cart to be delivered to their doorstep. While metro cities have always enjoyed widespread service, e-commerce penetration has also improved in smaller towns of India. But it's not just online marketplaces that are reaping the benefits: logistics firms are enjoying the boom too. Priyamvada C writes that companies like Ecom Express, XpressBees, ShadowFax, and Delhivery are earning a significant chunk of their revenue from tier 2 and beyond cities. Priyamvada spoke to executives from the startup ecosystem for this story, one of whom told her that around 60% of growth is likely to come from smaller towns. 

Who doesn't like to save on tax? In India, the personal finance industry seemingly finds loopholes in no time. Often, these are plugged by the authorities. The rules for a particular type of tax-saving insurance scheme with expensive premiums were changed. Now, any premium above 5 lakh rupees gets taxed at your income tax rate. But since the loophole was plugged, expensive life insurances have seldom found buyers. But fret not: another loophole has been found, reports Aprajita Sharma. For whole-life insurance plans, insurers are offering a complex plan: one could avail a loan against the maturity proceeds of this scheme, tax-free. It's an interesting idea for the time being, but Aprajita recommends checking with your tax advisor before entertaining this idea.

Pepsi versus coca cola has been a fight the world over. In most areas, Coke wins by a comfortable margin. But in a particular segment in India, Pepsi has the upper hand: the energy drinks market. You might have seen it in any given shop with a fridge: a small, bright red coloured plastic bottle named Sting. In just 6 years, Sting now makes up 15 percent of the total bottling capacity of Varun Beverages, the main bottler for Pepsi in India. Sting is a hit across social stratas, and at a starting price of 20 rupees, is the most popular energy drink in India. Red Bull created this segment the world over, but Sting is the king in India, and in nearby countries like Pakistan and Vietnam. Sumant Banerji writes about this wildly popular product, and what kind of potential it has in the Indian market right now.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Will Linde India really benefit from the semiconductor business?

Why Elon Musk prioritized China over India 

As small-town shoppers go online, it’s not only ecomm firms that are celebrating 

Take loan to avoid tax: a new loophole in insurance town 

How a re-energized PepsiCo stung Red Bull with Sting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 400 no Student protesters could lose potential jobs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/student-protesters-could-lose-potential-jobs-ylOMtHQj Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Summer's here and it’s vacation time in India, despite the sweltering heat waves and steep airfares. Air travel reached a daily peak in April and it looks like it's going to soar even higher through May and June. Interestingly, the extreme heat hasn't deterred travellers. Destinations traditionally known for their warmth are also attracting tourists. According to industry insiders, who spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, this high demand has maintained elevated airfares. Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo, said that there has been no decline in bookings due to the heat wave. In fact, flight searches for May have surged to record highs, with domestic and international flight searches for May and June up 20% and 70%. This uptick in travel is supported by a shift in the mindset of Indian travellers post-COVID, with more frequent travel becoming the norm, helped by the increase in airport accessibility and budget-friendly options.      Tata group’s Titan - the popular watchmaker - is gearing up to appoint a new CEO, marking only the fourth time in its 40-year history that it has done so. Currently led by C.K. Venkataraman, Titan is considering three internal candidates for his successor. Venkataraman, set to retire next October when he turns 65, took the helm on  October 1, 2019. He has been granted an extension until the end of December 2025. According to an insider who spoke with Mint’s Varun Sood, the candidates in the running are Ajoy Chawla, CEO of the jewellery division which generates 81% of Titan's revenue; Suparna Mitra, CEO of watches and wearables; and Saumen Bhaumik, who leads the eyecare segment. Chawla appears to be the front-runner due to his significant impact on revenue, although Mitra being appointed would mark the first time a woman has taken the CEO role at Titan. Titan started as a watchmaker in a joint venture between Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corp. and the Tatas in 1984 and has grown into a diversified lifestyle company. Despite the expansion into new business areas like eyewear and perfumes, jewellery remains its core revenue driver.     Having an opinion or protesting for a cause you believe in may cost you a job, if you are a student participating in protests across US universities. Recently, campuses like Columbia University, UCLA, Yale, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Arizona have been buzzing with protests over Israel's actions in Gaza. The protests have taken an occasional violent turn, necessitating police intervention. However, the problem for students seems to be a much bigger one. Recruiters are taking notice of students participating in these demonstrations. Companies are wary of recruiting them, fearing they might struggle to integrate into a workplace where individual viewpoints are often superseded by that of the group, and one must know how to keep their opinions in check. Even Google's in the mix, having let go of employees who protested against its business deals over political issues. Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta spoke to consulting firms responsible for hiring and HR heads who said they would like to maintain their distance from anyone with political leanings. One senior executive even said that the protesters would end up with a “blotch on their resume.”     2024 has truly been a blockbuster year for TV news channels, starting strong with the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January which spiked viewership and ad rates up to four times for a 10-second spot. Now, with the ongoing elections, channels are gearing up for even bigger gains. They've lined up everything from on-the-ground reporting and expert panels to interviews with key political figures and special election shows. It's all about covering every angle of the national and regional political scenes, and media experts are expecting a 25-30% bump in viewership during the two-month election period, ending on June 4. Advertising spending is anticipated to be massive, reports Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. GroupM predicts spending of ₹1,500-2,000 crore across various media, with sectors like FMCG, automobiles, and building materials leading the charge in a bid to capture audience attention. Lata also spoke with executives from major news networks—all of whom expect a steady rise in their ad revenues.   When HDFC Bank introduced Eva, their AI-driven customer service chatbot, seven years ago, it was limited to answering simple queries. Today, Eva has evolved to perform complex tasks like issuing credit card statements and booking fixed deposits. As Eva learns from each interaction, the role of AI in customer service deepens, with HDFC Bank now automating a significant portion of their 30 million monthly interactions. The shift towards AI-driven solutions is evident across various sectors. For example, Voltas and Panasonic India are increasingly relying on bots for customer engagement, leading to a reduction in human-operated call centres. This transformation, fueled by advancements in AI, is reshaping the $120-130 billion global contact centre industry, projected to contract within the next few years. AI not only streamlines operations but also allows human agents to focus on more complex issues, potentially leading to considerable cost savings. However, the rapid adoption of AI poses challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the need for a human touch in certain situations. Despite the efficiency of AI, there's a growing understanding that a blended model, combining human expertise with AI efficiency, is essential. Mint’s Shelley Singh examines the rising use of bots for customer services and how their use could cut down on the outsourcing pie.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Heat or not, Indians are flying high Titan had just 3 CEOs in 40 years. Who will be the fourth? The downside of campus protest: Wary employers News TV kicks into high gear as elections rolls on Customer care: How the bot army will shrink the outsourcing pie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Student protesters could lose potential jobs full 558 Mint - HT Smartcast India is packing bags for summer holidays; Blockbuster elections for TV news Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Summer's here and it’s vacation time in India, despite the sweltering heat waves and steep airfares. Air travel reached a daily peak in April and it looks like it's going to soar even higher through May and June. Interestingly, the extreme heat hasn't deterred travellers. Destinations traditionally known for their warmth are also attracting tourists. According to industry insiders, who spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, this high demand has maintained elevated airfares. Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo, said that there has been no decline in bookings due to the heat wave. In fact, flight searches for May have surged to record highs, with domestic and international flight searches for May and June up 20% and 70%. This uptick in travel is supported by a shift in the mindset of Indian travellers post-COVID, with more frequent travel becoming the norm, helped by the increase in airport accessibility and budget-friendly options.      Tata group’s Titan - the popular watchmaker - is gearing up to appoint a new CEO, marking only the fourth time in its 40-year history that it has done so. Currently led by C.K. Venkataraman, Titan is considering three internal candidates for his successor. Venkataraman, set to retire next October when he turns 65, took the helm on  October 1, 2019. He has been granted an extension until the end of December 2025. According to an insider who spoke with Mint’s Varun Sood, the candidates in the running are Ajoy Chawla, CEO of the jewellery division which generates 81% of Titan's revenue; Suparna Mitra, CEO of watches and wearables; and Saumen Bhaumik, who leads the eyecare segment. Chawla appears to be the front-runner due to his significant impact on revenue, although Mitra being appointed would mark the first time a woman has taken the CEO role at Titan. Titan started as a watchmaker in a joint venture between Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corp. and the Tatas in 1984 and has grown into a diversified lifestyle company. Despite the expansion into new business areas like eyewear and perfumes, jewellery remains its core revenue driver.     Having an opinion or protesting for a cause you believe in may cost you a job, if you are a student participating in protests across US universities. Recently, campuses like Columbia University, UCLA, Yale, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Arizona have been buzzing with protests over Israel's actions in Gaza. The protests have taken an occasional violent turn, necessitating police intervention. However, the problem for students seems to be a much bigger one. Recruiters are taking notice of students participating in these demonstrations. Companies are wary of recruiting them, fearing they might struggle to integrate into a workplace where individual viewpoints are often superseded by that of the group, and one must know how to keep their opinions in check. Even Google's in the mix, having let go of employees who protested against its business deals over political issues. Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta spoke to consulting firms responsible for hiring and HR heads who said they would like to maintain their distance from anyone with political leanings. One senior executive even said that the protesters would end up with a “blotch on their resume.”     2024 has truly been a blockbuster year for TV news channels, starting strong with the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January which spiked viewership and ad rates up to four times for a 10-second spot. Now, with the ongoing elections, channels are gearing up for even bigger gains. They've lined up everything from on-the-ground reporting and expert panels to interviews with key political figures and special election shows. It's all about covering every angle of the national and regional political scenes, and media experts are expecting a 25-30% bump in viewership during the two-month election period, ending on June 4. Advertising spending is anticipated to be massive, reports Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. GroupM predicts spending of ₹1,500-2,000 crore across various media, with sectors like FMCG, automobiles, and building materials leading the charge in a bid to capture audience attention. Lata also spoke with executives from major news networks—all of whom expect a steady rise in their ad revenues.   When HDFC Bank introduced Eva, their AI-driven customer service chatbot, seven years ago, it was limited to answering simple queries. Today, Eva has evolved to perform complex tasks like issuing credit card statements and booking fixed deposits. As Eva learns from each interaction, the role of AI in customer service deepens, with HDFC Bank now automating a significant portion of their 30 million monthly interactions. The shift towards AI-driven solutions is evident across various sectors. For example, Voltas and Panasonic India are increasingly relying on bots for customer engagement, leading to a reduction in human-operated call centres. This transformation, fueled by advancements in AI, is reshaping the $120-130 billion global contact centre industry, projected to contract within the next few years. AI not only streamlines operations but also allows human agents to focus on more complex issues, potentially leading to considerable cost savings. However, the rapid adoption of AI poses challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the need for a human touch in certain situations. Despite the efficiency of AI, there's a growing understanding that a blended model, combining human expertise with AI efficiency, is essential. Mint’s Shelley Singh examines the rising use of bots for customer services and how their use could cut down on the outsourcing pie.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes:   Heat or not, Indians are flying high Titan had just 3 CEOs in 40 years. Who will be the fourth? The downside of campus protest: Wary employers News TV kicks into high gear as elections rolls on Customer care: How the bot army will shrink the outsourcing pie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, May 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Summer's here and it’s vacation time in India, despite the sweltering heat waves and steep airfares. Air travel reached a daily peak in April and it looks like it's going to soar even higher through May and June. Interestingly, the extreme heat hasn't deterred travellers. Destinations traditionally known for their warmth are also attracting tourists. According to industry insiders, who spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma, this high demand has maintained elevated airfares. Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo, said that there has been no decline in bookings due to the heat wave. In fact, flight searches for May have surged to record highs, with domestic and international flight searches for May and June up 20% and 70%. This uptick in travel is supported by a shift in the mindset of Indian travellers post-COVID, with more frequent travel becoming the norm, helped by the increase in airport accessibility and budget-friendly options. 


 


 

Tata group’s Titan - the popular watchmaker - is gearing up to appoint a new CEO, marking only the fourth time in its 40-year history that it has done so. Currently led by C.K. Venkataraman, Titan is considering three internal candidates for his successor. Venkataraman, set to retire next October when he turns 65, took the helm on  October 1, 2019. He has been granted an extension until the end of December 2025. According to an insider who spoke with Mint’s Varun Sood, the candidates in the running are Ajoy Chawla, CEO of the jewellery division which generates 81% of Titan's revenue; Suparna Mitra, CEO of watches and wearables; and Saumen Bhaumik, who leads the eyecare segment. Chawla appears to be the front-runner due to his significant impact on revenue, although Mitra being appointed would mark the first time a woman has taken the CEO role at Titan. Titan started as a watchmaker in a joint venture between Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corp. and the Tatas in 1984 and has grown into a diversified lifestyle company. Despite the expansion into new business areas like eyewear and perfumes, jewellery remains its core revenue driver.


 


 

Having an opinion or protesting for a cause you believe in may cost you a job, if you are a student participating in protests across US universities. Recently, campuses like Columbia University, UCLA, Yale, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Arizona have been buzzing with protests over Israel's actions in Gaza. The protests have taken an occasional violent turn, necessitating police intervention. However, the problem for students seems to be a much bigger one. Recruiters are taking notice of students participating in these demonstrations. Companies are wary of recruiting them, fearing they might struggle to integrate into a workplace where individual viewpoints are often superseded by that of the group, and one must know how to keep their opinions in check. Even Google's in the mix, having let go of employees who protested against its business deals over political issues. Mint’s workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta spoke to consulting firms responsible for hiring and HR heads who said they would like to maintain their distance from anyone with political leanings. One senior executive even said that the protesters would end up with a “blotch on their resume.”


 


 

2024 has truly been a blockbuster year for TV news channels, starting strong with the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January which spiked viewership and ad rates up to four times for a 10-second spot. Now, with the ongoing elections, channels are gearing up for even bigger gains. They've lined up everything from on-the-ground reporting and expert panels to interviews with key political figures and special election shows. It's all about covering every angle of the national and regional political scenes, and media experts are expecting a 25-30% bump in viewership during the two-month election period, ending on June 4. Advertising spending is anticipated to be massive, reports Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. GroupM predicts spending of ₹1,500-2,000 crore across various media, with sectors like FMCG, automobiles, and building materials leading the charge in a bid to capture audience attention. Lata also spoke with executives from major news networks—all of whom expect a steady rise in their ad revenues.


 

When HDFC Bank introduced Eva, their AI-driven customer service chatbot, seven years ago, it was limited to answering simple queries. Today, Eva has evolved to perform complex tasks like issuing credit card statements and booking fixed deposits. As Eva learns from each interaction, the role of AI in customer service deepens, with HDFC Bank now automating a significant portion of their 30 million monthly interactions. The shift towards AI-driven solutions is evident across various sectors. For example, Voltas and Panasonic India are increasingly relying on bots for customer engagement, leading to a reduction in human-operated call centres. This transformation, fueled by advancements in AI, is reshaping the $120-130 billion global contact centre industry, projected to contract within the next few years. AI not only streamlines operations but also allows human agents to focus on more complex issues, potentially leading to considerable cost savings. However, the rapid adoption of AI poses challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the need for a human touch in certain situations. Despite the efficiency of AI, there's a growing understanding that a blended model, combining human expertise with AI efficiency, is essential. Mint’s Shelley Singh examines the rising use of bots for customer services and how their use could cut down on the outsourcing pie.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 

Show notes:


 

Heat or not, Indians are flying high

Titan had just 3 CEOs in 40 years. Who will be the fourth?

The downside of campus protest: Wary employers

News TV kicks into high gear as elections rolls on

Customer care: How the bot army will shrink the outsourcing pie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 523 no BJP scores well in welfare schemes https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bjp-scores-well-in-welfare-schemes-kk_HS88o Good morning listeners,      Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian markets rose slightly on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by around 0.18 percent. Godrej Industries was the biggest loser, washing away gains made by the announcement of its plans to split.    Vedanta is another conglomerate that wants to head for a demerger. It has been preparing for this possibility for months, but the group finally has a crucial go-ahead: that of its lenders. Anirudh Laskar and Shayan Ghosh report that a consortium of lenders, led by the State Bank of India and including Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Punjab National Bank, has given its go-ahead for the proposed split of Vedanta Limited into six different entities. Vedanta will now begin the process of dividing its debt worth seven billion dollars into these new companies.   Freshworks now has a new person at the helm: founder and longtime CEO Gireesh Mathrubootham stepped down yesterday. The news did little to excite investors: The Freshworks stock was down more than 25 percent at the time of recording this podcast. Dennis Woodside will be replacing Mathrubootham. Woodside came into the organisation as its president 18 months ago, a period that was meant to be transitional. He has his task cut out, and investors might find him more palatable than his predecessor, writes Ranjani Raghavan.   Another reason why American investors have turned bearish is the lack of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. For months now, Americans have been anticipating a rate cut. But the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, have consistently maintained the status quo citing fragile macroeconomic data. Despite Powell's hawkish stance, data show inflation to be favourable. The Fed’s current interest rate is the highest in nearly 25 years, write our partners at the Wall Street Journal. A rate cut now will spur the economy, but the Fed wants to be sure of subdued inflation before confirming any cuts. It's a precarious position, and Americans aren't the only ones watching: every central banking authority throughout the world, including the RBI, looks at the US Federal Reserve for guidance on setting their own interest rates.   All political parties promise some form of welfare schemes as a part of their poll promises. Over the past decade, voters seem to remember the BJP's initiatives fondly. These schemes include monetary benefits as well as construction of roads and toilets. We invited political writer Ruhi Tewari to write about how the incumbent party is faring well on these issues. Ruhi visits Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh to speak to voters and the real effects of the BJP's welfare schemes. Turns out these initiatives haven't trickled down well enough to certain people. Ruhi gets their inputs too as the election season rages on.   Speaking of raging, let's talk about forest fires. Half of Uttarakhand's districts are currently seeing global warming-induced forest fires. In India, an abundance of dry leaves and high temperatures turns out to be the perfect combination to inflame the woods. Sumant Banerjee writes about these fires—their causes, effects, and what the authorities can do to prevent or contain them. It's difficult to fight fire, but we can take measures to mitigate the damage caused by them, he explains.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes: Vedanta demerger: Key lenders signal green light after months of deliberation Investors may find Dennis Woodside a better chief for Freshworks  Banking on suvidha: How state welfare schemes can help BJP win a third term Fed chair Jerome Powell projects optimism, but inflation data in driver’s seat  Burning forests: We did start the fires that rage  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 May 2024 00:10:13 -0000 BJP scores well in welfare schemes full 557 Mint - HT Smartcast Freshworks' new boss, Vedanta's demerger back on track Good morning listeners,      Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian markets rose slightly on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by around 0.18 percent. Godrej Industries was the biggest loser, washing away gains made by the announcement of its plans to split.    Vedanta is another conglomerate that wants to head for a demerger. It has been preparing for this possibility for months, but the group finally has a crucial go-ahead: that of its lenders. Anirudh Laskar and Shayan Ghosh report that a consortium of lenders, led by the State Bank of India and including Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Punjab National Bank, has given its go-ahead for the proposed split of Vedanta Limited into six different entities. Vedanta will now begin the process of dividing its debt worth seven billion dollars into these new companies.   Freshworks now has a new person at the helm: founder and longtime CEO Gireesh Mathrubootham stepped down yesterday. The news did little to excite investors: The Freshworks stock was down more than 25 percent at the time of recording this podcast. Dennis Woodside will be replacing Mathrubootham. Woodside came into the organisation as its president 18 months ago, a period that was meant to be transitional. He has his task cut out, and investors might find him more palatable than his predecessor, writes Ranjani Raghavan.   Another reason why American investors have turned bearish is the lack of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. For months now, Americans have been anticipating a rate cut. But the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, have consistently maintained the status quo citing fragile macroeconomic data. Despite Powell's hawkish stance, data show inflation to be favourable. The Fed’s current interest rate is the highest in nearly 25 years, write our partners at the Wall Street Journal. A rate cut now will spur the economy, but the Fed wants to be sure of subdued inflation before confirming any cuts. It's a precarious position, and Americans aren't the only ones watching: every central banking authority throughout the world, including the RBI, looks at the US Federal Reserve for guidance on setting their own interest rates.   All political parties promise some form of welfare schemes as a part of their poll promises. Over the past decade, voters seem to remember the BJP's initiatives fondly. These schemes include monetary benefits as well as construction of roads and toilets. We invited political writer Ruhi Tewari to write about how the incumbent party is faring well on these issues. Ruhi visits Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh to speak to voters and the real effects of the BJP's welfare schemes. Turns out these initiatives haven't trickled down well enough to certain people. Ruhi gets their inputs too as the election season rages on.   Speaking of raging, let's talk about forest fires. Half of Uttarakhand's districts are currently seeing global warming-induced forest fires. In India, an abundance of dry leaves and high temperatures turns out to be the perfect combination to inflame the woods. Sumant Banerjee writes about these fires—their causes, effects, and what the authorities can do to prevent or contain them. It's difficult to fight fire, but we can take measures to mitigate the damage caused by them, he explains.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Show notes: Vedanta demerger: Key lenders signal green light after months of deliberation Investors may find Dennis Woodside a better chief for Freshworks  Banking on suvidha: How state welfare schemes can help BJP win a third term Fed chair Jerome Powell projects optimism, but inflation data in driver’s seat  Burning forests: We did start the fires that rage  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning listeners, 


 


 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, May 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian markets rose slightly on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex were up by around 0.18 percent. Godrej Industries was the biggest loser, washing away gains made by the announcement of its plans to split. 


 

Vedanta is another conglomerate that wants to head for a demerger. It has been preparing for this possibility for months, but the group finally has a crucial go-ahead: that of its lenders. Anirudh Laskar and Shayan Ghosh report that a consortium of lenders, led by the State Bank of India and including Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Punjab National Bank, has given its go-ahead for the proposed split of Vedanta Limited into six different entities. Vedanta will now begin the process of dividing its debt worth seven billion dollars into these new companies.


 

Freshworks now has a new person at the helm: founder and longtime CEO Gireesh Mathrubootham stepped down yesterday. The news did little to excite investors: The Freshworks stock was down more than 25 percent at the time of recording this podcast. Dennis Woodside will be replacing Mathrubootham. Woodside came into the organisation as its president 18 months ago, a period that was meant to be transitional. He has his task cut out, and investors might find him more palatable than his predecessor, writes Ranjani Raghavan.


 

Another reason why American investors have turned bearish is the lack of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. For months now, Americans have been anticipating a rate cut. But the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, have consistently maintained the status quo citing fragile macroeconomic data. Despite Powell's hawkish stance, data show inflation to be favourable. The Fed’s current interest rate is the highest in nearly 25 years, write our partners at the Wall Street Journal. A rate cut now will spur the economy, but the Fed wants to be sure of subdued inflation before confirming any cuts. It's a precarious position, and Americans aren't the only ones watching: every central banking authority throughout the world, including the RBI, looks at the US Federal Reserve for guidance on setting their own interest rates.


 

All political parties promise some form of welfare schemes as a part of their poll promises. Over the past decade, voters seem to remember the BJP's initiatives fondly. These schemes include monetary benefits as well as construction of roads and toilets. We invited political writer Ruhi Tewari to write about how the incumbent party is faring well on these issues. Ruhi visits Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh to speak to voters and the real effects of the BJP's welfare schemes. Turns out these initiatives haven't trickled down well enough to certain people. Ruhi gets their inputs too as the election season rages on.


 

Speaking of raging, let's talk about forest fires. Half of Uttarakhand's districts are currently seeing global warming-induced forest fires. In India, an abundance of dry leaves and high temperatures turns out to be the perfect combination to inflame the woods. Sumant Banerjee writes about these fires—their causes, effects, and what the authorities can do to prevent or contain them. It's difficult to fight fire, but we can take measures to mitigate the damage caused by them, he explains.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 


 

Show notes:

Vedanta demerger: Key lenders signal green light after months of deliberation

Investors may find Dennis Woodside a better chief for Freshworks 

Banking on suvidha: How state welfare schemes can help BJP win a third term

Fed chair Jerome Powell projects optimism, but inflation data in driver’s seat 

Burning forests: We did start the fires that rage 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 351 no Congress vs. BJP: Digital ads edition https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/congress-vs-bjp-digital-ads-edition-YYyuI5vB Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian markets fell slightly on Wednesday. Nifty was down by 0.17 percent, while Sensex lowered by 0.25 percent.    Following the announcement that it would split its businesses up, Godrej Industries gained more than 6 percent during yesterday's trading session. The 127-year-old conglomerate could yield multiple opportunities, even in a field where Godrej already has a commanding presence. Till now, Godrej and Boyce owned the group's land assets, while Godrej Properties developed the same land. But as part of the demerger, the former entity plans to hold on to the lucrative business, reports Varun Sood. They will only be able to do this after 6 years and not under the Godrej brand name, as per the competition commission rules. A move like this has massive consequences for corporate India, and we're just uncovering the ramifications.   The Congress and the BJP are fighting it out in the voting booths. But even prior to that, there's another platform where they are vying for your attention: social media. Both parties are using features offered by Meta and Google to target specific audiences. Meta in particular is helping these parties to micro-target their advertisements to the intended audiences, write our partners at howindialives.com. They analyse ad spends of up to 50 crore rupees, and break it down across their strategies, form factor, and spending on particular platforms.    What's common between Byju's, BharatPe, Zilingo, Housing.com, and GoMechanic? There were notable concerns around the governance practices of these startups. Unethical behaviour and mis-reporting numbers from founders led to the downfall of many of the aforementioned startups. As Tina Edwin writes, these concerns have given rise to a corporate governance charter. If a startup adheres to these norms, investors are more likely to find it attractive to invest in. While these practices aren't binding on non-listed companies, founders would do well to pay heed to help establish an open and fair work environment for their employees and investors.   Good Glamm Group started out as a company that sold skincare items. It then went on an acquisition spree: first, e-commerce, and then, digital content publications. But Good Glamm's shopping cart wasn't restricted to India: they also expanded their presence in the US. But closer home, their Indian partners weren't paid their dues. A slew of top-level exits, layoffs, and a confusing focus has led Good Glamm Group to a confusing business strategy, write Ranjani Raghavan and Suneera Tandon. As an impending IPO looms, will the company be able to chart out a sustainable path moving forward?   It's been terribly hot these days. No matter which part of the country you're in, this year's summer feels worse than its predecessors. Many regions are currently undergoing heatwave conditions. This also has an effect on food inflation: prices of vegetables and mangoes are already quite high. While currently, farmers aren't actively planting, the storage and transport of the previous rabi season's crops is under stress due to the hot climate. Easily perishable items like tomatoes have turned dearer by 62 percent. Dairy products too are feeling the brunt of the heat, writes N. Madhavan in today's primer.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance  Show notes:   Godrej group could see birth of another property developer  Inside the digital ads blueprint of BJP and Congress  Mint Explainer: Why good corporate-governance practices are crucial for startups  The mystery of Good Glamm’s global gambit  Red hot prices and other effects of the heatwave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Congress vs. BJP: Digital ads edition full 556 Mint - HT Smartcast Opportunities from Godrej's split, summer worsens inflation woes Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian markets fell slightly on Wednesday. Nifty was down by 0.17 percent, while Sensex lowered by 0.25 percent.    Following the announcement that it would split its businesses up, Godrej Industries gained more than 6 percent during yesterday's trading session. The 127-year-old conglomerate could yield multiple opportunities, even in a field where Godrej already has a commanding presence. Till now, Godrej and Boyce owned the group's land assets, while Godrej Properties developed the same land. But as part of the demerger, the former entity plans to hold on to the lucrative business, reports Varun Sood. They will only be able to do this after 6 years and not under the Godrej brand name, as per the competition commission rules. A move like this has massive consequences for corporate India, and we're just uncovering the ramifications.   The Congress and the BJP are fighting it out in the voting booths. But even prior to that, there's another platform where they are vying for your attention: social media. Both parties are using features offered by Meta and Google to target specific audiences. Meta in particular is helping these parties to micro-target their advertisements to the intended audiences, write our partners at howindialives.com. They analyse ad spends of up to 50 crore rupees, and break it down across their strategies, form factor, and spending on particular platforms.    What's common between Byju's, BharatPe, Zilingo, Housing.com, and GoMechanic? There were notable concerns around the governance practices of these startups. Unethical behaviour and mis-reporting numbers from founders led to the downfall of many of the aforementioned startups. As Tina Edwin writes, these concerns have given rise to a corporate governance charter. If a startup adheres to these norms, investors are more likely to find it attractive to invest in. While these practices aren't binding on non-listed companies, founders would do well to pay heed to help establish an open and fair work environment for their employees and investors.   Good Glamm Group started out as a company that sold skincare items. It then went on an acquisition spree: first, e-commerce, and then, digital content publications. But Good Glamm's shopping cart wasn't restricted to India: they also expanded their presence in the US. But closer home, their Indian partners weren't paid their dues. A slew of top-level exits, layoffs, and a confusing focus has led Good Glamm Group to a confusing business strategy, write Ranjani Raghavan and Suneera Tandon. As an impending IPO looms, will the company be able to chart out a sustainable path moving forward?   It's been terribly hot these days. No matter which part of the country you're in, this year's summer feels worse than its predecessors. Many regions are currently undergoing heatwave conditions. This also has an effect on food inflation: prices of vegetables and mangoes are already quite high. While currently, farmers aren't actively planting, the storage and transport of the previous rabi season's crops is under stress due to the hot climate. Easily perishable items like tomatoes have turned dearer by 62 percent. Dairy products too are feeling the brunt of the heat, writes N. Madhavan in today's primer.     We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance  Show notes:   Godrej group could see birth of another property developer  Inside the digital ads blueprint of BJP and Congress  Mint Explainer: Why good corporate-governance practices are crucial for startups  The mystery of Good Glamm’s global gambit  Red hot prices and other effects of the heatwave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, May 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

 

Indian markets fell slightly on Wednesday. Nifty was down by 0.17 percent, while Sensex lowered by 0.25 percent. 

 

Following the announcement that it would split its businesses up, Godrej Industries gained more than 6 percent during yesterday's trading session. The 127-year-old conglomerate could yield multiple opportunities, even in a field where Godrej already has a commanding presence. Till now, Godrej and Boyce owned the group's land assets, while Godrej Properties developed the same land. But as part of the demerger, the former entity plans to hold on to the lucrative business, reports Varun Sood. They will only be able to do this after 6 years and not under the Godrej brand name, as per the competition commission rules. A move like this has massive consequences for corporate India, and we're just uncovering the ramifications.


 

The Congress and the BJP are fighting it out in the voting booths. But even prior to that, there's another platform where they are vying for your attention: social media. Both parties are using features offered by Meta and Google to target specific audiences. Meta in particular is helping these parties to micro-target their advertisements to the intended audiences, write our partners at howindialives.com. They analyse ad spends of up to 50 crore rupees, and break it down across their strategies, form factor, and spending on particular platforms. 


 

What's common between Byju's, BharatPe, Zilingo, Housing.com, and GoMechanic? There were notable concerns around the governance practices of these startups. Unethical behaviour and mis-reporting numbers from founders led to the downfall of many of the aforementioned startups. As Tina Edwin writes, these concerns have given rise to a corporate governance charter. If a startup adheres to these norms, investors are more likely to find it attractive to invest in. While these practices aren't binding on non-listed companies, founders would do well to pay heed to help establish an open and fair work environment for their employees and investors.


 

Good Glamm Group started out as a company that sold skincare items. It then went on an acquisition spree: first, e-commerce, and then, digital content publications. But Good Glamm's shopping cart wasn't restricted to India: they also expanded their presence in the US. But closer home, their Indian partners weren't paid their dues. A slew of top-level exits, layoffs, and a confusing focus has led Good Glamm Group to a confusing business strategy, write Ranjani Raghavan and Suneera Tandon. As an impending IPO looms, will the company be able to chart out a sustainable path moving forward?


 

It's been terribly hot these days. No matter which part of the country you're in, this year's summer feels worse than its predecessors. Many regions are currently undergoing heatwave conditions. This also has an effect on food inflation: prices of vegetables and mangoes are already quite high. While currently, farmers aren't actively planting, the storage and transport of the previous rabi season's crops is under stress due to the hot climate. Easily perishable items like tomatoes have turned dearer by 62 percent. Dairy products too are feeling the brunt of the heat, writes N. Madhavan in today's primer.


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance
 

Show notes:


 

Godrej group could see birth of another property developer 

Inside the digital ads blueprint of BJP and Congress 

Mint Explainer: Why good corporate-governance practices are crucial for startups 

The mystery of Good Glamm’s global gambit 

Red hot prices and other effects of the heatwave

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 366 no What has changed with Indian Railways? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-has-changed-with-indian-railways-LicrZlN9 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets broke the upward trend on Tuesday ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision today. Both Sensex and Nifty saw a slump, ending the session down 0.25 per cent and 0.17 per cent respectively.    As the wave of Generative AI  continues to swell, major global IT companies like Accenture, Cognizant, and Capgemini are stepping up, recognizing the technology as a significant business risk. This shift points to GenAI's growing impact within the tech sector, prompting a crucial conversation about the potential legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with AI deployment. These leading firms have started flagging concerns in their latest annual reports about how the rapid evolution of AI tools could negatively impact their operations. From potential legal liabilities to disruptions caused by fast-paced technological changes, the risks are mounting. Moreover, there's an underlying worry about the technology's still-developing regulatory environment and its ability to deepen social divides or amplify cyber threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the cautious approach of IT companies towards AI and how Indian IT majors like TCS and Infosys could follow their lead. The global pandemic changed many aspects of our lives, and one of them was the way we vacation. Covid restrictions across the world gave rise to the phenomenon of ‘staycations’ and ‘workations’. Villa rental emerged as a trend because of this. However, the way we vacation in villas has really shifted since the pandemic. There was a time when these private holiday villas were booked for about 15 days a month on average. Now, they're seeing just nine days of occupancy. What's behind this change? As more of us head back to the office, the need for extended stays has dropped. Plus, there's been a bit of a boom in the number of high-quality villas.  Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla spoke to industry insiders including the heads of villa rental platforms StayVista and SaffronStays, who told her that these villas are now popping up all over the country. However villa owners are hopeful for a turnaround and modelling their villas around the needs of vacationers. This push towards luxury is helping operators pump up their revenue despite an overall fall in bookings. As the luxury villa market continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that this segment of the hospitality industry is headed for some exciting times. Anant Goenka, the 40-year-old vice-chairman of the $4.4 billion RPG Group, is charting a new course for the conglomerate. Unlike his father, Harsh Goenka, and grandfather, Rama Prasad Goenka, who expanded the business through aggressive acquisitions, Anant is known for a more conservative approach. Yet, after a decade-and-a-half with RPG, he’s signalling a shift towards greater acquisition activity. Anant, who prefers to keep a low profile, has been instrumental in improving the group’s financial health while expanding into related business areas. Recently, he expressed a desire to adopt a more acquisitive strategy moving forward. This includes investing 70% of capital in core businesses, 20% in adjacent businesses, and 10% in high-risk, high-return ventures. Under his leadership, RPG has ventured into new fields like e-commerce and telematics and is making strides in the climate sector. Mint’s senior editors Ranjani Raghavan and Satish John spoke to the Goenka scion for a profile. You can scroll down to the end of the show description and read all of the stories featured in this episode. Awfis Space Solutions just got the green light for its IPO, and it's a big deal for the flexible workspace crowd. If Awfis nails its market debut, it could open the door for other co-working space providers to hit the public markets. Remember when Embassy Office Parks went public in 2019? It pretty much kicked off a trend for office and retail REITs. Awfis could be about to do the same for shared workspaces. The sector's visibility from Awfis' IPO could attract significant capital investment, drawing interest from diverse investor groups like private equity, real estate investors, and venture debt providers. This influx of capital will likely accelerate the expansion and profitability of flex workspace operators. Companies such as WeWork India, IndiQube, and Smartworks are already positioning themselves for potential IPOs, fueled by growth in revenues and expansions across multiple cities.  Mint’s senior editor Madhurima Nandy explains what Awfis’ IPO could mean for the co-working space sector, in today’s Mint Primer. Indian Railways, for years has pride itself on being the carrier of India’s common folks. If you grew up in India you are highly likely to have memories related to the Indian Railways. However, the last few years have seen Indian Railways transform for both better and worse. Better for the AC-passengers - with the advent of new trains like Vande Bharat which are heavily focused on customer service - and worse for the Non-AC passengers who are seeing cuts in the number of affordable coaches. This shift, while it may sound progressive, comes with higher costs, potentially alienating the vast majority of train travellers who rely on the railways for affordable long-distance travel. Given the financial strains—highlighted by the near-miss between operating costs and revenues in 2023-24—the future may hold even tighter spaces in non-AC carriages, as projections indicate a surge in AC passengers but a tepid increase in non-AC ones. Railways grapples with a common dilemma found in many consumer businesses: a small percentage of its customers generate a substantial portion of its income. In the fiscal year 2023-24, passengers in the AC classes—encompassing chair cars, and AC two-tier, three-tier, and first-class compartments—made up just about 11% of total ridership yet contributed over half of the railway's revenue. In stark contrast, second-class passengers, despite comprising three-quarters of total passengers, accounted for less than a quarter of revenue. Moreover, passengers travelling in non-AC sleeper classes, which represent 13% of the ridership, contributed approximately 22% of the revenue. This Long Story by howIndialives.com looks at the ongoing shift at the heart of Indian Railways. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Unease at Cognizant, Capgemini, Accenture over rise of AI risks From long retreats to short escapes: The changing face of villa holidays RPG Group in for a do-over as a scion takes charge IPOs by flexible workspace firms: Sharing to grow Indian railways wants to ride the gravy train. But there’s a catch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 May 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What has changed with Indian Railways? full 555 Mint - HT Smartcast IT firms vary of GenAI; Profile of Anant Goenka - the RPG scion Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets broke the upward trend on Tuesday ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision today. Both Sensex and Nifty saw a slump, ending the session down 0.25 per cent and 0.17 per cent respectively.    As the wave of Generative AI  continues to swell, major global IT companies like Accenture, Cognizant, and Capgemini are stepping up, recognizing the technology as a significant business risk. This shift points to GenAI's growing impact within the tech sector, prompting a crucial conversation about the potential legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with AI deployment. These leading firms have started flagging concerns in their latest annual reports about how the rapid evolution of AI tools could negatively impact their operations. From potential legal liabilities to disruptions caused by fast-paced technological changes, the risks are mounting. Moreover, there's an underlying worry about the technology's still-developing regulatory environment and its ability to deepen social divides or amplify cyber threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the cautious approach of IT companies towards AI and how Indian IT majors like TCS and Infosys could follow their lead. The global pandemic changed many aspects of our lives, and one of them was the way we vacation. Covid restrictions across the world gave rise to the phenomenon of ‘staycations’ and ‘workations’. Villa rental emerged as a trend because of this. However, the way we vacation in villas has really shifted since the pandemic. There was a time when these private holiday villas were booked for about 15 days a month on average. Now, they're seeing just nine days of occupancy. What's behind this change? As more of us head back to the office, the need for extended stays has dropped. Plus, there's been a bit of a boom in the number of high-quality villas.  Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla spoke to industry insiders including the heads of villa rental platforms StayVista and SaffronStays, who told her that these villas are now popping up all over the country. However villa owners are hopeful for a turnaround and modelling their villas around the needs of vacationers. This push towards luxury is helping operators pump up their revenue despite an overall fall in bookings. As the luxury villa market continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that this segment of the hospitality industry is headed for some exciting times. Anant Goenka, the 40-year-old vice-chairman of the $4.4 billion RPG Group, is charting a new course for the conglomerate. Unlike his father, Harsh Goenka, and grandfather, Rama Prasad Goenka, who expanded the business through aggressive acquisitions, Anant is known for a more conservative approach. Yet, after a decade-and-a-half with RPG, he’s signalling a shift towards greater acquisition activity. Anant, who prefers to keep a low profile, has been instrumental in improving the group’s financial health while expanding into related business areas. Recently, he expressed a desire to adopt a more acquisitive strategy moving forward. This includes investing 70% of capital in core businesses, 20% in adjacent businesses, and 10% in high-risk, high-return ventures. Under his leadership, RPG has ventured into new fields like e-commerce and telematics and is making strides in the climate sector. Mint’s senior editors Ranjani Raghavan and Satish John spoke to the Goenka scion for a profile. You can scroll down to the end of the show description and read all of the stories featured in this episode. Awfis Space Solutions just got the green light for its IPO, and it's a big deal for the flexible workspace crowd. If Awfis nails its market debut, it could open the door for other co-working space providers to hit the public markets. Remember when Embassy Office Parks went public in 2019? It pretty much kicked off a trend for office and retail REITs. Awfis could be about to do the same for shared workspaces. The sector's visibility from Awfis' IPO could attract significant capital investment, drawing interest from diverse investor groups like private equity, real estate investors, and venture debt providers. This influx of capital will likely accelerate the expansion and profitability of flex workspace operators. Companies such as WeWork India, IndiQube, and Smartworks are already positioning themselves for potential IPOs, fueled by growth in revenues and expansions across multiple cities.  Mint’s senior editor Madhurima Nandy explains what Awfis’ IPO could mean for the co-working space sector, in today’s Mint Primer. Indian Railways, for years has pride itself on being the carrier of India’s common folks. If you grew up in India you are highly likely to have memories related to the Indian Railways. However, the last few years have seen Indian Railways transform for both better and worse. Better for the AC-passengers - with the advent of new trains like Vande Bharat which are heavily focused on customer service - and worse for the Non-AC passengers who are seeing cuts in the number of affordable coaches. This shift, while it may sound progressive, comes with higher costs, potentially alienating the vast majority of train travellers who rely on the railways for affordable long-distance travel. Given the financial strains—highlighted by the near-miss between operating costs and revenues in 2023-24—the future may hold even tighter spaces in non-AC carriages, as projections indicate a surge in AC passengers but a tepid increase in non-AC ones. Railways grapples with a common dilemma found in many consumer businesses: a small percentage of its customers generate a substantial portion of its income. In the fiscal year 2023-24, passengers in the AC classes—encompassing chair cars, and AC two-tier, three-tier, and first-class compartments—made up just about 11% of total ridership yet contributed over half of the railway's revenue. In stark contrast, second-class passengers, despite comprising three-quarters of total passengers, accounted for less than a quarter of revenue. Moreover, passengers travelling in non-AC sleeper classes, which represent 13% of the ridership, contributed approximately 22% of the revenue. This Long Story by howIndialives.com looks at the ongoing shift at the heart of Indian Railways. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Unease at Cognizant, Capgemini, Accenture over rise of AI risks From long retreats to short escapes: The changing face of villa holidays RPG Group in for a do-over as a scion takes charge IPOs by flexible workspace firms: Sharing to grow Indian railways wants to ride the gravy train. But there’s a catch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, May 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian markets broke the upward trend on Tuesday ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision today. Both Sensex and Nifty saw a slump, ending the session down 0.25 per cent and 0.17 per cent respectively. 

 

As the wave of Generative AI  continues to swell, major global IT companies like Accenture, Cognizant, and Capgemini are stepping up, recognizing the technology as a significant business risk. This shift points to GenAI's growing impact within the tech sector, prompting a crucial conversation about the potential legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with AI deployment. These leading firms have started flagging concerns in their latest annual reports about how the rapid evolution of AI tools could negatively impact their operations. From potential legal liabilities to disruptions caused by fast-paced technological changes, the risks are mounting. Moreover, there's an underlying worry about the technology's still-developing regulatory environment and its ability to deepen social divides or amplify cyber threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Mint’s Varun Sood reports on the cautious approach of IT companies towards AI and how Indian IT majors like TCS and Infosys could follow their lead.

The global pandemic changed many aspects of our lives, and one of them was the way we vacation. Covid restrictions across the world gave rise to the phenomenon of ‘staycations’ and ‘workations’. Villa rental emerged as a trend because of this. However, the way we vacation in villas has really shifted since the pandemic. There was a time when these private holiday villas were booked for about 15 days a month on average. Now, they're seeing just nine days of occupancy. What's behind this change? As more of us head back to the office, the need for extended stays has dropped. Plus, there's been a bit of a boom in the number of high-quality villas.  Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla spoke to industry insiders including the heads of villa rental platforms StayVista and SaffronStays, who told her that these villas are now popping up all over the country. However villa owners are hopeful for a turnaround and modelling their villas around the needs of vacationers. This push towards luxury is helping operators pump up their revenue despite an overall fall in bookings. As the luxury villa market continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that this segment of the hospitality industry is headed for some exciting times.

Anant Goenka, the 40-year-old vice-chairman of the $4.4 billion RPG Group, is charting a new course for the conglomerate. Unlike his father, Harsh Goenka, and grandfather, Rama Prasad Goenka, who expanded the business through aggressive acquisitions, Anant is known for a more conservative approach. Yet, after a decade-and-a-half with RPG, he’s signalling a shift towards greater acquisition activity. Anant, who prefers to keep a low profile, has been instrumental in improving the group’s financial health while expanding into related business areas. Recently, he expressed a desire to adopt a more acquisitive strategy moving forward. This includes investing 70% of capital in core businesses, 20% in adjacent businesses, and 10% in high-risk, high-return ventures. Under his leadership, RPG has ventured into new fields like e-commerce and telematics and is making strides in the climate sector. Mint’s senior editors Ranjani Raghavan and Satish John spoke to the Goenka scion for a profile. You can scroll down to the end of the show description and read all of the stories featured in this episode.

Awfis Space Solutions just got the green light for its IPO, and it's a big deal for the flexible workspace crowd. If Awfis nails its market debut, it could open the door for other co-working space providers to hit the public markets. Remember when Embassy Office Parks went public in 2019? It pretty much kicked off a trend for office and retail REITs. Awfis could be about to do the same for shared workspaces. The sector's visibility from Awfis' IPO could attract significant capital investment, drawing interest from diverse investor groups like private equity, real estate investors, and venture debt providers. This influx of capital will likely accelerate the expansion and profitability of flex workspace operators. Companies such as WeWork India, IndiQube, and Smartworks are already positioning themselves for potential IPOs, fueled by growth in revenues and expansions across multiple cities.  Mint’s senior editor Madhurima Nandy explains what Awfis’ IPO could mean for the co-working space sector, in today’s Mint Primer.

Indian Railways, for years has pride itself on being the carrier of India’s common folks. If you grew up in India you are highly likely to have memories related to the Indian Railways. However, the last few years have seen Indian Railways transform for both better and worse. Better for the AC-passengers - with the advent of new trains like Vande Bharat which are heavily focused on customer service - and worse for the Non-AC passengers who are seeing cuts in the number of affordable coaches. This shift, while it may sound progressive, comes with higher costs, potentially alienating the vast majority of train travellers who rely on the railways for affordable long-distance travel. Given the financial strains—highlighted by the near-miss between operating costs and revenues in 2023-24—the future may hold even tighter spaces in non-AC carriages, as projections indicate a surge in AC passengers but a tepid increase in non-AC ones. Railways grapples with a common dilemma found in many consumer businesses: a small percentage of its customers generate a substantial portion of its income. In the fiscal year 2023-24, passengers in the AC classes—encompassing chair cars, and AC two-tier, three-tier, and first-class compartments—made up just about 11% of total ridership yet contributed over half of the railway's revenue. In stark contrast, second-class passengers, despite comprising three-quarters of total passengers, accounted for less than a quarter of revenue. Moreover, passengers travelling in non-AC sleeper classes, which represent 13% of the ridership, contributed approximately 22% of the revenue. This Long Story by howIndialives.com looks at the ongoing shift at the heart of Indian Railways.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Unease at Cognizant, Capgemini, Accenture over rise of AI risks

From long retreats to short escapes: The changing face of villa holidays

RPG Group in for a do-over as a scion takes charge

IPOs by flexible workspace firms: Sharing to grow

Indian railways wants to ride the gravy train. But there’s a catch

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 540 no Bulls rage through D-street https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bulls-rage-through-d-street-F3iQKkqG Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets kicked off the week on a high note, with benchmark indices surging over 1% driven by strong gains in large-cap banks including ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd, and SBI.  The market rally on Monday propelled the Nifty Bank index to a record high. By the close of trading, the Nifty itself had climbed a solid 223 points, ending the day at 22,643, while the Sensex posted a gain of 1.28 per cent, reaching 74,671. The big banks weren't just showing off; they were closing the valuation gap with smaller banks, which have been priced pretty high lately. Take HDFC Bank, for example. Its price to book ratio is currently at 2.55, quite a bit lower than its five-year average of 3.45, making it look like a bargain compared to some of the smaller banks. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on a stellar start to the week for Indian banks. India is gearing up to boost its thermal power capacity big time! The plan? To set up six massive thermal power generation hubs, boasting a combined capacity of 30 gigawatts. With an eye-watering estimated cost of around 2.5 trillion rupees, this is no small feat. The government’s move comes as part of an effort to meet the country's soaring energy demands. These hubs are strategically planned near coal mines to slash coal transport costs, a smart move that also taps into existing resources. It’s like setting up shop right next to the supplier—efficient, right? Coal India Ltd and other public sector giants are set to team up with power companies, pooling their resources and expertise to get these projects off the ground. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the government’s move to set up more coal-fired power plants even as it aspires to lean more on sustainable energy sources. Unicorns, or startups valued over a billion dollars, are finding it tough to attract investors. Nowadays, investors are leaning towards smaller startups valued under a billion dollars. This year, there's been a notable difference in investment activity. Data from Tracxn shows 318 deals in smaller companies, but only a few in the billion-dollar club. Investors are particularly wary of companies valued over 2 billion dollars. Mint’s senior assistant editor Sneha Shah spoke to several analysts, including Pankaj Naik of Avendus Capital, who notes that investors are scrutinising the potential for substantial returns, especially for companies valued over $2 billion. The dilemma for companies with larger valuations is proving their ability to triple in value within 5-6 years. In the previous fiscal year, promoters of prominent Indian companies including Adani Power, Tata Consultancy Services, and Tata Motors significantly reduced their share pledges by more than 56,000 crore rupees - that is close to 6.8 billion dollars. Data from an analysis of Nifty 500 companies, which account for 91 per cent of the total market value of all listed firms on NSE, shows a 35% reduction in the aggregate value of pledged shares, reports Mint’s Mayur Bhalerao. Of the Nifty 500 companies, promoters in 27 increased their pledges by more than 26,000 crore rupees, a 20 per cent rise. Notably, 383 companies had no pledged shares, and 38 saw no change in their holdings.  In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, Udaan, the online trade platform for businesses, secured a hefty 340 million dollars in its Series E funding round in December, despite a substantial 44 per cent cut in its valuation from a high of 3.1 billion dollars in 2021. This funding round, one of the largest in India last year, reflects a strategic pivot as Udaan grappled with shrinking revenues and fierce competition in the B2B market. Despite the challenges, including a 43 per cent drop in revenue in 2022-23 and ballooning losses, the funding underscores the potential investors see in Udaan’s recalibrated business model. Founded in 2016 by ex-Flipkart executives, Udaan initially aimed to revolutionise the traditional B2B sector by connecting producers directly with retailers via an expansive digital platform. Over the years, Udaan has expanded across multiple categories, experimenting with various business models, including a foray into B2C that was later shelved. Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into the inside story of Udaan’s pivot before its IPO. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Top banks power market surge as valuations tempt Amid govt's renewables push, coal-fired power plants hold their own Startup investors are hunting outside unicorn zone Promoters trim nearly $7 billion in share pledges riding buoyant equity markets Getting Udaan IPO-ready: The inside story of a pivot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bulls rage through D-street full 554 Mint - HT Smartcast Why investors don't want unicorns; behind Udaan’s pivot Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets kicked off the week on a high note, with benchmark indices surging over 1% driven by strong gains in large-cap banks including ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd, and SBI.  The market rally on Monday propelled the Nifty Bank index to a record high. By the close of trading, the Nifty itself had climbed a solid 223 points, ending the day at 22,643, while the Sensex posted a gain of 1.28 per cent, reaching 74,671. The big banks weren't just showing off; they were closing the valuation gap with smaller banks, which have been priced pretty high lately. Take HDFC Bank, for example. Its price to book ratio is currently at 2.55, quite a bit lower than its five-year average of 3.45, making it look like a bargain compared to some of the smaller banks. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on a stellar start to the week for Indian banks. India is gearing up to boost its thermal power capacity big time! The plan? To set up six massive thermal power generation hubs, boasting a combined capacity of 30 gigawatts. With an eye-watering estimated cost of around 2.5 trillion rupees, this is no small feat. The government’s move comes as part of an effort to meet the country's soaring energy demands. These hubs are strategically planned near coal mines to slash coal transport costs, a smart move that also taps into existing resources. It’s like setting up shop right next to the supplier—efficient, right? Coal India Ltd and other public sector giants are set to team up with power companies, pooling their resources and expertise to get these projects off the ground. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the government’s move to set up more coal-fired power plants even as it aspires to lean more on sustainable energy sources. Unicorns, or startups valued over a billion dollars, are finding it tough to attract investors. Nowadays, investors are leaning towards smaller startups valued under a billion dollars. This year, there's been a notable difference in investment activity. Data from Tracxn shows 318 deals in smaller companies, but only a few in the billion-dollar club. Investors are particularly wary of companies valued over 2 billion dollars. Mint’s senior assistant editor Sneha Shah spoke to several analysts, including Pankaj Naik of Avendus Capital, who notes that investors are scrutinising the potential for substantial returns, especially for companies valued over $2 billion. The dilemma for companies with larger valuations is proving their ability to triple in value within 5-6 years. In the previous fiscal year, promoters of prominent Indian companies including Adani Power, Tata Consultancy Services, and Tata Motors significantly reduced their share pledges by more than 56,000 crore rupees - that is close to 6.8 billion dollars. Data from an analysis of Nifty 500 companies, which account for 91 per cent of the total market value of all listed firms on NSE, shows a 35% reduction in the aggregate value of pledged shares, reports Mint’s Mayur Bhalerao. Of the Nifty 500 companies, promoters in 27 increased their pledges by more than 26,000 crore rupees, a 20 per cent rise. Notably, 383 companies had no pledged shares, and 38 saw no change in their holdings.  In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, Udaan, the online trade platform for businesses, secured a hefty 340 million dollars in its Series E funding round in December, despite a substantial 44 per cent cut in its valuation from a high of 3.1 billion dollars in 2021. This funding round, one of the largest in India last year, reflects a strategic pivot as Udaan grappled with shrinking revenues and fierce competition in the B2B market. Despite the challenges, including a 43 per cent drop in revenue in 2022-23 and ballooning losses, the funding underscores the potential investors see in Udaan’s recalibrated business model. Founded in 2016 by ex-Flipkart executives, Udaan initially aimed to revolutionise the traditional B2B sector by connecting producers directly with retailers via an expansive digital platform. Over the years, Udaan has expanded across multiple categories, experimenting with various business models, including a foray into B2C that was later shelved. Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into the inside story of Udaan’s pivot before its IPO. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Top banks power market surge as valuations tempt Amid govt's renewables push, coal-fired power plants hold their own Startup investors are hunting outside unicorn zone Promoters trim nearly $7 billion in share pledges riding buoyant equity markets Getting Udaan IPO-ready: The inside story of a pivot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 30, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian stock markets kicked off the week on a high note, with benchmark indices surging over 1% driven by strong gains in large-cap banks including ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd, and SBI. 

The market rally on Monday propelled the Nifty Bank index to a record high. By the close of trading, the Nifty itself had climbed a solid 223 points, ending the day at 22,643, while the Sensex posted a gain of 1.28 per cent, reaching 74,671. The big banks weren't just showing off; they were closing the valuation gap with smaller banks, which have been priced pretty high lately. Take HDFC Bank, for example. Its price to book ratio is currently at 2.55, quite a bit lower than its five-year average of 3.45, making it look like a bargain compared to some of the smaller banks. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on a stellar start to the week for Indian banks.

India is gearing up to boost its thermal power capacity big time! The plan? To set up six massive thermal power generation hubs, boasting a combined capacity of 30 gigawatts. With an eye-watering estimated cost of around 2.5 trillion rupees, this is no small feat. The government’s move comes as part of an effort to meet the country's soaring energy demands. These hubs are strategically planned near coal mines to slash coal transport costs, a smart move that also taps into existing resources. It’s like setting up shop right next to the supplier—efficient, right? Coal India Ltd and other public sector giants are set to team up with power companies, pooling their resources and expertise to get these projects off the ground. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the government’s move to set up more coal-fired power plants even as it aspires to lean more on sustainable energy sources.

Unicorns, or startups valued over a billion dollars, are finding it tough to attract investors. Nowadays, investors are leaning towards smaller startups valued under a billion dollars. This year, there's been a notable difference in investment activity. Data from Tracxn shows 318 deals in smaller companies, but only a few in the billion-dollar club. Investors are particularly wary of companies valued over 2 billion dollars. Mint’s senior assistant editor Sneha Shah spoke to several analysts, including Pankaj Naik of Avendus Capital, who notes that investors are scrutinising the potential for substantial returns, especially for companies valued over $2 billion. The dilemma for companies with larger valuations is proving their ability to triple in value within 5-6 years.

In the previous fiscal year, promoters of prominent Indian companies including Adani Power, Tata Consultancy Services, and Tata Motors significantly reduced their share pledges by more than 56,000 crore rupees - that is close to 6.8 billion dollars. Data from an analysis of Nifty 500 companies, which account for 91 per cent of the total market value of all listed firms on NSE, shows a 35% reduction in the aggregate value of pledged shares, reports Mint’s Mayur Bhalerao. Of the Nifty 500 companies, promoters in 27 increased their pledges by more than 26,000 crore rupees, a 20 per cent rise. Notably, 383 companies had no pledged shares, and 38 saw no change in their holdings. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, Udaan, the online trade platform for businesses, secured a hefty 340 million dollars in its Series E funding round in December, despite a substantial 44 per cent cut in its valuation from a high of 3.1 billion dollars in 2021. This funding round, one of the largest in India last year, reflects a strategic pivot as Udaan grappled with shrinking revenues and fierce competition in the B2B market. Despite the challenges, including a 43 per cent drop in revenue in 2022-23 and ballooning losses, the funding underscores the potential investors see in Udaan’s recalibrated business model. Founded in 2016 by ex-Flipkart executives, Udaan initially aimed to revolutionise the traditional B2B sector by connecting producers directly with retailers via an expansive digital platform. Over the years, Udaan has expanded across multiple categories, experimenting with various business models, including a foray into B2C that was later shelved. Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel takes a deep dive into the inside story of Udaan’s pivot before its IPO.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

Top banks power market surge as valuations tempt

Amid govt's renewables push, coal-fired power plants hold their own

Startup investors are hunting outside unicorn zone

Promoters trim nearly $7 billion in share pledges riding buoyant equity markets

Getting Udaan IPO-ready: The inside story of a pivot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 438 no How much appraisal can you expect this year? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-appraisal-can-you-expect-this-year-s44EpDiU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Over the past decade in power, the BJP and PM Narendra Modi have repeatedly promised "acche din". But reforms are easy to promise, and extremely difficult to implement. Nandita Venkatesan and Pragya Srivastava pick one initiative a year from 2014 and examine their effectiveness. From banking to housing to GST, this detailed story has it all. I'd recommend reading the story by clicking the link in the show notes on your app to also go through all the charts prepared by Nandita and Pragya.   If San Francisco is known as the silicon valley, India would make its backyard. Post 1990, a host of Indian companies took the opportunity to provide cheaper, and in many cases better, services to supplant the world's digital economy. This turned India into an information technology powerhouse in its own right. Companies such as TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and Wipro are multibillion dollar enterprises that also championed the Indian stock markets. These companies recently announced their annual results, but the numbers aren't very exciting. Indian IT companies are losing out on large deals, and headcounts are dropping. While these large companies seem to be going through a moment of reckoning, mid-sized IT companies are enjoying healthy growth. Abhishek Mukherjee takes stock of the Indian IT sector, providing an important retrospective look and asking pertinent questions for these companies' futures.   It's appraisal season. We asked more than 3,000 HR executives and employees what kind of year-on-year salary increments were expected. Nearly half of the respondents in this Mint-Shine survey said that they expect a raise in the range of 9 to 12 percent. Another 25% expect it to hover around 6 to 8 percent. Last couple of years saw widespread hiring as firms rushed to digitise their companies. But a sluggish global economy and geopolitical tensions have thawed these prospects. These numbers aren't the only way to keep employees happy though — a lot of companies will use promotions to keep their workers happy. Devina Sengupta and Tanay Sukumar team up to break down the results of this survey.   Hotel companies enjoyed a fruitful FY24, with record bookings and revenues. But FY25 has gotten off to a tepid start. The crucial summer season is too hot for some to step out, resulting in fewer bookings. Additionally, the election season also dampened booking numbers. Large chains like Taj, Marriott, and Hyatt are now offering heavy discounts to lure people in these lean times. While discounts and offers are nothing new, hoteliers are gearing up for a poor summer and autumn, writes Varuni Khosla. Discounts now range anywhere between 15 t0 50 percent — if you're planning an impromptu trip, now might be a good time!   Our last story this week is from Mint's weekend edition, Mint Lounge. We invited veteran sportswrite Rohit Brijnath to interview Abhinav Bindra – India's first Olympic gold medal winner. But curiously, Bindra considers himself a failure. It's been more than a decade and a half since Bindra won gold at the 10 metre air rifle shooting competition in Beijing. However, Bindra said as the years rolled on, his pursuit of excellence left him a little hollow, a little unbalanced. Rohit writes that while his obsession got him the coveted gold, he might have had a better chance at sustained success. But Abhinav Bindra in 2024 is a more composed, all-round person: he advises athletes on the Olympian mental health committee. He shares his wisdom with Adivasi athletes. He's also trying to devote more time towards forest conservation in Odisha. This is a fantastic profile of a man who once made a billion Indians proud, but somehow felt like he failed himself — and he's spending the rest of his life trying to make up for that.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance   Show notes:   In 10 charts: Where the Modi government's biggest bets of each year stand today  The good, bad and ugly: Decoding the IT pack’s Q4 show  Three in 5 recruiters to offer salary hikes of 6-12% this year: Mint+Shine study ‘Suite' surprise: Discounts rain at 5-star hotels for summer, autumn travel  Abhinav Bindra: A champion looks back at who he was Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How much appraisal can you expect this year? full 553 Mint - HT Smartcast A profile of Abhinav Bindra in 2024, the state of Indian IT stocks Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Over the past decade in power, the BJP and PM Narendra Modi have repeatedly promised "acche din". But reforms are easy to promise, and extremely difficult to implement. Nandita Venkatesan and Pragya Srivastava pick one initiative a year from 2014 and examine their effectiveness. From banking to housing to GST, this detailed story has it all. I'd recommend reading the story by clicking the link in the show notes on your app to also go through all the charts prepared by Nandita and Pragya.   If San Francisco is known as the silicon valley, India would make its backyard. Post 1990, a host of Indian companies took the opportunity to provide cheaper, and in many cases better, services to supplant the world's digital economy. This turned India into an information technology powerhouse in its own right. Companies such as TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and Wipro are multibillion dollar enterprises that also championed the Indian stock markets. These companies recently announced their annual results, but the numbers aren't very exciting. Indian IT companies are losing out on large deals, and headcounts are dropping. While these large companies seem to be going through a moment of reckoning, mid-sized IT companies are enjoying healthy growth. Abhishek Mukherjee takes stock of the Indian IT sector, providing an important retrospective look and asking pertinent questions for these companies' futures.   It's appraisal season. We asked more than 3,000 HR executives and employees what kind of year-on-year salary increments were expected. Nearly half of the respondents in this Mint-Shine survey said that they expect a raise in the range of 9 to 12 percent. Another 25% expect it to hover around 6 to 8 percent. Last couple of years saw widespread hiring as firms rushed to digitise their companies. But a sluggish global economy and geopolitical tensions have thawed these prospects. These numbers aren't the only way to keep employees happy though — a lot of companies will use promotions to keep their workers happy. Devina Sengupta and Tanay Sukumar team up to break down the results of this survey.   Hotel companies enjoyed a fruitful FY24, with record bookings and revenues. But FY25 has gotten off to a tepid start. The crucial summer season is too hot for some to step out, resulting in fewer bookings. Additionally, the election season also dampened booking numbers. Large chains like Taj, Marriott, and Hyatt are now offering heavy discounts to lure people in these lean times. While discounts and offers are nothing new, hoteliers are gearing up for a poor summer and autumn, writes Varuni Khosla. Discounts now range anywhere between 15 t0 50 percent — if you're planning an impromptu trip, now might be a good time!   Our last story this week is from Mint's weekend edition, Mint Lounge. We invited veteran sportswrite Rohit Brijnath to interview Abhinav Bindra – India's first Olympic gold medal winner. But curiously, Bindra considers himself a failure. It's been more than a decade and a half since Bindra won gold at the 10 metre air rifle shooting competition in Beijing. However, Bindra said as the years rolled on, his pursuit of excellence left him a little hollow, a little unbalanced. Rohit writes that while his obsession got him the coveted gold, he might have had a better chance at sustained success. But Abhinav Bindra in 2024 is a more composed, all-round person: he advises athletes on the Olympian mental health committee. He shares his wisdom with Adivasi athletes. He's also trying to devote more time towards forest conservation in Odisha. This is a fantastic profile of a man who once made a billion Indians proud, but somehow felt like he failed himself — and he's spending the rest of his life trying to make up for that.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance   Show notes:   In 10 charts: Where the Modi government's biggest bets of each year stand today  The good, bad and ugly: Decoding the IT pack’s Q4 show  Three in 5 recruiters to offer salary hikes of 6-12% this year: Mint+Shine study ‘Suite' surprise: Discounts rain at 5-star hotels for summer, autumn travel  Abhinav Bindra: A champion looks back at who he was Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Over the past decade in power, the BJP and PM Narendra Modi have repeatedly promised "acche din". But reforms are easy to promise, and extremely difficult to implement. Nandita Venkatesan and Pragya Srivastava pick one initiative a year from 2014 and examine their effectiveness. From banking to housing to GST, this detailed story has it all. I'd recommend reading the story by clicking the link in the show notes on your app to also go through all the charts prepared by Nandita and Pragya.


 

If San Francisco is known as the silicon valley, India would make its backyard. Post 1990, a host of Indian companies took the opportunity to provide cheaper, and in many cases better, services to supplant the world's digital economy. This turned India into an information technology powerhouse in its own right. Companies such as TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and Wipro are multibillion dollar enterprises that also championed the Indian stock markets. These companies recently announced their annual results, but the numbers aren't very exciting. Indian IT companies are losing out on large deals, and headcounts are dropping. While these large companies seem to be going through a moment of reckoning, mid-sized IT companies are enjoying healthy growth. Abhishek Mukherjee takes stock of the Indian IT sector, providing an important retrospective look and asking pertinent questions for these companies' futures.


 

It's appraisal season. We asked more than 3,000 HR executives and employees what kind of year-on-year salary increments were expected. Nearly half of the respondents in this Mint-Shine survey said that they expect a raise in the range of 9 to 12 percent. Another 25% expect it to hover around 6 to 8 percent. Last couple of years saw widespread hiring as firms rushed to digitise their companies. But a sluggish global economy and geopolitical tensions have thawed these prospects. These numbers aren't the only way to keep employees happy though — a lot of companies will use promotions to keep their workers happy. Devina Sengupta and Tanay Sukumar team up to break down the results of this survey.


 

Hotel companies enjoyed a fruitful FY24, with record bookings and revenues. But FY25 has gotten off to a tepid start. The crucial summer season is too hot for some to step out, resulting in fewer bookings. Additionally, the election season also dampened booking numbers. Large chains like Taj, Marriott, and Hyatt are now offering heavy discounts to lure people in these lean times. While discounts and offers are nothing new, hoteliers are gearing up for a poor summer and autumn, writes Varuni Khosla. Discounts now range anywhere between 15 t0 50 percent — if you're planning an impromptu trip, now might be a good time!


 

Our last story this week is from Mint's weekend edition, Mint Lounge. We invited veteran sportswrite Rohit Brijnath to interview Abhinav Bindra – India's first Olympic gold medal winner. But curiously, Bindra considers himself a failure. It's been more than a decade and a half since Bindra won gold at the 10 metre air rifle shooting competition in Beijing. However, Bindra said as the years rolled on, his pursuit of excellence left him a little hollow, a little unbalanced. Rohit writes that while his obsession got him the coveted gold, he might have had a better chance at sustained success. But Abhinav Bindra in 2024 is a more composed, all-round person: he advises athletes on the Olympian mental health committee. He shares his wisdom with Adivasi athletes. He's also trying to devote more time towards forest conservation in Odisha. This is a fantastic profile of a man who once made a billion Indians proud, but somehow felt like he failed himself — and he's spending the rest of his life trying to make up for that.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance


 

Show notes:


 

In 10 charts: Where the Modi government's biggest bets of each year stand today 

The good, bad and ugly: Decoding the IT pack’s Q4 show 

Three in 5 recruiters to offer salary hikes of 6-12% this year: Mint+Shine study

‘Suite' surprise: Discounts rain at 5-star hotels for summer, autumn travel 

Abhinav Bindra: A champion looks back at who he was

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 393 no Is Tesla coming to India or not? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/is-tesla-coming-to-india-or-not-nNumyBvp Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian benchmark equity indices surged for a fifth straight session on Thursday with BSE’s Sensex recording its all-time high of 74,571 points. NSE’s Nifty 50 ended the day 0.75 per cent higher.    Packaged food is a convenience a lot of us rely on. From cereal for infants to readymade spice mixes, packaged food has become a crucial part of our diets. But recently, some big-name brands have found themselves in hot water over their food products. Public Eye, a Swiss watchdog group, has called out Nestle for adding too much sugar in its infant products and cereals in India. Nestle says it's been cutting down on sugar, but concerns linger. MDH and Everest, two popular spice brands, got flagged by regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore for using ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical, to keep spices fresh. In response to these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is conducting thorough investigations, including sample testing from various production sites. Sayantan Bera, who covers food and nutrition for Mint, explains the implications of lingering regulatory action on packaged food brands.    Is Tesla on its way to India or not? That is a question a lot of Tesla fans and enthusiasts are grappling with right now. Despite India rolling out the red carpet with a new electric vehicle policy aimed at wooing automakers like Tesla, Elon Musk’s powerhouse remains on the fence. People in the know told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that the Texas-based EV-maker hasn't engaged significantly with state governments or local suppliers, nor has it taken steps to set up its crucial supercharger network in India. Other automakers like Vietnamese EV-maker Vinfast, meanwhile, are making strides towards setting up their operations in India. Tesla on the other hand seems to prefer entering the market through imports to gauge potential before committing to local manufacturing.   India is currently in discussions to sidestep a potential G7 mandate that requires all diamond imports to the G7 countries to be tested in Belgium. The G7 mandate is to ensure that diamonds originating from Russia do not enter its member nations. India on the other hand wants the diamonds to be tested in domestic hubs like Surat and Mumbai to avoid escalating costs for diamantaires. India, a major player in the diamond industry, processes about 91% of the world’s rough diamonds and is looking to negotiate with European authorities to prevent a disruption in its exports. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Ram Sahgal report on India’s efforts to keep its diamond testing within its borders.    The finance ministry's latest report is buzzing with optimism, thanks to predictions of a bountiful monsoon expected to boost harvests and keep inflation in check this year. This good news comes amid a backdrop of stubborn global inflationary pressures. Mint’s economy correspondent Rhik Kundu writes about the Finance Minister’s monthly Economic Report for March, according to which India's handling of inflation has been quite effective thanks to a mix of strategic interest rate decisions, robust food supply policies, and eased import restrictions. This has brought retail inflation down to a post-pandemic low, with core inflation dipping to 3.3 per cent in March. The India Meteorological Department's prediction of a normal monsoon paints a hopeful picture of agricultural revival and falling food prices, especially after last year's erratic weather. Food inflation in India eased to 8.52 per cent in March from February's 8.66 per cent, although prices remained high in categories like meat, fish, and eggs.     Since the 90s, MTV has been a part of India’s cultural zeitgeist with not only its music but also many of its popular shows. Last month, MTV’s parent company Paramount Global decided to call it quits in India.The American media and entertainment giant sold its remaini ng stake in Viacom18 to Reliance for $517 million. Paramount is not the only international media company to leave India. Previously, NBCUniversal ended its joint venture with NDTV in 2009, Disney closed its Hindi film production division in 2016, and Universal Pictures shut its India office in 2020. Despite India being a prime market for streaming platforms and social media, traditional media companies have struggled to maintain their operations. The reason? Challenges range from the difficulty of creating content for a linguistically diverse audience to the complexities of managing local teams. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha examines the reasons behind the exodus of global media companies.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a great weekend ahead!     Show notes:   Mint Primer | Here's food for thought: How safe is your child’s dinner plate? Tesla’s India entry on ice: Musk yet to firm up plans for India Surat, not Belgium: India pushes back on G7's diamond checks Above-normal monsoon forecast to ease inflationary concerns: Finance ministry Unhappy ending: Why foreign entertainment companies are heading for the exits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Is Tesla coming to India or not? full 552 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding packaged food risks; Why are global media companies exiting India? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   Indian benchmark equity indices surged for a fifth straight session on Thursday with BSE’s Sensex recording its all-time high of 74,571 points. NSE’s Nifty 50 ended the day 0.75 per cent higher.    Packaged food is a convenience a lot of us rely on. From cereal for infants to readymade spice mixes, packaged food has become a crucial part of our diets. But recently, some big-name brands have found themselves in hot water over their food products. Public Eye, a Swiss watchdog group, has called out Nestle for adding too much sugar in its infant products and cereals in India. Nestle says it's been cutting down on sugar, but concerns linger. MDH and Everest, two popular spice brands, got flagged by regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore for using ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical, to keep spices fresh. In response to these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is conducting thorough investigations, including sample testing from various production sites. Sayantan Bera, who covers food and nutrition for Mint, explains the implications of lingering regulatory action on packaged food brands.    Is Tesla on its way to India or not? That is a question a lot of Tesla fans and enthusiasts are grappling with right now. Despite India rolling out the red carpet with a new electric vehicle policy aimed at wooing automakers like Tesla, Elon Musk’s powerhouse remains on the fence. People in the know told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that the Texas-based EV-maker hasn't engaged significantly with state governments or local suppliers, nor has it taken steps to set up its crucial supercharger network in India. Other automakers like Vietnamese EV-maker Vinfast, meanwhile, are making strides towards setting up their operations in India. Tesla on the other hand seems to prefer entering the market through imports to gauge potential before committing to local manufacturing.   India is currently in discussions to sidestep a potential G7 mandate that requires all diamond imports to the G7 countries to be tested in Belgium. The G7 mandate is to ensure that diamonds originating from Russia do not enter its member nations. India on the other hand wants the diamonds to be tested in domestic hubs like Surat and Mumbai to avoid escalating costs for diamantaires. India, a major player in the diamond industry, processes about 91% of the world’s rough diamonds and is looking to negotiate with European authorities to prevent a disruption in its exports. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Ram Sahgal report on India’s efforts to keep its diamond testing within its borders.    The finance ministry's latest report is buzzing with optimism, thanks to predictions of a bountiful monsoon expected to boost harvests and keep inflation in check this year. This good news comes amid a backdrop of stubborn global inflationary pressures. Mint’s economy correspondent Rhik Kundu writes about the Finance Minister’s monthly Economic Report for March, according to which India's handling of inflation has been quite effective thanks to a mix of strategic interest rate decisions, robust food supply policies, and eased import restrictions. This has brought retail inflation down to a post-pandemic low, with core inflation dipping to 3.3 per cent in March. The India Meteorological Department's prediction of a normal monsoon paints a hopeful picture of agricultural revival and falling food prices, especially after last year's erratic weather. Food inflation in India eased to 8.52 per cent in March from February's 8.66 per cent, although prices remained high in categories like meat, fish, and eggs.     Since the 90s, MTV has been a part of India’s cultural zeitgeist with not only its music but also many of its popular shows. Last month, MTV’s parent company Paramount Global decided to call it quits in India.The American media and entertainment giant sold its remaini ng stake in Viacom18 to Reliance for $517 million. Paramount is not the only international media company to leave India. Previously, NBCUniversal ended its joint venture with NDTV in 2009, Disney closed its Hindi film production division in 2016, and Universal Pictures shut its India office in 2020. Despite India being a prime market for streaming platforms and social media, traditional media companies have struggled to maintain their operations. The reason? Challenges range from the difficulty of creating content for a linguistically diverse audience to the complexities of managing local teams. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha examines the reasons behind the exodus of global media companies.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.   We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a great weekend ahead!     Show notes:   Mint Primer | Here's food for thought: How safe is your child’s dinner plate? Tesla’s India entry on ice: Musk yet to firm up plans for India Surat, not Belgium: India pushes back on G7's diamond checks Above-normal monsoon forecast to ease inflationary concerns: Finance ministry Unhappy ending: Why foreign entertainment companies are heading for the exits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 26, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

Indian benchmark equity indices surged for a fifth straight session on Thursday with BSE’s Sensex recording its all-time high of 74,571 points. NSE’s Nifty 50 ended the day 0.75 per cent higher. 


 

Packaged food is a convenience a lot of us rely on. From cereal for infants to readymade spice mixes, packaged food has become a crucial part of our diets. But recently, some big-name brands have found themselves in hot water over their food products. Public Eye, a Swiss watchdog group, has called out Nestle for adding too much sugar in its infant products and cereals in India. Nestle says it's been cutting down on sugar, but concerns linger. MDH and Everest, two popular spice brands, got flagged by regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore for using ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical, to keep spices fresh. In response to these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is conducting thorough investigations, including sample testing from various production sites. Sayantan Bera, who covers food and nutrition for Mint, explains the implications of lingering regulatory action on packaged food brands. 


 

Is Tesla on its way to India or not? That is a question a lot of Tesla fans and enthusiasts are grappling with right now. Despite India rolling out the red carpet with a new electric vehicle policy aimed at wooing automakers like Tesla, Elon Musk’s powerhouse remains on the fence. People in the know told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that the Texas-based EV-maker hasn't engaged significantly with state governments or local suppliers, nor has it taken steps to set up its crucial supercharger network in India. Other automakers like Vietnamese EV-maker Vinfast, meanwhile, are making strides towards setting up their operations in India. Tesla on the other hand seems to prefer entering the market through imports to gauge potential before committing to local manufacturing.


 

India is currently in discussions to sidestep a potential G7 mandate that requires all diamond imports to the G7 countries to be tested in Belgium. The G7 mandate is to ensure that diamonds originating from Russia do not enter its member nations. India on the other hand wants the diamonds to be tested in domestic hubs like Surat and Mumbai to avoid escalating costs for diamantaires. India, a major player in the diamond industry, processes about 91% of the world’s rough diamonds and is looking to negotiate with European authorities to prevent a disruption in its exports. Mint’s Mihir Mishra and Ram Sahgal report on India’s efforts to keep its diamond testing within its borders. 


 

The finance ministry's latest report is buzzing with optimism, thanks to predictions of a bountiful monsoon expected to boost harvests and keep inflation in check this year. This good news comes amid a backdrop of stubborn global inflationary pressures. Mint’s economy correspondent Rhik Kundu writes about the Finance Minister’s monthly Economic Report for March, according to which India's handling of inflation has been quite effective thanks to a mix of strategic interest rate decisions, robust food supply policies, and eased import restrictions. This has brought retail inflation down to a post-pandemic low, with core inflation dipping to 3.3 per cent in March. The India Meteorological Department's prediction of a normal monsoon paints a hopeful picture of agricultural revival and falling food prices, especially after last year's erratic weather. Food inflation in India eased to 8.52 per cent in March from February's 8.66 per cent, although prices remained high in categories like meat, fish, and eggs.


 


 

Since the 90s, MTV has been a part of India’s cultural zeitgeist with not only its music but also many of its popular shows. Last month, MTV’s parent company Paramount Global decided to call it quits in India.The American media and entertainment giant sold its remaini ng stake in Viacom18 to Reliance for $517 million. Paramount is not the only international media company to leave India. Previously, NBCUniversal ended its joint venture with NDTV in 2009, Disney closed its Hindi film production division in 2016, and Universal Pictures shut its India office in 2020. Despite India being a prime market for streaming platforms and social media, traditional media companies have struggled to maintain their operations. The reason? Challenges range from the difficulty of creating content for a linguistically diverse audience to the complexities of managing local teams. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha examines the reasons behind the exodus of global media companies. 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.


 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.


 

We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a great weekend ahead!


 


 

Show notes:


 

Mint Primer | Here's food for thought: How safe is your child’s dinner plate?

Tesla’s India entry on ice: Musk yet to firm up plans for India

Surat, not Belgium: India pushes back on G7's diamond checks

Above-normal monsoon forecast to ease inflationary concerns: Finance ministry

Unhappy ending: Why foreign entertainment companies are heading for the exits

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 444 no Why UP is likely to vote for the BJP https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-up-is-likely-to-vote-for-the-bjp-7IY1Ugkx Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The Indian equity markets increased marginally on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.15 per cent. Vodafone Idea, Tata Consumer, and Sun Pharma were some of the notable names that lost a lot of shareholder value during yesterday's trading session.   The board of Tata Sons is soon headed for a revamp, with two directors set to retire over the next 15 months, reports Varun Sood. Last month, a new independent member joined. In effect, about one-third of the Tata Sons 10-member board will be going through a turnover in just over a year. The main task for the new board members will be to ensure that the Tata group becomes a debt-free company. The group currently owes over 20,000 crore rupees to its lenders. But through selling of shares in its crown jewel TCS, and other measures, Tata Sons can realistically achieve this goal by next year.    Kotak Mahindra Bank received a huge jolt yesterday when the banking regulator barred it from onboarding any new customers online. The Reserve Bank of India also barred Kotak Mahindra from issuing any fresh credit cards. RBI said that serious lapses in the bank's IT services had forced it to take such a drastic measure. Shayan Ghosh writes that existing Kotak customers shouldn't face any hurdles, but this is a huge loss of confidence for new CEO Ashok Vaswani's bank.   At Mint, we've been steadily bringing you some in-depth election coverage. For today's Long Story, we invited Ruhi Tewari to write about the election landscape in Uttar Pradesh. UP is inarguably the most pivotal state when it comes to the general election: 15% of all elected Lok Sabha members come from this state. But what issues are UP citizens voting on? The usual, writes Ruhi: electricity, roads, and water. India's most populous state will vote for the party that guarantees them these basic necessities. However, the ruling BJP is expected to win this state again—not because of the Ram temple, but because of an improved law-and-order situation in the state. Ruhi gets the on-ground pulse from Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Mathura for this deftly reported story.   If you've watched IPL this year, a host of betting apps would've tried to lure you in. But if you log in, they don't just offer bets on how much Dhoni will score or how many runs RCB will lose by this time—you can even punt on the results of the general election. Varuni Khosla writes that the advertising standards council of India has flagged brazen promotions by these illegal betting apps, but to no avail. This issue assumes importance especially as the Supreme Court forced Patanjali to apologise for its misleading advertisements, and hauled up other consumer goods companies as well.   If you've seen any betting apps on a website, chances are you have searched for some betting sites yourself. This is called a targeted ad: catering to specific users' needs, based on their search or browsing history. If you're surprised, I agree: it's quite invasive. To help with that, the ministry of corporate affairs has initiated the Digital Competition Bill. This bill is only likely to be taken up after the national election is concluded, but will help with maintaining your privacy online, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. However, executives from the adtech industry have said this will result in fewer monetising avenues. In this battle for privacy versus revenue, who will win? We'll only find out by the end of the year—that's when the bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: New faces on Tata Sons board? Bhaskar Bhat, Ralph Speth near retirement  RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from adding new customers via web, mobile app Work is worship: Bijli, sadak, paani are once again the key poll issues in UP IPL, elections are all fair game on illegal betting apps Targeted ads become focal point of digital competition debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why UP is likely to vote for the BJP full 551 Mint - HT Smartcast Tata Sons' board revamp, illegal betting apps Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The Indian equity markets increased marginally on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.15 per cent. Vodafone Idea, Tata Consumer, and Sun Pharma were some of the notable names that lost a lot of shareholder value during yesterday's trading session.   The board of Tata Sons is soon headed for a revamp, with two directors set to retire over the next 15 months, reports Varun Sood. Last month, a new independent member joined. In effect, about one-third of the Tata Sons 10-member board will be going through a turnover in just over a year. The main task for the new board members will be to ensure that the Tata group becomes a debt-free company. The group currently owes over 20,000 crore rupees to its lenders. But through selling of shares in its crown jewel TCS, and other measures, Tata Sons can realistically achieve this goal by next year.    Kotak Mahindra Bank received a huge jolt yesterday when the banking regulator barred it from onboarding any new customers online. The Reserve Bank of India also barred Kotak Mahindra from issuing any fresh credit cards. RBI said that serious lapses in the bank's IT services had forced it to take such a drastic measure. Shayan Ghosh writes that existing Kotak customers shouldn't face any hurdles, but this is a huge loss of confidence for new CEO Ashok Vaswani's bank.   At Mint, we've been steadily bringing you some in-depth election coverage. For today's Long Story, we invited Ruhi Tewari to write about the election landscape in Uttar Pradesh. UP is inarguably the most pivotal state when it comes to the general election: 15% of all elected Lok Sabha members come from this state. But what issues are UP citizens voting on? The usual, writes Ruhi: electricity, roads, and water. India's most populous state will vote for the party that guarantees them these basic necessities. However, the ruling BJP is expected to win this state again—not because of the Ram temple, but because of an improved law-and-order situation in the state. Ruhi gets the on-ground pulse from Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Mathura for this deftly reported story.   If you've watched IPL this year, a host of betting apps would've tried to lure you in. But if you log in, they don't just offer bets on how much Dhoni will score or how many runs RCB will lose by this time—you can even punt on the results of the general election. Varuni Khosla writes that the advertising standards council of India has flagged brazen promotions by these illegal betting apps, but to no avail. This issue assumes importance especially as the Supreme Court forced Patanjali to apologise for its misleading advertisements, and hauled up other consumer goods companies as well.   If you've seen any betting apps on a website, chances are you have searched for some betting sites yourself. This is called a targeted ad: catering to specific users' needs, based on their search or browsing history. If you're surprised, I agree: it's quite invasive. To help with that, the ministry of corporate affairs has initiated the Digital Competition Bill. This bill is only likely to be taken up after the national election is concluded, but will help with maintaining your privacy online, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. However, executives from the adtech industry have said this will result in fewer monetising avenues. In this battle for privacy versus revenue, who will win? We'll only find out by the end of the year—that's when the bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: New faces on Tata Sons board? Bhaskar Bhat, Ralph Speth near retirement  RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from adding new customers via web, mobile app Work is worship: Bijli, sadak, paani are once again the key poll issues in UP IPL, elections are all fair game on illegal betting apps Targeted ads become focal point of digital competition debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 25, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:


 

The Indian equity markets increased marginally on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.15 per cent. Vodafone Idea, Tata Consumer, and Sun Pharma were some of the notable names that lost a lot of shareholder value during yesterday's trading session.


 

The board of Tata Sons is soon headed for a revamp, with two directors set to retire over the next 15 months, reports Varun Sood. Last month, a new independent member joined. In effect, about one-third of the Tata Sons 10-member board will be going through a turnover in just over a year. The main task for the new board members will be to ensure that the Tata group becomes a debt-free company. The group currently owes over 20,000 crore rupees to its lenders. But through selling of shares in its crown jewel TCS, and other measures, Tata Sons can realistically achieve this goal by next year. 


 

Kotak Mahindra Bank received a huge jolt yesterday when the banking regulator barred it from onboarding any new customers online. The Reserve Bank of India also barred Kotak Mahindra from issuing any fresh credit cards. RBI said that serious lapses in the bank's IT services had forced it to take such a drastic measure. Shayan Ghosh writes that existing Kotak customers shouldn't face any hurdles, but this is a huge loss of confidence for new CEO Ashok Vaswani's bank.


 

At Mint, we've been steadily bringing you some in-depth election coverage. For today's Long Story, we invited Ruhi Tewari to write about the election landscape in Uttar Pradesh. UP is inarguably the most pivotal state when it comes to the general election: 15% of all elected Lok Sabha members come from this state. But what issues are UP citizens voting on? The usual, writes Ruhi: electricity, roads, and water. India's most populous state will vote for the party that guarantees them these basic necessities. However, the ruling BJP is expected to win this state again—not because of the Ram temple, but because of an improved law-and-order situation in the state. Ruhi gets the on-ground pulse from Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Mathura for this deftly reported story.


 

If you've watched IPL this year, a host of betting apps would've tried to lure you in. But if you log in, they don't just offer bets on how much Dhoni will score or how many runs RCB will lose by this time—you can even punt on the results of the general election. Varuni Khosla writes that the advertising standards council of India has flagged brazen promotions by these illegal betting apps, but to no avail. This issue assumes importance especially as the Supreme Court forced Patanjali to apologise for its misleading advertisements, and hauled up other consumer goods companies as well.


 

If you've seen any betting apps on a website, chances are you have searched for some betting sites yourself. This is called a targeted ad: catering to specific users' needs, based on their search or browsing history. If you're surprised, I agree: it's quite invasive. To help with that, the ministry of corporate affairs has initiated the Digital Competition Bill. This bill is only likely to be taken up after the national election is concluded, but will help with maintaining your privacy online, reports Gireesh Chandra Prasad. However, executives from the adtech industry have said this will result in fewer monetising avenues. In this battle for privacy versus revenue, who will win? We'll only find out by the end of the year—that's when the bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament.


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 


Show notes:

New faces on Tata Sons board? Bhaskar Bhat, Ralph Speth near retirement 

RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from adding new customers via web, mobile app

Work is worship: Bijli, sadak, paani are once again the key poll issues in UP

IPL, elections are all fair game on illegal betting apps

Targeted ads become focal point of digital competition debate

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 364 no Supreme Court pulls up FMCG firms on ad practices https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/supreme-court-pulls-up-fmcg-firms-on-ad-practices-sQx5S92S Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices continued their momentum on Tuesday to close in the green for a third straight session. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.12 per cent above its previous close while NSE’s Nifty too ended the day up 0.14 per cent. Are Indians changing the way they travel? It certainly seems so, given the surge in air travel. On April 21, a record-breaking number of over 470,000 passengers flew across India, surpassing last year's record on April 30. India, already the third-largest aviation market after the U.S. and China, has witnessed a remarkable growth in air traffic, more than doubling over the past decade. Experts suggest this boom is fueled by increasing incomes, competitive pricing of airfares, and the untapped potential of first-time flyers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma explores what's driving this shift, the impact on airlines, and the challenges that could temper this rising trend. The conversation around lowering the extra charges on hybrid vehicles is stuck in a bit of a limbo. People close to the development told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that despite backing from the ministry of commerce and transportation, no real movement is possible without a bigger shake-up of the overall tax system. Right now, hybrids get slapped with a hefty 43 per cent tax, while electric vehicles cruise by with just a 5 per cent GST, thanks to policies aimed at cleaning up transportation. But not everyone's on board with making hybrids more attractive—major local car makers, led by Tata Motors, argue that cutting taxes on hybrids could slow down the electric vehicle revolution. Amid all this, there's a growing anxiety within the auto industry about what future tax rates might look like for electric vehicles as they become more common. Will the current low rates hold as EVs grab a larger market share? The scorching heat wave sweeping across East and South India isn't letting up anytime soon. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heads-up that we’re in for another five gruelling days of high temperatures. This heat wave is hitting just as voters in states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Bihar gear up for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election this Friday. IMD has predicted a particularly harsh summer with the possibility of extended heat wave conditions lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 days. An orange alert is out for regions like Odisha, Bihar, and Gangetic West Bengal, signalling moderate health risks, especially for the more vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with chronic health issues. Mint’s Puja Das reports on the met department’s predictions for the upcoming weeks. The Supreme Court of India has widened its lens in the Patanjali case to include all fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, particularly those peddling health products with potentially misleading ads. This expansion follows a complaint by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali for its controversial advertising tactics. The court has now asked several key ministries to step up and monitor these companies more closely, ensuring they aren't misleading especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. This could potentially reshape advertising norms in India, as the industry heavily invests in advertising, with FMCG companies being the largest spenders. Mint’s consumer correspondent Suneera Tandon reports on the crucial development that could shape the future of advertising in India. One of India’s biggest conglomerates - the Adani Group - is omnipresent in sectors across the country’s industrial landscape. Now Adani Properties, a part of the conglomerate, is making strides in the country’s real estate sector. The company won the bid to redevelop Mumbai’s Dharavi, also known as Asia’s largest slum settlement. It won the redevelopment bid in November 2022 with an offer of 5,069 crore rupees. The area, in the heart of India’s financial capital, is home to about a million people. Group chairman Gautam Adani has in the past expressed deep personal commitment to the redevelopment of Dharavi. The project aims to resettle Dharavikars and transform the area into a prime real estate location, potentially elevating Adani Properties to a major player in the real estate sector. The company, which ventured into real estate under the Adani Realty brand about 14 years ago, has expanded significantly, with projects across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and the Delhi-NCR region, totaling 200 million sq.ft. in various stages of development. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the operations and projects of Adani Properties, and the conglomerate’s other real estate businesses, for today’s Long Story.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Up, up and away: the implications of India’s soaring demand for air travel Hybrid cars must haul the cess load for longer Severe heat wave likely in East & South India until Saturday ahead of phase 2 poll Patanjali ads cast a long shadow over FMCG sector From Shantigram to Dharavi: How the rise of Adani’s realty play threatens DLF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Supreme Court pulls up FMCG firms on ad practices full 550 Mint - HT Smartcast Mercury to remain on the rise; The journey of Adani’s real estate ventures Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices continued their momentum on Tuesday to close in the green for a third straight session. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.12 per cent above its previous close while NSE’s Nifty too ended the day up 0.14 per cent. Are Indians changing the way they travel? It certainly seems so, given the surge in air travel. On April 21, a record-breaking number of over 470,000 passengers flew across India, surpassing last year's record on April 30. India, already the third-largest aviation market after the U.S. and China, has witnessed a remarkable growth in air traffic, more than doubling over the past decade. Experts suggest this boom is fueled by increasing incomes, competitive pricing of airfares, and the untapped potential of first-time flyers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma explores what's driving this shift, the impact on airlines, and the challenges that could temper this rising trend. The conversation around lowering the extra charges on hybrid vehicles is stuck in a bit of a limbo. People close to the development told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that despite backing from the ministry of commerce and transportation, no real movement is possible without a bigger shake-up of the overall tax system. Right now, hybrids get slapped with a hefty 43 per cent tax, while electric vehicles cruise by with just a 5 per cent GST, thanks to policies aimed at cleaning up transportation. But not everyone's on board with making hybrids more attractive—major local car makers, led by Tata Motors, argue that cutting taxes on hybrids could slow down the electric vehicle revolution. Amid all this, there's a growing anxiety within the auto industry about what future tax rates might look like for electric vehicles as they become more common. Will the current low rates hold as EVs grab a larger market share? The scorching heat wave sweeping across East and South India isn't letting up anytime soon. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heads-up that we’re in for another five gruelling days of high temperatures. This heat wave is hitting just as voters in states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Bihar gear up for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election this Friday. IMD has predicted a particularly harsh summer with the possibility of extended heat wave conditions lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 days. An orange alert is out for regions like Odisha, Bihar, and Gangetic West Bengal, signalling moderate health risks, especially for the more vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with chronic health issues. Mint’s Puja Das reports on the met department’s predictions for the upcoming weeks. The Supreme Court of India has widened its lens in the Patanjali case to include all fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, particularly those peddling health products with potentially misleading ads. This expansion follows a complaint by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali for its controversial advertising tactics. The court has now asked several key ministries to step up and monitor these companies more closely, ensuring they aren't misleading especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. This could potentially reshape advertising norms in India, as the industry heavily invests in advertising, with FMCG companies being the largest spenders. Mint’s consumer correspondent Suneera Tandon reports on the crucial development that could shape the future of advertising in India. One of India’s biggest conglomerates - the Adani Group - is omnipresent in sectors across the country’s industrial landscape. Now Adani Properties, a part of the conglomerate, is making strides in the country’s real estate sector. The company won the bid to redevelop Mumbai’s Dharavi, also known as Asia’s largest slum settlement. It won the redevelopment bid in November 2022 with an offer of 5,069 crore rupees. The area, in the heart of India’s financial capital, is home to about a million people. Group chairman Gautam Adani has in the past expressed deep personal commitment to the redevelopment of Dharavi. The project aims to resettle Dharavikars and transform the area into a prime real estate location, potentially elevating Adani Properties to a major player in the real estate sector. The company, which ventured into real estate under the Adani Realty brand about 14 years ago, has expanded significantly, with projects across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and the Delhi-NCR region, totaling 200 million sq.ft. in various stages of development. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the operations and projects of Adani Properties, and the conglomerate’s other real estate businesses, for today’s Long Story.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Up, up and away: the implications of India’s soaring demand for air travel Hybrid cars must haul the cess load for longer Severe heat wave likely in East & South India until Saturday ahead of phase 2 poll Patanjali ads cast a long shadow over FMCG sector From Shantigram to Dharavi: How the rise of Adani’s realty play threatens DLF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 24, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices continued their momentum on Tuesday to close in the green for a third straight session. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.12 per cent above its previous close while NSE’s Nifty too ended the day up 0.14 per cent.

Are Indians changing the way they travel? It certainly seems so, given the surge in air travel. On April 21, a record-breaking number of over 470,000 passengers flew across India, surpassing last year's record on April 30. India, already the third-largest aviation market after the U.S. and China, has witnessed a remarkable growth in air traffic, more than doubling over the past decade. Experts suggest this boom is fueled by increasing incomes, competitive pricing of airfares, and the untapped potential of first-time flyers. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma explores what's driving this shift, the impact on airlines, and the challenges that could temper this rising trend.

The conversation around lowering the extra charges on hybrid vehicles is stuck in a bit of a limbo. People close to the development told Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev that despite backing from the ministry of commerce and transportation, no real movement is possible without a bigger shake-up of the overall tax system. Right now, hybrids get slapped with a hefty 43 per cent tax, while electric vehicles cruise by with just a 5 per cent GST, thanks to policies aimed at cleaning up transportation. But not everyone's on board with making hybrids more attractive—major local car makers, led by Tata Motors, argue that cutting taxes on hybrids could slow down the electric vehicle revolution. Amid all this, there's a growing anxiety within the auto industry about what future tax rates might look like for electric vehicles as they become more common. Will the current low rates hold as EVs grab a larger market share?

The scorching heat wave sweeping across East and South India isn't letting up anytime soon. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heads-up that we’re in for another five gruelling days of high temperatures. This heat wave is hitting just as voters in states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Bihar gear up for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election this Friday. IMD has predicted a particularly harsh summer with the possibility of extended heat wave conditions lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 days. An orange alert is out for regions like Odisha, Bihar, and Gangetic West Bengal, signalling moderate health risks, especially for the more vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with chronic health issues. Mint’s Puja Das reports on the met department’s predictions for the upcoming weeks.

The Supreme Court of India has widened its lens in the Patanjali case to include all fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, particularly those peddling health products with potentially misleading ads. This expansion follows a complaint by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali for its controversial advertising tactics. The court has now asked several key ministries to step up and monitor these companies more closely, ensuring they aren't misleading especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. This could potentially reshape advertising norms in India, as the industry heavily invests in advertising, with FMCG companies being the largest spenders. Mint’s consumer correspondent Suneera Tandon reports on the crucial development that could shape the future of advertising in India.

One of India’s biggest conglomerates - the Adani Group - is omnipresent in sectors across the country’s industrial landscape. Now Adani Properties, a part of the conglomerate, is making strides in the country’s real estate sector. The company won the bid to redevelop Mumbai’s Dharavi, also known as Asia’s largest slum settlement. It won the redevelopment bid in November 2022 with an offer of 5,069 crore rupees. The area, in the heart of India’s financial capital, is home to about a million people. Group chairman Gautam Adani has in the past expressed deep personal commitment to the redevelopment of Dharavi. The project aims to resettle Dharavikars and transform the area into a prime real estate location, potentially elevating Adani Properties to a major player in the real estate sector. The company, which ventured into real estate under the Adani Realty brand about 14 years ago, has expanded significantly, with projects across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and the Delhi-NCR region, totaling 200 million sq.ft. in various stages of development. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the operations and projects of Adani Properties, and the conglomerate’s other real estate businesses, for today’s Long Story. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

Up, up and away: the implications of India’s soaring demand for air travel

Hybrid cars must haul the cess load for longer

Severe heat wave likely in East & South India until Saturday ahead of phase 2 poll

Patanjali ads cast a long shadow over FMCG sector

From Shantigram to Dharavi: How the rise of Adani’s realty play threatens DLF

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 446 no Conglomerates: results and investments https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/conglomerates-results-and-investments-IJp0JYsM Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian equity markets bounced back on Monday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.8 percent.  The country's largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, filed its earnings report yesterday. While profits were down quarter-on-quarter, overall profit increased 4 percent in FY24, as compared to the previous financial year. The oil and chemicals giant reported a dividend of 10 rupees per share. Reliance Retail and Jio also reported their earnings yesterday, recording steady growth. Since the results were declared after the market closed, RIL's stock didn't record any significant change owing to the results. Let's move to another oil conglomerate, this time from across the Arabian Sea: I'm talking about Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil refining company. Aramco's venture capital arm is interested in the Indian startup sector, and is willing to bet on it. Sneha Shah reports that this arm, named Prosperity7 Ventures, is looking to set aside around two to three hundred million dollars to invest in early-stage Indian startups. It plans on spreading that amount across nearly two dozen companies, Sneha writes. Prosperity7 has a portfolio worth about 3 billion dollars worldwide, and wants India to be the home for its next set of investments. You can't talk about conglomerates without talking about the Adani Group. Last year, the group bought a majority stake in infrastructure behemoth Ambuja Cements, and has slowly increased its share in the company. But the plan doesn't stop there, writes Anirudh Laskar: Ambuja is planning a series of acquisitions to overtake Ultratech as the country's number 1 cement company. A capital expenditure of over 9 billion dollars is in the works, Anirudh reports. This would take Ambuja's annual production capacity to at least 180 million tonnes, from about 80 million tonnes now. But Ultratech too has plans to add to its  current capacity of 151.6 million tonnes a year. The Adani group has lots to catch up, at least in the cement sector. Metro cities are full of e-commerce deliveries constantly in action: vans, scooters, and even trucks fulfilling orders round the clock. But e-commerce hasn't penetrated as much into India's hinterlands. That is now changing, writes Priyamvada C. E-retailers like Rozana and Floryo are targeting customers in tier 2 cities and beyond, where customers are increasingly ready to pay more for products but unwilling to compromise on quality. These e-tailers are also attracting enough money from investors to become viable businesses, Priyamvada writes. She also spoke to executives from venture capital funds to assess the scope of startups that operate primarily in such markets. Election campaigns are in full flow. In most corners of the country, voters will be choosing between national or state parties. But very rarely will there be a viable independent candidate. Barmer, a desert-laden district in Rajasthan, might just have that. Sayantan Bera profiles Ravindra Singh Bhati, an independent candidate fighting for the seat of Barmer. He seems to be incredibly popular, and at 26, is one of the youngest candidates across the country. Bhati's popularity seems to be credited to his social media presence. On instagram, he has more followers than Barmer has eligible voters. Sayantan writes about how Bhati's campaign is developing, how caste politics are in play again, and asks the crucial question: will this show and dance translate to actual votes come elections? We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Oil fuels RIL’s Q4 show Aramco’s VC arm in talks for India team Battle to cement leadership hots up between Adani’s Ambuja and Birla’s UltraTech The rise of tier-2 online shoppers: Can they change Indian e-commerce?  In desert country, a 26-yr-old ‘reel neta’ rises to challenge BJP, Congress  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Conglomerates: results and investments full 549 Mint - HT Smartcast An independent candidate out of Barmer, tier-2 India's e-commerce boom Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The Indian equity markets bounced back on Monday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.8 percent.  The country's largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, filed its earnings report yesterday. While profits were down quarter-on-quarter, overall profit increased 4 percent in FY24, as compared to the previous financial year. The oil and chemicals giant reported a dividend of 10 rupees per share. Reliance Retail and Jio also reported their earnings yesterday, recording steady growth. Since the results were declared after the market closed, RIL's stock didn't record any significant change owing to the results. Let's move to another oil conglomerate, this time from across the Arabian Sea: I'm talking about Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil refining company. Aramco's venture capital arm is interested in the Indian startup sector, and is willing to bet on it. Sneha Shah reports that this arm, named Prosperity7 Ventures, is looking to set aside around two to three hundred million dollars to invest in early-stage Indian startups. It plans on spreading that amount across nearly two dozen companies, Sneha writes. Prosperity7 has a portfolio worth about 3 billion dollars worldwide, and wants India to be the home for its next set of investments. You can't talk about conglomerates without talking about the Adani Group. Last year, the group bought a majority stake in infrastructure behemoth Ambuja Cements, and has slowly increased its share in the company. But the plan doesn't stop there, writes Anirudh Laskar: Ambuja is planning a series of acquisitions to overtake Ultratech as the country's number 1 cement company. A capital expenditure of over 9 billion dollars is in the works, Anirudh reports. This would take Ambuja's annual production capacity to at least 180 million tonnes, from about 80 million tonnes now. But Ultratech too has plans to add to its  current capacity of 151.6 million tonnes a year. The Adani group has lots to catch up, at least in the cement sector. Metro cities are full of e-commerce deliveries constantly in action: vans, scooters, and even trucks fulfilling orders round the clock. But e-commerce hasn't penetrated as much into India's hinterlands. That is now changing, writes Priyamvada C. E-retailers like Rozana and Floryo are targeting customers in tier 2 cities and beyond, where customers are increasingly ready to pay more for products but unwilling to compromise on quality. These e-tailers are also attracting enough money from investors to become viable businesses, Priyamvada writes. She also spoke to executives from venture capital funds to assess the scope of startups that operate primarily in such markets. Election campaigns are in full flow. In most corners of the country, voters will be choosing between national or state parties. But very rarely will there be a viable independent candidate. Barmer, a desert-laden district in Rajasthan, might just have that. Sayantan Bera profiles Ravindra Singh Bhati, an independent candidate fighting for the seat of Barmer. He seems to be incredibly popular, and at 26, is one of the youngest candidates across the country. Bhati's popularity seems to be credited to his social media presence. On instagram, he has more followers than Barmer has eligible voters. Sayantan writes about how Bhati's campaign is developing, how caste politics are in play again, and asks the crucial question: will this show and dance translate to actual votes come elections? We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Oil fuels RIL’s Q4 show Aramco’s VC arm in talks for India team Battle to cement leadership hots up between Adani’s Ambuja and Birla’s UltraTech The rise of tier-2 online shoppers: Can they change Indian e-commerce?  In desert country, a 26-yr-old ‘reel neta’ rises to challenge BJP, Congress  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 23, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The Indian equity markets bounced back on Monday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both rose by about 0.8 percent. 

The country's largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, filed its earnings report yesterday. While profits were down quarter-on-quarter, overall profit increased 4 percent in FY24, as compared to the previous financial year. The oil and chemicals giant reported a dividend of 10 rupees per share. Reliance Retail and Jio also reported their earnings yesterday, recording steady growth. Since the results were declared after the market closed, RIL's stock didn't record any significant change owing to the results.

Let's move to another oil conglomerate, this time from across the Arabian Sea: I'm talking about Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil refining company. Aramco's venture capital arm is interested in the Indian startup sector, and is willing to bet on it. Sneha Shah reports that this arm, named Prosperity7 Ventures, is looking to set aside around two to three hundred million dollars to invest in early-stage Indian startups. It plans on spreading that amount across nearly two dozen companies, Sneha writes. Prosperity7 has a portfolio worth about 3 billion dollars worldwide, and wants India to be the home for its next set of investments.

You can't talk about conglomerates without talking about the Adani Group. Last year, the group bought a majority stake in infrastructure behemoth Ambuja Cements, and has slowly increased its share in the company. But the plan doesn't stop there, writes Anirudh Laskar: Ambuja is planning a series of acquisitions to overtake Ultratech as the country's number 1 cement company. A capital expenditure of over 9 billion dollars is in the works, Anirudh reports. This would take Ambuja's annual production capacity to at least 180 million tonnes, from about 80 million tonnes now. But Ultratech too has plans to add to its  current capacity of 151.6 million tonnes a year. The Adani group has lots to catch up, at least in the cement sector.

Metro cities are full of e-commerce deliveries constantly in action: vans, scooters, and even trucks fulfilling orders round the clock. But e-commerce hasn't penetrated as much into India's hinterlands. That is now changing, writes Priyamvada C. E-retailers like Rozana and Floryo are targeting customers in tier 2 cities and beyond, where customers are increasingly ready to pay more for products but unwilling to compromise on quality. These e-tailers are also attracting enough money from investors to become viable businesses, Priyamvada writes. She also spoke to executives from venture capital funds to assess the scope of startups that operate primarily in such markets.

Election campaigns are in full flow. In most corners of the country, voters will be choosing between national or state parties. But very rarely will there be a viable independent candidate. Barmer, a desert-laden district in Rajasthan, might just have that. Sayantan Bera profiles Ravindra Singh Bhati, an independent candidate fighting for the seat of Barmer. He seems to be incredibly popular, and at 26, is one of the youngest candidates across the country. Bhati's popularity seems to be credited to his social media presence. On instagram, he has more followers than Barmer has eligible voters. Sayantan writes about how Bhati's campaign is developing, how caste politics are in play again, and asks the crucial question: will this show and dance translate to actual votes come elections?

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!

Show notes:

Oil fuels RIL’s Q4 show

Aramco’s VC arm in talks for India team

Battle to cement leadership hots up between Adani’s Ambuja and Birla’s UltraTech

The rise of tier-2 online shoppers: Can they change Indian e-commerce? 

In desert country, a 26-yr-old ‘reel neta’ rises to challenge BJP, Congress 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 373 no Bitter days ahead for chocolate lovers? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bitter-days-ahead-for-chocolate-lovers-y3aXaetU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The earnings season is in full swing for India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry. Over the last couple of weeks Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro announced their quarterly earnings for the last quarter of FY24. But what about the future of the industry that employs close to 5.4 million Indians? Recent deal wins and Gartner’s forecast have painted a pretty optimistic picture for the IT sector's future. For instance, Infosys just announced its highest-ever annual contract value at $17.7 billion for FY24, and it’s not just Infosys riding this wave. Wipro and TCS have also reported strong order books, with TCS raking in a whopping $13.2 billion in the last quarter alone. They’re all betting on better times post the upcoming US presidential elections, expecting a boost in client spending. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at what the future could look like for the Indian IT industry amidst a rapidly declining workforce. Top three companies in the sector - TCS, Infy and Wipro saw a deduction of more than 64,000 in their workforce.   Chocolates are about to get pricier and it’s not just regular inflation at work. Cocoa prices have shot up recently, and not just by a little. Crop failures in big cocoa-producing countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, have sent cocoa prices up by 133 per cent since last June! Behind this failure is climate change, adverse weather and a crop disease that affects the root of the cocoa tree. India too is set to feel the pinch. This story by howindialives.com breaks down the bitter truth unfolding in the chocolate industry. Even though we grew about 30,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2022-2023, it wasn't enough to keep up with our chocolate cravings. We had to import close to 1 lakh tonnes of cocoa products like beans, butter, and powder last year, and with global prices on the rise, our costs have soared as well. This price hike might cool down later this year if the crop yields improve, but it’s not just about the weather. The cocoa market has some deep-rooted issues. Most cocoa farmers are barely scraping by, earning much less than what their valuable crops should bring in.    India’s tech epicentre and the internet’s favourite city Bengaluru lately has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Be it the soaring temperatures in a city otherwise famous for its “air conditioned” weather or the severe water crisis it’s been going through for the past couple of months. Amidst the empty tanks and drying lakes one has to ask whether the city’s companies are using its water judiciously. An analysis of Bengaluru-based top BSE-listed firms reveals an 11% spike in water usage in the last year, signalling the severity of the situation. 56 of the top 1000 listed companies on BSE are headquartered in Bengaluru. Only 45 had usable data, showing a collective water consumption increase to 33.3 million kiloliters in the fiscal year 2022-23. Notably, public sector companies saw a modest 2.2 per cent rise, while private sector firms ramped up their water usage by 21 per cent. Mint’s senior associate editor and data journalist Niti Kiran breaks down the water consumption pattern of each industry in Bengaluru Niti also takes a look at their water management practices.   Taylor Swift - the pop culture phenomenon had a terrific 2023, ending the year as the TIME magazine’s person of the year. This year too the pop juggernaut of Taylor Swift - with millions of “Swifties” behind her - doesn't seem to be slowing down. This next story, however, is not about her music. Taylor’s Eras Tour in Singapore not only dazzled fans but also showcased the innovative use of 5G technology, according to Per Narvinger, Ericsson's Senior Vice President for Cloud Software and Services. At the heart of this tech integration was Singtel's 7 dollar worth 5G Express Pass, which offered fans high-speed data priority to stream and share the event. This service highlights a burgeoning opportunity to monetize 5G technologies through network slicing, which allows for dedicated broadband bandwidth tailored to specific events and needs without additional infrastructure. Network slicing is akin to a toll highway for data, offering a premium path separate from regular traffic. This technology is not yet widespread globally, but India, with its rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure, stands to benefit significantly. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports on this path breaking phenomenon and how a Taylor Swift concert proved helpful in testing it out.   What can 70,000 rupees get you? In some cities, it's enough for a month’s rent in a decent apartment. But if you're eyeing a night at some of India's posh resorts like AmanBagh in Rajasthan or BrijRama Palace in Varanasi, that same amount might just cover one night, especially during peak season. Yeah, the pandemic has really changed the game for hotel pricing, sending rates sky-high. The luxury hotel scene has been on a roll, with domestic tourism fuelling a surge in demand. Mint’s Varuni Khosla spoke to several hospitality industry insiders, who noted that the travel patterns have shifted, with Indians now opting for more frequent short stays rather than the occasional long vacation. This change has undoubtedly played a role in the climbing rates. Rating agencies such as Crisil and CareEdge, predict that the hotel industry is in for a few good years, with steady revenue growth thanks to robust domestic demand and a gradual uptick from international visitors. The scene is set for a continued boom, with minimal new hotels opening up, which just tightens the supply further. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Mint Primer | Let the good times roll: IT services eye a better future The bitter truth unfolding in chocolates industry  Bengaluru water crisis: Firms gulp more but also pledge to reduce usage Silent Symphony: Taylor Swift’s cryptic 5G tale Scent of growth for Indian hotels as the good times check in Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bitter days ahead for chocolate lovers? full 548 Mint - HT Smartcast Bengaluru water crisis: How corporate fares; How Taylor Swift helped promote 5G Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:   The earnings season is in full swing for India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry. Over the last couple of weeks Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro announced their quarterly earnings for the last quarter of FY24. But what about the future of the industry that employs close to 5.4 million Indians? Recent deal wins and Gartner’s forecast have painted a pretty optimistic picture for the IT sector's future. For instance, Infosys just announced its highest-ever annual contract value at $17.7 billion for FY24, and it’s not just Infosys riding this wave. Wipro and TCS have also reported strong order books, with TCS raking in a whopping $13.2 billion in the last quarter alone. They’re all betting on better times post the upcoming US presidential elections, expecting a boost in client spending. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at what the future could look like for the Indian IT industry amidst a rapidly declining workforce. Top three companies in the sector - TCS, Infy and Wipro saw a deduction of more than 64,000 in their workforce.   Chocolates are about to get pricier and it’s not just regular inflation at work. Cocoa prices have shot up recently, and not just by a little. Crop failures in big cocoa-producing countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, have sent cocoa prices up by 133 per cent since last June! Behind this failure is climate change, adverse weather and a crop disease that affects the root of the cocoa tree. India too is set to feel the pinch. This story by howindialives.com breaks down the bitter truth unfolding in the chocolate industry. Even though we grew about 30,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2022-2023, it wasn't enough to keep up with our chocolate cravings. We had to import close to 1 lakh tonnes of cocoa products like beans, butter, and powder last year, and with global prices on the rise, our costs have soared as well. This price hike might cool down later this year if the crop yields improve, but it’s not just about the weather. The cocoa market has some deep-rooted issues. Most cocoa farmers are barely scraping by, earning much less than what their valuable crops should bring in.    India’s tech epicentre and the internet’s favourite city Bengaluru lately has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Be it the soaring temperatures in a city otherwise famous for its “air conditioned” weather or the severe water crisis it’s been going through for the past couple of months. Amidst the empty tanks and drying lakes one has to ask whether the city’s companies are using its water judiciously. An analysis of Bengaluru-based top BSE-listed firms reveals an 11% spike in water usage in the last year, signalling the severity of the situation. 56 of the top 1000 listed companies on BSE are headquartered in Bengaluru. Only 45 had usable data, showing a collective water consumption increase to 33.3 million kiloliters in the fiscal year 2022-23. Notably, public sector companies saw a modest 2.2 per cent rise, while private sector firms ramped up their water usage by 21 per cent. Mint’s senior associate editor and data journalist Niti Kiran breaks down the water consumption pattern of each industry in Bengaluru Niti also takes a look at their water management practices.   Taylor Swift - the pop culture phenomenon had a terrific 2023, ending the year as the TIME magazine’s person of the year. This year too the pop juggernaut of Taylor Swift - with millions of “Swifties” behind her - doesn't seem to be slowing down. This next story, however, is not about her music. Taylor’s Eras Tour in Singapore not only dazzled fans but also showcased the innovative use of 5G technology, according to Per Narvinger, Ericsson's Senior Vice President for Cloud Software and Services. At the heart of this tech integration was Singtel's 7 dollar worth 5G Express Pass, which offered fans high-speed data priority to stream and share the event. This service highlights a burgeoning opportunity to monetize 5G technologies through network slicing, which allows for dedicated broadband bandwidth tailored to specific events and needs without additional infrastructure. Network slicing is akin to a toll highway for data, offering a premium path separate from regular traffic. This technology is not yet widespread globally, but India, with its rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure, stands to benefit significantly. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports on this path breaking phenomenon and how a Taylor Swift concert proved helpful in testing it out.   What can 70,000 rupees get you? In some cities, it's enough for a month’s rent in a decent apartment. But if you're eyeing a night at some of India's posh resorts like AmanBagh in Rajasthan or BrijRama Palace in Varanasi, that same amount might just cover one night, especially during peak season. Yeah, the pandemic has really changed the game for hotel pricing, sending rates sky-high. The luxury hotel scene has been on a roll, with domestic tourism fuelling a surge in demand. Mint’s Varuni Khosla spoke to several hospitality industry insiders, who noted that the travel patterns have shifted, with Indians now opting for more frequent short stays rather than the occasional long vacation. This change has undoubtedly played a role in the climbing rates. Rating agencies such as Crisil and CareEdge, predict that the hotel industry is in for a few good years, with steady revenue growth thanks to robust domestic demand and a gradual uptick from international visitors. The scene is set for a continued boom, with minimal new hotels opening up, which just tightens the supply further. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Mint Primer | Let the good times roll: IT services eye a better future The bitter truth unfolding in chocolates industry  Bengaluru water crisis: Firms gulp more but also pledge to reduce usage Silent Symphony: Taylor Swift’s cryptic 5G tale Scent of growth for Indian hotels as the good times check in Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

 

The earnings season is in full swing for India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry. Over the last couple of weeks Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro announced their quarterly earnings for the last quarter of FY24. But what about the future of the industry that employs close to 5.4 million Indians? Recent deal wins and Gartner’s forecast have painted a pretty optimistic picture for the IT sector's future. For instance, Infosys just announced its highest-ever annual contract value at $17.7 billion for FY24, and it’s not just Infosys riding this wave. Wipro and TCS have also reported strong order books, with TCS raking in a whopping $13.2 billion in the last quarter alone. They’re all betting on better times post the upcoming US presidential elections, expecting a boost in client spending. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at what the future could look like for the Indian IT industry amidst a rapidly declining workforce. Top three companies in the sector - TCS, Infy and Wipro saw a deduction of more than 64,000 in their workforce. 
 

Chocolates are about to get pricier and it’s not just regular inflation at work. Cocoa prices have shot up recently, and not just by a little. Crop failures in big cocoa-producing countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, have sent cocoa prices up by 133 per cent since last June! Behind this failure is climate change, adverse weather and a crop disease that affects the root of the cocoa tree. India too is set to feel the pinch. This story by howindialives.com breaks down the bitter truth unfolding in the chocolate industry. Even though we grew about 30,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2022-2023, it wasn't enough to keep up with our chocolate cravings. We had to import close to 1 lakh tonnes of cocoa products like beans, butter, and powder last year, and with global prices on the rise, our costs have soared as well. This price hike might cool down later this year if the crop yields improve, but it’s not just about the weather. The cocoa market has some deep-rooted issues. Most cocoa farmers are barely scraping by, earning much less than what their valuable crops should bring in. 

 

India’s tech epicentre and the internet’s favourite city Bengaluru lately has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Be it the soaring temperatures in a city otherwise famous for its “air conditioned” weather or the severe water crisis it’s been going through for the past couple of months. Amidst the empty tanks and drying lakes one has to ask whether the city’s companies are using its water judiciously. An analysis of Bengaluru-based top BSE-listed firms reveals an 11% spike in water usage in the last year, signalling the severity of the situation. 56 of the top 1000 listed companies on BSE are headquartered in Bengaluru. Only 45 had usable data, showing a collective water consumption increase to 33.3 million kiloliters in the fiscal year 2022-23. Notably, public sector companies saw a modest 2.2 per cent rise, while private sector firms ramped up their water usage by 21 per cent. Mint’s senior associate editor and data journalist Niti Kiran breaks down the water consumption pattern of each industry in Bengaluru Niti also takes a look at their water management practices. 
 

Taylor Swift - the pop culture phenomenon had a terrific 2023, ending the year as the TIME magazine’s person of the year. This year too the pop juggernaut of Taylor Swift - with millions of “Swifties” behind her - doesn't seem to be slowing down. This next story, however, is not about her music. Taylor’s Eras Tour in Singapore not only dazzled fans but also showcased the innovative use of 5G technology, according to Per Narvinger, Ericsson's Senior Vice President for Cloud Software and Services. At the heart of this tech integration was Singtel's 7 dollar worth 5G Express Pass, which offered fans high-speed data priority to stream and share the event. This service highlights a burgeoning opportunity to monetize 5G technologies through network slicing, which allows for dedicated broadband bandwidth tailored to specific events and needs without additional infrastructure. Network slicing is akin to a toll highway for data, offering a premium path separate from regular traffic. This technology is not yet widespread globally, but India, with its rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure, stands to benefit significantly. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports on this path breaking phenomenon and how a Taylor Swift concert proved helpful in testing it out.


 

What can 70,000 rupees get you? In some cities, it's enough for a month’s rent in a decent apartment. But if you're eyeing a night at some of India's posh resorts like AmanBagh in Rajasthan or BrijRama Palace in Varanasi, that same amount might just cover one night, especially during peak season. Yeah, the pandemic has really changed the game for hotel pricing, sending rates sky-high. The luxury hotel scene has been on a roll, with domestic tourism fuelling a surge in demand. Mint’s Varuni Khosla spoke to several hospitality industry insiders, who noted that the travel patterns have shifted, with Indians now opting for more frequent short stays rather than the occasional long vacation. This change has undoubtedly played a role in the climbing rates. Rating agencies such as Crisil and CareEdge, predict that the hotel industry is in for a few good years, with steady revenue growth thanks to robust domestic demand and a gradual uptick from international visitors. The scene is set for a continued boom, with minimal new hotels opening up, which just tightens the supply further.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Mint Primer | Let the good times roll: IT services eye a better future

The bitter truth unfolding in chocolates industry 

Bengaluru water crisis: Firms gulp more but also pledge to reduce usage

Silent Symphony: Taylor Swift’s cryptic 5G tale

Scent of growth for Indian hotels as the good times check in

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 525 no WFH means poor appraisals at TCS https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/wfh-means-poor-appraisals-at-tcs-QCuXKXHh Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets continued to fall for the third consecutive trading session. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both fell by about 0.6 percent.  Markets aren't likely to be any better tomorrow, if the annual results for Infosys are anything to go by. Infosys reported that revenue increased by only 1.4 percent over the previous financial year. FY2025 doesn't look much better either: revenue is likely to grow less than 3 percent. Analysts remain disappointed, write Shouvik Das and Jas Bardia. Marginal increase in revenue, lower profits, and poor future projections: the situation is not kind for Infosys right now  Let's talk about Infy's rival, TCS. India's largest IT company is now assessing in-office attendance as part of its appraisal system. Jas Bardia reports that TCS employees who attended office regularly received much better annual pay hikes than their colleagues who chose to work from home frequently. An executive from TCS told Jas that the IT giant has been nudging its employees to come to office regularly for more than 15 months. That led to a directive in January, where everyone was asked to come to the office all five working days of the week. Those who chose to ignore that notice are now facing the consequences. In most parts of India, summer came early — and it seems, is here to stay. But the weather department's prediction of a bountiful monsoon season provides some much-needed hope. Of course, the IMD's weather predictions have often been mocked for being wrong. Sayantan Bera explains this year's prediction in his primer. A healthy monsoon would provide relief to India's sluggish farm economy and poor rural consumption. Equal distribution of rains is more important than the quantity of rainfall, Sayantan writes. That would help in reducing food inflation too. Foxtrot nuts are touted as a healthy alternative for snacks like chips. Now, they are being sold the world over, but closer to home, we might recognise them as makhana . Believe it or not, these white, fun to eat pops actually originate in muddy waters. About one lakh families from Bihar are the only ones engaged in the farming and harvesting of the foxtrot nut, writes Alisha Sachdev. But, makhana could emerge as the next big thing in India's 20 billion dollar snacking industry. Makhana goes up against millets in the health foods category, but is already bigger than the pulse in terms of sales. As more FMCG companies venture into selling makhana, industrial processing might soon propel it in everyone's kitchens as a healthy snack to have with your evening tea. Baahubali, KGF, and RRR had Indian audiences flocking to a movie theatre to watch vernacular movies. But the filmmakers of these movies chose to dub it in Hindi, English, and other languages, making it an easier sell. However, Manjummel Boys, a Malayalam movie, is now bucking that trend: it recently grossed more than 200 crore rupees. The makers of this movie chose not to dub it in any other language. Manjummel Boys is part of a slew of low-budget movies from southern India that are doing well, despite little or no dubbing, writes Lata Jha. Earlier, such movies rarely got a pan-India release unless they starred huge stars like Rajnikanth or Ram Charan. With the success of these movies, perhaps a good story wins over any language barriers. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Infosys projects bleak market to continue this year with paltry growth guidance Not been regular to the office? Here’s what India’s largest IT company did The 2024 monsoon forecast has a hidden warning Made in Bihar: How superfood makhana works its magic Manjummel Boys sets a new trend for southern films: mega success at home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 WFH means poor appraisals at TCS full 547 Mint - HT Smartcast Infosys’ poor results provide little hope, understanding monsoon predictions Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets continued to fall for the third consecutive trading session. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both fell by about 0.6 percent.  Markets aren't likely to be any better tomorrow, if the annual results for Infosys are anything to go by. Infosys reported that revenue increased by only 1.4 percent over the previous financial year. FY2025 doesn't look much better either: revenue is likely to grow less than 3 percent. Analysts remain disappointed, write Shouvik Das and Jas Bardia. Marginal increase in revenue, lower profits, and poor future projections: the situation is not kind for Infosys right now  Let's talk about Infy's rival, TCS. India's largest IT company is now assessing in-office attendance as part of its appraisal system. Jas Bardia reports that TCS employees who attended office regularly received much better annual pay hikes than their colleagues who chose to work from home frequently. An executive from TCS told Jas that the IT giant has been nudging its employees to come to office regularly for more than 15 months. That led to a directive in January, where everyone was asked to come to the office all five working days of the week. Those who chose to ignore that notice are now facing the consequences. In most parts of India, summer came early — and it seems, is here to stay. But the weather department's prediction of a bountiful monsoon season provides some much-needed hope. Of course, the IMD's weather predictions have often been mocked for being wrong. Sayantan Bera explains this year's prediction in his primer. A healthy monsoon would provide relief to India's sluggish farm economy and poor rural consumption. Equal distribution of rains is more important than the quantity of rainfall, Sayantan writes. That would help in reducing food inflation too. Foxtrot nuts are touted as a healthy alternative for snacks like chips. Now, they are being sold the world over, but closer to home, we might recognise them as makhana . Believe it or not, these white, fun to eat pops actually originate in muddy waters. About one lakh families from Bihar are the only ones engaged in the farming and harvesting of the foxtrot nut, writes Alisha Sachdev. But, makhana could emerge as the next big thing in India's 20 billion dollar snacking industry. Makhana goes up against millets in the health foods category, but is already bigger than the pulse in terms of sales. As more FMCG companies venture into selling makhana, industrial processing might soon propel it in everyone's kitchens as a healthy snack to have with your evening tea. Baahubali, KGF, and RRR had Indian audiences flocking to a movie theatre to watch vernacular movies. But the filmmakers of these movies chose to dub it in Hindi, English, and other languages, making it an easier sell. However, Manjummel Boys, a Malayalam movie, is now bucking that trend: it recently grossed more than 200 crore rupees. The makers of this movie chose not to dub it in any other language. Manjummel Boys is part of a slew of low-budget movies from southern India that are doing well, despite little or no dubbing, writes Lata Jha. Earlier, such movies rarely got a pan-India release unless they starred huge stars like Rajnikanth or Ram Charan. With the success of these movies, perhaps a good story wins over any language barriers. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Infosys projects bleak market to continue this year with paltry growth guidance Not been regular to the office? Here’s what India’s largest IT company did The 2024 monsoon forecast has a hidden warning Made in Bihar: How superfood makhana works its magic Manjummel Boys sets a new trend for southern films: mega success at home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Markets continued to fall for the third consecutive trading session. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both fell by about 0.6 percent. 

Markets aren't likely to be any better tomorrow, if the annual results for Infosys are anything to go by. Infosys reported that revenue increased by only 1.4 percent over the previous financial year. FY2025 doesn't look much better either: revenue is likely to grow less than 3 percent. Analysts remain disappointed, write Shouvik Das and Jas Bardia. Marginal increase in revenue, lower profits, and poor future projections: the situation is not kind for Infosys right now
 

Let's talk about Infy's rival, TCS. India's largest IT company is now assessing in-office attendance as part of its appraisal system. Jas Bardia reports that TCS employees who attended office regularly received much better annual pay hikes than their colleagues who chose to work from home frequently. An executive from TCS told Jas that the IT giant has been nudging its employees to come to office regularly for more than 15 months. That led to a directive in January, where everyone was asked to come to the office all five working days of the week. Those who chose to ignore that notice are now facing the consequences.

In most parts of India, summer came early — and it seems, is here to stay. But the weather department's prediction of a bountiful monsoon season provides some much-needed hope. Of course, the IMD's weather predictions have often been mocked for being wrong. Sayantan Bera explains this year's prediction in his primer. A healthy monsoon would provide relief to India's sluggish farm economy and poor rural consumption. Equal distribution of rains is more important than the quantity of rainfall, Sayantan writes. That would help in reducing food inflation too.

Foxtrot nuts are touted as a healthy alternative for snacks like chips. Now, they are being sold the world over, but closer to home, we might recognise them as makhana . Believe it or not, these white, fun to eat pops actually originate in muddy waters. About one lakh families from Bihar are the only ones engaged in the farming and harvesting of the foxtrot nut, writes Alisha Sachdev. But, makhana could emerge as the next big thing in India's 20 billion dollar snacking industry. Makhana goes up against millets in the health foods category, but is already bigger than the pulse in terms of sales. As more FMCG companies venture into selling makhana, industrial processing might soon propel it in everyone's kitchens as a healthy snack to have with your evening tea.

Baahubali, KGF, and RRR had Indian audiences flocking to a movie theatre to watch vernacular movies. But the filmmakers of these movies chose to dub it in Hindi, English, and other languages, making it an easier sell. However, Manjummel Boys, a Malayalam movie, is now bucking that trend: it recently grossed more than 200 crore rupees. The makers of this movie chose not to dub it in any other language. Manjummel Boys is part of a slew of low-budget movies from southern India that are doing well, despite little or no dubbing, writes Lata Jha. Earlier, such movies rarely got a pan-India release unless they starred huge stars like Rajnikanth or Ram Charan. With the success of these movies, perhaps a good story wins over any language barriers.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!

Show notes:

Infosys projects bleak market to continue this year with paltry growth guidance

Not been regular to the office? Here’s what India’s largest IT company did

The 2024 monsoon forecast has a hidden warning

Made in Bihar: How superfood makhana works its magic

Manjummel Boys sets a new trend for southern films: mega success at home

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 365 no Why the BJP’s fortunes in Tamil Nadu may change https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-the-bjps-fortunes-in-tamil-nadu-may-change-PjZNUtPW Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto last week. While most of the promises are pretty boilerplate for an incumbent party, the civil aviation sector gets some outsized attention. These promises include setting up of a commercial aircraft manufacturing centre, and turning India into an aviation hub. That would mean convincing foreign airlines to have layovers in India, en route to global destinations. Mint Snapview argues that some of these promises might be foolhardy and mistimed. India needs to make a lot of advancements across the board for this to happen. Economic feasibility and logistical issues are plenty in India, which prove to be detrimental to any such projects. For the BJP to make good on these promises, these challenges need to be addressed first — lest they end up like most hollow poll promises. The BJP has another, Tamil Nadu-sized challenge for the upcoming elections. Five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was viewed in the southern state as anti-Tamil. Contrast that to his campaigns in the region today, which are attended by no less than 10,000 voters. BJP is doing its best to garner support from the Dravidian heartland. They are targeting young and first-time voters, writes N. Madhavan. He writes that for the first time in decades, a national party is now a serious challenger in the electoral landscape. Madhavan writes about the history of Tamil Nadu's rich history of regional parties, the politicking, and how the BJP fits in the picture in 2024. In the last couple of months, Modi has visited the state eight times — and the campaigning is making a stark difference among voters, Madhavan reports. At 83.5, the rupee has reached a new low against the US dollar. While this makes exports more lucrative, imports now turn dearer. Geopolitical instability across Europe and the Middle East has lowered the prospect of the US Federal Reserve cutting its interest rates. Since India is a net importer of goods, a falling currency is not a good sign, writes Sumant Banerji. However, fret not: the Reserve Bank of India is likely to intervene to arrest any further sliding of the rupee, Sumant adds.  In the 1960s, the space race between the US and the Soviet Union was in full flow. That led to a lot of advancements in the sector. In the present day, startups and private companies are now taking further strides towards outer space. Elon Musk's SpaceX has taken full advantage of that opportunity, making multiple efforts to launch their own rockets into space. Musk is visiting India soon, and some Indian aerospace startups have the opportunity to pick his brain about SpaceX. Shouvik Das reports that at least three Indian startups working in the space sector have been invited to meet Musk on 22 April. The meeting is not likely to provide business opportunities and is more to show Musk the strides that India has made in the sector, Shouvik writes. Does your investment portfolio include Bitcoin, ethereum, or dogecoins? Don't worry if not — these are all different types of crypto currencies. If you've heard of them and still haven't invested, it's understandable: since they are decentralised, crypto currencies are volatile by nature. Take bitcoin for example: it reached its lifetime high of 73,780 dollars last month, but has fallen 7 percent since then. Crypto, often referred to as ‘the Wild West of investing, makes for a very interesting option, and some Indians aren't afraid of dipping their toes despite the risks. Mint money's Anil Poste speaks to H-O-D-L-ers, who are holding on for dear life and investing more money into crypto, despite the roller coaster valuations, tax concerns, and regulatory uncertainties. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: The one thing that stands out in BJP’s manifesto is aviation. Can promises fly?  In Tamil Nadu, BJP’s final frontier, a high-stakes battle  How the rupee’s fall can impact the economy and what RBI can do about it Can Indian space startups wow Musk with indigenous tech?   What drives crypto HODLers despite volatility, uncertain regulations, high taxes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:13:01 -0000 Why the BJP’s fortunes in Tamil Nadu may change full 546 Mint - HT Smartcast Indian aerospace startups to meet Musk, the people still bullish on crypto Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto last week. While most of the promises are pretty boilerplate for an incumbent party, the civil aviation sector gets some outsized attention. These promises include setting up of a commercial aircraft manufacturing centre, and turning India into an aviation hub. That would mean convincing foreign airlines to have layovers in India, en route to global destinations. Mint Snapview argues that some of these promises might be foolhardy and mistimed. India needs to make a lot of advancements across the board for this to happen. Economic feasibility and logistical issues are plenty in India, which prove to be detrimental to any such projects. For the BJP to make good on these promises, these challenges need to be addressed first — lest they end up like most hollow poll promises. The BJP has another, Tamil Nadu-sized challenge for the upcoming elections. Five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was viewed in the southern state as anti-Tamil. Contrast that to his campaigns in the region today, which are attended by no less than 10,000 voters. BJP is doing its best to garner support from the Dravidian heartland. They are targeting young and first-time voters, writes N. Madhavan. He writes that for the first time in decades, a national party is now a serious challenger in the electoral landscape. Madhavan writes about the history of Tamil Nadu's rich history of regional parties, the politicking, and how the BJP fits in the picture in 2024. In the last couple of months, Modi has visited the state eight times — and the campaigning is making a stark difference among voters, Madhavan reports. At 83.5, the rupee has reached a new low against the US dollar. While this makes exports more lucrative, imports now turn dearer. Geopolitical instability across Europe and the Middle East has lowered the prospect of the US Federal Reserve cutting its interest rates. Since India is a net importer of goods, a falling currency is not a good sign, writes Sumant Banerji. However, fret not: the Reserve Bank of India is likely to intervene to arrest any further sliding of the rupee, Sumant adds.  In the 1960s, the space race between the US and the Soviet Union was in full flow. That led to a lot of advancements in the sector. In the present day, startups and private companies are now taking further strides towards outer space. Elon Musk's SpaceX has taken full advantage of that opportunity, making multiple efforts to launch their own rockets into space. Musk is visiting India soon, and some Indian aerospace startups have the opportunity to pick his brain about SpaceX. Shouvik Das reports that at least three Indian startups working in the space sector have been invited to meet Musk on 22 April. The meeting is not likely to provide business opportunities and is more to show Musk the strides that India has made in the sector, Shouvik writes. Does your investment portfolio include Bitcoin, ethereum, or dogecoins? Don't worry if not — these are all different types of crypto currencies. If you've heard of them and still haven't invested, it's understandable: since they are decentralised, crypto currencies are volatile by nature. Take bitcoin for example: it reached its lifetime high of 73,780 dollars last month, but has fallen 7 percent since then. Crypto, often referred to as ‘the Wild West of investing, makes for a very interesting option, and some Indians aren't afraid of dipping their toes despite the risks. Mint money's Anil Poste speaks to H-O-D-L-ers, who are holding on for dear life and investing more money into crypto, despite the roller coaster valuations, tax concerns, and regulatory uncertainties. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: The one thing that stands out in BJP’s manifesto is aviation. Can promises fly?  In Tamil Nadu, BJP’s final frontier, a high-stakes battle  How the rupee’s fall can impact the economy and what RBI can do about it Can Indian space startups wow Musk with indigenous tech?   What drives crypto HODLers despite volatility, uncertain regulations, high taxes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto last week. While most of the promises are pretty boilerplate for an incumbent party, the civil aviation sector gets some outsized attention. These promises include setting up of a commercial aircraft manufacturing centre, and turning India into an aviation hub. That would mean convincing foreign airlines to have layovers in India, en route to global destinations. Mint Snapview argues that some of these promises might be foolhardy and mistimed. India needs to make a lot of advancements across the board for this to happen. Economic feasibility and logistical issues are plenty in India, which prove to be detrimental to any such projects. For the BJP to make good on these promises, these challenges need to be addressed first — lest they end up like most hollow poll promises.

The BJP has another, Tamil Nadu-sized challenge for the upcoming elections. Five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was viewed in the southern state as anti-Tamil. Contrast that to his campaigns in the region today, which are attended by no less than 10,000 voters. BJP is doing its best to garner support from the Dravidian heartland. They are targeting young and first-time voters, writes N. Madhavan. He writes that for the first time in decades, a national party is now a serious challenger in the electoral landscape. Madhavan writes about the history of Tamil Nadu's rich history of regional parties, the politicking, and how the BJP fits in the picture in 2024. In the last couple of months, Modi has visited the state eight times — and the campaigning is making a stark difference among voters, Madhavan reports.

At 83.5, the rupee has reached a new low against the US dollar. While this makes exports more lucrative, imports now turn dearer. Geopolitical instability across Europe and the Middle East has lowered the prospect of the US Federal Reserve cutting its interest rates. Since India is a net importer of goods, a falling currency is not a good sign, writes Sumant Banerji. However, fret not: the Reserve Bank of India is likely to intervene to arrest any further sliding of the rupee, Sumant adds. 

In the 1960s, the space race between the US and the Soviet Union was in full flow. That led to a lot of advancements in the sector. In the present day, startups and private companies are now taking further strides towards outer space. Elon Musk's SpaceX has taken full advantage of that opportunity, making multiple efforts to launch their own rockets into space. Musk is visiting India soon, and some Indian aerospace startups have the opportunity to pick his brain about SpaceX. Shouvik Das reports that at least three Indian startups working in the space sector have been invited to meet Musk on 22 April. The meeting is not likely to provide business opportunities and is more to show Musk the strides that India has made in the sector, Shouvik writes.

Does your investment portfolio include Bitcoin, ethereum, or dogecoins? Don't worry if not — these are all different types of crypto currencies. If you've heard of them and still haven't invested, it's understandable: since they are decentralised, crypto currencies are volatile by nature. Take bitcoin for example: it reached its lifetime high of 73,780 dollars last month, but has fallen 7 percent since then. Crypto, often referred to as ‘the Wild West of investing, makes for a very interesting option, and some Indians aren't afraid of dipping their toes despite the risks. Mint money's Anil Poste speaks to H-O-D-L-ers, who are holding on for dear life and investing more money into crypto, despite the roller coaster valuations, tax concerns, and regulatory uncertainties.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Show notes:

The one thing that stands out in BJP’s manifesto is aviation. Can promises fly? 

In Tamil Nadu, BJP’s final frontier, a high-stakes battle 

How the rupee’s fall can impact the economy and what RBI can do about it

Can Indian space startups wow Musk with indigenous tech?

 

What drives crypto HODLers despite volatility, uncertain regulations, high taxes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 388 no Get ready for more privately managed airports https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/get-ready-for-more-privately-managed-airports-QUkNk8X8 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices fell for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, influenced by negative cues from global markets which are currently under pressure due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Sensex closed down 0.62 per cent, while the Nifty ended the session 0.56 per cent lower. Shaktikanta Das, the Reserve Bank of India - India’s highest monetary authority - has recently flagged concerns about unauthorised forex trading platforms, urging banks to keep a sharp eye on them. This has sparked a broader discussion about the need for tighter regulation in India's forex market. These platforms are where most foreign exchange transactions happen. They are primarily used by businesses like importers and exporters to manage their currency risks. These trades usually happen on Over-the-Counter platforms authorised by the RBI or through recognized exchange-traded segments of bourses. So what exactly is going on with forex trading platforms? And what has the RBI done about it? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar tackles those questions in today’s Primer. Smartphone companies in India finally have some good news. The scramble for smartphones in the country, triggered by Covid-19 lockdowns ebbed back as the world returned to normal. However, the March quarter has ignited some hope in the hearts of smartphone manufacturers. This past March quarter, smartphone shipments rose by 5% year-over-year to somewhere between 32.5 to 35 million units, according to data from four industry analysts. It’s a refreshing change, especially considering that back in the March quarter of 2021, shipments had peaked at 38 million units. Since then, there's been a bit of a slump. Mint’s technology correspondent Shouvik Das reports on this turnaround which is especially crucial for big players like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo, who together made about $38.8 billion in sales in India last year. However, despite these positive signs, industry veterans are advising caution. The broader economic pressures still loom large, affecting consumer confidence. The market has also seen a shift toward refurbished and second-hand smartphones, thanks to the growth of organised retailers in this space.  India is gearing up for the third phase of its airport privatisation plan. More airports are expected to see private stakeholders after the upcoming election. Officials close to the matter told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma of Airports Authority of India’s plans to sell off its remaining 13 per cent stake in Bangalore International Airport Ltd . But that’s not all — they're also planning to throw the doors open for private bids to manage, operate, and develop 13 other airports, including popular ones like Bhubaneswar, Trichy, Indore, Raipur, Amritsar, and Varanasi. There’s also talk of selling stakes in Hyderabad airport. The authorities are planning to bundle six profitable airports with seven smaller, not-so-profitable ones like Kushinagar, Gaya, Hubballi, Aurangabad, Jabalpur, Tirupati, and Kangra. This mix and match might just make the deal more attractive to potential investors. This push towards privatisation is part of a bigger picture - India’s National Monetisation Plan which was rolled out back in 2021. The plan is ambitious, aiming to privatise around 25 airports and offload airport authority’s shares in big metro airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The government is hoping to unlock 21,000 crore rupees from these sales between 2022 and 2025. Mid-budget movies, which really felt the pinch through Covid, are suddenly back in the spotlight. Judging by the impressive box office numbers of films like Crew, Shaitaan, and Article 370 it looks like affordable ticket prices and clever marketing are paying off. Let’s talk numbers. The movie Crew, featuring stars like Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, earned 77 crore rupees since its release at the end of March. Ajay Devgn’s horror thriller Shaitaan pulled in a cool 148 crore rupees from early March, and the political drama Article 370 isn’t far behind with 82 crore rupees since late February. Andthese films have all been profitable.  Even though the Hindi box office saw a 25 per cent dip year-on-year in the last quarter of FY24, small and medium-budget films are making a stronger showing than they have since the pandemic began. They’re now accounting for 30-35 per cent of box office receipts, up from just 12-15 per cent previously. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the resurgence of mid-budget bollywood movies and the changing landscape of Indian cinema.  As tensions in West Asia heat up, there's a real concern that crude oil prices might just hit the roof, possibly soaring past $100 per barrel if things continue to escalate. This is a big deal not just globally, but especially for India's oil marketing companies, because hiking fuel prices during an election season is not a popular move. Now, high crude prices are already an issue for state-owned oil marketing companies because it squeezes the marketing margins – which is the difference between what it costs to make petrol or diesel and what they sell it for. Right now, those margins are pretty thin, about 5 rupees per litre for petrol and barely a rupee for diesel. If crude prices shoot up, these margins could get even tighter. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah spoke to industry insiders and analysts to break down the ongoing problem for Indian oil marketing companies.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Dialling in hope: India's smartphone sales show signs of recovery Airport privatization 3.0: Here are the 13 candidates Mint Primer: Decoding RBI’s alert on illegal forex platforms Mid-budget movies punch above their weight at the box office Keeping fuel prices steady during turmoil comes with a price Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Get ready for more privately managed airports full 545 Mint - HT Smartcast Smartphone sales see turnaround; Mid-budget Bollywood on a resurgence Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices fell for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, influenced by negative cues from global markets which are currently under pressure due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Sensex closed down 0.62 per cent, while the Nifty ended the session 0.56 per cent lower. Shaktikanta Das, the Reserve Bank of India - India’s highest monetary authority - has recently flagged concerns about unauthorised forex trading platforms, urging banks to keep a sharp eye on them. This has sparked a broader discussion about the need for tighter regulation in India's forex market. These platforms are where most foreign exchange transactions happen. They are primarily used by businesses like importers and exporters to manage their currency risks. These trades usually happen on Over-the-Counter platforms authorised by the RBI or through recognized exchange-traded segments of bourses. So what exactly is going on with forex trading platforms? And what has the RBI done about it? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar tackles those questions in today’s Primer. Smartphone companies in India finally have some good news. The scramble for smartphones in the country, triggered by Covid-19 lockdowns ebbed back as the world returned to normal. However, the March quarter has ignited some hope in the hearts of smartphone manufacturers. This past March quarter, smartphone shipments rose by 5% year-over-year to somewhere between 32.5 to 35 million units, according to data from four industry analysts. It’s a refreshing change, especially considering that back in the March quarter of 2021, shipments had peaked at 38 million units. Since then, there's been a bit of a slump. Mint’s technology correspondent Shouvik Das reports on this turnaround which is especially crucial for big players like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo, who together made about $38.8 billion in sales in India last year. However, despite these positive signs, industry veterans are advising caution. The broader economic pressures still loom large, affecting consumer confidence. The market has also seen a shift toward refurbished and second-hand smartphones, thanks to the growth of organised retailers in this space.  India is gearing up for the third phase of its airport privatisation plan. More airports are expected to see private stakeholders after the upcoming election. Officials close to the matter told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma of Airports Authority of India’s plans to sell off its remaining 13 per cent stake in Bangalore International Airport Ltd . But that’s not all — they're also planning to throw the doors open for private bids to manage, operate, and develop 13 other airports, including popular ones like Bhubaneswar, Trichy, Indore, Raipur, Amritsar, and Varanasi. There’s also talk of selling stakes in Hyderabad airport. The authorities are planning to bundle six profitable airports with seven smaller, not-so-profitable ones like Kushinagar, Gaya, Hubballi, Aurangabad, Jabalpur, Tirupati, and Kangra. This mix and match might just make the deal more attractive to potential investors. This push towards privatisation is part of a bigger picture - India’s National Monetisation Plan which was rolled out back in 2021. The plan is ambitious, aiming to privatise around 25 airports and offload airport authority’s shares in big metro airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The government is hoping to unlock 21,000 crore rupees from these sales between 2022 and 2025. Mid-budget movies, which really felt the pinch through Covid, are suddenly back in the spotlight. Judging by the impressive box office numbers of films like Crew, Shaitaan, and Article 370 it looks like affordable ticket prices and clever marketing are paying off. Let’s talk numbers. The movie Crew, featuring stars like Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, earned 77 crore rupees since its release at the end of March. Ajay Devgn’s horror thriller Shaitaan pulled in a cool 148 crore rupees from early March, and the political drama Article 370 isn’t far behind with 82 crore rupees since late February. Andthese films have all been profitable.  Even though the Hindi box office saw a 25 per cent dip year-on-year in the last quarter of FY24, small and medium-budget films are making a stronger showing than they have since the pandemic began. They’re now accounting for 30-35 per cent of box office receipts, up from just 12-15 per cent previously. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the resurgence of mid-budget bollywood movies and the changing landscape of Indian cinema.  As tensions in West Asia heat up, there's a real concern that crude oil prices might just hit the roof, possibly soaring past $100 per barrel if things continue to escalate. This is a big deal not just globally, but especially for India's oil marketing companies, because hiking fuel prices during an election season is not a popular move. Now, high crude prices are already an issue for state-owned oil marketing companies because it squeezes the marketing margins – which is the difference between what it costs to make petrol or diesel and what they sell it for. Right now, those margins are pretty thin, about 5 rupees per litre for petrol and barely a rupee for diesel. If crude prices shoot up, these margins could get even tighter. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah spoke to industry insiders and analysts to break down the ongoing problem for Indian oil marketing companies.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Dialling in hope: India's smartphone sales show signs of recovery Airport privatization 3.0: Here are the 13 candidates Mint Primer: Decoding RBI’s alert on illegal forex platforms Mid-budget movies punch above their weight at the box office Keeping fuel prices steady during turmoil comes with a price Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 17, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices fell for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, influenced by negative cues from global markets which are currently under pressure due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Sensex closed down 0.62 per cent, while the Nifty ended the session 0.56 per cent lower.

Shaktikanta Das, the Reserve Bank of India - India’s highest monetary authority - has recently flagged concerns about unauthorised forex trading platforms, urging banks to keep a sharp eye on them. This has sparked a broader discussion about the need for tighter regulation in India's forex market. These platforms are where most foreign exchange transactions happen. They are primarily used by businesses like importers and exporters to manage their currency risks. These trades usually happen on Over-the-Counter platforms authorised by the RBI or through recognized exchange-traded segments of bourses. So what exactly is going on with forex trading platforms? And what has the RBI done about it? Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar tackles those questions in today’s Primer.

Smartphone companies in India finally have some good news. The scramble for smartphones in the country, triggered by Covid-19 lockdowns ebbed back as the world returned to normal. However, the March quarter has ignited some hope in the hearts of smartphone manufacturers. This past March quarter, smartphone shipments rose by 5% year-over-year to somewhere between 32.5 to 35 million units, according to data from four industry analysts. It’s a refreshing change, especially considering that back in the March quarter of 2021, shipments had peaked at 38 million units. Since then, there's been a bit of a slump. Mint’s technology correspondent Shouvik Das reports on this turnaround which is especially crucial for big players like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo, who together made about $38.8 billion in sales in India last year. However, despite these positive signs, industry veterans are advising caution. The broader economic pressures still loom large, affecting consumer confidence. The market has also seen a shift toward refurbished and second-hand smartphones, thanks to the growth of organised retailers in this space. 

India is gearing up for the third phase of its airport privatisation plan. More airports are expected to see private stakeholders after the upcoming election. Officials close to the matter told Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma of Airports Authority of India’s plans to sell off its remaining 13 per cent stake in Bangalore International Airport Ltd . But that’s not all — they're also planning to throw the doors open for private bids to manage, operate, and develop 13 other airports, including popular ones like Bhubaneswar, Trichy, Indore, Raipur, Amritsar, and Varanasi. There’s also talk of selling stakes in Hyderabad airport. The authorities are planning to bundle six profitable airports with seven smaller, not-so-profitable ones like Kushinagar, Gaya, Hubballi, Aurangabad, Jabalpur, Tirupati, and Kangra. This mix and match might just make the deal more attractive to potential investors. This push towards privatisation is part of a bigger picture - India’s National Monetisation Plan which was rolled out back in 2021. The plan is ambitious, aiming to privatise around 25 airports and offload airport authority’s shares in big metro airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The government is hoping to unlock 21,000 crore rupees from these sales between 2022 and 2025.

Mid-budget movies, which really felt the pinch through Covid, are suddenly back in the spotlight. Judging by the impressive box office numbers of films like Crew, Shaitaan, and Article 370 it looks like affordable ticket prices and clever marketing are paying off. Let’s talk numbers. The movie Crew, featuring stars like Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, earned 77 crore rupees since its release at the end of March. Ajay Devgn’s horror thriller Shaitaan pulled in a cool 148 crore rupees from early March, and the political drama Article 370 isn’t far behind with 82 crore rupees since late February. Andthese films have all been profitable. 

Even though the Hindi box office saw a 25 per cent dip year-on-year in the last quarter of FY24, small and medium-budget films are making a stronger showing than they have since the pandemic began. They’re now accounting for 30-35 per cent of box office receipts, up from just 12-15 per cent previously. Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha reports on the resurgence of mid-budget bollywood movies and the changing landscape of Indian cinema. 

As tensions in West Asia heat up, there's a real concern that crude oil prices might just hit the roof, possibly soaring past $100 per barrel if things continue to escalate. This is a big deal not just globally, but especially for India's oil marketing companies, because hiking fuel prices during an election season is not a popular move. Now, high crude prices are already an issue for state-owned oil marketing companies because it squeezes the marketing margins – which is the difference between what it costs to make petrol or diesel and what they sell it for. Right now, those margins are pretty thin, about 5 rupees per litre for petrol and barely a rupee for diesel. If crude prices shoot up, these margins could get even tighter. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah spoke to industry insiders and analysts to break down the ongoing problem for Indian oil marketing companies. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Dialling in hope: India's smartphone sales show signs of recovery

Airport privatization 3.0: Here are the 13 candidates

Mint Primer: Decoding RBI’s alert on illegal forex platforms

Mid-budget movies punch above their weight at the box office

Keeping fuel prices steady during turmoil comes with a price

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]]> 513 no The battle to save the great Indian Bustard https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-battle-to-save-the-great-indian-bustard-95RmPrss Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets fell by over one per cent for the second consecutive day on Monday, weighed down by rising tensions in the Middle East and resulting negative investor sentiment.  India is in for some good news, especially for our farmers. After a tough year with less-than-ideal rain and the ongoing scorching summer, it looks like India is on track for a better-than-average monsoon season this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that the fading El Niño – a weather phenomenon – will transition to neutral by June and possibly to La Niña conditions by late summer, promising higher rainfall. This could bump up our monsoon rainfall to 106% of the long-term average of 87 cm, which is above normal. This forecast is a relief considering the dry spell last year linked to El Niño, which reduced rainfall by 6% and nudged up inflation. Historically, when La Niña follows El Niño, India tends to see more rain. However, this could also result in uneven distribution of rainfall, meaning floods in some places. Mint’s Puja Das and Arshdeep Kaur report on the latest IMD forecasts.  Tata Electronics has sealed a deal with Elon Musk’s EV manufacturer Tesla to produce crucial components for the car company. This partnership marks a significant boost for Tata in the electronics manufacturing space. The Tata Group company is also gearing up to set up a new facility dedicated to crafting essential parts like printed circuit board assemblies for Tesla vehicles. Interestingly, Tesla decided to go with Tata Electronics over its usual global partners like Foxconn and Jabil Inc. This choice seems to hinge on a couple of key factors: Tata’s aggressive expansion in semiconductor fabrication and its strong stance in securing government incentives in India. This strategy is a win for Tesla too, as it aligns with Indian policies that lower import duties for EV makers ramping up local production. These policies require that EVs achieve 50% local sourcing within five years to enjoy these benefits. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports on a development crucial for India’s EV and manufacturing landscape.  Once the most valued Indian startup, Byju’s is going through its most turbulent phase yet. Now, another exit has shook the edtech company. Arjun Mohan stepped down as CEO of Byju's India after just seven months, handing the reins back to the company's founder, Byju Raveendran. Initially brought in to cut costs and reorganise operations, Mohan leaves behind a business that's noticeably scaled back. It's been a rough patch for Byju's, especially during the January-March quarter, which usually sees the bulk of its sales. However, this period turned out to be one of its worst, company insiders told Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sneha Shah. Debt has been a major issue. Reports suggest that Byju's debt has climbed to more than 200 million dollars in India and another 200-250 million dollars in the U.S. The company is also supposed to pay 40 million dollars quarterly to bondholders—a commitment that has sparked a legal battle as Byju's disputes these claims. However, an executive close to Raveendran told Priyamvada and Sneha that the debts are much lower and that the recent fundraising efforts should cover most of what they owe.  The geopolitical situation in West Asia is volatile again. After Iran’s drone attack on Israel, the region is on the brink of a war. And when West Asia - a part of the Middle East - sneezes, economies around the world become prone to catching a cold. That is because of the fossil fuel reserves the area sits on. Rising tensions in the region could spell trouble for the Indian economy, with analysts warning that geopolitical uncertainties might drive up energy and commodity prices. This could fuel inflation and increase the government's spending on fertiliser subsidies, which could force the government to rethink some of its budget plans after the elections. In the budget laid out in February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman planned for a 13 per cent cut in fertiliser subsidies and a 5 per cent increase in excise duty collections from the petroleum sector. But with oil prices creeping up towards 90 dollars a barrel—and possibly hitting the 100 dollar mark soon—those numbers might need a second look. Higher oil prices mean India's import bill could balloon, given it imports about 85 per cent of its energy needs. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad and energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah explore the consequences of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, for the Indian economy and for the government’s promises in its interim budget. In the early 1960s, India was in search of its national bird. Renowned ornithologist, the late Salim Ali, championed the Great Indian Bustard, a towering bird reminiscent of an ostrich, commonly found in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, due to concerns about potential misspellings of its name, the government ultimately chose the peacock as the national bird in 1963. Fast forward nearly six decades, and the Great Indian Bustard is now facing extinction , primarily due to the expansion of India's renewable energy sector. The bird's natural desert habitat overlaps significantly with areas being used for wind and solar energy projects—energy sources that are pivotal in India's efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In the past decade, the desert has been crisscrossed with countless kilometres of high and low tension overhead wires needed to transmit power from renewable sources. Unfortunately, these wires have become death traps for the bustard and other avian species, leading to numerous collisions. Mint’s Sumant Banerji writes about the dwindling numbers of the bustard and also talks about the ongoing legal battle to save one of India’s most iconic bird species, in today’s Long Story. Ironically, the future of these majestic birds hangs in a delicate balance against the backdrop of India's push for a diversified energy future.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon this year as El Nino flips over Musk taps Tata Electronics to make electronics parts for India-made Teslas Byju's India CEO Arjun Mohan steps down after just seven months Will a West Asia conflict ruin the interim budget math? 100 bustards and the challenge to India’s solar flight path Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The battle to save the great Indian Bustard full 544 Mint - HT Smartcast Above average monsoon expected for India; Tesla finds its electronics supplier in Tata Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian stock markets fell by over one per cent for the second consecutive day on Monday, weighed down by rising tensions in the Middle East and resulting negative investor sentiment.  India is in for some good news, especially for our farmers. After a tough year with less-than-ideal rain and the ongoing scorching summer, it looks like India is on track for a better-than-average monsoon season this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that the fading El Niño – a weather phenomenon – will transition to neutral by June and possibly to La Niña conditions by late summer, promising higher rainfall. This could bump up our monsoon rainfall to 106% of the long-term average of 87 cm, which is above normal. This forecast is a relief considering the dry spell last year linked to El Niño, which reduced rainfall by 6% and nudged up inflation. Historically, when La Niña follows El Niño, India tends to see more rain. However, this could also result in uneven distribution of rainfall, meaning floods in some places. Mint’s Puja Das and Arshdeep Kaur report on the latest IMD forecasts.  Tata Electronics has sealed a deal with Elon Musk’s EV manufacturer Tesla to produce crucial components for the car company. This partnership marks a significant boost for Tata in the electronics manufacturing space. The Tata Group company is also gearing up to set up a new facility dedicated to crafting essential parts like printed circuit board assemblies for Tesla vehicles. Interestingly, Tesla decided to go with Tata Electronics over its usual global partners like Foxconn and Jabil Inc. This choice seems to hinge on a couple of key factors: Tata’s aggressive expansion in semiconductor fabrication and its strong stance in securing government incentives in India. This strategy is a win for Tesla too, as it aligns with Indian policies that lower import duties for EV makers ramping up local production. These policies require that EVs achieve 50% local sourcing within five years to enjoy these benefits. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports on a development crucial for India’s EV and manufacturing landscape.  Once the most valued Indian startup, Byju’s is going through its most turbulent phase yet. Now, another exit has shook the edtech company. Arjun Mohan stepped down as CEO of Byju's India after just seven months, handing the reins back to the company's founder, Byju Raveendran. Initially brought in to cut costs and reorganise operations, Mohan leaves behind a business that's noticeably scaled back. It's been a rough patch for Byju's, especially during the January-March quarter, which usually sees the bulk of its sales. However, this period turned out to be one of its worst, company insiders told Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sneha Shah. Debt has been a major issue. Reports suggest that Byju's debt has climbed to more than 200 million dollars in India and another 200-250 million dollars in the U.S. The company is also supposed to pay 40 million dollars quarterly to bondholders—a commitment that has sparked a legal battle as Byju's disputes these claims. However, an executive close to Raveendran told Priyamvada and Sneha that the debts are much lower and that the recent fundraising efforts should cover most of what they owe.  The geopolitical situation in West Asia is volatile again. After Iran’s drone attack on Israel, the region is on the brink of a war. And when West Asia - a part of the Middle East - sneezes, economies around the world become prone to catching a cold. That is because of the fossil fuel reserves the area sits on. Rising tensions in the region could spell trouble for the Indian economy, with analysts warning that geopolitical uncertainties might drive up energy and commodity prices. This could fuel inflation and increase the government's spending on fertiliser subsidies, which could force the government to rethink some of its budget plans after the elections. In the budget laid out in February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman planned for a 13 per cent cut in fertiliser subsidies and a 5 per cent increase in excise duty collections from the petroleum sector. But with oil prices creeping up towards 90 dollars a barrel—and possibly hitting the 100 dollar mark soon—those numbers might need a second look. Higher oil prices mean India's import bill could balloon, given it imports about 85 per cent of its energy needs. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad and energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah explore the consequences of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, for the Indian economy and for the government’s promises in its interim budget. In the early 1960s, India was in search of its national bird. Renowned ornithologist, the late Salim Ali, championed the Great Indian Bustard, a towering bird reminiscent of an ostrich, commonly found in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, due to concerns about potential misspellings of its name, the government ultimately chose the peacock as the national bird in 1963. Fast forward nearly six decades, and the Great Indian Bustard is now facing extinction , primarily due to the expansion of India's renewable energy sector. The bird's natural desert habitat overlaps significantly with areas being used for wind and solar energy projects—energy sources that are pivotal in India's efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In the past decade, the desert has been crisscrossed with countless kilometres of high and low tension overhead wires needed to transmit power from renewable sources. Unfortunately, these wires have become death traps for the bustard and other avian species, leading to numerous collisions. Mint’s Sumant Banerji writes about the dwindling numbers of the bustard and also talks about the ongoing legal battle to save one of India’s most iconic bird species, in today’s Long Story. Ironically, the future of these majestic birds hangs in a delicate balance against the backdrop of India's push for a diversified energy future.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon this year as El Nino flips over Musk taps Tata Electronics to make electronics parts for India-made Teslas Byju's India CEO Arjun Mohan steps down after just seven months Will a West Asia conflict ruin the interim budget math? 100 bustards and the challenge to India’s solar flight path Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 16, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian stock markets fell by over one per cent for the second consecutive day on Monday, weighed down by rising tensions in the Middle East and resulting negative investor sentiment. 

India is in for some good news, especially for our farmers. After a tough year with less-than-ideal rain and the ongoing scorching summer, it looks like India is on track for a better-than-average monsoon season this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates that the fading El Niño – a weather phenomenon – will transition to neutral by June and possibly to La Niña conditions by late summer, promising higher rainfall. This could bump up our monsoon rainfall to 106% of the long-term average of 87 cm, which is above normal. This forecast is a relief considering the dry spell last year linked to El Niño, which reduced rainfall by 6% and nudged up inflation. Historically, when La Niña follows El Niño, India tends to see more rain. However, this could also result in uneven distribution of rainfall, meaning floods in some places. Mint’s Puja Das and Arshdeep Kaur report on the latest IMD forecasts. 

Tata Electronics has sealed a deal with Elon Musk’s EV manufacturer Tesla to produce crucial components for the car company. This partnership marks a significant boost for Tata in the electronics manufacturing space. The Tata Group company is also gearing up to set up a new facility dedicated to crafting essential parts like printed circuit board assemblies for Tesla vehicles. Interestingly, Tesla decided to go with Tata Electronics over its usual global partners like Foxconn and Jabil Inc. This choice seems to hinge on a couple of key factors: Tata’s aggressive expansion in semiconductor fabrication and its strong stance in securing government incentives in India. This strategy is a win for Tesla too, as it aligns with Indian policies that lower import duties for EV makers ramping up local production. These policies require that EVs achieve 50% local sourcing within five years to enjoy these benefits. Mint’s autos correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports on a development crucial for India’s EV and manufacturing landscape. 

Once the most valued Indian startup, Byju’s is going through its most turbulent phase yet. Now, another exit has shook the edtech company. Arjun Mohan stepped down as CEO of Byju's India after just seven months, handing the reins back to the company's founder, Byju Raveendran. Initially brought in to cut costs and reorganise operations, Mohan leaves behind a business that's noticeably scaled back. It's been a rough patch for Byju's, especially during the January-March quarter, which usually sees the bulk of its sales. However, this period turned out to be one of its worst, company insiders told Mint’s startup correspondents Priyamvada C and Sneha Shah. Debt has been a major issue. Reports suggest that Byju's debt has climbed to more than 200 million dollars in India and another 200-250 million dollars in the U.S. The company is also supposed to pay 40 million dollars quarterly to bondholders—a commitment that has sparked a legal battle as Byju's disputes these claims. However, an executive close to Raveendran told Priyamvada and Sneha that the debts are much lower and that the recent fundraising efforts should cover most of what they owe. 

The geopolitical situation in West Asia is volatile again. After Iran’s drone attack on Israel, the region is on the brink of a war. And when West Asia - a part of the Middle East - sneezes, economies around the world become prone to catching a cold. That is because of the fossil fuel reserves the area sits on. Rising tensions in the region could spell trouble for the Indian economy, with analysts warning that geopolitical uncertainties might drive up energy and commodity prices. This could fuel inflation and increase the government's spending on fertiliser subsidies, which could force the government to rethink some of its budget plans after the elections. In the budget laid out in February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman planned for a 13 per cent cut in fertiliser subsidies and a 5 per cent increase in excise duty collections from the petroleum sector. But with oil prices creeping up towards 90 dollars a barrel—and possibly hitting the 100 dollar mark soon—those numbers might need a second look. Higher oil prices mean India's import bill could balloon, given it imports about 85 per cent of its energy needs. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad and energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah explore the consequences of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, for the Indian economy and for the government’s promises in its interim budget.

In the early 1960s, India was in search of its national bird. Renowned ornithologist, the late Salim Ali, championed the Great Indian Bustard, a towering bird reminiscent of an ostrich, commonly found in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, due to concerns about potential misspellings of its name, the government ultimately chose the peacock as the national bird in 1963. Fast forward nearly six decades, and the Great Indian Bustard is now facing extinction , primarily due to the expansion of India's renewable energy sector. The bird's natural desert habitat overlaps significantly with areas being used for wind and solar energy projects—energy sources that are pivotal in India's efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

In the past decade, the desert has been crisscrossed with countless kilometres of high and low tension overhead wires needed to transmit power from renewable sources. Unfortunately, these wires have become death traps for the bustard and other avian species, leading to numerous collisions. Mint’s Sumant Banerji writes about the dwindling numbers of the bustard and also talks about the ongoing legal battle to save one of India’s most iconic bird species, in today’s Long Story. Ironically, the future of these majestic birds hangs in a delicate balance against the backdrop of India's push for a diversified energy future.  

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon this year as El Nino flips over

Musk taps Tata Electronics to make electronics parts for India-made Teslas

Byju's India CEO Arjun Mohan steps down after just seven months

Will a West Asia conflict ruin the interim budget math?

100 bustards and the challenge to India’s solar flight path

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 543 no How will Iran-Israel fight affect India? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-will-iran-israel-fight-affect-india-tEzpKLeW Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: There's a reason why central banks and prominent investors take notice when the price of gold moves significantly in either direction: its track record as the flagbearer of wealth stretches for over 5,000 years. As of last week, gold prices have hit lifetime record highs. Rising geopolitical tensions and a possible rate cut by the US Federal Reserve keep pushing the yellow metal to new highs. But despite much of the fighting going on in the Middle East, India and China contribute to over half of the global gold demand. Traditionally, the price of gold has had an inverse relationship with the equity markets, writes Abhishek Mukherjee. But that seems to have changed in the present day, when both gold and stock market valuations are taking off. Abhishek spoke to market experts and analysts, who pointed towards an increase in the volume of trading across the board. This, combined with most central banks around the world stocking up on gold, has led to a parallel surge. Will this trend continue? Experts, as always, ask you to exercise immense caution. While geopolitical tensions have been high over the last few years, we haven't seen many direct attacks across borders. That changed on Saturday, when Iran launched missiles at Israel. This was in response to a bombing of Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, ostensibly by Israeli forces. If Israel chooses to respond in kind, we might be at the cusp of a global war, writes N. Madhavan. Immediately, oil prices are likely to be affected: the cost of a barrel of oil had already crossed 90 dollars last week, a six-month high. An all-out war will cause huge disruption in oil, gas, and logistical supply chains. This is especially bad news for India, where inflation is just about cooling and industrial production is ramping up. The Tata Group has a reputation of never firing any employee, unless they're found guilty of sharing sensitive information or indulging in corruption. This is even more impressive when you consider the sheer volume of people they hire every year. But that is now changing: take the group's crown jewel, Tata Consultancy Services. TCS isn't rushing to fill the roles that have turned vacant after people leave the IT giant. This resulted in TCS having a lower headcount at the end of the financial year 2024 than when it started, report Jas Bardia, Varun Sood, and Devina Sengupta. This was a first since the company listed on the public markets 20 years ago. Historically, TCS's headcount and its revenue had a proportional relationship: revenue would grow with headcount, and lower with more headcounts. Some industry executives are of the view that as artificial intelligence becomes more useful in replacing roles. However, TCS has brushed aside any concerns of AI replacing human roles at the company. When most companies announce that they have introduced AI into their workflow, it usually means that they have integrated a version of AI already available in the market and customised it slightly. That isn't true for Navi, the financial services company founded by Sachin Bansal. Bansal is also the co-founder of e-commerce behemoth Flipkart. Navi is building large language models in-house at Navi. In an interview with Leslie D'Monte, Bansal admitted that choosing this route slows down the development and shipping of new features, it allows the company unmatched flexibility. In his endeavour to create a more customer-friendly banking and financial experiment, Bansal said these steps would help simplify the process that currently ails millions of people trying to access their own funds right now. Next steps? Directing bots to drive sales, which would allow someone to take a loan simply via a WhatsApp conversation. The Indian Premier League isn't just a battle between two teams playing cricket: it's also an advertising showdown between brands vying for your attention. Varuni Khosla writes that online gaming companies and fintechs are the most prolific advertisers. By virtue of being the title sponsor of the entire league, Tata is also relentless in promoting its electric vehicles and super app named Tata Neu . The reported cost for a 10-second slot on Star Sports is 12.5 lakh rupees, while Jio Cinema charges 200 rupees per thousand impressions on its app. Advertisers are spread across 55 categories, a 65 percent increase from the previous year's edition.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: What gold’s new playbook is telling equity investors  Iran-Israel flare-up: What does it mean for India?  What the vacant seats at TCS mean Why Sachin Bansal can’t resist building tech in-house to boost Navi's fortunes Brands battle for mindspace as cricket carnival kicks off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How will Iran-Israel fight affect India? full 543 Mint - HT Smartcast IPL's top advertisers, gold's record highs vs equity bull run Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: There's a reason why central banks and prominent investors take notice when the price of gold moves significantly in either direction: its track record as the flagbearer of wealth stretches for over 5,000 years. As of last week, gold prices have hit lifetime record highs. Rising geopolitical tensions and a possible rate cut by the US Federal Reserve keep pushing the yellow metal to new highs. But despite much of the fighting going on in the Middle East, India and China contribute to over half of the global gold demand. Traditionally, the price of gold has had an inverse relationship with the equity markets, writes Abhishek Mukherjee. But that seems to have changed in the present day, when both gold and stock market valuations are taking off. Abhishek spoke to market experts and analysts, who pointed towards an increase in the volume of trading across the board. This, combined with most central banks around the world stocking up on gold, has led to a parallel surge. Will this trend continue? Experts, as always, ask you to exercise immense caution. While geopolitical tensions have been high over the last few years, we haven't seen many direct attacks across borders. That changed on Saturday, when Iran launched missiles at Israel. This was in response to a bombing of Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, ostensibly by Israeli forces. If Israel chooses to respond in kind, we might be at the cusp of a global war, writes N. Madhavan. Immediately, oil prices are likely to be affected: the cost of a barrel of oil had already crossed 90 dollars last week, a six-month high. An all-out war will cause huge disruption in oil, gas, and logistical supply chains. This is especially bad news for India, where inflation is just about cooling and industrial production is ramping up. The Tata Group has a reputation of never firing any employee, unless they're found guilty of sharing sensitive information or indulging in corruption. This is even more impressive when you consider the sheer volume of people they hire every year. But that is now changing: take the group's crown jewel, Tata Consultancy Services. TCS isn't rushing to fill the roles that have turned vacant after people leave the IT giant. This resulted in TCS having a lower headcount at the end of the financial year 2024 than when it started, report Jas Bardia, Varun Sood, and Devina Sengupta. This was a first since the company listed on the public markets 20 years ago. Historically, TCS's headcount and its revenue had a proportional relationship: revenue would grow with headcount, and lower with more headcounts. Some industry executives are of the view that as artificial intelligence becomes more useful in replacing roles. However, TCS has brushed aside any concerns of AI replacing human roles at the company. When most companies announce that they have introduced AI into their workflow, it usually means that they have integrated a version of AI already available in the market and customised it slightly. That isn't true for Navi, the financial services company founded by Sachin Bansal. Bansal is also the co-founder of e-commerce behemoth Flipkart. Navi is building large language models in-house at Navi. In an interview with Leslie D'Monte, Bansal admitted that choosing this route slows down the development and shipping of new features, it allows the company unmatched flexibility. In his endeavour to create a more customer-friendly banking and financial experiment, Bansal said these steps would help simplify the process that currently ails millions of people trying to access their own funds right now. Next steps? Directing bots to drive sales, which would allow someone to take a loan simply via a WhatsApp conversation. The Indian Premier League isn't just a battle between two teams playing cricket: it's also an advertising showdown between brands vying for your attention. Varuni Khosla writes that online gaming companies and fintechs are the most prolific advertisers. By virtue of being the title sponsor of the entire league, Tata is also relentless in promoting its electric vehicles and super app named Tata Neu . The reported cost for a 10-second slot on Star Sports is 12.5 lakh rupees, while Jio Cinema charges 200 rupees per thousand impressions on its app. Advertisers are spread across 55 categories, a 65 percent increase from the previous year's edition.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: What gold’s new playbook is telling equity investors  Iran-Israel flare-up: What does it mean for India?  What the vacant seats at TCS mean Why Sachin Bansal can’t resist building tech in-house to boost Navi's fortunes Brands battle for mindspace as cricket carnival kicks off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

There's a reason why central banks and prominent investors take notice when the price of gold moves significantly in either direction: its track record as the flagbearer of wealth stretches for over 5,000 years. As of last week, gold prices have hit lifetime record highs. Rising geopolitical tensions and a possible rate cut by the US Federal Reserve keep pushing the yellow metal to new highs. But despite much of the fighting going on in the Middle East, India and China contribute to over half of the global gold demand. Traditionally, the price of gold has had an inverse relationship with the equity markets, writes Abhishek Mukherjee. But that seems to have changed in the present day, when both gold and stock market valuations are taking off. Abhishek spoke to market experts and analysts, who pointed towards an increase in the volume of trading across the board. This, combined with most central banks around the world stocking up on gold, has led to a parallel surge. Will this trend continue? Experts, as always, ask you to exercise immense caution.

While geopolitical tensions have been high over the last few years, we haven't seen many direct attacks across borders. That changed on Saturday, when Iran launched missiles at Israel. This was in response to a bombing of Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, ostensibly by Israeli forces. If Israel chooses to respond in kind, we might be at the cusp of a global war, writes N. Madhavan. Immediately, oil prices are likely to be affected: the cost of a barrel of oil had already crossed 90 dollars last week, a six-month high. An all-out war will cause huge disruption in oil, gas, and logistical supply chains. This is especially bad news for India, where inflation is just about cooling and industrial production is ramping up.

The Tata Group has a reputation of never firing any employee, unless they're found guilty of sharing sensitive information or indulging in corruption. This is even more impressive when you consider the sheer volume of people they hire every year. But that is now changing: take the group's crown jewel, Tata Consultancy Services. TCS isn't rushing to fill the roles that have turned vacant after people leave the IT giant. This resulted in TCS having a lower headcount at the end of the financial year 2024 than when it started, report Jas Bardia, Varun Sood, and Devina Sengupta. This was a first since the company listed on the public markets 20 years ago. Historically, TCS's headcount and its revenue had a proportional relationship: revenue would grow with headcount, and lower with more headcounts. Some industry executives are of the view that as artificial intelligence becomes more useful in replacing roles. However, TCS has brushed aside any concerns of AI replacing human roles at the company.

When most companies announce that they have introduced AI into their workflow, it usually means that they have integrated a version of AI already available in the market and customised it slightly. That isn't true for Navi, the financial services company founded by Sachin Bansal. Bansal is also the co-founder of e-commerce behemoth Flipkart. Navi is building large language models in-house at Navi. In an interview with Leslie D'Monte, Bansal admitted that choosing this route slows down the development and shipping of new features, it allows the company unmatched flexibility. In his endeavour to create a more customer-friendly banking and financial experiment, Bansal said these steps would help simplify the process that currently ails millions of people trying to access their own funds right now. Next steps? Directing bots to drive sales, which would allow someone to take a loan simply via a WhatsApp conversation.

The Indian Premier League isn't just a battle between two teams playing cricket: it's also an advertising showdown between brands vying for your attention. Varuni Khosla writes that online gaming companies and fintechs are the most prolific advertisers. By virtue of being the title sponsor of the entire league, Tata is also relentless in promoting its electric vehicles and super app named Tata Neu . The reported cost for a 10-second slot on Star Sports is 12.5 lakh rupees, while Jio Cinema charges 200 rupees per thousand impressions on its app. Advertisers are spread across 55 categories, a 65 percent increase from the previous year's edition.

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

What gold’s new playbook is telling equity investors 

Iran-Israel flare-up: What does it mean for India? 

What the vacant seats at TCS mean

Why Sachin Bansal can’t resist building tech in-house to boost Navi's fortunes

Brands battle for mindspace as cricket carnival kicks off

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 433 no What Modi has to say about the upcoming election https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-modi-has-to-say-about-the-upcoming-election-EgoRXgkw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets ended Thursday on a robust note with the benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both ending the day in the green. Touching an all time high of 22,775 points, Nifty closed just 22 points below it, up 0.49 per cent from its previous close. Sensex too closed on a higher note, up 0.47 per cent from its previous close.  Equity trading at record levels, which has been going on for some months now, may soon hit its peak. Fresh data from the National Stock Exchange shows that retail investors as well as high net-worth investors have turned bearish on index futures amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This group of investors became net sellers of more than 16,000 Nifty and Bank Nifty futures contracts, after the NSE index hit a fresh high on Thursday. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the significant shift in sentiment from this group of investors. This comes after 84 days of bullish stance from the group of investors referred to as ‘Client’ by the NSE. Historically, the positioning of clients in index futures has been a reliable indicator of market tops or bottoms. When these positions turn light or negative, it often signals a market peak, while a substantial increase in bets typically indicates a market bottom. Generative AI - buzzword of the decade - is still a concept people are trying hard to grasp. It is important that people understand what generative artificial intelligence is. But it is even more crucial for lawmakers of the world to have a good understanding of the concept because laws around Gen AI will shape the technology’s future. One such law that could prove to be crucial for AI’s future has been tabled in the US Congress. The proposed “Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, 2024”, introduced by US Congressman Adam Schiff, addresses growing concerns over the fair use of copyrighted materials in the development of AI models. So what does the bill propose to do? This bill mandates that tech firms like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta, which have developed large AI models trained on vast amounts of data, disclose the use of any copyrighted data in their training datasets. So what does the bill mean for innovation in AI? If passed, will it set a precedent? Will AI models be able to train themselves on copyrighted work? Mint’s Shouvik Das tackles these questions in today’s Primer.  It hasn't been smooth sailing lately for Tata Group’s Vistara. The airline has been seeing some turbulence after it had to ground 30 to 50 flights a day with pilots calling in sick as a protest against an imminent cut in their salaries. The carrier even blamed botched up rostering for the delays and cancellations. Now the airline’s CEO, Vinod Kannan, has addressed the airline's recent operational challenges in a reassuring message to employees. Kannan emphasised that the difficult period marked by flight cancellations and scheduling disruptions is now in the past. The troubles, as Kannan explains, were a mix of things out of their control like air traffic delays, some unexpected bird encounters, and maintenance that just had to be done. These hiccups threw a wrench into their finely tuned schedules and, with pilot rosters already maxed out, it was tough to keep everything running smoothly. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the latest development surrounding Vistara’s struggle to keep its flights on time and running smoothly. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, India’s political landscape is buzzing. Leaders of all political parties are out there campaigning, electioneering and asking for people’s support. The election, which is planned to be conducted over seven phases, will kick off in exactly a week’s time. Uttarakhand happens to be one of the key states going to polls in the first phase on April 19. Amidst the ongoing Game of Thrones for 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, its incumbent, the ruling party’s star campaigner for over a decade and the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for an interview with Hindi Hindustan’s editor-in-chief Shashi Shekhar. The prime minister seemed  confident about returning for a third term. He listed out his government’s achievements during the course of the interview, with special focus on Uttarakhand, which is one of the states voting in the first phase. Modi talked about issues ranging from his government’s approach towards corruption to its stance on renewable energy.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the prime minister refuted any claims of an anti-incumbency wave in the country. He said his party has robust on-ground support.  Last week, Thierry Delaporte stepped down as the CEO of Bengaluru-based IT giant Wipro. To fill in his shoes, Srinivas Pallia was chosen. But Pallia isn't just any new CEO on the block; he's a seasoned Wipro veteran who's weathered the ups and downs of the company for 32 long years. However, as Pallia steps into the limelight, it won't be an easy road ahead for him. He faces a mammoth task of steering the company back to its former glory and reclaiming its spot among India’s top 3 IT companies, a position it lost to HCL in 2022. Wipro's recent years have been anything but smooth, with the company grappling to keep pace with its peers. Mint’s Shelley Singh spoke to critics and analysts, who echo this sentiment. According to many of them apart from the pandemic boom, Wipro has mostly lagged behind its peers. Adding to the challenge is the instability at the leadership level. More than 20 senior executives left under the watch of outgoing CEO Delaporte. This leadership instability is further underscored by the sheer number of CEOs Wipro has had since the year 2000—Pallia marks the eighth. Shelley takes a deep dive into the challenges awaiting Wipro’s new chief, for today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Futures flashing signal that market rally may be about to peak Mint Primer | American AI bill: Is it a boon or bane for global innovation? Worst is behind us, says Vistara CEO to employees as airline trims network Just 3% of ED investigations related to people in politics: PM Narendra Modi With Delaporte gone, can legacy hand Srinivas Pallia steer Wipro through the AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:33:44 -0000 What Modi has to say about the upcoming election full 542 Mint - HT Smartcast Crucial law for AI tables in the US; NBFCs in a tough spot Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets ended Thursday on a robust note with the benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both ending the day in the green. Touching an all time high of 22,775 points, Nifty closed just 22 points below it, up 0.49 per cent from its previous close. Sensex too closed on a higher note, up 0.47 per cent from its previous close.  Equity trading at record levels, which has been going on for some months now, may soon hit its peak. Fresh data from the National Stock Exchange shows that retail investors as well as high net-worth investors have turned bearish on index futures amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This group of investors became net sellers of more than 16,000 Nifty and Bank Nifty futures contracts, after the NSE index hit a fresh high on Thursday. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the significant shift in sentiment from this group of investors. This comes after 84 days of bullish stance from the group of investors referred to as ‘Client’ by the NSE. Historically, the positioning of clients in index futures has been a reliable indicator of market tops or bottoms. When these positions turn light or negative, it often signals a market peak, while a substantial increase in bets typically indicates a market bottom. Generative AI - buzzword of the decade - is still a concept people are trying hard to grasp. It is important that people understand what generative artificial intelligence is. But it is even more crucial for lawmakers of the world to have a good understanding of the concept because laws around Gen AI will shape the technology’s future. One such law that could prove to be crucial for AI’s future has been tabled in the US Congress. The proposed “Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, 2024”, introduced by US Congressman Adam Schiff, addresses growing concerns over the fair use of copyrighted materials in the development of AI models. So what does the bill propose to do? This bill mandates that tech firms like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta, which have developed large AI models trained on vast amounts of data, disclose the use of any copyrighted data in their training datasets. So what does the bill mean for innovation in AI? If passed, will it set a precedent? Will AI models be able to train themselves on copyrighted work? Mint’s Shouvik Das tackles these questions in today’s Primer.  It hasn't been smooth sailing lately for Tata Group’s Vistara. The airline has been seeing some turbulence after it had to ground 30 to 50 flights a day with pilots calling in sick as a protest against an imminent cut in their salaries. The carrier even blamed botched up rostering for the delays and cancellations. Now the airline’s CEO, Vinod Kannan, has addressed the airline's recent operational challenges in a reassuring message to employees. Kannan emphasised that the difficult period marked by flight cancellations and scheduling disruptions is now in the past. The troubles, as Kannan explains, were a mix of things out of their control like air traffic delays, some unexpected bird encounters, and maintenance that just had to be done. These hiccups threw a wrench into their finely tuned schedules and, with pilot rosters already maxed out, it was tough to keep everything running smoothly. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the latest development surrounding Vistara’s struggle to keep its flights on time and running smoothly. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, India’s political landscape is buzzing. Leaders of all political parties are out there campaigning, electioneering and asking for people’s support. The election, which is planned to be conducted over seven phases, will kick off in exactly a week’s time. Uttarakhand happens to be one of the key states going to polls in the first phase on April 19. Amidst the ongoing Game of Thrones for 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, its incumbent, the ruling party’s star campaigner for over a decade and the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for an interview with Hindi Hindustan’s editor-in-chief Shashi Shekhar. The prime minister seemed  confident about returning for a third term. He listed out his government’s achievements during the course of the interview, with special focus on Uttarakhand, which is one of the states voting in the first phase. Modi talked about issues ranging from his government’s approach towards corruption to its stance on renewable energy.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the prime minister refuted any claims of an anti-incumbency wave in the country. He said his party has robust on-ground support.  Last week, Thierry Delaporte stepped down as the CEO of Bengaluru-based IT giant Wipro. To fill in his shoes, Srinivas Pallia was chosen. But Pallia isn't just any new CEO on the block; he's a seasoned Wipro veteran who's weathered the ups and downs of the company for 32 long years. However, as Pallia steps into the limelight, it won't be an easy road ahead for him. He faces a mammoth task of steering the company back to its former glory and reclaiming its spot among India’s top 3 IT companies, a position it lost to HCL in 2022. Wipro's recent years have been anything but smooth, with the company grappling to keep pace with its peers. Mint’s Shelley Singh spoke to critics and analysts, who echo this sentiment. According to many of them apart from the pandemic boom, Wipro has mostly lagged behind its peers. Adding to the challenge is the instability at the leadership level. More than 20 senior executives left under the watch of outgoing CEO Delaporte. This leadership instability is further underscored by the sheer number of CEOs Wipro has had since the year 2000—Pallia marks the eighth. Shelley takes a deep dive into the challenges awaiting Wipro’s new chief, for today’s Long Story. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: Futures flashing signal that market rally may be about to peak Mint Primer | American AI bill: Is it a boon or bane for global innovation? Worst is behind us, says Vistara CEO to employees as airline trims network Just 3% of ED investigations related to people in politics: PM Narendra Modi With Delaporte gone, can legacy hand Srinivas Pallia steer Wipro through the AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian markets ended Thursday on a robust note with the benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex both ending the day in the green. Touching an all time high of 22,775 points, Nifty closed just 22 points below it, up 0.49 per cent from its previous close. Sensex too closed on a higher note, up 0.47 per cent from its previous close. 

Equity trading at record levels, which has been going on for some months now, may soon hit its peak. Fresh data from the National Stock Exchange shows that retail investors as well as high net-worth investors have turned bearish on index futures amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This group of investors became net sellers of more than 16,000 Nifty and Bank Nifty futures contracts, after the NSE index hit a fresh high on Thursday. Mint’s markets correspondent Ram Sahgal reports on the significant shift in sentiment from this group of investors. This comes after 84 days of bullish stance from the group of investors referred to as ‘Client’ by the NSE. Historically, the positioning of clients in index futures has been a reliable indicator of market tops or bottoms. When these positions turn light or negative, it often signals a market peak, while a substantial increase in bets typically indicates a market bottom.

Generative AI - buzzword of the decade - is still a concept people are trying hard to grasp. It is important that people understand what generative artificial intelligence is. But it is even more crucial for lawmakers of the world to have a good understanding of the concept because laws around Gen AI will shape the technology’s future. One such law that could prove to be crucial for AI’s future has been tabled in the US Congress. The proposed “Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, 2024”, introduced by US Congressman Adam Schiff, addresses growing concerns over the fair use of copyrighted materials in the development of AI models. So what does the bill propose to do? This bill mandates that tech firms like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta, which have developed large AI models trained on vast amounts of data, disclose the use of any copyrighted data in their training datasets. So what does the bill mean for innovation in AI? If passed, will it set a precedent? Will AI models be able to train themselves on copyrighted work? Mint’s Shouvik Das tackles these questions in today’s Primer. 

It hasn't been smooth sailing lately for Tata Group’s Vistara. The airline has been seeing some turbulence after it had to ground 30 to 50 flights a day with pilots calling in sick as a protest against an imminent cut in their salaries. The carrier even blamed botched up rostering for the delays and cancellations. Now the airline’s CEO, Vinod Kannan, has addressed the airline's recent operational challenges in a reassuring message to employees. Kannan emphasised that the difficult period marked by flight cancellations and scheduling disruptions is now in the past. The troubles, as Kannan explains, were a mix of things out of their control like air traffic delays, some unexpected bird encounters, and maintenance that just had to be done. These hiccups threw a wrench into their finely tuned schedules and, with pilot rosters already maxed out, it was tough to keep everything running smoothly. Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma reports on the latest development surrounding Vistara’s struggle to keep its flights on time and running smoothly.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, India’s political landscape is buzzing. Leaders of all political parties are out there campaigning, electioneering and asking for people’s support. The election, which is planned to be conducted over seven phases, will kick off in exactly a week’s time. Uttarakhand happens to be one of the key states going to polls in the first phase on April 19. Amidst the ongoing Game of Thrones for 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, its incumbent, the ruling party’s star campaigner for over a decade and the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for an interview with Hindi Hindustan’s editor-in-chief Shashi Shekhar. The prime minister seemed  confident about returning for a third term. He listed out his government’s achievements during the course of the interview, with special focus on Uttarakhand, which is one of the states voting in the first phase. Modi talked about issues ranging from his government’s approach towards corruption to its stance on renewable energy.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the prime minister refuted any claims of an anti-incumbency wave in the country. He said his party has robust on-ground support. 

Last week, Thierry Delaporte stepped down as the CEO of Bengaluru-based IT giant Wipro. To fill in his shoes, Srinivas Pallia was chosen. But Pallia isn't just any new CEO on the block; he's a seasoned Wipro veteran who's weathered the ups and downs of the company for 32 long years. However, as Pallia steps into the limelight, it won't be an easy road ahead for him. He faces a mammoth task of steering the company back to its former glory and reclaiming its spot among India’s top 3 IT companies, a position it lost to HCL in 2022. Wipro's recent years have been anything but smooth, with the company grappling to keep pace with its peers. Mint’s Shelley Singh spoke to critics and analysts, who echo this sentiment. According to many of them apart from the pandemic boom, Wipro has mostly lagged behind its peers. Adding to the challenge is the instability at the leadership level. More than 20 senior executives left under the watch of outgoing CEO Delaporte. This leadership instability is further underscored by the sheer number of CEOs Wipro has had since the year 2000—Pallia marks the eighth. Shelley takes a deep dive into the challenges awaiting Wipro’s new chief, for today’s Long Story.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

Futures flashing signal that market rally may be about to peak

Mint Primer | American AI bill: Is it a boon or bane for global innovation?

Worst is behind us, says Vistara CEO to employees as airline trims network

Just 3% of ED investigations related to people in politics: PM Narendra Modi

With Delaporte gone, can legacy hand Srinivas Pallia steer Wipro through the AI

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 532 no How will Maharashtra's heartland vote in the elections? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-will-maharashtras-heartland-vote-in-the-elections-fln1lF2O Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets edged higher on Wednesday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around half a percent each, with Sensex closing at more than 75,000. The markets will remain shut today on the occasion of Eid. It's unusual for the stock market to be so bullish close to an election. Past election cycles have shown that the public markets deal with plenty of volatility and price corrections, as nervous traders choose to play safe. But market indices show that investors seem awfully calm this time around. They don't expect any large swings in the markets, and trading volumes have been robust, we argue in our special online-only premium segment, Mint SnapView. However, the current calm doesn't mean that it's going to stay this way: May and June might see some volatility, despite the bullish nature of the market at present. You might be playing the long game or short, but do continue reading Mint to understand the underlying sentiments of the markets as the runway to the general elections gets shorter. Much of India's general election coverage is focused on Uttar Pradesh, and perhaps justifiably so: the state has the most number of seats for the Lok Sabha. But with 48 seats, Maharashtra is the next biggest. Voting should be quite interesting here too: voters are spoilt for choice. Apart from the household names, a host of regional political parties — including not one, but two Shiv Senas — are contesting the ballot. Mint's national writer Sayantan Bera visited Wardha and Nagpur, two cities in the heart of Maharashtra, to bring you an on-ground pulse of the region. Sayantan writes about the hot button issues, the mass confusion among turncoat candidates and the parties they represent, and speaks to locals about how they plan on voting, and why.  Life Insurance Corporation, the biggest insurer in India, has a market cap of over 6 trillion rupees. It invests a chunk of this money into other companies, often owning sizable shares of publicly traded companies. Due to its investing power, it often has a unique position among the board members. Anirudh Laskar and Niti Kiran team up to analyse these decisions, which paint an interesting picture: LIC has been an active cap table member in many of its invested companies. In the nine months ending December 2023, LIC had either outright rejected or abstained from nearly 10% of the proposals put forward to it. For more than 40% of the proposals it had rejected, LIC stated governance issues as a reason for its dissent. Most of these decisions were to do with appointment of directors, or their remuneration. The state-owned insurer is turning into a bit of an activist investor, data shows. For a long, long time, VIP was the most prominent branded luggage maker in the Indian market. But then came the Samsons and the Tourists, and VIP couldn't keep up. With margins of only 9 percent, the Piramal family considered selling their business, but decided against it last year. The lack of consistency might also cost them: VIP has seen three managing directors in the last three years. Mint's Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan speak to Neetu Kashiramka on the newest MD's three-year plan to revive the business. Kashiramka remains grounded, and wants to improve margins in her tenure before the owners contemplate a stake sale again. Can VIP shed its excess baggage to be a fitter and slimmer company? Time will tell. For fans of Bollywood, every major festival brought with itself a blockbuster movie release. The three Khans of the industry had divided release dates among themselves: Shah Rukh got Diwali, Salman got Eid, and Aamir got Christmas. But, the last few years have seen this order get jumbled. While this year's Eid is here, Salman isn't: and the film industry isn't happy. The lack of the Salman-Eid combo is likely to mute movie collections over this weekend, writes Mint's media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. She writes that box offices have seen around 30 percent less collection post Covid, as more people fire up OTT platforms and choose to watch movies from the comfort of their homes. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Sensex at 75k: Why the bulls are unusually calm on the eve of an election  Cards, ludo and low wages: Tales from Maharashtra’s hinterland  LIC votes reveal governance fault lines at India Inc.  How VIP is trying to shed its baggage  When bhai goes missing in action, will Eid box office be the same?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How will Maharashtra's heartland vote in the elections? full 541 Mint - HT Smartcast Markets remain bullish ahead of elections, LIC turns activist investor Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets edged higher on Wednesday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around half a percent each, with Sensex closing at more than 75,000. The markets will remain shut today on the occasion of Eid. It's unusual for the stock market to be so bullish close to an election. Past election cycles have shown that the public markets deal with plenty of volatility and price corrections, as nervous traders choose to play safe. But market indices show that investors seem awfully calm this time around. They don't expect any large swings in the markets, and trading volumes have been robust, we argue in our special online-only premium segment, Mint SnapView. However, the current calm doesn't mean that it's going to stay this way: May and June might see some volatility, despite the bullish nature of the market at present. You might be playing the long game or short, but do continue reading Mint to understand the underlying sentiments of the markets as the runway to the general elections gets shorter. Much of India's general election coverage is focused on Uttar Pradesh, and perhaps justifiably so: the state has the most number of seats for the Lok Sabha. But with 48 seats, Maharashtra is the next biggest. Voting should be quite interesting here too: voters are spoilt for choice. Apart from the household names, a host of regional political parties — including not one, but two Shiv Senas — are contesting the ballot. Mint's national writer Sayantan Bera visited Wardha and Nagpur, two cities in the heart of Maharashtra, to bring you an on-ground pulse of the region. Sayantan writes about the hot button issues, the mass confusion among turncoat candidates and the parties they represent, and speaks to locals about how they plan on voting, and why.  Life Insurance Corporation, the biggest insurer in India, has a market cap of over 6 trillion rupees. It invests a chunk of this money into other companies, often owning sizable shares of publicly traded companies. Due to its investing power, it often has a unique position among the board members. Anirudh Laskar and Niti Kiran team up to analyse these decisions, which paint an interesting picture: LIC has been an active cap table member in many of its invested companies. In the nine months ending December 2023, LIC had either outright rejected or abstained from nearly 10% of the proposals put forward to it. For more than 40% of the proposals it had rejected, LIC stated governance issues as a reason for its dissent. Most of these decisions were to do with appointment of directors, or their remuneration. The state-owned insurer is turning into a bit of an activist investor, data shows. For a long, long time, VIP was the most prominent branded luggage maker in the Indian market. But then came the Samsons and the Tourists, and VIP couldn't keep up. With margins of only 9 percent, the Piramal family considered selling their business, but decided against it last year. The lack of consistency might also cost them: VIP has seen three managing directors in the last three years. Mint's Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan speak to Neetu Kashiramka on the newest MD's three-year plan to revive the business. Kashiramka remains grounded, and wants to improve margins in her tenure before the owners contemplate a stake sale again. Can VIP shed its excess baggage to be a fitter and slimmer company? Time will tell. For fans of Bollywood, every major festival brought with itself a blockbuster movie release. The three Khans of the industry had divided release dates among themselves: Shah Rukh got Diwali, Salman got Eid, and Aamir got Christmas. But, the last few years have seen this order get jumbled. While this year's Eid is here, Salman isn't: and the film industry isn't happy. The lack of the Salman-Eid combo is likely to mute movie collections over this weekend, writes Mint's media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. She writes that box offices have seen around 30 percent less collection post Covid, as more people fire up OTT platforms and choose to watch movies from the comfort of their homes. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: Sensex at 75k: Why the bulls are unusually calm on the eve of an election  Cards, ludo and low wages: Tales from Maharashtra’s hinterland  LIC votes reveal governance fault lines at India Inc.  How VIP is trying to shed its baggage  When bhai goes missing in action, will Eid box office be the same?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, April 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian equity markets edged higher on Wednesday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around half a percent each, with Sensex closing at more than 75,000. The markets will remain shut today on the occasion of Eid.

It's unusual for the stock market to be so bullish close to an election. Past election cycles have shown that the public markets deal with plenty of volatility and price corrections, as nervous traders choose to play safe. But market indices show that investors seem awfully calm this time around. They don't expect any large swings in the markets, and trading volumes have been robust, we argue in our special online-only premium segment, Mint SnapView. However, the current calm doesn't mean that it's going to stay this way: May and June might see some volatility, despite the bullish nature of the market at present. You might be playing the long game or short, but do continue reading Mint to understand the underlying sentiments of the markets as the runway to the general elections gets shorter.

Much of India's general election coverage is focused on Uttar Pradesh, and perhaps justifiably so: the state has the most number of seats for the Lok Sabha. But with 48 seats, Maharashtra is the next biggest. Voting should be quite interesting here too: voters are spoilt for choice. Apart from the household names, a host of regional political parties — including not one, but two Shiv Senas — are contesting the ballot. Mint's national writer Sayantan Bera visited Wardha and Nagpur, two cities in the heart of Maharashtra, to bring you an on-ground pulse of the region. Sayantan writes about the hot button issues, the mass confusion among turncoat candidates and the parties they represent, and speaks to locals about how they plan on voting, and why. 

Life Insurance Corporation, the biggest insurer in India, has a market cap of over 6 trillion rupees. It invests a chunk of this money into other companies, often owning sizable shares of publicly traded companies. Due to its investing power, it often has a unique position among the board members. Anirudh Laskar and Niti Kiran team up to analyse these decisions, which paint an interesting picture: LIC has been an active cap table member in many of its invested companies. In the nine months ending December 2023, LIC had either outright rejected or abstained from nearly 10% of the proposals put forward to it. For more than 40% of the proposals it had rejected, LIC stated governance issues as a reason for its dissent. Most of these decisions were to do with appointment of directors, or their remuneration. The state-owned insurer is turning into a bit of an activist investor, data shows.

For a long, long time, VIP was the most prominent branded luggage maker in the Indian market. But then came the Samsons and the Tourists, and VIP couldn't keep up. With margins of only 9 percent, the Piramal family considered selling their business, but decided against it last year. The lack of consistency might also cost them: VIP has seen three managing directors in the last three years. Mint's Dipti Sharma and Ranjani Raghavan speak to Neetu Kashiramka on the newest MD's three-year plan to revive the business. Kashiramka remains grounded, and wants to improve margins in her tenure before the owners contemplate a stake sale again. Can VIP shed its excess baggage to be a fitter and slimmer company? Time will tell.

For fans of Bollywood, every major festival brought with itself a blockbuster movie release. The three Khans of the industry had divided release dates among themselves: Shah Rukh got Diwali, Salman got Eid, and Aamir got Christmas. But, the last few years have seen this order get jumbled. While this year's Eid is here, Salman isn't: and the film industry isn't happy. The lack of the Salman-Eid combo is likely to mute movie collections over this weekend, writes Mint's media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha. She writes that box offices have seen around 30 percent less collection post Covid, as more people fire up OTT platforms and choose to watch movies from the comfort of their homes.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!

Show notes:

Sensex at 75k: Why the bulls are unusually calm on the eve of an election 

Cards, ludo and low wages: Tales from Maharashtra’s hinterland 

LIC votes reveal governance fault lines at India Inc. 

How VIP is trying to shed its baggage 

When bhai goes missing in action, will Eid box office be the same? 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 412 no India Inc’s push for democracy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/india-incs-push-for-democracy-X1IxtdHO Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Having opened at record highs on the back of bolstered expectations of a strong showing by companies during the last quarter of FY24, Indian benchmark indices pared most of their gains to close in the red on Tuesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.8 per cent down from its previous close, while Nifty dipped marginally by 0.1 per cent below its Monday close.  The last fiscal year was full of ups and downs for the Indian markets, but for one section of companies, FY24 proved to be the best one yet. Small and medium enterprises or SMEs took the Indian stock market by storm in the fiscal year ended March. A remarkable 204 SMEs launched their initial public offerings, raising close to 6,000 crore rupees. This marked a massive 167 per cent jump from previous years. Larger companies on the other hand, could only increase their IPO mop-up by a modest 20 per cent. Mint’s market correspondent Mayur Bhalerao writes about the surge which highlights the rising investor confidence in SMEs. Experts Mayur spoke to point at the rising interest for SMEs among high net worth individuals and retail investors .March 2024 alone saw 27 SMEs raise 862 crore rupees, setting a record for the highest number of SME IPOs since September 2023. We are only in the second month of summer and the country is already struggling with severe heat waves. With heat waves comes scarcity of water. While water shortage in metros like Bengaluru makes a lot of noise in the public sphere, what goes under the radar are the depleting sources of water used by farmers. At a time when the government is trying to reign in food inflation, dwindling water reserves across the country are only going to make it worse for a number of crops. Experts are now predicting an increase in the prices of crucial winter crops like gram, paddy, and maize, due to drying up reservoirs. Water levels in India's 150 major reservoirs, as of last week, stood at 35 per cent capacity. This figure, as reported by the Central Water Commission, not only marks a 17 per cent decrease compared to the previous year but also falls 2 per cent below the decade's average. These agricultural hurdles are compounded by above-normal temperatures and diseases, particularly affecting states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Puja Das, who writes on agriculture and climate change for Mint, spoke to experts about the anticipated rise in the price of some key winter crops. Not all is grim though, experts predict that prices of other key winter crops such as wheat and mustard are expected to remain stable.  With over 960 million eligible voters and spanning seven phases over 45 days, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to be the largest democratic event in history. In an unprecedented move, to bolster participation in the elections, India Inc is taking it upon itself to encourage voters. Companies are taking innovative steps to ensure their workforce can exercise their voting rights. Leading the charge, firms like TCS, Amazon, KPMG, and Quess Corp are making it easier for employees to vote, even if it means travelling to their registered constituencies. KPMG India, for instance, is offering special leave to employees needing to travel for voting. Tata Sons is providing a day off for Mumbai-based employees to cast their votes. The IT sector - arguably one with a large number of migrant employees - is not behind in this, with HCL and TCS announcing leave policies around the polling schedule. TCS is even planning to let its employees travel to their constituency for voting. Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta reports on the widespread initiative, covering companies of all sizes and underscoring the commitment of India Inc to democratic participation. Amid rising global crude oil prices, now surpassing 90 dollars per barrel due to fresh geopolitical tensions, India's domestic petrol and diesel prices are a focal point of speculation, especially with the election season upon us. The surge in Brent crude prices, coupled with the Indian crude basket's price increase of over 10% since the year's start, raises questions about potential impacts on India's oil marketing companies. So what’s causing this price hike? The backdrop of these price hikes includes an attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and ongoing conflicts between Israel-Palestine and in Ukraine, which threaten to further disrupt global oil supplies. However, despite these international pressures, it appears unlikely that India will see an adjustment in fuel prices before the election concludes. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the global rise in crude oil prices means for India, in today’s Mint Primer.  In 2017, a peculiar concern was raised in Vistara's boardroom at its Gurugram headquarters. The concern? Discomfort experienced by cabin crew due to their footwear. Such a matter would not typically be discussed at such high levels. This early attention to employee comfort reflected Vistara's commitment to addressing workforce issues earnestly. However, the situation seems to have evolved significantly by 2024. There is a shift in the company's approach to employee concerns, especially as Vistara undergoes a merger with Air India. This merger has introduced a new pay structure, particularly affecting pilots, leading to considerable unrest and reports of flight cancellations due to pilots calling in sick in protest. The merger aims to standardise pay across the combined entity, reducing Vistara pilots' guaranteed monthly hours from 70 to 40, aligning them with Air India's existing structure. This change has caused distress among pilots, some of whom spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondents Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma for today’s Long Story. Mihir and Anu examine how the merger is affecting Vistara’s employees, especially junior pilots who are struggling with reduced salaries and unclear career progression prospects. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: The crowd of small firms in IPO street has never been bigger Shrivelled paddy, wilted gram signal a lousy harvest ahead Paid leave to WFH - India Inc nudges employees to vote Mint Primer | Indian fuel prices: which way are they headed now? At Vistara, some employees are caught in merger turbulence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 India Inc’s push for democracy full 540 Mint - HT Smartcast SMEs storm markets in FY24; Pilots vs Vistara Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Having opened at record highs on the back of bolstered expectations of a strong showing by companies during the last quarter of FY24, Indian benchmark indices pared most of their gains to close in the red on Tuesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.8 per cent down from its previous close, while Nifty dipped marginally by 0.1 per cent below its Monday close.  The last fiscal year was full of ups and downs for the Indian markets, but for one section of companies, FY24 proved to be the best one yet. Small and medium enterprises or SMEs took the Indian stock market by storm in the fiscal year ended March. A remarkable 204 SMEs launched their initial public offerings, raising close to 6,000 crore rupees. This marked a massive 167 per cent jump from previous years. Larger companies on the other hand, could only increase their IPO mop-up by a modest 20 per cent. Mint’s market correspondent Mayur Bhalerao writes about the surge which highlights the rising investor confidence in SMEs. Experts Mayur spoke to point at the rising interest for SMEs among high net worth individuals and retail investors .March 2024 alone saw 27 SMEs raise 862 crore rupees, setting a record for the highest number of SME IPOs since September 2023. We are only in the second month of summer and the country is already struggling with severe heat waves. With heat waves comes scarcity of water. While water shortage in metros like Bengaluru makes a lot of noise in the public sphere, what goes under the radar are the depleting sources of water used by farmers. At a time when the government is trying to reign in food inflation, dwindling water reserves across the country are only going to make it worse for a number of crops. Experts are now predicting an increase in the prices of crucial winter crops like gram, paddy, and maize, due to drying up reservoirs. Water levels in India's 150 major reservoirs, as of last week, stood at 35 per cent capacity. This figure, as reported by the Central Water Commission, not only marks a 17 per cent decrease compared to the previous year but also falls 2 per cent below the decade's average. These agricultural hurdles are compounded by above-normal temperatures and diseases, particularly affecting states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Puja Das, who writes on agriculture and climate change for Mint, spoke to experts about the anticipated rise in the price of some key winter crops. Not all is grim though, experts predict that prices of other key winter crops such as wheat and mustard are expected to remain stable.  With over 960 million eligible voters and spanning seven phases over 45 days, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to be the largest democratic event in history. In an unprecedented move, to bolster participation in the elections, India Inc is taking it upon itself to encourage voters. Companies are taking innovative steps to ensure their workforce can exercise their voting rights. Leading the charge, firms like TCS, Amazon, KPMG, and Quess Corp are making it easier for employees to vote, even if it means travelling to their registered constituencies. KPMG India, for instance, is offering special leave to employees needing to travel for voting. Tata Sons is providing a day off for Mumbai-based employees to cast their votes. The IT sector - arguably one with a large number of migrant employees - is not behind in this, with HCL and TCS announcing leave policies around the polling schedule. TCS is even planning to let its employees travel to their constituency for voting. Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta reports on the widespread initiative, covering companies of all sizes and underscoring the commitment of India Inc to democratic participation. Amid rising global crude oil prices, now surpassing 90 dollars per barrel due to fresh geopolitical tensions, India's domestic petrol and diesel prices are a focal point of speculation, especially with the election season upon us. The surge in Brent crude prices, coupled with the Indian crude basket's price increase of over 10% since the year's start, raises questions about potential impacts on India's oil marketing companies. So what’s causing this price hike? The backdrop of these price hikes includes an attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and ongoing conflicts between Israel-Palestine and in Ukraine, which threaten to further disrupt global oil supplies. However, despite these international pressures, it appears unlikely that India will see an adjustment in fuel prices before the election concludes. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the global rise in crude oil prices means for India, in today’s Mint Primer.  In 2017, a peculiar concern was raised in Vistara's boardroom at its Gurugram headquarters. The concern? Discomfort experienced by cabin crew due to their footwear. Such a matter would not typically be discussed at such high levels. This early attention to employee comfort reflected Vistara's commitment to addressing workforce issues earnestly. However, the situation seems to have evolved significantly by 2024. There is a shift in the company's approach to employee concerns, especially as Vistara undergoes a merger with Air India. This merger has introduced a new pay structure, particularly affecting pilots, leading to considerable unrest and reports of flight cancellations due to pilots calling in sick in protest. The merger aims to standardise pay across the combined entity, reducing Vistara pilots' guaranteed monthly hours from 70 to 40, aligning them with Air India's existing structure. This change has caused distress among pilots, some of whom spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondents Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma for today’s Long Story. Mihir and Anu examine how the merger is affecting Vistara’s employees, especially junior pilots who are struggling with reduced salaries and unclear career progression prospects. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend! Show notes: The crowd of small firms in IPO street has never been bigger Shrivelled paddy, wilted gram signal a lousy harvest ahead Paid leave to WFH - India Inc nudges employees to vote Mint Primer | Indian fuel prices: which way are they headed now? At Vistara, some employees are caught in merger turbulence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 10, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Having opened at record highs on the back of bolstered expectations of a strong showing by companies during the last quarter of FY24, Indian benchmark indices pared most of their gains to close in the red on Tuesday. BSE’s Sensex closed 0.8 per cent down from its previous close, while Nifty dipped marginally by 0.1 per cent below its Monday close. 

The last fiscal year was full of ups and downs for the Indian markets, but for one section of companies, FY24 proved to be the best one yet. Small and medium enterprises or SMEs took the Indian stock market by storm in the fiscal year ended March. A remarkable 204 SMEs launched their initial public offerings, raising close to 6,000 crore rupees. This marked a massive 167 per cent jump from previous years. Larger companies on the other hand, could only increase their IPO mop-up by a modest 20 per cent. Mint’s market correspondent Mayur Bhalerao writes about the surge which highlights the rising investor confidence in SMEs. Experts Mayur spoke to point at the rising interest for SMEs among high net worth individuals and retail investors .March 2024 alone saw 27 SMEs raise 862 crore rupees, setting a record for the highest number of SME IPOs since September 2023.

We are only in the second month of summer and the country is already struggling with severe heat waves. With heat waves comes scarcity of water. While water shortage in metros like Bengaluru makes a lot of noise in the public sphere, what goes under the radar are the depleting sources of water used by farmers. At a time when the government is trying to reign in food inflation, dwindling water reserves across the country are only going to make it worse for a number of crops. Experts are now predicting an increase in the prices of crucial winter crops like gram, paddy, and maize, due to drying up reservoirs. Water levels in India's 150 major reservoirs, as of last week, stood at 35 per cent capacity. This figure, as reported by the Central Water Commission, not only marks a 17 per cent decrease compared to the previous year but also falls 2 per cent below the decade's average. These agricultural hurdles are compounded by above-normal temperatures and diseases, particularly affecting states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Puja Das, who writes on agriculture and climate change for Mint, spoke to experts about the anticipated rise in the price of some key winter crops. Not all is grim though, experts predict that prices of other key winter crops such as wheat and mustard are expected to remain stable. 

With over 960 million eligible voters and spanning seven phases over 45 days, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to be the largest democratic event in history. In an unprecedented move, to bolster participation in the elections, India Inc is taking it upon itself to encourage voters. Companies are taking innovative steps to ensure their workforce can exercise their voting rights. Leading the charge, firms like TCS, Amazon, KPMG, and Quess Corp are making it easier for employees to vote, even if it means travelling to their registered constituencies. KPMG India, for instance, is offering special leave to employees needing to travel for voting. Tata Sons is providing a day off for Mumbai-based employees to cast their votes. The IT sector - arguably one with a large number of migrant employees - is not behind in this, with HCL and TCS announcing leave policies around the polling schedule. TCS is even planning to let its employees travel to their constituency for voting. Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta reports on the widespread initiative, covering companies of all sizes and underscoring the commitment of India Inc to democratic participation.

Amid rising global crude oil prices, now surpassing 90 dollars per barrel due to fresh geopolitical tensions, India's domestic petrol and diesel prices are a focal point of speculation, especially with the election season upon us. The surge in Brent crude prices, coupled with the Indian crude basket's price increase of over 10% since the year's start, raises questions about potential impacts on India's oil marketing companies. So what’s causing this price hike? The backdrop of these price hikes includes an attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and ongoing conflicts between Israel-Palestine and in Ukraine, which threaten to further disrupt global oil supplies. However, despite these international pressures, it appears unlikely that India will see an adjustment in fuel prices before the election concludes. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the global rise in crude oil prices means for India, in today’s Mint Primer. 

In 2017, a peculiar concern was raised in Vistara's boardroom at its Gurugram headquarters. The concern? Discomfort experienced by cabin crew due to their footwear. Such a matter would not typically be discussed at such high levels. This early attention to employee comfort reflected Vistara's commitment to addressing workforce issues earnestly. However, the situation seems to have evolved significantly by 2024. There is a shift in the company's approach to employee concerns, especially as Vistara undergoes a merger with Air India. This merger has introduced a new pay structure, particularly affecting pilots, leading to considerable unrest and reports of flight cancellations due to pilots calling in sick in protest. The merger aims to standardise pay across the combined entity, reducing Vistara pilots' guaranteed monthly hours from 70 to 40, aligning them with Air India's existing structure. This change has caused distress among pilots, some of whom spoke to Mint’s aviation correspondents Mihir Mishra and Anu Sharma for today’s Long Story. Mihir and Anu examine how the merger is affecting Vistara’s employees, especially junior pilots who are struggling with reduced salaries and unclear career progression prospects.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!

Show notes:

The crowd of small firms in IPO street has never been bigger

Shrivelled paddy, wilted gram signal a lousy harvest ahead

Paid leave to WFH - India Inc nudges employees to vote

Mint Primer | Indian fuel prices: which way are they headed now?

At Vistara, some employees are caught in merger turbulence

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 550 no Why Reliance could buy Disney India at a haircut https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-reliance-could-buy-disney-india-at-a-haircut-hkOGEvn5 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets surged on Monday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.6 percent each, hitting fresh record highs. The Bombay Stock Exchange's total market cap crossed the 400 trillion rupee mark for the first time during yesterday's trading session, as global crude oil prices dropped further. Chennai-based Veritas Finance, a private lender to small businesses, , is heading for the public markets soon. Mint's new economy reporters Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah report that Veritas is looking to raise 2,000 crore rupees. It has appointed four entities: Kotak Mahindra, HDFC Securities, ICICI Securities, and Jeffries, to help with the share issue. Last year, the company raised 1,200 crore rupees from a clutch of private equity investors. Veritas specialises in offering loans to small and medium enterprises in semi-urban and rural areas, with an average ticket size of 5 lakh rupees. These days, banks are offering relatively high interest rates even for a simple savings account. It's a simple supply-and-demand equation: they want more money as deposits, so they can offer more loans to applicants. According to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India, 80% of deposits in banks are now being doled out as loans. This number is called the credit-deposit ratio, and is at its highest mark since the RBI started recording this data in 2005. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh analyses this data, which is buoyed by the merger between the blockbuster HDFC merger. Some analysts expect the credit-deposit ratio to remain high, while others think it'll moderate soon, writes Shayan. Speaking of blockbuster mergers, let's talk about the one between Disney and Reliance. In February, Disney agreed to merge its India business with Reliance Industries at a cost of just over 3 billion dollars. This raised some eyebrows in the media and entertainment industry: reports stated that Disney had acquired Star earlier at around four to five times that number just five years ago, in a bid to consolidate its position in India. Mint's consumer bureau editor Gaurav Laghate analysed the transaction document to find the cause for this steep haircut. Gaurav reports that despite it being labelled as a merger, Reliance will essentially take control of the joint venture moving forward. The reports also revealed that Viacom18, Reliance's media arm, is sitting on a cash pile of over 1.9 billion dollars at the moment. That, combined with the lack of potential suitors, meant that Reliance had the upper hand throughout the negotiations. The final step? An approval from the Competition Commission of India, as the new entity will have more than a 40% market share in many media segments. Insiders told Gaurav that they are confident of an approval. Enterprise technology companies like to bundle their offerings. This ensures that they secure more revenue from their clients. A user may want just a single feature, but has to subscribe to the whole package. This process is called bundling – it’s like eating at a buffet. However, you may soon be able to pick the service of your choice, a la carte. After a probe by the European Union, Microsoft unbundled MS Teams from its popular MS Office package. The EU ruled that Microsoft was abusing its market powers by forcing users to pay for the whole bundle that included MS Teams. India has powers to do this too: the India Competition Act of 2002 was supposed to act in the interest of the consumer. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains that while such a move in India would provide more choices — especially for businesses, it will make cross-sharing of data very difficult. While privacy is generally a good thing, this could turn out to be a pain: imagine every single calendar invite needing approvals from multiple apps. If you're not a fan of MS Teams but use Outlook, you might be happy to read this Primer by Shouvik. Losing weight is usually a tough, long process. But drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have changed that. a series of injections, and you shed kilos rapidly. But this magic drug hasn't reached the Indian shores yet: a patent is holding off Indian pharma companies from manufacturing liraglutide, which is the technical name of the drug. But Bloomberg reports that this patent only lasts till November. And India may have a willing  maker already: Biocon, founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has won approval from a regulator in the UK to sell the drug in India. Other companies are likely to bring their weight-loss drugs to the Indian market only in 2026.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Veritas Finance plans ₹2,000 crore IPO Deposit crunch hits banks as key metric nears 20-year high Did Disney really take a big haircut merging its India assets with Reliance? Can breaking up Big Tech really help businesses? Generic weight loss drugs boosted by UK approval for Biocon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:24 -0000 Why Reliance could buy Disney India at a haircut full 539 Mint - HT Smartcast Banks face deposits crunch, weight loss drugs in India soon? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets surged on Monday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.6 percent each, hitting fresh record highs. The Bombay Stock Exchange's total market cap crossed the 400 trillion rupee mark for the first time during yesterday's trading session, as global crude oil prices dropped further. Chennai-based Veritas Finance, a private lender to small businesses, , is heading for the public markets soon. Mint's new economy reporters Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah report that Veritas is looking to raise 2,000 crore rupees. It has appointed four entities: Kotak Mahindra, HDFC Securities, ICICI Securities, and Jeffries, to help with the share issue. Last year, the company raised 1,200 crore rupees from a clutch of private equity investors. Veritas specialises in offering loans to small and medium enterprises in semi-urban and rural areas, with an average ticket size of 5 lakh rupees. These days, banks are offering relatively high interest rates even for a simple savings account. It's a simple supply-and-demand equation: they want more money as deposits, so they can offer more loans to applicants. According to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India, 80% of deposits in banks are now being doled out as loans. This number is called the credit-deposit ratio, and is at its highest mark since the RBI started recording this data in 2005. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh analyses this data, which is buoyed by the merger between the blockbuster HDFC merger. Some analysts expect the credit-deposit ratio to remain high, while others think it'll moderate soon, writes Shayan. Speaking of blockbuster mergers, let's talk about the one between Disney and Reliance. In February, Disney agreed to merge its India business with Reliance Industries at a cost of just over 3 billion dollars. This raised some eyebrows in the media and entertainment industry: reports stated that Disney had acquired Star earlier at around four to five times that number just five years ago, in a bid to consolidate its position in India. Mint's consumer bureau editor Gaurav Laghate analysed the transaction document to find the cause for this steep haircut. Gaurav reports that despite it being labelled as a merger, Reliance will essentially take control of the joint venture moving forward. The reports also revealed that Viacom18, Reliance's media arm, is sitting on a cash pile of over 1.9 billion dollars at the moment. That, combined with the lack of potential suitors, meant that Reliance had the upper hand throughout the negotiations. The final step? An approval from the Competition Commission of India, as the new entity will have more than a 40% market share in many media segments. Insiders told Gaurav that they are confident of an approval. Enterprise technology companies like to bundle their offerings. This ensures that they secure more revenue from their clients. A user may want just a single feature, but has to subscribe to the whole package. This process is called bundling – it’s like eating at a buffet. However, you may soon be able to pick the service of your choice, a la carte. After a probe by the European Union, Microsoft unbundled MS Teams from its popular MS Office package. The EU ruled that Microsoft was abusing its market powers by forcing users to pay for the whole bundle that included MS Teams. India has powers to do this too: the India Competition Act of 2002 was supposed to act in the interest of the consumer. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains that while such a move in India would provide more choices — especially for businesses, it will make cross-sharing of data very difficult. While privacy is generally a good thing, this could turn out to be a pain: imagine every single calendar invite needing approvals from multiple apps. If you're not a fan of MS Teams but use Outlook, you might be happy to read this Primer by Shouvik. Losing weight is usually a tough, long process. But drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have changed that. a series of injections, and you shed kilos rapidly. But this magic drug hasn't reached the Indian shores yet: a patent is holding off Indian pharma companies from manufacturing liraglutide, which is the technical name of the drug. But Bloomberg reports that this patent only lasts till November. And India may have a willing  maker already: Biocon, founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has won approval from a regulator in the UK to sell the drug in India. Other companies are likely to bring their weight-loss drugs to the Indian market only in 2026.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Veritas Finance plans ₹2,000 crore IPO Deposit crunch hits banks as key metric nears 20-year high Did Disney really take a big haircut merging its India assets with Reliance? Can breaking up Big Tech really help businesses? Generic weight loss drugs boosted by UK approval for Biocon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 9, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian equity markets surged on Monday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.6 percent each, hitting fresh record highs. The Bombay Stock Exchange's total market cap crossed the 400 trillion rupee mark for the first time during yesterday's trading session, as global crude oil prices dropped further.

Chennai-based Veritas Finance, a private lender to small businesses, , is heading for the public markets soon. Mint's new economy reporters Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah report that Veritas is looking to raise 2,000 crore rupees. It has appointed four entities: Kotak Mahindra, HDFC Securities, ICICI Securities, and Jeffries, to help with the share issue. Last year, the company raised 1,200 crore rupees from a clutch of private equity investors. Veritas specialises in offering loans to small and medium enterprises in semi-urban and rural areas, with an average ticket size of 5 lakh rupees.

These days, banks are offering relatively high interest rates even for a simple savings account. It's a simple supply-and-demand equation: they want more money as deposits, so they can offer more loans to applicants. According to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India, 80% of deposits in banks are now being doled out as loans. This number is called the credit-deposit ratio, and is at its highest mark since the RBI started recording this data in 2005. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh analyses this data, which is buoyed by the merger between the blockbuster HDFC merger. Some analysts expect the credit-deposit ratio to remain high, while others think it'll moderate soon, writes Shayan.

Speaking of blockbuster mergers, let's talk about the one between Disney and Reliance. In February, Disney agreed to merge its India business with Reliance Industries at a cost of just over 3 billion dollars. This raised some eyebrows in the media and entertainment industry: reports stated that Disney had acquired Star earlier at around four to five times that number just five years ago, in a bid to consolidate its position in India. Mint's consumer bureau editor Gaurav Laghate analysed the transaction document to find the cause for this steep haircut. Gaurav reports that despite it being labelled as a merger, Reliance will essentially take control of the joint venture moving forward. The reports also revealed that Viacom18, Reliance's media arm, is sitting on a cash pile of over 1.9 billion dollars at the moment. That, combined with the lack of potential suitors, meant that Reliance had the upper hand throughout the negotiations. The final step? An approval from the Competition Commission of India, as the new entity will have more than a 40% market share in many media segments. Insiders told Gaurav that they are confident of an approval.

Enterprise technology companies like to bundle their offerings. This ensures that they secure more revenue from their clients. A user may want just a single feature, but has to subscribe to the whole package. This process is called bundling – it’s like eating at a buffet. However, you may soon be able to pick the service of your choice, a la carte. After a probe by the European Union, Microsoft unbundled MS Teams from its popular MS Office package. The EU ruled that Microsoft was abusing its market powers by forcing users to pay for the whole bundle that included MS Teams. India has powers to do this too: the India Competition Act of 2002 was supposed to act in the interest of the consumer. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das explains that while such a move in India would provide more choices — especially for businesses, it will make cross-sharing of data very difficult. While privacy is generally a good thing, this could turn out to be a pain: imagine every single calendar invite needing approvals from multiple apps. If you're not a fan of MS Teams but use Outlook, you might be happy to read this Primer by Shouvik.

Losing weight is usually a tough, long process. But drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have changed that. a series of injections, and you shed kilos rapidly. But this magic drug hasn't reached the Indian shores yet: a patent is holding off Indian pharma companies from manufacturing liraglutide, which is the technical name of the drug. But Bloomberg reports that this patent only lasts till November. And India may have a willing  maker already: Biocon, founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has won approval from a regulator in the UK to sell the drug in India. Other companies are likely to bring their weight-loss drugs to the Indian market only in 2026. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Veritas Finance plans ₹2,000 crore IPO

Deposit crunch hits banks as key metric nears 20-year high

Did Disney really take a big haircut merging its India assets with Reliance?

Can breaking up Big Tech really help businesses?

Generic weight loss drugs boosted by UK approval for Biocon

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]]> 438 no Why Thierry Delaporte resigned as Wipro’s CEO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-thierry-delaporte-resigned-as-wipros-ceo-o7rPOyO1 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Just as India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry prepares for its earnings season, a high level exit has shook the industry. Bengaluru-based Wipro’s CEO and managing director Thierry Delaporte put down his papers late on Saturday. People aware of the matter told Mint’s Varun Sood that the real reason behind the Frenchman’s exit was a phone call from Wipro chairman Rishad Premji. Despite expectations of a stagnant performance for April to October, Delaporte expressed optimism for the latter half of FY25 to company chairman Rishad Premji. However, internal projections remain undisclosed as Wipro, India's fourth-largest IT firm, braces for a potential revenue dip in its upcoming April 19 earnings report. Delaporte was expected to complete his five-year term in July next year. However, to his surprise, the Wipro chairman declined to offer him a second term. On Saturday evening at 7:13 PM, Wipro announced a significant leadership change, appointing Srini Pallia as its new CEO, making him the company's eighth CEO since 2000.  Thierry Delaporte’s departure from Wipro’s C-suite follows a larger trend of expat CEOs finding it difficult to work in Indian IT boardrooms. Beyond the straightforward management of profit and loss, these leaders often grapple with cultural disparities that can significantly impact their effectiveness. Some of the Indian IT firms have ventured to appoint expat CEOs over the past few years. Notable names include Vishal Sikka - a US citizen - at Infosys, Brian Humphries at Cognizant, and Delaporte at Wipro, all of whom eventually parted ways with their respective companies under less than ideal circumstances. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at the reasons behind the quick exits and temporary tenures of expat CEOs in Indian IT companies. Shelley writes that the primary issue lies in cultural integration. Expat CEOs often find it challenging to bridge the gap between Indian employees and a diverse client base, leading to a disconnect that adversely affects business operations.  Last month Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with information and technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the first national creators awards. Winners included popular YouTubers, Instagram influencers and other social media celebrities. The move came right before elections, underscoring the government’s attempt to woo young voters between the age of 18 and 29 - the generation of ‘digital natives’, which will have a significant role to play in the upcoming elections. Turns out the ruling party isn't the only one trying to cash in on the popularity of internet influencers. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, parties are aggressively adopting digital strategies to captivate the young, tech-savvy electorate. They are embracing artificial intelligence, podcasts, social media influencers, and even virtual reality. This election marks a significant departure from traditional campaigning methods, aiming to resonate with young Millennial and GenZ voters. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several industry insiders who shed light on the shift in how political parties are electioneering. While billboards and outdoor advertising remain in play, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities, the digital realm is where the battle for attention is most intense. According to Rajni Daswani of SoCheers, digital advertising is saturating tier-I cities, with political leaders engaging with key influencers. Meanwhile, traditional media maintains its grip on smaller cities, tailored to local narratives. The use of AI stands out, with innovative applications like AI-generated speeches of late leaders to appeal to voters, and translation services breaking language barriers to reach a broader audience. In September 2019, Sunil D’Souza, then managing director of Whirlpool India, was approached by Egon Zehnder for the CEO position at Tata Global Beverages, the beverage division of the Tata Group. Despite initial hesitations due to the conglomerate's scattered FMCG presence, a vision laid out by Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, convinced him to take on the challenge of streamlining and expanding the group's consumer goods sector. In December 2019, D’Souza was appointed managing director and CEO, transitioning the company into Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) by February 2020. Under his leadership, TCPL has seen significant growth, with revenue climbing to 13,783 crores rupees in 2022-23, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, and profits soaring by 30 per cent to 1,320 crore rupees. The company's share price has also seen a remarkable surge, increasing by over three and a half times since December 2019. D’Souza's strategic moves have diversified TCPL's portfolio beyond beverages to include a variety of food products and household staples, challenging competitors across the FMCG sector. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon tells the story of how D’Souza took the Tata group company to new heights and what his plans are for the future. Did you know India was one of the first developing countries in the world to introduce  the concept of a minimum wage? India introduced minimum wages  in 1948, soon after gaining independence. Now, the country is on the cusp of transitioning from a minimum wage system to a living wage model. Aiming to ensure that workers and their families can afford a basic yet dignified standard of living, the government is planning to introduce living wages by 2025. But what are living wages? How will they benefit workers and what are the challenges that the government could face? Tina Edwin, Mint’s contributing editor, explains. A living wage, for one, exceeds the minimum wage by encompassing the cost of a decent standard of living, including food, housing, education, healthcare, and other essentials. It's calculated based on the economic situation of a specific region, reflecting the actual needs of a worker's household. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of minimum wages, living wages consider the varying cost of living across different states and even districts, arguably making it a more equitable standard of remuneration.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. A phone call, a discussion, and a firing: Behind Delaporte's Wipro exit Expat exits: Why foreign-born CEOs don’t last the distance in Indian IT firms When voters turn tech-savvy, can political parties be far behind Beyond tea and salt: How Sunil D’Souza plans to spice up Tata’s FMCG pie Mint Explainer: How workers will benefit from living wages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why Thierry Delaporte resigned as Wipro’s CEO full 538 Mint - HT Smartcast Electioneering riding high on tech; What are living wages? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Just as India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry prepares for its earnings season, a high level exit has shook the industry. Bengaluru-based Wipro’s CEO and managing director Thierry Delaporte put down his papers late on Saturday. People aware of the matter told Mint’s Varun Sood that the real reason behind the Frenchman’s exit was a phone call from Wipro chairman Rishad Premji. Despite expectations of a stagnant performance for April to October, Delaporte expressed optimism for the latter half of FY25 to company chairman Rishad Premji. However, internal projections remain undisclosed as Wipro, India's fourth-largest IT firm, braces for a potential revenue dip in its upcoming April 19 earnings report. Delaporte was expected to complete his five-year term in July next year. However, to his surprise, the Wipro chairman declined to offer him a second term. On Saturday evening at 7:13 PM, Wipro announced a significant leadership change, appointing Srini Pallia as its new CEO, making him the company's eighth CEO since 2000.  Thierry Delaporte’s departure from Wipro’s C-suite follows a larger trend of expat CEOs finding it difficult to work in Indian IT boardrooms. Beyond the straightforward management of profit and loss, these leaders often grapple with cultural disparities that can significantly impact their effectiveness. Some of the Indian IT firms have ventured to appoint expat CEOs over the past few years. Notable names include Vishal Sikka - a US citizen - at Infosys, Brian Humphries at Cognizant, and Delaporte at Wipro, all of whom eventually parted ways with their respective companies under less than ideal circumstances. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at the reasons behind the quick exits and temporary tenures of expat CEOs in Indian IT companies. Shelley writes that the primary issue lies in cultural integration. Expat CEOs often find it challenging to bridge the gap between Indian employees and a diverse client base, leading to a disconnect that adversely affects business operations.  Last month Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with information and technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the first national creators awards. Winners included popular YouTubers, Instagram influencers and other social media celebrities. The move came right before elections, underscoring the government’s attempt to woo young voters between the age of 18 and 29 - the generation of ‘digital natives’, which will have a significant role to play in the upcoming elections. Turns out the ruling party isn't the only one trying to cash in on the popularity of internet influencers. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, parties are aggressively adopting digital strategies to captivate the young, tech-savvy electorate. They are embracing artificial intelligence, podcasts, social media influencers, and even virtual reality. This election marks a significant departure from traditional campaigning methods, aiming to resonate with young Millennial and GenZ voters. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several industry insiders who shed light on the shift in how political parties are electioneering. While billboards and outdoor advertising remain in play, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities, the digital realm is where the battle for attention is most intense. According to Rajni Daswani of SoCheers, digital advertising is saturating tier-I cities, with political leaders engaging with key influencers. Meanwhile, traditional media maintains its grip on smaller cities, tailored to local narratives. The use of AI stands out, with innovative applications like AI-generated speeches of late leaders to appeal to voters, and translation services breaking language barriers to reach a broader audience. In September 2019, Sunil D’Souza, then managing director of Whirlpool India, was approached by Egon Zehnder for the CEO position at Tata Global Beverages, the beverage division of the Tata Group. Despite initial hesitations due to the conglomerate's scattered FMCG presence, a vision laid out by Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, convinced him to take on the challenge of streamlining and expanding the group's consumer goods sector. In December 2019, D’Souza was appointed managing director and CEO, transitioning the company into Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) by February 2020. Under his leadership, TCPL has seen significant growth, with revenue climbing to 13,783 crores rupees in 2022-23, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, and profits soaring by 30 per cent to 1,320 crore rupees. The company's share price has also seen a remarkable surge, increasing by over three and a half times since December 2019. D’Souza's strategic moves have diversified TCPL's portfolio beyond beverages to include a variety of food products and household staples, challenging competitors across the FMCG sector. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon tells the story of how D’Souza took the Tata group company to new heights and what his plans are for the future. Did you know India was one of the first developing countries in the world to introduce  the concept of a minimum wage? India introduced minimum wages  in 1948, soon after gaining independence. Now, the country is on the cusp of transitioning from a minimum wage system to a living wage model. Aiming to ensure that workers and their families can afford a basic yet dignified standard of living, the government is planning to introduce living wages by 2025. But what are living wages? How will they benefit workers and what are the challenges that the government could face? Tina Edwin, Mint’s contributing editor, explains. A living wage, for one, exceeds the minimum wage by encompassing the cost of a decent standard of living, including food, housing, education, healthcare, and other essentials. It's calculated based on the economic situation of a specific region, reflecting the actual needs of a worker's household. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of minimum wages, living wages consider the varying cost of living across different states and even districts, arguably making it a more equitable standard of remuneration.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. A phone call, a discussion, and a firing: Behind Delaporte's Wipro exit Expat exits: Why foreign-born CEOs don’t last the distance in Indian IT firms When voters turn tech-savvy, can political parties be far behind Beyond tea and salt: How Sunil D’Souza plans to spice up Tata’s FMCG pie Mint Explainer: How workers will benefit from living wages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 8, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Just as India’s 245 billion dollar IT industry prepares for its earnings season, a high level exit has shook the industry. Bengaluru-based Wipro’s CEO and managing director Thierry Delaporte put down his papers late on Saturday. People aware of the matter told Mint’s Varun Sood that the real reason behind the Frenchman’s exit was a phone call from Wipro chairman Rishad Premji. Despite expectations of a stagnant performance for April to October, Delaporte expressed optimism for the latter half of FY25 to company chairman Rishad Premji. However, internal projections remain undisclosed as Wipro, India's fourth-largest IT firm, braces for a potential revenue dip in its upcoming April 19 earnings report. Delaporte was expected to complete his five-year term in July next year. However, to his surprise, the Wipro chairman declined to offer him a second term. On Saturday evening at 7:13 PM, Wipro announced a significant leadership change, appointing Srini Pallia as its new CEO, making him the company's eighth CEO since 2000. 

Thierry Delaporte’s departure from Wipro’s C-suite follows a larger trend of expat CEOs finding it difficult to work in Indian IT boardrooms. Beyond the straightforward management of profit and loss, these leaders often grapple with cultural disparities that can significantly impact their effectiveness. Some of the Indian IT firms have ventured to appoint expat CEOs over the past few years. Notable names include Vishal Sikka - a US citizen - at Infosys, Brian Humphries at Cognizant, and Delaporte at Wipro, all of whom eventually parted ways with their respective companies under less than ideal circumstances. Mint’s Shelley Singh takes a look at the reasons behind the quick exits and temporary tenures of expat CEOs in Indian IT companies. Shelley writes that the primary issue lies in cultural integration. Expat CEOs often find it challenging to bridge the gap between Indian employees and a diverse client base, leading to a disconnect that adversely affects business operations. 

Last month Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with information and technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the first national creators awards. Winners included popular YouTubers, Instagram influencers and other social media celebrities. The move came right before elections, underscoring the government’s attempt to woo young voters between the age of 18 and 29 - the generation of ‘digital natives’, which will have a significant role to play in the upcoming elections. Turns out the ruling party isn't the only one trying to cash in on the popularity of internet influencers. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, parties are aggressively adopting digital strategies to captivate the young, tech-savvy electorate. They are embracing artificial intelligence, podcasts, social media influencers, and even virtual reality. This election marks a significant departure from traditional campaigning methods, aiming to resonate with young Millennial and GenZ voters. Mint’s media correspondent Lata Jha spoke to several industry insiders who shed light on the shift in how political parties are electioneering. While billboards and outdoor advertising remain in play, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities, the digital realm is where the battle for attention is most intense. According to Rajni Daswani of SoCheers, digital advertising is saturating tier-I cities, with political leaders engaging with key influencers. Meanwhile, traditional media maintains its grip on smaller cities, tailored to local narratives. The use of AI stands out, with innovative applications like AI-generated speeches of late leaders to appeal to voters, and translation services breaking language barriers to reach a broader audience.

In September 2019, Sunil D’Souza, then managing director of Whirlpool India, was approached by Egon Zehnder for the CEO position at Tata Global Beverages, the beverage division of the Tata Group. Despite initial hesitations due to the conglomerate's scattered FMCG presence, a vision laid out by Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, convinced him to take on the challenge of streamlining and expanding the group's consumer goods sector. In December 2019, D’Souza was appointed managing director and CEO, transitioning the company into Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) by February 2020. Under his leadership, TCPL has seen significant growth, with revenue climbing to 13,783 crores rupees in 2022-23, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, and profits soaring by 30 per cent to 1,320 crore rupees. The company's share price has also seen a remarkable surge, increasing by over three and a half times since December 2019. D’Souza's strategic moves have diversified TCPL's portfolio beyond beverages to include a variety of food products and household staples, challenging competitors across the FMCG sector. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon tells the story of how D’Souza took the Tata group company to new heights and what his plans are for the future.

Did you know India was one of the first developing countries in the world to introduce  the concept of a minimum wage? India introduced minimum wages  in 1948, soon after gaining independence. Now, the country is on the cusp of transitioning from a minimum wage system to a living wage model. Aiming to ensure that workers and their families can afford a basic yet dignified standard of living, the government is planning to introduce living wages by 2025. But what are living wages? How will they benefit workers and what are the challenges that the government could face? Tina Edwin, Mint’s contributing editor, explains. A living wage, for one, exceeds the minimum wage by encompassing the cost of a decent standard of living, including food, housing, education, healthcare, and other essentials. It's calculated based on the economic situation of a specific region, reflecting the actual needs of a worker's household. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of minimum wages, living wages consider the varying cost of living across different states and even districts, arguably making it a more equitable standard of remuneration.

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

A phone call, a discussion, and a firing: Behind Delaporte's Wipro exit

Expat exits: Why foreign-born CEOs don’t last the distance in Indian IT firms

When voters turn tech-savvy, can political parties be far behind

Beyond tea and salt: How Sunil D’Souza plans to spice up Tata’s FMCG pie

Mint Explainer: How workers will benefit from living wages

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 547 no Southern Indian states want more revenue from Centre https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/southern-indian-states-want-more-revenue-from-centre-PBt7gKDl Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets surged on Thursday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.4 percent each.  IT companies had a tepid financial year. A lukewarm ending in the fourth and final quarter has resulted in decline in revenue and mediocre profit margins. Mint's tech writer Shovik Das and IT correspondent Jas Bardia took a deep dive into the results of six of India's top IT companies: TCL, HCL, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree. Analyst estimates and projections don't paint a pretty picture, as the financials are likely to remain flat or go down in some instances. Recovery is also likely to be slow, Shouvik and Jas write. While we won't know this for sure till these companies release their quarterly and annual reports, the expectations are low from India's IT sector. https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11712234575918 The central government decides how much money every state will receive — a process called financial devolution. Well, the states in southern India aren't happy with their share. That’s because Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu receive far less from the divisible pool of taxes than UP or Bihar. In the last couple few months, leaders from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have publicly protested against this new fissure that’s emerged in India’s federal  structure. It has also become the biggest campaigning point for regional parties, as the general elections draw closer. Mint's longform writer N. Madhavan examines if constitutional federalism is alive in 2024,  and speaks to bureaucrats and economists to offer a possible solution for this conundrum.  https://www.livemint.com/politics/tax-divide-why-are-southern-states-upset-11712235311609.html Land and property taxes are a huge revenue stream for most states. In 2023, a boom in the sale of houses also led to widespread buying of land. Top developers are buying land at record prices after being bankrolled by the public markets and healthy cash flow. An acre of land now costs around 16.5 crore rupees on average in India, reports Mint's Madhurima Nandy. Growing demand for homes will ultimately result in national and regional builders buying up more land, Madhurima explains. If you've taken a Vistara flight this week you may have achieved a rare feat. Vistara flights have been getting cancelled en masse: every day, at least 50 of them have been cancelled due to unavailability of pilots. These pilots have been calling in sick as a form of protest against the Air India-Vistara merger. Under the transition, Vistara pilots will get a fixed salary only for 40 hours of flying a month, instead of the 70 hours they had earlier. Two major pilot unions, including one that only has pilots from Air India, wrote to the Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran about the merger, as well as other systemic issues. These pilots want further conversations to smoothen their deal with the airline, reports Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma. With fewer Vistaras flying in the air, any further delay in returning to full scale operations might shoot up ticket prices for consumers. Hiring can be a delicate and complex process, especially for organisations that are driven by strong work culture. But for senior level hiring across corporate India, it's more difficult than ever. Companies and candidates are now taking longer to make a decision — turning any hire into a 6-month process or longer. Until last year, this process usually took up to 3 months on average. Devina Sengupta, Mint's HR and workplaces reporter, speaks to executive search firms to find that there’s friction on both sides of the equation . Moreover, companies aren't doling out huge raises for potential hires to jump ship, and are taking a longer time to vet their candidates. With both sides in a standoff, this process is now longer than ever, headhunters told Devina. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!   Show notes: The one bright star in a bleak year for IT  Tax divide: Why are southern states upset?  Land ahoy: Will the buying craze continue in FY25?  Air India pilots write to Tata chairman, say Vistara crisis ‘systemic’ Wary firms, candidates on fence slow top-level hiring  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:16:31 -0000 Southern Indian states want more revenue from Centre full 537 Mint - HT Smartcast IT sector's tepid FY24, Vistara remains largely grounded Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets surged on Thursday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.4 percent each.  IT companies had a tepid financial year. A lukewarm ending in the fourth and final quarter has resulted in decline in revenue and mediocre profit margins. Mint's tech writer Shovik Das and IT correspondent Jas Bardia took a deep dive into the results of six of India's top IT companies: TCL, HCL, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree. Analyst estimates and projections don't paint a pretty picture, as the financials are likely to remain flat or go down in some instances. Recovery is also likely to be slow, Shouvik and Jas write. While we won't know this for sure till these companies release their quarterly and annual reports, the expectations are low from India's IT sector. https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11712234575918 The central government decides how much money every state will receive — a process called financial devolution. Well, the states in southern India aren't happy with their share. That’s because Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu receive far less from the divisible pool of taxes than UP or Bihar. In the last couple few months, leaders from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have publicly protested against this new fissure that’s emerged in India’s federal  structure. It has also become the biggest campaigning point for regional parties, as the general elections draw closer. Mint's longform writer N. Madhavan examines if constitutional federalism is alive in 2024,  and speaks to bureaucrats and economists to offer a possible solution for this conundrum.  https://www.livemint.com/politics/tax-divide-why-are-southern-states-upset-11712235311609.html Land and property taxes are a huge revenue stream for most states. In 2023, a boom in the sale of houses also led to widespread buying of land. Top developers are buying land at record prices after being bankrolled by the public markets and healthy cash flow. An acre of land now costs around 16.5 crore rupees on average in India, reports Mint's Madhurima Nandy. Growing demand for homes will ultimately result in national and regional builders buying up more land, Madhurima explains. If you've taken a Vistara flight this week you may have achieved a rare feat. Vistara flights have been getting cancelled en masse: every day, at least 50 of them have been cancelled due to unavailability of pilots. These pilots have been calling in sick as a form of protest against the Air India-Vistara merger. Under the transition, Vistara pilots will get a fixed salary only for 40 hours of flying a month, instead of the 70 hours they had earlier. Two major pilot unions, including one that only has pilots from Air India, wrote to the Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran about the merger, as well as other systemic issues. These pilots want further conversations to smoothen their deal with the airline, reports Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma. With fewer Vistaras flying in the air, any further delay in returning to full scale operations might shoot up ticket prices for consumers. Hiring can be a delicate and complex process, especially for organisations that are driven by strong work culture. But for senior level hiring across corporate India, it's more difficult than ever. Companies and candidates are now taking longer to make a decision — turning any hire into a 6-month process or longer. Until last year, this process usually took up to 3 months on average. Devina Sengupta, Mint's HR and workplaces reporter, speaks to executive search firms to find that there’s friction on both sides of the equation . Moreover, companies aren't doling out huge raises for potential hires to jump ship, and are taking a longer time to vet their candidates. With both sides in a standoff, this process is now longer than ever, headhunters told Devina. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!   Show notes: The one bright star in a bleak year for IT  Tax divide: Why are southern states upset?  Land ahoy: Will the buying craze continue in FY25?  Air India pilots write to Tata chairman, say Vistara crisis ‘systemic’ Wary firms, candidates on fence slow top-level hiring  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, April 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian equity markets surged on Thursday. Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.4 percent each. 

IT companies had a tepid financial year. A lukewarm ending in the fourth and final quarter has resulted in decline in revenue and mediocre profit margins. Mint's tech writer Shovik Das and IT correspondent Jas Bardia took a deep dive into the results of six of India's top IT companies: TCL, HCL, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTI Mindtree. Analyst estimates and projections don't paint a pretty picture, as the financials are likely to remain flat or go down in some instances. Recovery is also likely to be slow, Shouvik and Jas write. While we won't know this for sure till these companies release their quarterly and annual reports, the expectations are low from India's IT sector.

https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11712234575918

The central government decides how much money every state will receive — a process called financial devolution. Well, the states in southern India aren't happy with their share. That’s because Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu receive far less from the divisible pool of taxes than UP or Bihar. In the last couple few months, leaders from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have publicly protested against this new fissure that’s emerged in India’s federal  structure. It has also become the biggest campaigning point for regional parties, as the general elections draw closer. Mint's longform writer N. Madhavan examines if constitutional federalism is alive in 2024,  and speaks to bureaucrats and economists to offer a possible solution for this conundrum. 

https://www.livemint.com/politics/tax-divide-why-are-southern-states-upset-11712235311609.html

Land and property taxes are a huge revenue stream for most states. In 2023, a boom in the sale of houses also led to widespread buying of land. Top developers are buying land at record prices after being bankrolled by the public markets and healthy cash flow. An acre of land now costs around 16.5 crore rupees on average in India, reports Mint's Madhurima Nandy. Growing demand for homes will ultimately result in national and regional builders buying up more land, Madhurima explains.

If you've taken a Vistara flight this week you may have achieved a rare feat. Vistara flights have been getting cancelled en masse: every day, at least 50 of them have been cancelled due to unavailability of pilots. These pilots have been calling in sick as a form of protest against the Air India-Vistara merger. Under the transition, Vistara pilots will get a fixed salary only for 40 hours of flying a month, instead of the 70 hours they had earlier. Two major pilot unions, including one that only has pilots from Air India, wrote to the Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran about the merger, as well as other systemic issues. These pilots want further conversations to smoothen their deal with the airline, reports Mint’s aviation correspondent Anu Sharma. With fewer Vistaras flying in the air, any further delay in returning to full scale operations might shoot up ticket prices for consumers.

Hiring can be a delicate and complex process, especially for organisations that are driven by strong work culture. But for senior level hiring across corporate India, it's more difficult than ever. Companies and candidates are now taking longer to make a decision — turning any hire into a 6-month process or longer. Until last year, this process usually took up to 3 months on average. Devina Sengupta, Mint's HR and workplaces reporter, speaks to executive search firms to find that there’s friction on both sides of the equation . Moreover, companies aren't doling out huge raises for potential hires to jump ship, and are taking a longer time to vet their candidates. With both sides in a standoff, this process is now longer than ever, headhunters told Devina.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice weekend!

 

Show notes:

The one bright star in a bleak year for IT 

Tax divide: Why are southern states upset? 

Land ahoy: Will the buying craze continue in FY25? 

Air India pilots write to Tata chairman, say Vistara crisis ‘systemic’

Wary firms, candidates on fence slow top-level hiring 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 389 no Why IPL is in a whole different league https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-ipl-is-in-a-whole-different-league-84OuQ6_f Indian markets largely remained flat on Wednesday. For a second consecutive day, benchmark indices closed in the red with both Nifty and Sensex ending the day less than 0.1 per cent below their previous close.  In 2020 the central government production linked incentive or PLI scheme. Hailed by the commerce ministry, with an outlay of almost 2 trillion rupees, the scheme aimed at supporting manufacturing growth in 14 different sectors spanning industries such as electronics, pharma and textile among others. The government is now set to tweak the flagship scheme by periodically reviewing its performance across different sectors and making necessary adjustments. This move aims to revitalise sectors lagging in progress and potentially eliminate the scheme in areas lacking investor interest and advancement. While the scheme has seen varying degrees of success across sectors, with electronics and pharmaceuticals among the beneficiaries, others like IT hardware and textiles have shown slower progress. Mint’s senior assistant editor Rhik Kundu reports on the government's proactive approach, which includes restructuring the scheme for underperforming sectors, enhancing efficiency, and positioning Indian manufacturers on the global stage.   Moody’s, Fitch, Standards and Poor. If you follow business or economy news you have probably heard these names a lot. These are sovereign debt rating agencies which rate countries based on their creditworthiness. These rating agencies grade countries based on several factors such as economic conditions, political climate and their ability to pay back a loan. The grade stretch from AAA for a country with a good credit score to D for countries that are unlikely to pay back the loan. Now an Indian player is set to jump into the sovereign debt rating game. Care Ratings Ltd, is set to debut in sovereign debt ratings, beginning with Asia and Africa and eventually targeting Europe. To facilitate this expansion, the company is establishing CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd in GIFT City, focusing initially on countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and South Africa where it has a footprint. Speaking to Mint’s senior editors Shayan Ghosh and Satish John, Mehul Pandya, the managing director and CEO of CareEdge, talked about the strategic move towards rating foreign currency denominated debt through the GIFT City subsidiary.   March saw a surge in the sales of electric two wheelers across the country. More than 1.3 lakh electric scooters and bikes were sold in March. The reason? Consumers rushed to capitalise on the soon-to-be-reduced government subsidies, which were cut by more than half. But it is not all rosy for the electric two wheeler makers, in fact if the numbers tell a completely different story. FY24 recorded the slowest EV adoption rate since FY21, primarily affected by a significant subsidy reduction last June. This reduction slashed the subsidy from covering 40% of the ex-factory price to just 15%. This marked a stark contrast to the almost six-fold rise in e-scooter sales witnessed in FY21 after the FAME-2 subsidy was tweaked. Mint’s autos correspondents Alisha Sachdev and Manjul Paul report on the dwindling numbers of e-scooter sales which follows a slash in government subsidies. It was 24 September 2007, a regular Monday for the rest of the world. But that day in South Africa’s Johannesburg, something happened that would change India’s sporting landscape forever. When Pakistan’s Misbah ul Haq scooped Indian pacer Joginder Sharma’s delivery towards short fine leg, he was caught by Sreeshanth. With that catch, India did not only beat Pakistan at the finals of the T20 world cup, but also started a domino effect that would bring forth one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. After India beat its arch rival and won the world cup, this new format became all the rage. Capitalising on better watchability of this three-hour long format of the gentleman’s game, BCCI launched its very own Cricket league - the Indian Premier League. Cricket hasn't looked back since then in India. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has emerged as a financial powerhouse, significantly influencing the sports sponsorship, endorsement, and advertising landscape in India. A report by GroupM highlights that investments in these areas have escalated from 2,423 crore rupees to 15,766 crore rupees in 2023. IPL commanded an astonishing 87% share of last year's total spend. This dominance is underscored by a Brand Finance report showing the IPL's brand valuation surged by 433% in 2023, crossing the 10 billion dollar milestone. The IPL's unparalleled popularity and financial success, driven by a massive 430 million TV audience, contrast sharply with other sports leagues. Despite their efforts, these leagues struggle to match the IPL's appeal, with even the Pro Kabaddi League, the second most popular, reaching only 226 million viewers. The disparity in financial and viewer support highlights the challenging landscape for other sports leagues attempting to emulate the IPL's success model. Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla takes a deep dive into the modalities of the financial juggernaut that is the Indian Premier League.  Vistara is grappling with a series of flight cancellations and delays. According to the airline, inadequate crew rostering is to blame. Now, the carrier is looking to curtail its network for the month of May, people close to the development told Mint’s Shrrejay Sinha. CEO Vinod Kannan addressed the issue with pilots after widespread disruptions led to passenger inconvenience. The airline's inability to manage pilot schedules, especially in March, resulted in operational chaos due to a significant rise in unplanned sick leaves. Vistara, merging with Air India under the Tata Group, is transitioning to a uniform pay structure, affecting pilots' salaries and potentially contributing to the disruptions.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:  Sunset looms for PLIs with fading interest How a domestic rating agency wants to take on the big guns Slashed subsidies to cause e-two-wheeler sales to ebb In a different league: How the IPL dwarfs other sports Vistara blames rostering for flight disruptions, warns of curtailed ops till May   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why IPL is in a whole different league full 536 Mint - HT Smartcast Govt to tweak PLI schemes; EV sales at 5-year low Indian markets largely remained flat on Wednesday. For a second consecutive day, benchmark indices closed in the red with both Nifty and Sensex ending the day less than 0.1 per cent below their previous close.  In 2020 the central government production linked incentive or PLI scheme. Hailed by the commerce ministry, with an outlay of almost 2 trillion rupees, the scheme aimed at supporting manufacturing growth in 14 different sectors spanning industries such as electronics, pharma and textile among others. The government is now set to tweak the flagship scheme by periodically reviewing its performance across different sectors and making necessary adjustments. This move aims to revitalise sectors lagging in progress and potentially eliminate the scheme in areas lacking investor interest and advancement. While the scheme has seen varying degrees of success across sectors, with electronics and pharmaceuticals among the beneficiaries, others like IT hardware and textiles have shown slower progress. Mint’s senior assistant editor Rhik Kundu reports on the government's proactive approach, which includes restructuring the scheme for underperforming sectors, enhancing efficiency, and positioning Indian manufacturers on the global stage.   Moody’s, Fitch, Standards and Poor. If you follow business or economy news you have probably heard these names a lot. These are sovereign debt rating agencies which rate countries based on their creditworthiness. These rating agencies grade countries based on several factors such as economic conditions, political climate and their ability to pay back a loan. The grade stretch from AAA for a country with a good credit score to D for countries that are unlikely to pay back the loan. Now an Indian player is set to jump into the sovereign debt rating game. Care Ratings Ltd, is set to debut in sovereign debt ratings, beginning with Asia and Africa and eventually targeting Europe. To facilitate this expansion, the company is establishing CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd in GIFT City, focusing initially on countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and South Africa where it has a footprint. Speaking to Mint’s senior editors Shayan Ghosh and Satish John, Mehul Pandya, the managing director and CEO of CareEdge, talked about the strategic move towards rating foreign currency denominated debt through the GIFT City subsidiary.   March saw a surge in the sales of electric two wheelers across the country. More than 1.3 lakh electric scooters and bikes were sold in March. The reason? Consumers rushed to capitalise on the soon-to-be-reduced government subsidies, which were cut by more than half. But it is not all rosy for the electric two wheeler makers, in fact if the numbers tell a completely different story. FY24 recorded the slowest EV adoption rate since FY21, primarily affected by a significant subsidy reduction last June. This reduction slashed the subsidy from covering 40% of the ex-factory price to just 15%. This marked a stark contrast to the almost six-fold rise in e-scooter sales witnessed in FY21 after the FAME-2 subsidy was tweaked. Mint’s autos correspondents Alisha Sachdev and Manjul Paul report on the dwindling numbers of e-scooter sales which follows a slash in government subsidies. It was 24 September 2007, a regular Monday for the rest of the world. But that day in South Africa’s Johannesburg, something happened that would change India’s sporting landscape forever. When Pakistan’s Misbah ul Haq scooped Indian pacer Joginder Sharma’s delivery towards short fine leg, he was caught by Sreeshanth. With that catch, India did not only beat Pakistan at the finals of the T20 world cup, but also started a domino effect that would bring forth one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. After India beat its arch rival and won the world cup, this new format became all the rage. Capitalising on better watchability of this three-hour long format of the gentleman’s game, BCCI launched its very own Cricket league - the Indian Premier League. Cricket hasn't looked back since then in India. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has emerged as a financial powerhouse, significantly influencing the sports sponsorship, endorsement, and advertising landscape in India. A report by GroupM highlights that investments in these areas have escalated from 2,423 crore rupees to 15,766 crore rupees in 2023. IPL commanded an astonishing 87% share of last year's total spend. This dominance is underscored by a Brand Finance report showing the IPL's brand valuation surged by 433% in 2023, crossing the 10 billion dollar milestone. The IPL's unparalleled popularity and financial success, driven by a massive 430 million TV audience, contrast sharply with other sports leagues. Despite their efforts, these leagues struggle to match the IPL's appeal, with even the Pro Kabaddi League, the second most popular, reaching only 226 million viewers. The disparity in financial and viewer support highlights the challenging landscape for other sports leagues attempting to emulate the IPL's success model. Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla takes a deep dive into the modalities of the financial juggernaut that is the Indian Premier League.  Vistara is grappling with a series of flight cancellations and delays. According to the airline, inadequate crew rostering is to blame. Now, the carrier is looking to curtail its network for the month of May, people close to the development told Mint’s Shrrejay Sinha. CEO Vinod Kannan addressed the issue with pilots after widespread disruptions led to passenger inconvenience. The airline's inability to manage pilot schedules, especially in March, resulted in operational chaos due to a significant rise in unplanned sick leaves. Vistara, merging with Air India under the Tata Group, is transitioning to a uniform pay structure, affecting pilots' salaries and potentially contributing to the disruptions.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes:  Sunset looms for PLIs with fading interest How a domestic rating agency wants to take on the big guns Slashed subsidies to cause e-two-wheeler sales to ebb In a different league: How the IPL dwarfs other sports Vistara blames rostering for flight disruptions, warns of curtailed ops till May   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Indian markets largely remained flat on Wednesday. For a second consecutive day, benchmark indices closed in the red with both Nifty and Sensex ending the day less than 0.1 per cent below their previous close. 

In 2020 the central government production linked incentive or PLI scheme. Hailed by the commerce ministry, with an outlay of almost 2 trillion rupees, the scheme aimed at supporting manufacturing growth in 14 different sectors spanning industries such as electronics, pharma and textile among others. The government is now set to tweak the flagship scheme by periodically reviewing its performance across different sectors and making necessary adjustments. This move aims to revitalise sectors lagging in progress and potentially eliminate the scheme in areas lacking investor interest and advancement. While the scheme has seen varying degrees of success across sectors, with electronics and pharmaceuticals among the beneficiaries, others like IT hardware and textiles have shown slower progress. Mint’s senior assistant editor Rhik Kundu reports on the government's proactive approach, which includes restructuring the scheme for underperforming sectors, enhancing efficiency, and positioning Indian manufacturers on the global stage.

 

Moody’s, Fitch, Standards and Poor. If you follow business or economy news you have probably heard these names a lot. These are sovereign debt rating agencies which rate countries based on their creditworthiness. These rating agencies grade countries based on several factors such as economic conditions, political climate and their ability to pay back a loan. The grade stretch from AAA for a country with a good credit score to D for countries that are unlikely to pay back the loan. Now an Indian player is set to jump into the sovereign debt rating game. Care Ratings Ltd, is set to debut in sovereign debt ratings, beginning with Asia and Africa and eventually targeting Europe. To facilitate this expansion, the company is establishing CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd in GIFT City, focusing initially on countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and South Africa where it has a footprint. Speaking to Mint’s senior editors Shayan Ghosh and Satish John, Mehul Pandya, the managing director and CEO of CareEdge, talked about the strategic move towards rating foreign currency denominated debt through the GIFT City subsidiary. 
 

March saw a surge in the sales of electric two wheelers across the country. More than 1.3 lakh electric scooters and bikes were sold in March. The reason? Consumers rushed to capitalise on the soon-to-be-reduced government subsidies, which were cut by more than half. But it is not all rosy for the electric two wheeler makers, in fact if the numbers tell a completely different story. FY24 recorded the slowest EV adoption rate since FY21, primarily affected by a significant subsidy reduction last June. This reduction slashed the subsidy from covering 40% of the ex-factory price to just 15%. This marked a stark contrast to the almost six-fold rise in e-scooter sales witnessed in FY21 after the FAME-2 subsidy was tweaked. Mint’s autos correspondents Alisha Sachdev and Manjul Paul report on the dwindling numbers of e-scooter sales which follows a slash in government subsidies.

It was 24 September 2007, a regular Monday for the rest of the world. But that day in South Africa’s Johannesburg, something happened that would change India’s sporting landscape forever. When Pakistan’s Misbah ul Haq scooped Indian pacer Joginder Sharma’s delivery towards short fine leg, he was caught by Sreeshanth. With that catch, India did not only beat Pakistan at the finals of the T20 world cup, but also started a domino effect that would bring forth one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. After India beat its arch rival and won the world cup, this new format became all the rage. Capitalising on better watchability of this three-hour long format of the gentleman’s game, BCCI launched its very own Cricket league - the Indian Premier League. Cricket hasn't looked back since then in India. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has emerged as a financial powerhouse, significantly influencing the sports sponsorship, endorsement, and advertising landscape in India. A report by GroupM highlights that investments in these areas have escalated from 2,423 crore rupees to 15,766 crore rupees in 2023. IPL commanded an astonishing 87% share of last year's total spend. This dominance is underscored by a Brand Finance report showing the IPL's brand valuation surged by 433% in 2023, crossing the 10 billion dollar milestone. The IPL's unparalleled popularity and financial success, driven by a massive 430 million TV audience, contrast sharply with other sports leagues. Despite their efforts, these leagues struggle to match the IPL's appeal, with even the Pro Kabaddi League, the second most popular, reaching only 226 million viewers. The disparity in financial and viewer support highlights the challenging landscape for other sports leagues attempting to emulate the IPL's success model. Mint’s senior editor Varuni Khosla takes a deep dive into the modalities of the financial juggernaut that is the Indian Premier League.
 

Vistara is grappling with a series of flight cancellations and delays. According to the airline, inadequate crew rostering is to blame. Now, the carrier is looking to curtail its network for the month of May, people close to the development told Mint’s Shrrejay Sinha. CEO Vinod Kannan addressed the issue with pilots after widespread disruptions led to passenger inconvenience. The airline's inability to manage pilot schedules, especially in March, resulted in operational chaos due to a significant rise in unplanned sick leaves. Vistara, merging with Air India under the Tata Group, is transitioning to a uniform pay structure, affecting pilots' salaries and potentially contributing to the disruptions. 
 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:
 

Sunset looms for PLIs with fading interest

How a domestic rating agency wants to take on the big guns

Slashed subsidies to cause e-two-wheeler sales to ebb

In a different league: How the IPL dwarfs other sports

Vistara blames rostering for flight disruptions, warns of curtailed ops till May


 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 534 no A new scheme to replace electoral bonds in the works https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-new-scheme-to-replace-electoral-bonds-in-the-works-sPqiEGFQ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both Sensex and Nifty fell marginally around 0.1 percent each.   Director Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur became a cult classic because of its realistic depiction of 1980s gang wars in eastern India’s coal belt. However, reality is stranger than fiction – an adage that journalists strive to prove. We invited Romita Datta, a West Bengal-based journalist, to write about Sheikh Shahjahan, a revolver-toting goon who came to rule over the village of Sandeshkhali. As his power and popularity grew, Shahjahan aligned himself with the various political forces in West Bengal, including the Left, CPI (M), and the Trinamool Congress. But before becoming an elected official, Shahjahan got caught up in allegations of extortion, land grabbing, sexual abuse and money laundering. He was finally arrested in February. Romita's exhilarating story of this powerful shrimp-farming thug captures his rise to prominence and how he then ended up behind bars.   The pandemic, social distancing, inflation and unseasonal rains all got in the way of the alco-bev industry’s success over the last few years. But an unusual Indian Summer seems to be just what it needs for a revival of its spirits. In this weather, a cold beer can turn around a hot, sweaty day. Beer makers hope so too: they are gearing up for increased sales in 2024. Last year, sales dropped 10 percent as unseasonal rains dented demand. However, officials from these companies expect some uncertainty stemming from election dates. A long election cycle will result in sporadic dry days, lowering sales, writes Mint's lifestyle and hospitality correspondent Varuni Khosla, in this seasonal industry forecast.   The devil works hard, but political parties in India work harder. After the Supreme Court struck down Electoral Bonds as "unconstitutional", the Ministry of Finance is now working towards a new scheme for campaign financing or the funding of political parties. Mint's economy reporter Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the new scheme will directly address the apex court's concerns around transparency and extent of financing. This scheme, however, is only likely to come into place once the general elections are over, Gireesh adds.     For years now, electric two-wheelers have enjoyed generous subsidies by the central government. The government recently introduced another subsidy, but this is capped at 10,000 rupees per vehicle. Mint's national editor and auto expert Sumant Banerji writes that this move will hike prices by anywhere between 5 to 10,000 rupees per scooter — an increase of about 7 to 10% for automakers. The industry, for its part, hasn't passed on this hike to the consumer yet. With electric scooters already more expensive than their petrol counterparts, any further increase in prices might put potential customers off, writes Sumant.   Last week, some Axis Bank customers got a huge shock when they received messages of money being randomly deducted from their account. To make matters worse, the money was deducted in a foreign currency. A series of international fraudulent transactions hit dozens of Axis Bank customers across India. Some others received OTPs to carry out the same transaction. Axis reversed these transactions in a few days, but the damage was done. Mint Money's Shipra Singh spoke to some victims of this scam. Some of these customers had already blocked their cards and requested a new one — only to find these fraudulent transactions taking place in the new card as well. Axis hasn't provided an explanation to its customers as to why this happened. Shipra also provides a helpful list of actions one should take if they are affected by this scam or know someone who is.         We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Guns n’ prawns: The strongman who ruled Sandeshkhali’s blue economy  As India braces for a hot summer, beer makers have much to cheer From the ashes of electoral bonds, a new scheme is rising Electric two-wheelers weigh the cost of subsidy cuts  How some Axis Bank credit cards became fraud targets  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 A new scheme to replace electoral bonds in the works full 535 Mint - HT Smartcast The story of a revolver-toting, shrimp-farming thug who got arrested Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian equity markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both Sensex and Nifty fell marginally around 0.1 percent each.   Director Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur became a cult classic because of its realistic depiction of 1980s gang wars in eastern India’s coal belt. However, reality is stranger than fiction – an adage that journalists strive to prove. We invited Romita Datta, a West Bengal-based journalist, to write about Sheikh Shahjahan, a revolver-toting goon who came to rule over the village of Sandeshkhali. As his power and popularity grew, Shahjahan aligned himself with the various political forces in West Bengal, including the Left, CPI (M), and the Trinamool Congress. But before becoming an elected official, Shahjahan got caught up in allegations of extortion, land grabbing, sexual abuse and money laundering. He was finally arrested in February. Romita's exhilarating story of this powerful shrimp-farming thug captures his rise to prominence and how he then ended up behind bars.   The pandemic, social distancing, inflation and unseasonal rains all got in the way of the alco-bev industry’s success over the last few years. But an unusual Indian Summer seems to be just what it needs for a revival of its spirits. In this weather, a cold beer can turn around a hot, sweaty day. Beer makers hope so too: they are gearing up for increased sales in 2024. Last year, sales dropped 10 percent as unseasonal rains dented demand. However, officials from these companies expect some uncertainty stemming from election dates. A long election cycle will result in sporadic dry days, lowering sales, writes Mint's lifestyle and hospitality correspondent Varuni Khosla, in this seasonal industry forecast.   The devil works hard, but political parties in India work harder. After the Supreme Court struck down Electoral Bonds as "unconstitutional", the Ministry of Finance is now working towards a new scheme for campaign financing or the funding of political parties. Mint's economy reporter Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the new scheme will directly address the apex court's concerns around transparency and extent of financing. This scheme, however, is only likely to come into place once the general elections are over, Gireesh adds.     For years now, electric two-wheelers have enjoyed generous subsidies by the central government. The government recently introduced another subsidy, but this is capped at 10,000 rupees per vehicle. Mint's national editor and auto expert Sumant Banerji writes that this move will hike prices by anywhere between 5 to 10,000 rupees per scooter — an increase of about 7 to 10% for automakers. The industry, for its part, hasn't passed on this hike to the consumer yet. With electric scooters already more expensive than their petrol counterparts, any further increase in prices might put potential customers off, writes Sumant.   Last week, some Axis Bank customers got a huge shock when they received messages of money being randomly deducted from their account. To make matters worse, the money was deducted in a foreign currency. A series of international fraudulent transactions hit dozens of Axis Bank customers across India. Some others received OTPs to carry out the same transaction. Axis reversed these transactions in a few days, but the damage was done. Mint Money's Shipra Singh spoke to some victims of this scam. Some of these customers had already blocked their cards and requested a new one — only to find these fraudulent transactions taking place in the new card as well. Axis hasn't provided an explanation to its customers as to why this happened. Shipra also provides a helpful list of actions one should take if they are affected by this scam or know someone who is.         We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.     Guns n’ prawns: The strongman who ruled Sandeshkhali’s blue economy  As India braces for a hot summer, beer makers have much to cheer From the ashes of electoral bonds, a new scheme is rising Electric two-wheelers weigh the cost of subsidy cuts  How some Axis Bank credit cards became fraud targets  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, April 3, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian equity markets remained largely flat on Wednesday. Both Sensex and Nifty fell marginally around 0.1 percent each.


 

Director Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur became a cult classic because of its realistic depiction of 1980s gang wars in eastern India’s coal belt. However, reality is stranger than fiction – an adage that journalists strive to prove. We invited Romita Datta, a West Bengal-based journalist, to write about Sheikh Shahjahan, a revolver-toting goon who came to rule over the village of Sandeshkhali. As his power and popularity grew, Shahjahan aligned himself with the various political forces in West Bengal, including the Left, CPI (M), and the Trinamool Congress. But before becoming an elected official, Shahjahan got caught up in allegations of extortion, land grabbing, sexual abuse and money laundering. He was finally arrested in February. Romita's exhilarating story of this powerful shrimp-farming thug captures his rise to prominence and how he then ended up behind bars.


 

The pandemic, social distancing, inflation and unseasonal rains all got in the way of the alco-bev industry’s success over the last few years. But an unusual Indian Summer seems to be just what it needs for a revival of its spirits. In this weather, a cold beer can turn around a hot, sweaty day. Beer makers hope so too: they are gearing up for increased sales in 2024. Last year, sales dropped 10 percent as unseasonal rains dented demand. However, officials from these companies expect some uncertainty stemming from election dates. A long election cycle will result in sporadic dry days, lowering sales, writes Mint's lifestyle and hospitality correspondent Varuni Khosla, in this seasonal industry forecast.


 

The devil works hard, but political parties in India work harder. After the Supreme Court struck down Electoral Bonds as "unconstitutional", the Ministry of Finance is now working towards a new scheme for campaign financing or the funding of political parties. Mint's economy reporter Gireesh Chandra Prasad reports that the new scheme will directly address the apex court's concerns around transparency and extent of financing. This scheme, however, is only likely to come into place once the general elections are over, Gireesh adds.


 


 

For years now, electric two-wheelers have enjoyed generous subsidies by the central government. The government recently introduced another subsidy, but this is capped at 10,000 rupees per vehicle. Mint's national editor and auto expert Sumant Banerji writes that this move will hike prices by anywhere between 5 to 10,000 rupees per scooter — an increase of about 7 to 10% for automakers. The industry, for its part, hasn't passed on this hike to the consumer yet. With electric scooters already more expensive than their petrol counterparts, any further increase in prices might put potential customers off, writes Sumant.


 

Last week, some Axis Bank customers got a huge shock when they received messages of money being randomly deducted from their account. To make matters worse, the money was deducted in a foreign currency. A series of international fraudulent transactions hit dozens of Axis Bank customers across India. Some others received OTPs to carry out the same transaction. Axis reversed these transactions in a few days, but the damage was done. Mint Money's Shipra Singh spoke to some victims of this scam. Some of these customers had already blocked their cards and requested a new one — only to find these fraudulent transactions taking place in the new card as well. Axis hasn't provided an explanation to its customers as to why this happened. Shipra also provides a helpful list of actions one should take if they are affected by this scam or know someone who is.


 


 


 


 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

 

Guns n’ prawns: The strongman who ruled Sandeshkhali’s blue economy 

As India braces for a hot summer, beer makers have much to cheer

From the ashes of electoral bonds, a new scheme is rising

Electric two-wheelers weigh the cost of subsidy cuts 

How some Axis Bank credit cards became fraud targets 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 388 no How climate change is biting India’s FMCG companies https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-climate-change-is-biting-indias-fmcg-companies-I9UgYOhW Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets started the new financial year with a fresh vigour as benchmark indices closed in the green on Monday. BSE’s Sensex rose more than 350 points to close 0.49 per cent up from its previous close. NSE’s Nifty-50 also climbed more than 130 points to close 0.61 per cent above its last close. Tata Steel, Ultratech Cement and NTPC were among the top gainers on Monday.  How fast is India growing? Is it really growing? Well, there are a couple of ways to find out.  One can look at the constant construction happening in all major metros across the country. More and more infrastructure projects are coming up - a likely indicator of growth. Another way to track this growth is to look at GDP numbers. In FY23 India’s GDP grew at 7 per cent. For the first three quarters of the outgoing fiscal, the growth remained above a healthy 8 per cent. The government estimates the number for the full fiscal year 2024 to be at 7.6 per cent. So what’s driving the growth? While there is more than one driver, some attribute this boost in GDP numbers to the government's push for capital expenditure. But there are other engines of growth too - public consumption being one of them. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the factors behind India’s surge.  What’s in a name? Not much according to William Shakespeare, but for small finance banks, it might make a world of difference. Small finance banks in India are advocating for a rebranding, seeking to drop the 'small finance' label to enhance their appeal to depositors and investors. This request was discussed in a meeting with RBI officials, people aware of the matter told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar. The banks aim to improve customer perception and attract more current and savings account deposits with the name change. Some banks are testing the waters. Hoardings outside AU Small Finance Bank’s regional office in Mumbai’s Kurla read simply ‘AU Bank’. Websites of almost all SFBs, barring Ujjivan SFB and North East SFB, have dropped the label from their domain names. The term 'small' was initially used in the naming of small finance banks to highlight their core mission of promoting inclusive banking. Over time, these banks have achieved their goal of extending credit to small and micro businesses, demonstrating their commitment to supporting underserved segments. Now to continue inclusive growth, having more accounts and fixed deposits is necessary, which will be helpful if the word ‘small’ is dropped, a spokesperson for Unity SFB told Gopika.    What’s light, has high strength, is durable and is extremely useful for the aerospace industry? It is a material called carbon fibre. Carbon Fibre is also extensively used to make sports equipment like hockey sticks, racquets, archery bows and golf clubs. Carbon fibre bicycles are popular among enthusiasts because of their light weight. The reason I am talking about it is because India is gearing up to start domestic production of carbon fibre, targeting aerospace, civil engineering, and defence sectors. The push comes as a strategic move to lessen imports and navigate around the European Union's impending carbon tax on steel and metal products. India is currently dependent on carbon fibre imports from countries like the US, France, Japan, and Germany. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism set for 2026 has propelled India to consider establishing its own manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government is in talks to create carbon fibre manufacturing units, with research support from leading institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to meet international production standards. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar brings us this exclusive story on the development, which is a part of India’s plan to expand technical textiles export from $2.5 billion to $10 billion within five years. Over 60 years ago, American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz's minor data alteration in a weather simulation at MIT led to significantly different results, laying the foundation for chaos theory - also known as the 'butterfly effect.' This concept, illustrating how small changes can have large consequences, is now relevant across various fields, prompting reflection on the impact of larger phenomena like climate change. India's FMCG sector, heavily reliant on imported palm oil, faces potential disruptions from the European Union's proposed carbon tax and the effects of climate change on palm oil production. With India as the world's largest palm oil importer and facing stagnating supplies from major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, the sector is at a crossroads. Additionally, the cocoa industry faces similar challenges, with extreme weather conditions and diseases reducing global output. Mint’s national editor Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how the FMCG industry is staring at an existential crisis with climate change - arguably the biggest issue facing humanity.  India is poised to standardise the accreditation process for alternative medicine facilities, including Ayurvedic wellness centres, homoeopathy clinics, and Unani hospitals. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare aims to consolidate accreditation standards across all AYUSH disciplines. These include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The government aims to get the process running by June, streamlining processes and ensuring quality care. This initiative comes after the insurance regulator's IRDAI’s recent inclusion of AYUSH treatments in health coverage.. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent Somitra Ghosh takes a look at the initiative that highlights the government's effort to boost the alternative medicine sector's credibility and research. The move however, has been met with mixed reactions.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Primer | What’s driving Indian GDP surge: Public spending or private consumption 'Small' isn't beautiful for small finance banks India plans to make carbon fibre in response to EU carbon tax Ayurveda, alternative medicine to get an accreditation nudge Blowing Hot: How climate crisis can rain on FMCG’s FY25 show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How climate change is biting India’s FMCG companies full 534 Mint - HT Smartcast What’s behind the GDP growth? India’s carbon fibre manufacturing push Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian markets started the new financial year with a fresh vigour as benchmark indices closed in the green on Monday. BSE’s Sensex rose more than 350 points to close 0.49 per cent up from its previous close. NSE’s Nifty-50 also climbed more than 130 points to close 0.61 per cent above its last close. Tata Steel, Ultratech Cement and NTPC were among the top gainers on Monday.  How fast is India growing? Is it really growing? Well, there are a couple of ways to find out.  One can look at the constant construction happening in all major metros across the country. More and more infrastructure projects are coming up - a likely indicator of growth. Another way to track this growth is to look at GDP numbers. In FY23 India’s GDP grew at 7 per cent. For the first three quarters of the outgoing fiscal, the growth remained above a healthy 8 per cent. The government estimates the number for the full fiscal year 2024 to be at 7.6 per cent. So what’s driving the growth? While there is more than one driver, some attribute this boost in GDP numbers to the government's push for capital expenditure. But there are other engines of growth too - public consumption being one of them. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the factors behind India’s surge.  What’s in a name? Not much according to William Shakespeare, but for small finance banks, it might make a world of difference. Small finance banks in India are advocating for a rebranding, seeking to drop the 'small finance' label to enhance their appeal to depositors and investors. This request was discussed in a meeting with RBI officials, people aware of the matter told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar. The banks aim to improve customer perception and attract more current and savings account deposits with the name change. Some banks are testing the waters. Hoardings outside AU Small Finance Bank’s regional office in Mumbai’s Kurla read simply ‘AU Bank’. Websites of almost all SFBs, barring Ujjivan SFB and North East SFB, have dropped the label from their domain names. The term 'small' was initially used in the naming of small finance banks to highlight their core mission of promoting inclusive banking. Over time, these banks have achieved their goal of extending credit to small and micro businesses, demonstrating their commitment to supporting underserved segments. Now to continue inclusive growth, having more accounts and fixed deposits is necessary, which will be helpful if the word ‘small’ is dropped, a spokesperson for Unity SFB told Gopika.    What’s light, has high strength, is durable and is extremely useful for the aerospace industry? It is a material called carbon fibre. Carbon Fibre is also extensively used to make sports equipment like hockey sticks, racquets, archery bows and golf clubs. Carbon fibre bicycles are popular among enthusiasts because of their light weight. The reason I am talking about it is because India is gearing up to start domestic production of carbon fibre, targeting aerospace, civil engineering, and defence sectors. The push comes as a strategic move to lessen imports and navigate around the European Union's impending carbon tax on steel and metal products. India is currently dependent on carbon fibre imports from countries like the US, France, Japan, and Germany. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism set for 2026 has propelled India to consider establishing its own manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government is in talks to create carbon fibre manufacturing units, with research support from leading institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to meet international production standards. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar brings us this exclusive story on the development, which is a part of India’s plan to expand technical textiles export from $2.5 billion to $10 billion within five years. Over 60 years ago, American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz's minor data alteration in a weather simulation at MIT led to significantly different results, laying the foundation for chaos theory - also known as the 'butterfly effect.' This concept, illustrating how small changes can have large consequences, is now relevant across various fields, prompting reflection on the impact of larger phenomena like climate change. India's FMCG sector, heavily reliant on imported palm oil, faces potential disruptions from the European Union's proposed carbon tax and the effects of climate change on palm oil production. With India as the world's largest palm oil importer and facing stagnating supplies from major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, the sector is at a crossroads. Additionally, the cocoa industry faces similar challenges, with extreme weather conditions and diseases reducing global output. Mint’s national editor Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how the FMCG industry is staring at an existential crisis with climate change - arguably the biggest issue facing humanity.  India is poised to standardise the accreditation process for alternative medicine facilities, including Ayurvedic wellness centres, homoeopathy clinics, and Unani hospitals. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare aims to consolidate accreditation standards across all AYUSH disciplines. These include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The government aims to get the process running by June, streamlining processes and ensuring quality care. This initiative comes after the insurance regulator's IRDAI’s recent inclusion of AYUSH treatments in health coverage.. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent Somitra Ghosh takes a look at the initiative that highlights the government's effort to boost the alternative medicine sector's credibility and research. The move however, has been met with mixed reactions.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Primer | What’s driving Indian GDP surge: Public spending or private consumption 'Small' isn't beautiful for small finance banks India plans to make carbon fibre in response to EU carbon tax Ayurveda, alternative medicine to get an accreditation nudge Blowing Hot: How climate crisis can rain on FMCG’s FY25 show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, April 2, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian markets started the new financial year with a fresh vigour as benchmark indices closed in the green on Monday. BSE’s Sensex rose more than 350 points to close 0.49 per cent up from its previous close. NSE’s Nifty-50 also climbed more than 130 points to close 0.61 per cent above its last close. Tata Steel, Ultratech Cement and NTPC were among the top gainers on Monday. 

How fast is India growing? Is it really growing? Well, there are a couple of ways to find out.  One can look at the constant construction happening in all major metros across the country. More and more infrastructure projects are coming up - a likely indicator of growth. Another way to track this growth is to look at GDP numbers. In FY23 India’s GDP grew at 7 per cent. For the first three quarters of the outgoing fiscal, the growth remained above a healthy 8 per cent. The government estimates the number for the full fiscal year 2024 to be at 7.6 per cent. So what’s driving the growth? While there is more than one driver, some attribute this boost in GDP numbers to the government's push for capital expenditure. But there are other engines of growth too - public consumption being one of them. Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan examines the factors behind India’s surge. 

What’s in a name? Not much according to William Shakespeare, but for small finance banks, it might make a world of difference. Small finance banks in India are advocating for a rebranding, seeking to drop the 'small finance' label to enhance their appeal to depositors and investors. This request was discussed in a meeting with RBI officials, people aware of the matter told Mint’s banking editor Gopika Gopakumar. The banks aim to improve customer perception and attract more current and savings account deposits with the name change. Some banks are testing the waters. Hoardings outside AU Small Finance Bank’s regional office in Mumbai’s Kurla read simply ‘AU Bank’. Websites of almost all SFBs, barring Ujjivan SFB and North East SFB, have dropped the label from their domain names. The term 'small' was initially used in the naming of small finance banks to highlight their core mission of promoting inclusive banking. Over time, these banks have achieved their goal of extending credit to small and micro businesses, demonstrating their commitment to supporting underserved segments. Now to continue inclusive growth, having more accounts and fixed deposits is necessary, which will be helpful if the word ‘small’ is dropped, a spokesperson for Unity SFB told Gopika. 

 

What’s light, has high strength, is durable and is extremely useful for the aerospace industry? It is a material called carbon fibre. Carbon Fibre is also extensively used to make sports equipment like hockey sticks, racquets, archery bows and golf clubs. Carbon fibre bicycles are popular among enthusiasts because of their light weight. The reason I am talking about it is because India is gearing up to start domestic production of carbon fibre, targeting aerospace, civil engineering, and defence sectors. The push comes as a strategic move to lessen imports and navigate around the European Union's impending carbon tax on steel and metal products. India is currently dependent on carbon fibre imports from countries like the US, France, Japan, and Germany. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism set for 2026 has propelled India to consider establishing its own manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government is in talks to create carbon fibre manufacturing units, with research support from leading institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to meet international production standards. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar brings us this exclusive story on the development, which is a part of India’s plan to expand technical textiles export from $2.5 billion to $10 billion within five years.

Over 60 years ago, American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz's minor data alteration in a weather simulation at MIT led to significantly different results, laying the foundation for chaos theory - also known as the 'butterfly effect.' This concept, illustrating how small changes can have large consequences, is now relevant across various fields, prompting reflection on the impact of larger phenomena like climate change. India's FMCG sector, heavily reliant on imported palm oil, faces potential disruptions from the European Union's proposed carbon tax and the effects of climate change on palm oil production. With India as the world's largest palm oil importer and facing stagnating supplies from major producers Indonesia and Malaysia, the sector is at a crossroads. Additionally, the cocoa industry faces similar challenges, with extreme weather conditions and diseases reducing global output. Mint’s national editor Abhishek Mukherjee takes a deep dive into how the FMCG industry is staring at an existential crisis with climate change - arguably the biggest issue facing humanity. 

India is poised to standardise the accreditation process for alternative medicine facilities, including Ayurvedic wellness centres, homoeopathy clinics, and Unani hospitals. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare aims to consolidate accreditation standards across all AYUSH disciplines. These include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The government aims to get the process running by June, streamlining processes and ensuring quality care. This initiative comes after the insurance regulator's IRDAI’s recent inclusion of AYUSH treatments in health coverage.. Mint’s health and pharma correspondent Somitra Ghosh takes a look at the initiative that highlights the government's effort to boost the alternative medicine sector's credibility and research. The move however, has been met with mixed reactions. 

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Primer | What’s driving Indian GDP surge: Public spending or private consumption

'Small' isn't beautiful for small finance banks

India plans to make carbon fibre in response to EU carbon tax

Ayurveda, alternative medicine to get an accreditation nudge

Blowing Hot: How climate crisis can rain on FMCG’s FY25 show

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 528 no What drives Carl Pei? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-drives-carl-pei-P4068WF0 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: With the financial year wrapping up last week, a lot of data was published from the past 12 months. One crucial data set was that from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This act provides a 100 days of guaranteed employment to every household. Most routinely, these jobs are available in the construction sector. With a poor monsoon last year, it was expected that more people would take up MNREGA (pronounced mun-rega) jobs. However, official data shows that year-on-year jobs remained largely flat. Usually, a bad monsoon would result in less agricultural work — and in turn, more MNREGA job applicants. Mint's economy reporters Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu bring you the details. The big tech development from last year was the release of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence system that generates answers based on inputs. ChatGPT's free model runs on the GPT 3.5 version, while the paid model that costs 20 dollars a month uses GPT 4. But many users are unhappy with the output, even in the paid model. ChatGPT's founder Sam Altman agrees: he admitted that it "kind of sucks". A new version is expected this year. Mint's tech editor Leslie D'Monte writes about what we can expect with GPT-5, and how ChatGPT's competition is currently performing.  If you're a tech geek, you might have heard of Carl Pei. He's the original mastermind behind the wildly successful brand of OnePlus, and later started his own company, named Nothing. The China-born CEO started out by making a website at 12 years old to help people beat a Pokemon game, and never stopped tinkering with both software and hardware. The result? Helping establish OnePlus, which ended up selling millions of phones — first in China, and then the rest of the world. But Pei still felt he needed to prove something on his own, and left in 2021 to start Nothing. Mint Lounge's Nitin Sreedhar speaks to Carl Pei about his journey and work for this fantastic profile. Chances are, you haven't been to watch a Bollywood movie in the theatres so far this year. And I won't blame you: the releases have been quite lacklustre. Mint's media and entertainment reporter Lata Jha reports that the absence of major stars from released movies has caused a drop in cinema goers. But the trend doesn't stop there: a slump in prices paid by OTTs such as Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime to stream movies post-release are also hampering the movie business. You may have heard of ShareChat and Moj. These are two short-video platforms that became popular after the Indian government banned TikTok in 2020. Both ShareChat and Moj are owned by the same company, Mohalla Tech. But despite being operational for more than four years, the companies haven't yet figured out a sustainable business model. The result? Losses adding up to more than 5,000 crore rupees in the last financial year. Where does Mohalla go from here? Priyamvada C tries to answer. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: Construction growth eases pressure on NREGA jobs amid farm slowdown  Will OpenAI pull out GPT-5 from its hat next?  How Nothing CEO Carl Pei is breaking barriers  Film industry had a muted Jan-March, as star vehicles play truant  ShareChat and Moj are floundering. Can the businesses be fixed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What drives Carl Pei? full 533 Mint - HT Smartcast Curious data from MGNREGA, ChatGPT-5 incoming? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: With the financial year wrapping up last week, a lot of data was published from the past 12 months. One crucial data set was that from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This act provides a 100 days of guaranteed employment to every household. Most routinely, these jobs are available in the construction sector. With a poor monsoon last year, it was expected that more people would take up MNREGA (pronounced mun-rega) jobs. However, official data shows that year-on-year jobs remained largely flat. Usually, a bad monsoon would result in less agricultural work — and in turn, more MNREGA job applicants. Mint's economy reporters Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu bring you the details. The big tech development from last year was the release of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence system that generates answers based on inputs. ChatGPT's free model runs on the GPT 3.5 version, while the paid model that costs 20 dollars a month uses GPT 4. But many users are unhappy with the output, even in the paid model. ChatGPT's founder Sam Altman agrees: he admitted that it "kind of sucks". A new version is expected this year. Mint's tech editor Leslie D'Monte writes about what we can expect with GPT-5, and how ChatGPT's competition is currently performing.  If you're a tech geek, you might have heard of Carl Pei. He's the original mastermind behind the wildly successful brand of OnePlus, and later started his own company, named Nothing. The China-born CEO started out by making a website at 12 years old to help people beat a Pokemon game, and never stopped tinkering with both software and hardware. The result? Helping establish OnePlus, which ended up selling millions of phones — first in China, and then the rest of the world. But Pei still felt he needed to prove something on his own, and left in 2021 to start Nothing. Mint Lounge's Nitin Sreedhar speaks to Carl Pei about his journey and work for this fantastic profile. Chances are, you haven't been to watch a Bollywood movie in the theatres so far this year. And I won't blame you: the releases have been quite lacklustre. Mint's media and entertainment reporter Lata Jha reports that the absence of major stars from released movies has caused a drop in cinema goers. But the trend doesn't stop there: a slump in prices paid by OTTs such as Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime to stream movies post-release are also hampering the movie business. You may have heard of ShareChat and Moj. These are two short-video platforms that became popular after the Indian government banned TikTok in 2020. Both ShareChat and Moj are owned by the same company, Mohalla Tech. But despite being operational for more than four years, the companies haven't yet figured out a sustainable business model. The result? Losses adding up to more than 5,000 crore rupees in the last financial year. Where does Mohalla go from here? Priyamvada C tries to answer. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: Construction growth eases pressure on NREGA jobs amid farm slowdown  Will OpenAI pull out GPT-5 from its hat next?  How Nothing CEO Carl Pei is breaking barriers  Film industry had a muted Jan-March, as star vehicles play truant  ShareChat and Moj are floundering. Can the businesses be fixed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, April 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

With the financial year wrapping up last week, a lot of data was published from the past 12 months. One crucial data set was that from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This act provides a 100 days of guaranteed employment to every household. Most routinely, these jobs are available in the construction sector. With a poor monsoon last year, it was expected that more people would take up MNREGA (pronounced mun-rega) jobs. However, official data shows that year-on-year jobs remained largely flat. Usually, a bad monsoon would result in less agricultural work — and in turn, more MNREGA job applicants. Mint's economy reporters Gireesh Chandra Prasad and Rhik Kundu bring you the details.

The big tech development from last year was the release of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence system that generates answers based on inputs. ChatGPT's free model runs on the GPT 3.5 version, while the paid model that costs 20 dollars a month uses GPT 4. But many users are unhappy with the output, even in the paid model. ChatGPT's founder Sam Altman agrees: he admitted that it "kind of sucks". A new version is expected this year. Mint's tech editor Leslie D'Monte writes about what we can expect with GPT-5, and how ChatGPT's competition is currently performing. 

If you're a tech geek, you might have heard of Carl Pei. He's the original mastermind behind the wildly successful brand of OnePlus, and later started his own company, named Nothing. The China-born CEO started out by making a website at 12 years old to help people beat a Pokemon game, and never stopped tinkering with both software and hardware. The result? Helping establish OnePlus, which ended up selling millions of phones — first in China, and then the rest of the world. But Pei still felt he needed to prove something on his own, and left in 2021 to start Nothing. Mint Lounge's Nitin Sreedhar speaks to Carl Pei about his journey and work for this fantastic profile.

Chances are, you haven't been to watch a Bollywood movie in the theatres so far this year. And I won't blame you: the releases have been quite lacklustre. Mint's media and entertainment reporter Lata Jha reports that the absence of major stars from released movies has caused a drop in cinema goers. But the trend doesn't stop there: a slump in prices paid by OTTs such as Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime to stream movies post-release are also hampering the movie business.

You may have heard of ShareChat and Moj. These are two short-video platforms that became popular after the Indian government banned TikTok in 2020. Both ShareChat and Moj are owned by the same company, Mohalla Tech. But despite being operational for more than four years, the companies haven't yet figured out a sustainable business model. The result? Losses adding up to more than 5,000 crore rupees in the last financial year. Where does Mohalla go from here? Priyamvada C tries to answer.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Show notes:

Construction growth eases pressure on NREGA jobs amid farm slowdown 

Will OpenAI pull out GPT-5 from its hat next? 

How Nothing CEO Carl Pei is breaking barriers 

Film industry had a muted Jan-March, as star vehicles play truant 

ShareChat and Moj are floundering. Can the businesses be fixed?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 347 no How offshore funding impacts smallcaps https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-offshore-funding-impacts-smallcaps-aMbyyC_R Good morning listeners, Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets continued to pick up on Thursday. Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.90 percent each. Power, auto, and metal stocks led the surge during yesterday's trading session. Despite yesterday's good news, the markets have been volatile of late. Much of this volatility can be attributed to smallcap stocks, which suffered a crash after the markets regulator warned investors of the possibility of a smallcap bubble. The BSE Smallcap index is flat for the year, and down 4.5% in March. Mint's corporate writer Varun Soo unpacks one of the reasons behind this volatility: offshore funds. After a long investigation, Varun discovered that three men at the helm who were involved in dozens of smallcap stocks. They have been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of operating a "hawala" scam and manipulating stocks. This is an excellent read if you want to understand how smallcap stocks operate. Thursday was also the last trading day of the financial year for 2024. For the last 12 months, Nifty and Sensex have increased by 31 and 27 percent respectively. Small and midcap stocks increased by more than 65%, despite the recent volatility. Mint’s markets correspondent Dipti Sharma brings you a summary of the equity markets’ performance in the past financial year. You might have made some gains on a stock, but earlier you still had to wait two working days for the proceeds to be deposited to your account. This changed to one day. Now, you can realise your gains instantly: the markets regulator Sebi has approved same-day settlement on a trial basis. This process is called the T+X system, where X is the number of days taken to process a transaction. A limited number of brokers and a set of 25 stocks are currently following the T+0 system. Sebi is going to assess the results in 3 and 6 months from now, before deciding if a universal rollout is possible. Dipti Sharma explains the T+0 model, and how it might change equity investing forever. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India asked Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards. Usually, these tie-ups are either with retail outlets or fintech companies. Mint's banking correspondent Gopika Gopakumar writes that these partnerships came under the RBI's scanner after it found that banks were sharing their risk assessment models with the companies they tied-up with. These assessments are supposed to be done in-house by the banks, which contain sensitive information about a user’s financial data. The RBI also wants to prevent the rapid rise in credit cards issued — about 99 million such plastic is currently in circulation in India.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How offshore funding impacts smallcaps full 532 Mint - HT Smartcast Markets performance in FY24, SaaS companies’ revenue streams Good morning listeners, Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets continued to pick up on Thursday. Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.90 percent each. Power, auto, and metal stocks led the surge during yesterday's trading session. Despite yesterday's good news, the markets have been volatile of late. Much of this volatility can be attributed to smallcap stocks, which suffered a crash after the markets regulator warned investors of the possibility of a smallcap bubble. The BSE Smallcap index is flat for the year, and down 4.5% in March. Mint's corporate writer Varun Soo unpacks one of the reasons behind this volatility: offshore funds. After a long investigation, Varun discovered that three men at the helm who were involved in dozens of smallcap stocks. They have been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of operating a "hawala" scam and manipulating stocks. This is an excellent read if you want to understand how smallcap stocks operate. Thursday was also the last trading day of the financial year for 2024. For the last 12 months, Nifty and Sensex have increased by 31 and 27 percent respectively. Small and midcap stocks increased by more than 65%, despite the recent volatility. Mint’s markets correspondent Dipti Sharma brings you a summary of the equity markets’ performance in the past financial year. You might have made some gains on a stock, but earlier you still had to wait two working days for the proceeds to be deposited to your account. This changed to one day. Now, you can realise your gains instantly: the markets regulator Sebi has approved same-day settlement on a trial basis. This process is called the T+X system, where X is the number of days taken to process a transaction. A limited number of brokers and a set of 25 stocks are currently following the T+0 system. Sebi is going to assess the results in 3 and 6 months from now, before deciding if a universal rollout is possible. Dipti Sharma explains the T+0 model, and how it might change equity investing forever. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India asked Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards. Usually, these tie-ups are either with retail outlets or fintech companies. Mint's banking correspondent Gopika Gopakumar writes that these partnerships came under the RBI's scanner after it found that banks were sharing their risk assessment models with the companies they tied-up with. These assessments are supposed to be done in-house by the banks, which contain sensitive information about a user’s financial data. The RBI also wants to prevent the rapid rise in credit cards issued — about 99 million such plastic is currently in circulation in India.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Good morning listeners,

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 29, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Markets continued to pick up on Thursday. Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex increased by around 0.90 percent each. Power, auto, and metal stocks led the surge during yesterday's trading session.

Despite yesterday's good news, the markets have been volatile of late. Much of this volatility can be attributed to smallcap stocks, which suffered a crash after the markets regulator warned investors of the possibility of a smallcap bubble. The BSE Smallcap index is flat for the year, and down 4.5% in March. Mint's corporate writer Varun Soo unpacks one of the reasons behind this volatility: offshore funds. After a long investigation, Varun discovered that three men at the helm who were involved in dozens of smallcap stocks. They have been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of operating a "hawala" scam and manipulating stocks. This is an excellent read if you want to understand how smallcap stocks operate.

Thursday was also the last trading day of the financial year for 2024. For the last 12 months, Nifty and Sensex have increased by 31 and 27 percent respectively. Small and midcap stocks increased by more than 65%, despite the recent volatility. Mint’s markets correspondent Dipti Sharma brings you a summary of the equity markets’ performance in the past financial year.

You might have made some gains on a stock, but earlier you still had to wait two working days for the proceeds to be deposited to your account. This changed to one day. Now, you can realise your gains instantly: the markets regulator Sebi has approved same-day settlement on a trial basis. This process is called the T+X system, where X is the number of days taken to process a transaction. A limited number of brokers and a set of 25 stocks are currently following the T+0 system. Sebi is going to assess the results in 3 and 6 months from now, before deciding if a universal rollout is possible. Dipti Sharma explains the T+0 model, and how it might change equity investing forever.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India asked Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards. Usually, these tie-ups are either with retail outlets or fintech companies. Mint's banking correspondent Gopika Gopakumar writes that these partnerships came under the RBI's scanner after it found that banks were sharing their risk assessment models with the companies they tied-up with. These assessments are supposed to be done in-house by the banks, which contain sensitive information about a user’s financial data. The RBI also wants to prevent the rapid rise in credit cards issued — about 99 million such plastic is currently in circulation in India.

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 311 no A snowballing governance nightmare for corporate India? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-snowballing-governance-nightmare-for-corporate-india-VxhdZOkU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets enjoyed an uptick on Wednesday. Benchmark index Nifty increased by around half a percentage point, while Sensex was up by 0.73 percent by the time markets closed.  India is short on directors. Not the ones that make movies — plenty of those around — but those that run companies. According to the Companies Act, every board must have a certain number of directors, depending on the size of the company. These directors should ideally be independent and impartial, and take decisions that benefit the company's future, and in turn, its shareholders. But as Mint's corporate governance writer Varun Sood reports, these directors might be shaky. Over 25 such appointed directors have called it quits before they could join boards since 2021. These directors have time and again cited personal reasons for their sudden decision to quit. As Varun writes, these often take place at companies which are undergoing a governance crisis, like Zee Entertainment, Dish TV, and other firms like Alkem Laboratories and Union Bank of India. Varun spoke to directors, investors, and governance experts to find out why this curious trend is gathering steam in India Inc. Alternative investment funds, or AIFs, are going through a rough time right now. The markets and banking regulators came down heavily on these financial instruments, issuing notices that limited their scope of investments. Private and public banks have a fair bit of exposure to AIFs, so the Reserve Bank of India wanted to protect depositors against risky or fraudulent borrowing. But after Sebi floated a consulting paper, RBI might be willing to change its course: it is exempting banks and NBFCs from liquidating or provisioning the money it had in AIFs. Provisioning is the process of setting aside an equal amount of money to protect investors and depositors. The regulators came down hard on AIFs in December after it came to light that AIFs had borrowed from the very same banks who had invested in them, leading to a potential conflict of interest.  If you're a startup, it's a hard time to raise money these days. Despite that, automobile platform CarDekho is working towards a new round of funding, reports startups and new economy reporter Sneha Shah. The company is in talks to raise anywhere between a 100 to 150 million dollars that will provide exits to existing investors. The company will now be valued at 1.3 billion dollars after this round, and claims it is  on its way to an IPO in the next two years. CarDekho had a revenue of more than 2,300 crore rupees in FY23, which was a 46 percent jump from the previous financial year. Maruti Suzuki had high hopes from Jimny, a model it launched last year catered towards a market that likes off-road driving. That capability should come in handy now, as the Jimny has to overcome a steep climb from the depths of car sales hell. Only about 500 units of the Jimny have been sold in January and February. Compare that to its direct rival, the Mahindra Thar — 6,000 Thars were sold in February alone. Mint's resident auto expert Sumant Banerji takes a deep dive into the misfortune of Maruti's off-roading ambitions that hit a rough patch — it's a rut the company can't seem to get out of. Who watches the watchmen? The Indian government has decided: a fact-checking unit. It wanted to constitute such a team to flag misinformation about the government — this body would have directive powers too. Press freedom advocates and activists filed an appeal against the constitution of such a body, and the Supreme Court paid heed. The SC has now stayed the creation of this unit. Mint's special correspondent Shouvik Das explains the ramifications of the government's original plan, SC's order, and how artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the entire saga. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 A snowballing governance nightmare for corporate India? full 531 Mint - HT Smartcast AIFs get a breather, Jimny’s uphill climb Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets enjoyed an uptick on Wednesday. Benchmark index Nifty increased by around half a percentage point, while Sensex was up by 0.73 percent by the time markets closed.  India is short on directors. Not the ones that make movies — plenty of those around — but those that run companies. According to the Companies Act, every board must have a certain number of directors, depending on the size of the company. These directors should ideally be independent and impartial, and take decisions that benefit the company's future, and in turn, its shareholders. But as Mint's corporate governance writer Varun Sood reports, these directors might be shaky. Over 25 such appointed directors have called it quits before they could join boards since 2021. These directors have time and again cited personal reasons for their sudden decision to quit. As Varun writes, these often take place at companies which are undergoing a governance crisis, like Zee Entertainment, Dish TV, and other firms like Alkem Laboratories and Union Bank of India. Varun spoke to directors, investors, and governance experts to find out why this curious trend is gathering steam in India Inc. Alternative investment funds, or AIFs, are going through a rough time right now. The markets and banking regulators came down heavily on these financial instruments, issuing notices that limited their scope of investments. Private and public banks have a fair bit of exposure to AIFs, so the Reserve Bank of India wanted to protect depositors against risky or fraudulent borrowing. But after Sebi floated a consulting paper, RBI might be willing to change its course: it is exempting banks and NBFCs from liquidating or provisioning the money it had in AIFs. Provisioning is the process of setting aside an equal amount of money to protect investors and depositors. The regulators came down hard on AIFs in December after it came to light that AIFs had borrowed from the very same banks who had invested in them, leading to a potential conflict of interest.  If you're a startup, it's a hard time to raise money these days. Despite that, automobile platform CarDekho is working towards a new round of funding, reports startups and new economy reporter Sneha Shah. The company is in talks to raise anywhere between a 100 to 150 million dollars that will provide exits to existing investors. The company will now be valued at 1.3 billion dollars after this round, and claims it is  on its way to an IPO in the next two years. CarDekho had a revenue of more than 2,300 crore rupees in FY23, which was a 46 percent jump from the previous financial year. Maruti Suzuki had high hopes from Jimny, a model it launched last year catered towards a market that likes off-road driving. That capability should come in handy now, as the Jimny has to overcome a steep climb from the depths of car sales hell. Only about 500 units of the Jimny have been sold in January and February. Compare that to its direct rival, the Mahindra Thar — 6,000 Thars were sold in February alone. Mint's resident auto expert Sumant Banerji takes a deep dive into the misfortune of Maruti's off-roading ambitions that hit a rough patch — it's a rut the company can't seem to get out of. Who watches the watchmen? The Indian government has decided: a fact-checking unit. It wanted to constitute such a team to flag misinformation about the government — this body would have directive powers too. Press freedom advocates and activists filed an appeal against the constitution of such a body, and the Supreme Court paid heed. The SC has now stayed the creation of this unit. Mint's special correspondent Shouvik Das explains the ramifications of the government's original plan, SC's order, and how artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the entire saga. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Markets enjoyed an uptick on Wednesday. Benchmark index Nifty increased by around half a percentage point, while Sensex was up by 0.73 percent by the time markets closed. 

India is short on directors. Not the ones that make movies — plenty of those around — but those that run companies. According to the Companies Act, every board must have a certain number of directors, depending on the size of the company. These directors should ideally be independent and impartial, and take decisions that benefit the company's future, and in turn, its shareholders. But as Mint's corporate governance writer Varun Sood reports, these directors might be shaky. Over 25 such appointed directors have called it quits before they could join boards since 2021. These directors have time and again cited personal reasons for their sudden decision to quit. As Varun writes, these often take place at companies which are undergoing a governance crisis, like Zee Entertainment, Dish TV, and other firms like Alkem Laboratories and Union Bank of India. Varun spoke to directors, investors, and governance experts to find out why this curious trend is gathering steam in India Inc.

Alternative investment funds, or AIFs, are going through a rough time right now. The markets and banking regulators came down heavily on these financial instruments, issuing notices that limited their scope of investments. Private and public banks have a fair bit of exposure to AIFs, so the Reserve Bank of India wanted to protect depositors against risky or fraudulent borrowing. But after Sebi floated a consulting paper, RBI might be willing to change its course: it is exempting banks and NBFCs from liquidating or provisioning the money it had in AIFs. Provisioning is the process of setting aside an equal amount of money to protect investors and depositors. The regulators came down hard on AIFs in December after it came to light that AIFs had borrowed from the very same banks who had invested in them, leading to a potential conflict of interest. 

If you're a startup, it's a hard time to raise money these days. Despite that, automobile platform CarDekho is working towards a new round of funding, reports startups and new economy reporter Sneha Shah. The company is in talks to raise anywhere between a 100 to 150 million dollars that will provide exits to existing investors. The company will now be valued at 1.3 billion dollars after this round, and claims it is  on its way to an IPO in the next two years. CarDekho had a revenue of more than 2,300 crore rupees in FY23, which was a 46 percent jump from the previous financial year.

Maruti Suzuki had high hopes from Jimny, a model it launched last year catered towards a market that likes off-road driving. That capability should come in handy now, as the Jimny has to overcome a steep climb from the depths of car sales hell. Only about 500 units of the Jimny have been sold in January and February. Compare that to its direct rival, the Mahindra Thar — 6,000 Thars were sold in February alone. Mint's resident auto expert Sumant Banerji takes a deep dive into the misfortune of Maruti's off-roading ambitions that hit a rough patch — it's a rut the company can't seem to get out of.

Who watches the watchmen? The Indian government has decided: a fact-checking unit. It wanted to constitute such a team to flag misinformation about the government — this body would have directive powers too. Press freedom advocates and activists filed an appeal against the constitution of such a body, and the Supreme Court paid heed. The SC has now stayed the creation of this unit. Mint's special correspondent Shouvik Das explains the ramifications of the government's original plan, SC's order, and how artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the entire saga.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 402 no India’s copper conundrum https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indias-copper-conundrum-cCE0PCCQ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices broke the three-day streak of higher close to end the trading session on the red on Tuesday. BSE’s benchmark index Sensex closed down 0.5 per cent, while NSE’s Nifty closed 0.42 per cent below its open.  It's election season, and across the country, people are being encouraged to vote for their preferred political candidates. It's one thing to have a political party knocking on your door asking for your vote, but retail shareholders of ICICI Securities are facing a different kind of voting pressure altogether. In the run-up to a significant voting deadline, these retail shareholders reported an unusual campaign from ICICI Bank employees. ICICI employees have been urging them to vote in favour of a proposed demerger. In June, the boards of private sector lender ICICI Bank and its broking arm ICICI Securities approved the delisting of equity shares of ICICI Securities. This aggressive outreach, which includes calls and home visits confirmed by shareholders, has raised eyebrows over privacy concerns and the unwarranted access to shareholder data. Mint’s correspondents Shayan Ghosh and Nehal Chaliawala report on this peculiar method of shareholder outreach employed by ICICI.  Credit card nerds are a different breed. They put in a lot of effort to carefully curate their spending — yes, curate — to maximise the benefits from any given card. Some go the lengths of opening a fixed deposit with a bank only to get a credit card. Axis Bank's offerings were too good to pass up for many. But last week, Axis devalued all of its cards: a process in which the benefits were watered down. Users who pay anywhere between 2,500 rupees to nearly 60,000 rupees as joining or renewal fees were shocked to hear of this news. Airport lounge visits, which were earlier free, are now dependent on spending at least 50,000 rupees in three months — this is over and above the fees mentioned earlier. Mint Money's Shipra Singh and Shashwat Mohanty report that some of these users are going to sue Axis Bank for this sudden devaluation, and explain the reasons for why Axis has taken this step. The rescue of struggling businesses through the insolvency and bankruptcy code or IBC is poised for a big jump this year. The expectation for this year is set around a 50 per cent increase to about 275 cases. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to insiders who credited a more efficient process at the tribunal benches for this boost. The need for quick turnarounds under the IBC is clear - it's about cleaning up the financial mess in companies and banks, paving the way for fresh investments. Since the IBC kicked off in 2016, it's chalked up approvals for 891 companies, with creditors cashing in 3.2 trillion rupees.  After a period of enjoying some breathing room with expanding gross margins, fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG companies might be hitting a bit of a snag. Recent spikes in the costs of crucial raw materials like crude oil, palm oil, coffee, and cocoa threaten to put a stop to margin growth seen over the past few quarters. With cost pressure building up, companies are thinking twice before passing these price hikes onto consumers. Suneera Tandon, who writes on consumer companies for Mint, examines a recent report from BNP Paribas  which seems to be waving red flags for the FMCG sector. This shift spells trouble for the sector, suggesting that the days of margin expansion might be behind us, with revenue growth also expected to slow down. From coffee to crude oil, price hikes are feeling pretty widespread. For example, coffee prices have seen a significant leap of 15.3 per cent from last year in March. And it's not just coffee feeling the heat; maize and wheat prices are on the rise too, fueled by demand and government plans related to ethanol production. Sterlite Copper, part of the Vedanta group, has had a tumultuous 22-year history in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Since its inception in 1996, it's faced multiple shutdowns over pollution norm violations, leading to a  permanent closure by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018. The decision was upheld by the Madras High Court in 2020. Despite these challenges, the Supreme Court hinted at a possible revival in February this year, citing the plant's significant contribution to India's copper production. India has dropped from being a net exporter to a net importer following the closure. However, by the end of February, the Supreme Court upheld the closure, emphasising the importance of adhering to pollution norms over economic considerations. India's copper demand is surging, driven by infrastructure development, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. The closure of Sterlite Copper puts more pressure on meeting this demand, especially as domestic production relies heavily on imports and a single major producer, Hindalco Industries. The impending start of Adani's copper smelter in Gujarat offers some relief, but the country's long-term copper self-sufficiency faces hurdles, including ore availability and global market dynamics. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into issues that India’s copper industry faces, especially the metal being in high demand with the advent of an EV revolution.   To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful day ahead! Show notes: Why ICICI Bank employees are dialling ICICI Securities shareholders Devaluations are normal. So, why is it hurting Axis credit card holders? Bankruptcy rescues have soared this year. Here is why As raw material prices inch up, FMCG firms brace for margin pressure This industrial metal can electrify India’s growth. But where are the ores? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 India’s copper conundrum full 530 Mint - HT Smartcast Voting pressure on ICICI shareholders; India’s bankruptcy code seems to be working well Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices broke the three-day streak of higher close to end the trading session on the red on Tuesday. BSE’s benchmark index Sensex closed down 0.5 per cent, while NSE’s Nifty closed 0.42 per cent below its open.  It's election season, and across the country, people are being encouraged to vote for their preferred political candidates. It's one thing to have a political party knocking on your door asking for your vote, but retail shareholders of ICICI Securities are facing a different kind of voting pressure altogether. In the run-up to a significant voting deadline, these retail shareholders reported an unusual campaign from ICICI Bank employees. ICICI employees have been urging them to vote in favour of a proposed demerger. In June, the boards of private sector lender ICICI Bank and its broking arm ICICI Securities approved the delisting of equity shares of ICICI Securities. This aggressive outreach, which includes calls and home visits confirmed by shareholders, has raised eyebrows over privacy concerns and the unwarranted access to shareholder data. Mint’s correspondents Shayan Ghosh and Nehal Chaliawala report on this peculiar method of shareholder outreach employed by ICICI.  Credit card nerds are a different breed. They put in a lot of effort to carefully curate their spending — yes, curate — to maximise the benefits from any given card. Some go the lengths of opening a fixed deposit with a bank only to get a credit card. Axis Bank's offerings were too good to pass up for many. But last week, Axis devalued all of its cards: a process in which the benefits were watered down. Users who pay anywhere between 2,500 rupees to nearly 60,000 rupees as joining or renewal fees were shocked to hear of this news. Airport lounge visits, which were earlier free, are now dependent on spending at least 50,000 rupees in three months — this is over and above the fees mentioned earlier. Mint Money's Shipra Singh and Shashwat Mohanty report that some of these users are going to sue Axis Bank for this sudden devaluation, and explain the reasons for why Axis has taken this step. The rescue of struggling businesses through the insolvency and bankruptcy code or IBC is poised for a big jump this year. The expectation for this year is set around a 50 per cent increase to about 275 cases. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to insiders who credited a more efficient process at the tribunal benches for this boost. The need for quick turnarounds under the IBC is clear - it's about cleaning up the financial mess in companies and banks, paving the way for fresh investments. Since the IBC kicked off in 2016, it's chalked up approvals for 891 companies, with creditors cashing in 3.2 trillion rupees.  After a period of enjoying some breathing room with expanding gross margins, fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG companies might be hitting a bit of a snag. Recent spikes in the costs of crucial raw materials like crude oil, palm oil, coffee, and cocoa threaten to put a stop to margin growth seen over the past few quarters. With cost pressure building up, companies are thinking twice before passing these price hikes onto consumers. Suneera Tandon, who writes on consumer companies for Mint, examines a recent report from BNP Paribas  which seems to be waving red flags for the FMCG sector. This shift spells trouble for the sector, suggesting that the days of margin expansion might be behind us, with revenue growth also expected to slow down. From coffee to crude oil, price hikes are feeling pretty widespread. For example, coffee prices have seen a significant leap of 15.3 per cent from last year in March. And it's not just coffee feeling the heat; maize and wheat prices are on the rise too, fueled by demand and government plans related to ethanol production. Sterlite Copper, part of the Vedanta group, has had a tumultuous 22-year history in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Since its inception in 1996, it's faced multiple shutdowns over pollution norm violations, leading to a  permanent closure by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018. The decision was upheld by the Madras High Court in 2020. Despite these challenges, the Supreme Court hinted at a possible revival in February this year, citing the plant's significant contribution to India's copper production. India has dropped from being a net exporter to a net importer following the closure. However, by the end of February, the Supreme Court upheld the closure, emphasising the importance of adhering to pollution norms over economic considerations. India's copper demand is surging, driven by infrastructure development, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. The closure of Sterlite Copper puts more pressure on meeting this demand, especially as domestic production relies heavily on imports and a single major producer, Hindalco Industries. The impending start of Adani's copper smelter in Gujarat offers some relief, but the country's long-term copper self-sufficiency faces hurdles, including ore availability and global market dynamics. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into issues that India’s copper industry faces, especially the metal being in high demand with the advent of an EV revolution.   To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful day ahead! Show notes: Why ICICI Bank employees are dialling ICICI Securities shareholders Devaluations are normal. So, why is it hurting Axis credit card holders? Bankruptcy rescues have soared this year. Here is why As raw material prices inch up, FMCG firms brace for margin pressure This industrial metal can electrify India’s growth. But where are the ores? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 27, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices broke the three-day streak of higher close to end the trading session on the red on Tuesday. BSE’s benchmark index Sensex closed down 0.5 per cent, while NSE’s Nifty closed 0.42 per cent below its open. 

It's election season, and across the country, people are being encouraged to vote for their preferred political candidates. It's one thing to have a political party knocking on your door asking for your vote, but retail shareholders of ICICI Securities are facing a different kind of voting pressure altogether. In the run-up to a significant voting deadline, these retail shareholders reported an unusual campaign from ICICI Bank employees. ICICI employees have been urging them to vote in favour of a proposed demerger. In June, the boards of private sector lender ICICI Bank and its broking arm ICICI Securities approved the delisting of equity shares of ICICI Securities. This aggressive outreach, which includes calls and home visits confirmed by shareholders, has raised eyebrows over privacy concerns and the unwarranted access to shareholder data. Mint’s correspondents Shayan Ghosh and Nehal Chaliawala report on this peculiar method of shareholder outreach employed by ICICI. 

Credit card nerds are a different breed. They put in a lot of effort to carefully curate their spending — yes, curate — to maximise the benefits from any given card. Some go the lengths of opening a fixed deposit with a bank only to get a credit card. Axis Bank's offerings were too good to pass up for many. But last week, Axis devalued all of its cards: a process in which the benefits were watered down. Users who pay anywhere between 2,500 rupees to nearly 60,000 rupees as joining or renewal fees were shocked to hear of this news. Airport lounge visits, which were earlier free, are now dependent on spending at least 50,000 rupees in three months — this is over and above the fees mentioned earlier. Mint Money's Shipra Singh and Shashwat Mohanty report that some of these users are going to sue Axis Bank for this sudden devaluation, and explain the reasons for why Axis has taken this step.

The rescue of struggling businesses through the insolvency and bankruptcy code or IBC is poised for a big jump this year. The expectation for this year is set around a 50 per cent increase to about 275 cases. Mint’s senior editor Gireesh Chandra Prasad spoke to insiders who credited a more efficient process at the tribunal benches for this boost. The need for quick turnarounds under the IBC is clear - it's about cleaning up the financial mess in companies and banks, paving the way for fresh investments. Since the IBC kicked off in 2016, it's chalked up approvals for 891 companies, with creditors cashing in 3.2 trillion rupees. 

After a period of enjoying some breathing room with expanding gross margins, fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG companies might be hitting a bit of a snag. Recent spikes in the costs of crucial raw materials like crude oil, palm oil, coffee, and cocoa threaten to put a stop to margin growth seen over the past few quarters. With cost pressure building up, companies are thinking twice before passing these price hikes onto consumers. Suneera Tandon, who writes on consumer companies for Mint, examines a recent report from BNP Paribas  which seems to be waving red flags for the FMCG sector. This shift spells trouble for the sector, suggesting that the days of margin expansion might be behind us, with revenue growth also expected to slow down. From coffee to crude oil, price hikes are feeling pretty widespread. For example, coffee prices have seen a significant leap of 15.3 per cent from last year in March. And it's not just coffee feeling the heat; maize and wheat prices are on the rise too, fueled by demand and government plans related to ethanol production.

Sterlite Copper, part of the Vedanta group, has had a tumultuous 22-year history in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Since its inception in 1996, it's faced multiple shutdowns over pollution norm violations, leading to a  permanent closure by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018. The decision was upheld by the Madras High Court in 2020. Despite these challenges, the Supreme Court hinted at a possible revival in February this year, citing the plant's significant contribution to India's copper production. India has dropped from being a net exporter to a net importer following the closure. However, by the end of February, the Supreme Court upheld the closure, emphasising the importance of adhering to pollution norms over economic considerations. India's copper demand is surging, driven by infrastructure development, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. The closure of Sterlite Copper puts more pressure on meeting this demand, especially as domestic production relies heavily on imports and a single major producer, Hindalco Industries. The impending start of Adani's copper smelter in Gujarat offers some relief, but the country's long-term copper self-sufficiency faces hurdles, including ore availability and global market dynamics. Mint’s N Madhavan takes a deep dive into issues that India’s copper industry faces, especially the metal being in high demand with the advent of an EV revolution.

 

To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful day ahead!

Show notes:

Why ICICI Bank employees are dialling ICICI Securities shareholders

Devaluations are normal. So, why is it hurting Axis credit card holders?

Bankruptcy rescues have soared this year. Here is why

As raw material prices inch up, FMCG firms brace for margin pressure

This industrial metal can electrify India’s growth. But where are the ores?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 495 no An unlikely star in the insurance industry https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/an-unlikely-star-in-the-insurance-industry-pWGLZQg9 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. This is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a safe, colourful and happy Holi. It's Monday, March 25, 2024. Let's get started: What really makes us happy, and how do we measure it? While happiness can feel like a deeply personal experience, varying greatly from one person to the next, there's an attempt to quantify it on a global scale every year. And in this pursuit of measuring happiness, it turns out India hasn't scored too well. India ranked 126 out of 143 nations surveyed in the World Happiness Report 2024. A partnership between consulting and research firm Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report looks at six variables, including per capita gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. Mint’s national editor N Madhavan breaks down the report which deemed Finland as the happiest country in the world. India fared poorly on most parameters. The rankings are also being questioned by many for having countries stuck in deep economic crises and geopolitical conflicts getting a higher rank than India.      What do you think when you think of India’s postal services? Is it just letters and parcels? Think again. India Post is making waves in an unexpected area: life insurance. The 140-year-old Postal Life Insurance scheme has seen a growth spurt of 14.5% this financial year, outperforming the entire insurance industry for the first time since FY21. Apart from the trust in a state-run insurance plan, there are other factors driving the growth in life insurance for postal services. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar writes about how the growth is also being driven by a digital overhaul, making premium payments and claim settlements a breeze online. While the private sector and the Life Insurance Corporation are facing their own challenges, the postal department's life and rural insurance schemes are thriving, with nearly 16% growth. This growth comes in a market that's still ripe for the picking, given India's low insurance penetration compared to global averages.    Starting up a business may be a dream for many, including celebrities and those in showbiz. But scaling it up and making it big - that’s where the plot thickens! Many movie stars and sports icons ventured into launching their own brands. But a few years into the business, the hand over the reins to bigger companies. Mint’s startups reporter Priyamvada C spoke to  industry insiders, who see more celebrity-led brands being acquired by bigger, professionally run businesses. Big names like Alia Bhatt, Masaba Gupta, and Hrithik Roshan have already seen their brands acquired by retail giants. While celebrity involvement can add credibility and market pull, the success of these brands hinges on more than just a big name. Rising customer acquisition costs and market saturation pose challenges, and the alignment with larger entities offers a chance to expand beyond.   In a bold move to draw more global investors into India's infrastructure projects, the Indian government is setting its sights on auctioning off completed road projects directly to private sector Infrastructure Investment Trusts, or InvITs, leaving traditional bidders like sovereign wealth funds on the sidelines. This strategic shift aims to funnel global investments into the country's roadways through InvITs. InvITs are entities similar to mutual funds but focused on infrastructure, offering a modern avenue to finance projects like highways. Mint’s infrastructure editor Subhash Narayan reports on the move that comes as part of a broader effort to boost investment in India's infrastructure.   As the election season heats up with the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections just around the corner, an unlikely set of candidates are readying for a popular surge – FMCG companies.  With political rallies and large gatherings becoming more frequent, there's a notable increase in the consumption of packaged snacks and drinks. Parle Products and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known for the Amul brand, are among those preparing for this uptick. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon spoke to industry executives to examine the effect of elections on demand for consumer companies. Krishnarao Buddha, senior category head at Parle, told Suneera that a rise in disposable income for people with political parties doling out money and freebies results in a positive impact for FMCG companies.    To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Mint Primer | Happiness report: Why it has raised eyebrows in India A 140-year-old policy puts its stamp on postal department’s life insurance biz How celebrity brands finally reach the point of sale For private InvITs, a new asset category is about to open up Elections are coming, and snack makers are licking their lips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 An unlikely star in the insurance industry full 529 Mint - HT Smartcast Is India really unhappy? Why are FMCG companies excited about elections? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. This is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a safe, colourful and happy Holi. It's Monday, March 25, 2024. Let's get started: What really makes us happy, and how do we measure it? While happiness can feel like a deeply personal experience, varying greatly from one person to the next, there's an attempt to quantify it on a global scale every year. And in this pursuit of measuring happiness, it turns out India hasn't scored too well. India ranked 126 out of 143 nations surveyed in the World Happiness Report 2024. A partnership between consulting and research firm Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report looks at six variables, including per capita gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. Mint’s national editor N Madhavan breaks down the report which deemed Finland as the happiest country in the world. India fared poorly on most parameters. The rankings are also being questioned by many for having countries stuck in deep economic crises and geopolitical conflicts getting a higher rank than India.      What do you think when you think of India’s postal services? Is it just letters and parcels? Think again. India Post is making waves in an unexpected area: life insurance. The 140-year-old Postal Life Insurance scheme has seen a growth spurt of 14.5% this financial year, outperforming the entire insurance industry for the first time since FY21. Apart from the trust in a state-run insurance plan, there are other factors driving the growth in life insurance for postal services. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar writes about how the growth is also being driven by a digital overhaul, making premium payments and claim settlements a breeze online. While the private sector and the Life Insurance Corporation are facing their own challenges, the postal department's life and rural insurance schemes are thriving, with nearly 16% growth. This growth comes in a market that's still ripe for the picking, given India's low insurance penetration compared to global averages.    Starting up a business may be a dream for many, including celebrities and those in showbiz. But scaling it up and making it big - that’s where the plot thickens! Many movie stars and sports icons ventured into launching their own brands. But a few years into the business, the hand over the reins to bigger companies. Mint’s startups reporter Priyamvada C spoke to  industry insiders, who see more celebrity-led brands being acquired by bigger, professionally run businesses. Big names like Alia Bhatt, Masaba Gupta, and Hrithik Roshan have already seen their brands acquired by retail giants. While celebrity involvement can add credibility and market pull, the success of these brands hinges on more than just a big name. Rising customer acquisition costs and market saturation pose challenges, and the alignment with larger entities offers a chance to expand beyond.   In a bold move to draw more global investors into India's infrastructure projects, the Indian government is setting its sights on auctioning off completed road projects directly to private sector Infrastructure Investment Trusts, or InvITs, leaving traditional bidders like sovereign wealth funds on the sidelines. This strategic shift aims to funnel global investments into the country's roadways through InvITs. InvITs are entities similar to mutual funds but focused on infrastructure, offering a modern avenue to finance projects like highways. Mint’s infrastructure editor Subhash Narayan reports on the move that comes as part of a broader effort to boost investment in India's infrastructure.   As the election season heats up with the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections just around the corner, an unlikely set of candidates are readying for a popular surge – FMCG companies.  With political rallies and large gatherings becoming more frequent, there's a notable increase in the consumption of packaged snacks and drinks. Parle Products and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known for the Amul brand, are among those preparing for this uptick. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon spoke to industry executives to examine the effect of elections on demand for consumer companies. Krishnarao Buddha, senior category head at Parle, told Suneera that a rise in disposable income for people with political parties doling out money and freebies results in a positive impact for FMCG companies.    To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Mint Primer | Happiness report: Why it has raised eyebrows in India A 140-year-old policy puts its stamp on postal department’s life insurance biz How celebrity brands finally reach the point of sale For private InvITs, a new asset category is about to open up Elections are coming, and snack makers are licking their lips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. This is Nelson John, wishing all our listeners a safe, colourful and happy Holi. It's Monday, March 25, 2024. Let's get started:

What really makes us happy, and how do we measure it? While happiness can feel like a deeply personal experience, varying greatly from one person to the next, there's an attempt to quantify it on a global scale every year. And in this pursuit of measuring happiness, it turns out India hasn't scored too well. India ranked 126 out of 143 nations surveyed in the World Happiness Report 2024. A partnership between consulting and research firm Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report looks at six variables, including per capita gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. Mint’s national editor N Madhavan breaks down the report which deemed Finland as the happiest country in the world. India fared poorly on most parameters. The rankings are also being questioned by many for having countries stuck in deep economic crises and geopolitical conflicts getting a higher rank than India.   

 

What do you think when you think of India’s postal services? Is it just letters and parcels? Think again. India Post is making waves in an unexpected area: life insurance. The 140-year-old Postal Life Insurance scheme has seen a growth spurt of 14.5% this financial year, outperforming the entire insurance industry for the first time since FY21. Apart from the trust in a state-run insurance plan, there are other factors driving the growth in life insurance for postal services. Mint’s Dhirendra Kumar writes about how the growth is also being driven by a digital overhaul, making premium payments and claim settlements a breeze online. While the private sector and the Life Insurance Corporation are facing their own challenges, the postal department's life and rural insurance schemes are thriving, with nearly 16% growth. This growth comes in a market that's still ripe for the picking, given India's low insurance penetration compared to global averages. 

 

Starting up a business may be a dream for many, including celebrities and those in showbiz. But scaling it up and making it big - that’s where the plot thickens! Many movie stars and sports icons ventured into launching their own brands. But a few years into the business, the hand over the reins to bigger companies. Mint’s startups reporter Priyamvada C spoke to  industry insiders, who see more celebrity-led brands being acquired by bigger, professionally run businesses. Big names like Alia Bhatt, Masaba Gupta, and Hrithik Roshan have already seen their brands acquired by retail giants. While celebrity involvement can add credibility and market pull, the success of these brands hinges on more than just a big name. Rising customer acquisition costs and market saturation pose challenges, and the alignment with larger entities offers a chance to expand beyond.

 

In a bold move to draw more global investors into India's infrastructure projects, the Indian government is setting its sights on auctioning off completed road projects directly to private sector Infrastructure Investment Trusts, or InvITs, leaving traditional bidders like sovereign wealth funds on the sidelines. This strategic shift aims to funnel global investments into the country's roadways through InvITs. InvITs are entities similar to mutual funds but focused on infrastructure, offering a modern avenue to finance projects like highways. Mint’s infrastructure editor Subhash Narayan reports on the move that comes as part of a broader effort to boost investment in India's infrastructure.

 

As the election season heats up with the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections just around the corner, an unlikely set of candidates are readying for a popular surge – FMCG companies.  With political rallies and large gatherings becoming more frequent, there's a notable increase in the consumption of packaged snacks and drinks. Parle Products and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known for the Amul brand, are among those preparing for this uptick. Mint’s FMCG correspondent Suneera Tandon spoke to industry executives to examine the effect of elections on demand for consumer companies. Krishnarao Buddha, senior category head at Parle, told Suneera that a rise in disposable income for people with political parties doling out money and freebies results in a positive impact for FMCG companies. 

 

To read any of the stories in today’s episode, please click the links in the show notes.You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Mint Primer | Happiness report: Why it has raised eyebrows in India

A 140-year-old policy puts its stamp on postal department’s life insurance biz

How celebrity brands finally reach the point of sale

For private InvITs, a new asset category is about to open up

Elections are coming, and snack makers are licking their lips

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 427 no What’s a plutocracy and is India becoming one? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-a-plutocracy-and-is-india-becoming-one-78Y2c61B Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices surged on Thursday, riding the wave of optimism from global markets. This uptick came after the Federal Reserve maintained its outlook for three rate cuts within the year, sparking a rally. Both Nifty and Sensex rose more than 0.75 per cent by the end of the day’s trading on Thursday.  Money x Power = ? Have you ever heard of a  plutocracy? It's a scenario where the wealthiest individuals not only hold the purse strings but also the reins of governance, turning financial might into political power. A similar trend is unfolding in India. As per the World Inequality Lab's latest study, income and wealth inequality are breaking records, even outpacing countries like China and Brazil. The elite one percent in India aren't just wealthy; they're earning 23 times more than the average Indian. If left unchecked, this imbalance could lead to India's future being shaped by a plutocracy.Mint’s national writer Sayantan Bera takes a closer look at this pressing issue in today's Mint Primer. Ola Electric, steered by Bhavish Aggarwal, is on the brink of a significant move in India's electric vehicle landscape with its initial public offering drawing near. The electric scooter-maker known for its S1 series is drawing investor interest. People close to the matter told Mint’s autocorrespondent Alisha Sachdev that Singapore’s Eastspring and UK-based Pictet are lining up as anchor investors, signalling favourable market sentiment. Dominating over 40 per cent of India's electric two-wheeler market, Ola Electric's battery division, Ola Cell Technologies, is set to boost efficiency and profitability. Ola's ambitions are clear: expanding its cell factory capacity and venturing into advanced battery technologies, including bidding for lithium resources. The Indian Premier League, Indian cricket’s biggest spectacle, begins today, kicking off a summer of high octane action in the game’s shortest format. Cricket fans are excited, but the advertising scene this year tells a different story. Star Sports and Jio, the custodians of broadcast and digital rights, have seen ad rates stagnate. Major sectors like automotive, e-commerce, telecom, and fintech are yet to jump into the advertising fray. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the mood of the advertisers around this year's biggest television event. Varuni also spoke to advertising experts who noted a peculiar reluctance towards the IPL among clients this season, pointing to a broader market slowdown rather than the tournament's appeal.  Seems like restaurants are in a bit of a soup. The stock market isn't serving up good news for restaurants lately. Case in point: Devyani International Limited, the company operating your local KFC and Pizza Hut outlets. Over the past year, Devyani's shares climbed just 10 per cent, a stark contrast to the Nifty Midcap index's 57 per cent surge, indicating rough weather for the sector. And it's not just Devyani feeling the heat. Westlife Foodworld, which runs McDonald's in India, also saw its stock rise by merely 10 per cent over the same period. So what's behind this industry-wide slump? Mint's national editor Abhishek Mukherjee dug into the issue. Abhishek spoke to Siddhanth Chhabaria of Mirae Assets who blamed the downturn on dwindling demand and a broader consumption slowdown. Right before Russia made its move on Ukraine in February 2022, their hackers unleashed malware on Ukrainian military comms by targeting routers connected to Viasat, a major American satellite and internet provider. Things got tense and Ukrainian leaders called out for help. Elon Musk, who owns Starlink responded and Ukraine got its internet back. Fast forward two years, and Starlink has become a lifeline, keeping Ukraine's military and civilians connected through the chaos. This satellite internet service, brought to life by SpaceX, is changing the game with thousands of satellites zooming around in low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, back in India, there's a scramble to catch up. The Indian government tweaked some rules to make it easier for satellite broadband services to set up shop without the usual auction requirements. This is a big deal for companies like Bharti Group's OneWeb, Reliance's Jio Satellite Communications, Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper, paving the way for them to offer their services across India's vast and varied landscape. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh takes a deep dive into the emerging industry of satellite communications or SatCom in India. A subset of India’s 8.5 billion dollar space economy, the satcom industry is set to close in on 2 billion dollars by 2030. According to ratings agency Icra, by 2025, India's satcom industry could be serving up to 2 million users and raking in revenue between 5,000 to 6,000 crore rupees a year.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back on Monday with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful weekend! Show notes: Mint Primer | Mind the income gap: Is India becoming a plutocracy? Ola Electric holds a battery secret on road to IPO Cricket spirits soar, but IPL's ad rates are flat Restaurants in the soup as weak consumer sentiment bites Leos, Meos and Geos: Broadband from the stars is coming soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What’s a plutocracy and is India becoming one? full 528 Mint - HT Smartcast Restaurants are in a soup; IPL ads on sticky wicket Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices surged on Thursday, riding the wave of optimism from global markets. This uptick came after the Federal Reserve maintained its outlook for three rate cuts within the year, sparking a rally. Both Nifty and Sensex rose more than 0.75 per cent by the end of the day’s trading on Thursday.  Money x Power = ? Have you ever heard of a  plutocracy? It's a scenario where the wealthiest individuals not only hold the purse strings but also the reins of governance, turning financial might into political power. A similar trend is unfolding in India. As per the World Inequality Lab's latest study, income and wealth inequality are breaking records, even outpacing countries like China and Brazil. The elite one percent in India aren't just wealthy; they're earning 23 times more than the average Indian. If left unchecked, this imbalance could lead to India's future being shaped by a plutocracy.Mint’s national writer Sayantan Bera takes a closer look at this pressing issue in today's Mint Primer. Ola Electric, steered by Bhavish Aggarwal, is on the brink of a significant move in India's electric vehicle landscape with its initial public offering drawing near. The electric scooter-maker known for its S1 series is drawing investor interest. People close to the matter told Mint’s autocorrespondent Alisha Sachdev that Singapore’s Eastspring and UK-based Pictet are lining up as anchor investors, signalling favourable market sentiment. Dominating over 40 per cent of India's electric two-wheeler market, Ola Electric's battery division, Ola Cell Technologies, is set to boost efficiency and profitability. Ola's ambitions are clear: expanding its cell factory capacity and venturing into advanced battery technologies, including bidding for lithium resources. The Indian Premier League, Indian cricket’s biggest spectacle, begins today, kicking off a summer of high octane action in the game’s shortest format. Cricket fans are excited, but the advertising scene this year tells a different story. Star Sports and Jio, the custodians of broadcast and digital rights, have seen ad rates stagnate. Major sectors like automotive, e-commerce, telecom, and fintech are yet to jump into the advertising fray. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the mood of the advertisers around this year's biggest television event. Varuni also spoke to advertising experts who noted a peculiar reluctance towards the IPL among clients this season, pointing to a broader market slowdown rather than the tournament's appeal.  Seems like restaurants are in a bit of a soup. The stock market isn't serving up good news for restaurants lately. Case in point: Devyani International Limited, the company operating your local KFC and Pizza Hut outlets. Over the past year, Devyani's shares climbed just 10 per cent, a stark contrast to the Nifty Midcap index's 57 per cent surge, indicating rough weather for the sector. And it's not just Devyani feeling the heat. Westlife Foodworld, which runs McDonald's in India, also saw its stock rise by merely 10 per cent over the same period. So what's behind this industry-wide slump? Mint's national editor Abhishek Mukherjee dug into the issue. Abhishek spoke to Siddhanth Chhabaria of Mirae Assets who blamed the downturn on dwindling demand and a broader consumption slowdown. Right before Russia made its move on Ukraine in February 2022, their hackers unleashed malware on Ukrainian military comms by targeting routers connected to Viasat, a major American satellite and internet provider. Things got tense and Ukrainian leaders called out for help. Elon Musk, who owns Starlink responded and Ukraine got its internet back. Fast forward two years, and Starlink has become a lifeline, keeping Ukraine's military and civilians connected through the chaos. This satellite internet service, brought to life by SpaceX, is changing the game with thousands of satellites zooming around in low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, back in India, there's a scramble to catch up. The Indian government tweaked some rules to make it easier for satellite broadband services to set up shop without the usual auction requirements. This is a big deal for companies like Bharti Group's OneWeb, Reliance's Jio Satellite Communications, Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper, paving the way for them to offer their services across India's vast and varied landscape. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh takes a deep dive into the emerging industry of satellite communications or SatCom in India. A subset of India’s 8.5 billion dollar space economy, the satcom industry is set to close in on 2 billion dollars by 2030. According to ratings agency Icra, by 2025, India's satcom industry could be serving up to 2 million users and raking in revenue between 5,000 to 6,000 crore rupees a year.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back on Monday with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful weekend! Show notes: Mint Primer | Mind the income gap: Is India becoming a plutocracy? Ola Electric holds a battery secret on road to IPO Cricket spirits soar, but IPL's ad rates are flat Restaurants in the soup as weak consumer sentiment bites Leos, Meos and Geos: Broadband from the stars is coming soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 22, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices surged on Thursday, riding the wave of optimism from global markets. This uptick came after the Federal Reserve maintained its outlook for three rate cuts within the year, sparking a rally. Both Nifty and Sensex rose more than 0.75 per cent by the end of the day’s trading on Thursday. 

Money x Power = ? Have you ever heard of a  plutocracy? It's a scenario where the wealthiest individuals not only hold the purse strings but also the reins of governance, turning financial might into political power. A similar trend is unfolding in India. As per the World Inequality Lab's latest study, income and wealth inequality are breaking records, even outpacing countries like China and Brazil. The elite one percent in India aren't just wealthy; they're earning 23 times more than the average Indian. If left unchecked, this imbalance could lead to India's future being shaped by a plutocracy.Mint’s national writer Sayantan Bera takes a closer look at this pressing issue in today's Mint Primer.

Ola Electric, steered by Bhavish Aggarwal, is on the brink of a significant move in India's electric vehicle landscape with its initial public offering drawing near. The electric scooter-maker known for its S1 series is drawing investor interest. People close to the matter told Mint’s autocorrespondent Alisha Sachdev that Singapore’s Eastspring and UK-based Pictet are lining up as anchor investors, signalling favourable market sentiment. Dominating over 40 per cent of India's electric two-wheeler market, Ola Electric's battery division, Ola Cell Technologies, is set to boost efficiency and profitability. Ola's ambitions are clear: expanding its cell factory capacity and venturing into advanced battery technologies, including bidding for lithium resources.

The Indian Premier League, Indian cricket’s biggest spectacle, begins today, kicking off a summer of high octane action in the game’s shortest format. Cricket fans are excited, but the advertising scene this year tells a different story. Star Sports and Jio, the custodians of broadcast and digital rights, have seen ad rates stagnate. Major sectors like automotive, e-commerce, telecom, and fintech are yet to jump into the advertising fray. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the mood of the advertisers around this year's biggest television event. Varuni also spoke to advertising experts who noted a peculiar reluctance towards the IPL among clients this season, pointing to a broader market slowdown rather than the tournament's appeal. 

Seems like restaurants are in a bit of a soup. The stock market isn't serving up good news for restaurants lately. Case in point: Devyani International Limited, the company operating your local KFC and Pizza Hut outlets. Over the past year, Devyani's shares climbed just 10 per cent, a stark contrast to the Nifty Midcap index's 57 per cent surge, indicating rough weather for the sector. And it's not just Devyani feeling the heat. Westlife Foodworld, which runs McDonald's in India, also saw its stock rise by merely 10 per cent over the same period. So what's behind this industry-wide slump? Mint's national editor Abhishek Mukherjee dug into the issue. Abhishek spoke to Siddhanth Chhabaria of Mirae Assets who blamed the downturn on dwindling demand and a broader consumption slowdown.

Right before Russia made its move on Ukraine in February 2022, their hackers unleashed malware on Ukrainian military comms by targeting routers connected to Viasat, a major American satellite and internet provider. Things got tense and Ukrainian leaders called out for help. Elon Musk, who owns Starlink responded and Ukraine got its internet back. Fast forward two years, and Starlink has become a lifeline, keeping Ukraine's military and civilians connected through the chaos. This satellite internet service, brought to life by SpaceX, is changing the game with thousands of satellites zooming around in low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, back in India, there's a scramble to catch up. The Indian government tweaked some rules to make it easier for satellite broadband services to set up shop without the usual auction requirements. This is a big deal for companies like Bharti Group's OneWeb, Reliance's Jio Satellite Communications, Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper, paving the way for them to offer their services across India's vast and varied landscape. Mint’s telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh takes a deep dive into the emerging industry of satellite communications or SatCom in India. A subset of India’s 8.5 billion dollar space economy, the satcom industry is set to close in on 2 billion dollars by 2030. According to ratings agency Icra, by 2025, India's satcom industry could be serving up to 2 million users and raking in revenue between 5,000 to 6,000 crore rupees a year. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back on Monday with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a wonderful weekend!

Show notes:

Mint Primer | Mind the income gap: Is India becoming a plutocracy?

Ola Electric holds a battery secret on road to IPO

Cricket spirits soar, but IPL's ad rates are flat

Restaurants in the soup as weak consumer sentiment bites

Leos, Meos and Geos: Broadband from the stars is coming soon

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]]> 471 no Why Zomato's pure veg fleet is a bad idea https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-zomatos-pure-veg-fleet-is-a-bad-idea-I42jf4lK Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets stayed largely flat on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty increased marginally by around 0.1 percent each. 2024 hasn't been very kind: Sensex and Nifty have both been flat since the start of the year. Compare that to Nvidia, the US-based tech company. Nvidia is up more than 80 percent since the turn of the calendar. Nvidia is one of the few companies that can mass-produce the hardware needed to make artificial intelligence work on computers. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, writes from San Jose in California about a speech given by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang. Huang said he was bullish on India, and said that India developing AI is crucial for the global markets. The government recently approved a billion-dollar fund for this very purpose, so Huang's bullishness is understandable. Despite the generall market lull, one stock that has done well on the Indian markets has been Zomato. It's up 33% on the year, and hit its upper circuit of 5 percent yesterday. That surge could be attributed to its plan to introduce a vegetarian-only fleet. But, as Mint's startup and new economy reporter Priyamvada C explains, this could turn out to be a bad idea. She writes that while restaurants have always handled this segregation of food, Zomato wants to change that. There's also been concerns around discrimination about this decision, including a wanting to distinguish its vegetarian-only delivery personnel through green clothes. This plan was later rolled back, with Zomato's CEO Deepinder Goyal attributing it to the public backlash. Sajjan Jindal, the industrialist and conglomerate, has long wanted to enter India's robust auto sector. The increase in adoption of electric vehicles provided a quick opening for JSW to enter auto making. It has decided to do this by manufacturing electric buses and trucks. Mint's auto correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports that JSW is looking for a partner to set up a manufacturing unit in Odisha. This unit will be set up at a cost of 40,000 crore rupees. It's an interesting move by the steel and energy conglomerate to enter the commercial vehicle section as well. It was earlier reported that JSW will tie-up with MG Motors to enter the passenger vehicles segment in India. JSW isn't the only one bullish on the EV segment: the central government wants conventional automakers to transition to electric vehicles as well. To that end, the government is creating a long-term playbook to develop India as a hub for automobile manufacturing. Mint's special correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports that the Centre is working to set up this automotive mission plan that is intended for EVs only, but might include traditional petrol and diesel vehicles too. This will be aligned with the BJP government's 'Vision 2047' plan as well, sources told Rituraj.The Indian Premier League is starting soon. A huge part of its fervour actually starts a couple of months before the players even take to the pitch: the IPL auctions. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player ever in the history of the league when the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a whopping 24.75 crore rupees. That was a fourth of the team's entire budget, called a salary cap. It was instituted to ensure there's no uneven spending. But the cricketing spectacle is a money-making machine: the broadcasting rights alone cost above 9,000 crore rupees a year. So compared to that revenue split amongst 10 teams, 100 crores on just player salaries seems low. Our partners at how indialives . com breakdown the IPL’s economics, comparing it with other sports leagues such as football, basketball, and baseball, which allot anywhere between 50 to 80 percent of the league's revenue  players’ salaries. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening  We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why Zomato's pure veg fleet is a bad idea full 527 Mint - HT Smartcast JSW's commercial EV ambitions, IPL's unique salary cap Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Markets stayed largely flat on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty increased marginally by around 0.1 percent each. 2024 hasn't been very kind: Sensex and Nifty have both been flat since the start of the year. Compare that to Nvidia, the US-based tech company. Nvidia is up more than 80 percent since the turn of the calendar. Nvidia is one of the few companies that can mass-produce the hardware needed to make artificial intelligence work on computers. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, writes from San Jose in California about a speech given by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang. Huang said he was bullish on India, and said that India developing AI is crucial for the global markets. The government recently approved a billion-dollar fund for this very purpose, so Huang's bullishness is understandable. Despite the generall market lull, one stock that has done well on the Indian markets has been Zomato. It's up 33% on the year, and hit its upper circuit of 5 percent yesterday. That surge could be attributed to its plan to introduce a vegetarian-only fleet. But, as Mint's startup and new economy reporter Priyamvada C explains, this could turn out to be a bad idea. She writes that while restaurants have always handled this segregation of food, Zomato wants to change that. There's also been concerns around discrimination about this decision, including a wanting to distinguish its vegetarian-only delivery personnel through green clothes. This plan was later rolled back, with Zomato's CEO Deepinder Goyal attributing it to the public backlash. Sajjan Jindal, the industrialist and conglomerate, has long wanted to enter India's robust auto sector. The increase in adoption of electric vehicles provided a quick opening for JSW to enter auto making. It has decided to do this by manufacturing electric buses and trucks. Mint's auto correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports that JSW is looking for a partner to set up a manufacturing unit in Odisha. This unit will be set up at a cost of 40,000 crore rupees. It's an interesting move by the steel and energy conglomerate to enter the commercial vehicle section as well. It was earlier reported that JSW will tie-up with MG Motors to enter the passenger vehicles segment in India. JSW isn't the only one bullish on the EV segment: the central government wants conventional automakers to transition to electric vehicles as well. To that end, the government is creating a long-term playbook to develop India as a hub for automobile manufacturing. Mint's special correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports that the Centre is working to set up this automotive mission plan that is intended for EVs only, but might include traditional petrol and diesel vehicles too. This will be aligned with the BJP government's 'Vision 2047' plan as well, sources told Rituraj.The Indian Premier League is starting soon. A huge part of its fervour actually starts a couple of months before the players even take to the pitch: the IPL auctions. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player ever in the history of the league when the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a whopping 24.75 crore rupees. That was a fourth of the team's entire budget, called a salary cap. It was instituted to ensure there's no uneven spending. But the cricketing spectacle is a money-making machine: the broadcasting rights alone cost above 9,000 crore rupees a year. So compared to that revenue split amongst 10 teams, 100 crores on just player salaries seems low. Our partners at how indialives . com breakdown the IPL’s economics, comparing it with other sports leagues such as football, basketball, and baseball, which allot anywhere between 50 to 80 percent of the league's revenue  players’ salaries. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening  We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 21, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Markets stayed largely flat on Wednesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty increased marginally by around 0.1 percent each. 2024 hasn't been very kind: Sensex and Nifty have both been flat since the start of the year.

Compare that to Nvidia, the US-based tech company. Nvidia is up more than 80 percent since the turn of the calendar. Nvidia is one of the few companies that can mass-produce the hardware needed to make artificial intelligence work on computers. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, writes from San Jose in California about a speech given by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang. Huang said he was bullish on India, and said that India developing AI is crucial for the global markets. The government recently approved a billion-dollar fund for this very purpose, so Huang's bullishness is understandable.

Despite the generall market lull, one stock that has done well on the Indian markets has been Zomato. It's up 33% on the year, and hit its upper circuit of 5 percent yesterday. That surge could be attributed to its plan to introduce a vegetarian-only fleet. But, as Mint's startup and new economy reporter Priyamvada C explains, this could turn out to be a bad idea. She writes that while restaurants have always handled this segregation of food, Zomato wants to change that. There's also been concerns around discrimination about this decision, including a wanting to distinguish its vegetarian-only delivery personnel through green clothes. This plan was later rolled back, with Zomato's CEO Deepinder Goyal attributing it to the public backlash.

Sajjan Jindal, the industrialist and conglomerate, has long wanted to enter India's robust auto sector. The increase in adoption of electric vehicles provided a quick opening for JSW to enter auto making. It has decided to do this by manufacturing electric buses and trucks. Mint's auto correspondent Alisha Sachdev reports that JSW is looking for a partner to set up a manufacturing unit in Odisha. This unit will be set up at a cost of 40,000 crore rupees. It's an interesting move by the steel and energy conglomerate to enter the commercial vehicle section as well. It was earlier reported that JSW will tie-up with MG Motors to enter the passenger vehicles segment in India.

JSW isn't the only one bullish on the EV segment: the central government wants conventional automakers to transition to electric vehicles as well. To that end, the government is creating a long-term playbook to develop India as a hub for automobile manufacturing. Mint's special correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports that the Centre is working to set up this automotive mission plan that is intended for EVs only, but might include traditional petrol and diesel vehicles too. This will be aligned with the BJP government's 'Vision 2047' plan as well, sources told Rituraj.

The Indian Premier League is starting soon. A huge part of its fervour actually starts a couple of months before the players even take to the pitch: the IPL auctions. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player ever in the history of the league when the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a whopping 24.75 crore rupees. That was a fourth of the team's entire budget, called a salary cap. It was instituted to ensure there's no uneven spending. But the cricketing spectacle is a money-making machine: the broadcasting rights alone cost above 9,000 crore rupees a year. So compared to that revenue split amongst 10 teams, 100 crores on just player salaries seems low. Our partners at how indialives . com breakdown the IPL’s economics, comparing it with other sports leagues such as football, basketball, and baseball, which allot anywhere between 50 to 80 percent of the league's revenue  players’ salaries.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening
 

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Show notes:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 395 no How much for a Tesla in India? Answer: ~ 40 lakhs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-for-a-tesla-in-india-answer-40-lakhs-5Nk_gxzL Mint Primer | Tesla at ₹40 lakh: Will EVs now come roaring in? Modi govt’s mixed record on corporate reforms Two Raza paintings emerge from the shadows to fetch an eye popping ₹86 crore How pig butchering scam is taking a toll on investors Alakh sir, can PhysicsWallah ace the profit test?   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Tuesday saw the Indian benchmark indices take a downturn, ahead of a key interest rate announcement by the US Federal Reserve. Both Sensex and Nifty shed more than one per cent to end the trading session deep in the red on Tuesday. Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank were among the only few stocks to end the day in green. Are you an electric car enthusiast? Ever dreamt of driving a Tesla on Indian roads? In a surprise move Friday, a day before the model code of conduct came into force, the Indian government revised its EV policy. The new policy slashed import duty on electric cars in India to 15 per cent from the current 70-110 per cent, a massive reduction! But it comes with conditions. The reduced tariff is valid only for 8,000 cars per annum and can be availed only if companies make an investment of 4,150 crore rupees or 500 million dollars towards setting up a factory within 3 years. There is also a clause on domestic value addition.  So the policy requires electric car makers like Tesla to commit to significant domestic investments. Tesla plans to develop an affordable model for emerging markets like India. And we finally may have a price point for a Tesla model. It sits somewhere close to 40 lakhs. Mint’s auto correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the policy change could mean for global EV companies.     When the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, one of the core ideas it championed was the ease of doing business in India. The previous regime’s ‘policy paralysis’ emerged as a strong pitch for the BJP. Now, after a decade in power, has the Modi-led government made any significant corporate reforms? Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a look, using data as her tool. Niti examines the highs and lows of corporate policy making in the last 10 years. These include the Modi government’s banking reforms, led by capital infusion of more than 3 trillion rupees over five years between 2017 and 2022. Niti also takes a look at some of the not-so-successful policy decisions by the government - like 2016’s insolvency and bankruptcy code. This is the fifth part of an ongoing Plain Facts series covering the top election issues and the government’s report card after nearly 10 years in power.    Niti’s story and other featured stories have been linked in the show notes. Just scroll down and click on the links to give them a read.  “Money is not the criteria of art. Art or love is not a question of money. One should perceive these things at a different level”. What you just heard was a quote from the late great post-modernist painter Sayed Haider Raza. This is not an art history podcast.The reason we’re telling you about S H Raza’s art is because two of his famous paintings sold for an eye-watering sum of 86 crore rupees! Raza's 1959 painting titled "Kallisté" , which is Greek for 'most beautiful,' was auctioned off on March 19 at the renowned Sotheby's auction house for more than five and a half million dollars – that's close to 46 crore rupees. Another piece, "Paysage Agreste" (pey-saj a-grest), showcased at the Métayer-Mermoz (mee-tee-ye  mer-moz) auction house in Antibes (anti-bees), France, on March 17, fetched 4.75 million euros –  about 40 crore rupees. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the auctions that made Raza relevant again, nearly a decade after his death.    Wake up folks! We have a new scam in town. Something called the ‘pig butchering scam’ is targeting people looking to make a quick buck, especially students who tend to have little to no experience in investing. Mint Money’s Sashind Ningthoukhongjam explains that the pig butchering scam isn't your average investment fraud. Here, scammers draw you in with slick, fake investment apps and websites, sometimes even using real app names as a front, convincing you to keep upping your investment. Just when you think you're on to a good thing, they disappear - along with your money. Brokers like Fisdom, Dhan, Fyers, and Choice Broking are sounding the alarm, issuing public notices to warn investors. And what’s with the peculiar name? In the pig butchering scam, it starts with the scammer cozying up to the victim. Once they've got your trust, that's when they hit you for money, much like how a butcher fattens up a pig before it's time for the slaughter. Investors beware!   PhysicsWallah, the face of profitable edtech in India, has been struggling to cover all its bases. The company, which began as a YouTube channel in 2016, has had quite the journey. Last year, it saw its revenue skyrocket to 779 crore rupees, tripling its earnings and landing in the rarified strata of profitable unicorns. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Despite the revenue surge, its net profit took a dive, plummeting 91 per cent to just 9 crore rupees. However, what are the signals that suggest that staying profitable could be a challenge for PhysicsWallah moving forward? Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel spoke to students from across the country, as well as current and former PhysicsWallah employees to reveal a symptomatic, larger tale of decay that is evident in Indian edtech today. Students across the country, who enrolled in PhysicsWallahs prep classes for competitive exams say they have not been happy with the quality of education provided by the company. Samiksha also traces the company’s origins, the controversies it has faced and how the company may be lacking with quality control of the teachers it hires.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!   Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How much for a Tesla in India? Answer: ~ 40 lakhs full 526 Mint - HT Smartcast Wake up! There’s a new scam in town Modi sarkar’s report card on corporate policies Mint Primer | Tesla at ₹40 lakh: Will EVs now come roaring in? Modi govt’s mixed record on corporate reforms Two Raza paintings emerge from the shadows to fetch an eye popping ₹86 crore How pig butchering scam is taking a toll on investors Alakh sir, can PhysicsWallah ace the profit test?   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Tuesday saw the Indian benchmark indices take a downturn, ahead of a key interest rate announcement by the US Federal Reserve. Both Sensex and Nifty shed more than one per cent to end the trading session deep in the red on Tuesday. Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank were among the only few stocks to end the day in green. Are you an electric car enthusiast? Ever dreamt of driving a Tesla on Indian roads? In a surprise move Friday, a day before the model code of conduct came into force, the Indian government revised its EV policy. The new policy slashed import duty on electric cars in India to 15 per cent from the current 70-110 per cent, a massive reduction! But it comes with conditions. The reduced tariff is valid only for 8,000 cars per annum and can be availed only if companies make an investment of 4,150 crore rupees or 500 million dollars towards setting up a factory within 3 years. There is also a clause on domestic value addition.  So the policy requires electric car makers like Tesla to commit to significant domestic investments. Tesla plans to develop an affordable model for emerging markets like India. And we finally may have a price point for a Tesla model. It sits somewhere close to 40 lakhs. Mint’s auto correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the policy change could mean for global EV companies.     When the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, one of the core ideas it championed was the ease of doing business in India. The previous regime’s ‘policy paralysis’ emerged as a strong pitch for the BJP. Now, after a decade in power, has the Modi-led government made any significant corporate reforms? Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a look, using data as her tool. Niti examines the highs and lows of corporate policy making in the last 10 years. These include the Modi government’s banking reforms, led by capital infusion of more than 3 trillion rupees over five years between 2017 and 2022. Niti also takes a look at some of the not-so-successful policy decisions by the government - like 2016’s insolvency and bankruptcy code. This is the fifth part of an ongoing Plain Facts series covering the top election issues and the government’s report card after nearly 10 years in power.    Niti’s story and other featured stories have been linked in the show notes. Just scroll down and click on the links to give them a read.  “Money is not the criteria of art. Art or love is not a question of money. One should perceive these things at a different level”. What you just heard was a quote from the late great post-modernist painter Sayed Haider Raza. This is not an art history podcast.The reason we’re telling you about S H Raza’s art is because two of his famous paintings sold for an eye-watering sum of 86 crore rupees! Raza's 1959 painting titled "Kallisté" , which is Greek for 'most beautiful,' was auctioned off on March 19 at the renowned Sotheby's auction house for more than five and a half million dollars – that's close to 46 crore rupees. Another piece, "Paysage Agreste" (pey-saj a-grest), showcased at the Métayer-Mermoz (mee-tee-ye  mer-moz) auction house in Antibes (anti-bees), France, on March 17, fetched 4.75 million euros –  about 40 crore rupees. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the auctions that made Raza relevant again, nearly a decade after his death.    Wake up folks! We have a new scam in town. Something called the ‘pig butchering scam’ is targeting people looking to make a quick buck, especially students who tend to have little to no experience in investing. Mint Money’s Sashind Ningthoukhongjam explains that the pig butchering scam isn't your average investment fraud. Here, scammers draw you in with slick, fake investment apps and websites, sometimes even using real app names as a front, convincing you to keep upping your investment. Just when you think you're on to a good thing, they disappear - along with your money. Brokers like Fisdom, Dhan, Fyers, and Choice Broking are sounding the alarm, issuing public notices to warn investors. And what’s with the peculiar name? In the pig butchering scam, it starts with the scammer cozying up to the victim. Once they've got your trust, that's when they hit you for money, much like how a butcher fattens up a pig before it's time for the slaughter. Investors beware!   PhysicsWallah, the face of profitable edtech in India, has been struggling to cover all its bases. The company, which began as a YouTube channel in 2016, has had quite the journey. Last year, it saw its revenue skyrocket to 779 crore rupees, tripling its earnings and landing in the rarified strata of profitable unicorns. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Despite the revenue surge, its net profit took a dive, plummeting 91 per cent to just 9 crore rupees. However, what are the signals that suggest that staying profitable could be a challenge for PhysicsWallah moving forward? Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel spoke to students from across the country, as well as current and former PhysicsWallah employees to reveal a symptomatic, larger tale of decay that is evident in Indian edtech today. Students across the country, who enrolled in PhysicsWallahs prep classes for competitive exams say they have not been happy with the quality of education provided by the company. Samiksha also traces the company’s origins, the controversies it has faced and how the company may be lacking with quality control of the teachers it hires.    We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!   Show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mint Primer | Tesla at ₹40 lakh: Will EVs now come roaring in?

Modi govt’s mixed record on corporate reforms

Two Raza paintings emerge from the shadows to fetch an eye popping ₹86 crore

How pig butchering scam is taking a toll on investors

Alakh sir, can PhysicsWallah ace the profit test?

 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 20, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Tuesday saw the Indian benchmark indices take a downturn, ahead of a key interest rate announcement by the US Federal Reserve. Both Sensex and Nifty shed more than one per cent to end the trading session deep in the red on Tuesday. Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank were among the only few stocks to end the day in green.

Are you an electric car enthusiast? Ever dreamt of driving a Tesla on Indian roads? In a surprise move Friday, a day before the model code of conduct came into force, the Indian government revised its EV policy. The new policy slashed import duty on electric cars in India to 15 per cent from the current 70-110 per cent, a massive reduction! But it comes with conditions. The reduced tariff is valid only for 8,000 cars per annum and can be availed only if companies make an investment of 4,150 crore rupees or 500 million dollars towards setting up a factory within 3 years. There is also a clause on domestic value addition.  So the policy requires electric car makers like Tesla to commit to significant domestic investments. Tesla plans to develop an affordable model for emerging markets like India. And we finally may have a price point for a Tesla model. It sits somewhere close to 40 lakhs. Mint’s auto correspondent Sumant Banerji explains what the policy change could mean for global EV companies.  

 

When the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, one of the core ideas it championed was the ease of doing business in India. The previous regime’s ‘policy paralysis’ emerged as a strong pitch for the BJP. Now, after a decade in power, has the Modi-led government made any significant corporate reforms? Mint’s senior assistant editor Niti Kiran takes a look, using data as her tool. Niti examines the highs and lows of corporate policy making in the last 10 years. These include the Modi government’s banking reforms, led by capital infusion of more than 3 trillion rupees over five years between 2017 and 2022. Niti also takes a look at some of the not-so-successful policy decisions by the government - like 2016’s insolvency and bankruptcy code. This is the fifth part of an ongoing Plain Facts series covering the top election issues and the government’s report card after nearly 10 years in power. 

 

Niti’s story and other featured stories have been linked in the show notes. Just scroll down and click on the links to give them a read. 

“Money is not the criteria of art. Art or love is not a question of money. One should perceive these things at a different level”. What you just heard was a quote from the late great post-modernist painter Sayed Haider Raza. This is not an art history podcast.The reason we’re telling you about S H Raza’s art is because two of his famous paintings sold for an eye-watering sum of 86 crore rupees! Raza's 1959 painting titled "Kallisté" , which is Greek for 'most beautiful,' was auctioned off on March 19 at the renowned Sotheby's auction house for more than five and a half million dollars – that's close to 46 crore rupees. Another piece, "Paysage Agreste" (pey-saj a-grest), showcased at the Métayer-Mermoz (mee-tee-ye  mer-moz) auction house in Antibes (anti-bees), France, on March 17, fetched 4.75 million euros –  about 40 crore rupees. Mint’s assistant editor Varuni Khosla reports on the auctions that made Raza relevant again, nearly a decade after his death. 

 

Wake up folks! We have a new scam in town. Something called the ‘pig butchering scam’ is targeting people looking to make a quick buck, especially students who tend to have little to no experience in investing. Mint Money’s Sashind Ningthoukhongjam explains that the pig butchering scam isn't your average investment fraud. Here, scammers draw you in with slick, fake investment apps and websites, sometimes even using real app names as a front, convincing you to keep upping your investment. Just when you think you're on to a good thing, they disappear - along with your money. Brokers like Fisdom, Dhan, Fyers, and Choice Broking are sounding the alarm, issuing public notices to warn investors. And what’s with the peculiar name? In the pig butchering scam, it starts with the scammer cozying up to the victim. Once they've got your trust, that's when they hit you for money, much like how a butcher fattens up a pig before it's time for the slaughter. Investors beware!

 

PhysicsWallah, the face of profitable edtech in India, has been struggling to cover all its bases. The company, which began as a YouTube channel in 2016, has had quite the journey. Last year, it saw its revenue skyrocket to 779 crore rupees, tripling its earnings and landing in the rarified strata of profitable unicorns. However, it's not all smooth sailing. Despite the revenue surge, its net profit took a dive, plummeting 91 per cent to just 9 crore rupees. However, what are the signals that suggest that staying profitable could be a challenge for PhysicsWallah moving forward? Mint’s startups correspondent Samiksha Goel spoke to students from across the country, as well as current and former PhysicsWallah employees to reveal a symptomatic, larger tale of decay that is evident in Indian edtech today. Students across the country, who enrolled in PhysicsWallahs prep classes for competitive exams say they have not been happy with the quality of education provided by the company. Samiksha also traces the company’s origins, the controversies it has faced and how the company may be lacking with quality control of the teachers it hires. 

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

 

Show notes:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 500 no Electoral bonds: There is more to unpack https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/electoral-bonds-there-is-more-to-unpack-EKfQx0gY Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: On a day marked by wild gyrations of the Sensex and Nifty, the benchmark indices managed to end Tuesday on a positive note. Both Sensex and Nifty ended the trading session about 0.15 per cent above their previous close. Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel and Tata Motors emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday.  Have you invested in a small cap fund? Or looking at the high rate of return, have you been tempted to? Market regulator Sebi put small and mid cap funds under a stress test to check if they can handle a large sum of money, especially in a space which tends to have less liquidity. But what was the need for this test? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Jash Kriplani explain the move. Over the last two years, assets under management for small-cap mutual funds have more than doubled! This coupled with an average return value of more than 45 per cent, raised concerns with the regulator. Sebi asked small cap funds to rank companies under their management in descending order of liquidity. Days to liquidation vary from 12 days for 50 per cent liquidation for smaller funds, to 60 days for larger ones. Neil and Jash also tackle questions around the methodology of the stress test and whether you as a small-cap investor should be worried.  Tata Sons, the parent entity of India's premier software services company Tata Consultancy Services, is reportedly planning to offload 23.4 million shares through block deals. The shares are to be sold at a price of 4,001 rupees each, totalling an estimated 9,300 crore rupees or about 1.1 billion dollars, as per a Bloomberg report. Tata Sons owns more than 72 per cent of TCS, which has seen its share value increase by 30 per cent over the last year. This strategic sale is speculated to be a manoeuver by the Tata Group to bypass the need for a public market listing for Tata Sons. Such a listing is a requirement set by the Reserve Bank of India for 'upper layer' non-banking financial companies to be listed on stock exchanges. The issue of electoral bonds is more layered than was initially understood. Days into SBI releasing details of donations made by corporations to political parties, the data keeps on throwing up surprises. Mint’s Varun Sood unpacks more of it in this next story. Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd , a prominent player in India's infrastructure sector, finds itself at the centre of a puzzling discrepancy about its political donations made through electoral bonds. According to Megha Engineering’s  last annual report, the company purchased electoral bonds worth 280 crore rupees. However, the Election Commission's data tells a different story. The commission’s data shows Megha and its subsidiary, EveyTrans, together only bought bonds totaling 199 crore rupees in FY23. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accountability of such instruments, meant to channel money anonymously to political parties.  Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, which deemed electoral bonds illegal in a landmark judgement last month, has told the State Bank of India to disclose all details. This includes the date of purchase and redemption, the name of the purchaser and recipient, denomination, and alphanumeric numbers and serial bonds. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the Supreme Court’s strict and no nonsense approach towards electoral bonds.    What’s common between Sachin Tendulkar in the early 2010s, Muhammad Ali in the 80s and Roger Federer in the late 2010s. They were all past their prime but were still going on. Now what if I told you a similar analogy can be drawn in the stock market with giants like HDFC, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Asian Paints. These companies were once the stalwarts of equity markets, with a widespread belief that investing in them was a surefire win. However, everything has an expiration date. In 2023, for the first time, shares of HDFC Bank, HUL, and Asian Paints all lagged behind the Nifty50's impressive 20 per cent increase. While Asian Paints saw a modest 10 per cent rise, HDFC Bank climbed by only 5 per cent, and HUL grew a mere 4 per cent. Mint’s national editor, Abhishek Mukherjee, offers an in-depth analysis of the downturn experienced by these once-iconic stocks.   New Delhi-based Azure Global Power, a renewable energy firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is considering strategic moves including selling a stake to a partner. People familiar with the development told Mint’s policy bureau chief Utpal Bhaskar, that the company is even mulling selling the entire business. Originally listed on the NYSE in 2016 and subsequently delisted in 2023, Azure Power has significant investment from Canadian pension funds CDPQ and Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System, who own 53.4 per cent and 21.4 per cent of the company, respectively.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer: Why you shouldn’t stress out over new mid- and small-cap tests Tata Sons to sell 23.4 million TCS shares worth ₹9,000 crore in block deal At India’s second-largest engineering co, gaps emerge in electoral bond funding Why Dalal Street’s one-time darlings are struggling to keep the romance going Azure Power is navigating leadership churn; a stake sale may be next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Electoral bonds: There is more to unpack full 525 Mint - HT Smartcast Tata Sons announces block sale of TCS shares; Why D-street’s darlings are struggling Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: On a day marked by wild gyrations of the Sensex and Nifty, the benchmark indices managed to end Tuesday on a positive note. Both Sensex and Nifty ended the trading session about 0.15 per cent above their previous close. Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel and Tata Motors emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday.  Have you invested in a small cap fund? Or looking at the high rate of return, have you been tempted to? Market regulator Sebi put small and mid cap funds under a stress test to check if they can handle a large sum of money, especially in a space which tends to have less liquidity. But what was the need for this test? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Jash Kriplani explain the move. Over the last two years, assets under management for small-cap mutual funds have more than doubled! This coupled with an average return value of more than 45 per cent, raised concerns with the regulator. Sebi asked small cap funds to rank companies under their management in descending order of liquidity. Days to liquidation vary from 12 days for 50 per cent liquidation for smaller funds, to 60 days for larger ones. Neil and Jash also tackle questions around the methodology of the stress test and whether you as a small-cap investor should be worried.  Tata Sons, the parent entity of India's premier software services company Tata Consultancy Services, is reportedly planning to offload 23.4 million shares through block deals. The shares are to be sold at a price of 4,001 rupees each, totalling an estimated 9,300 crore rupees or about 1.1 billion dollars, as per a Bloomberg report. Tata Sons owns more than 72 per cent of TCS, which has seen its share value increase by 30 per cent over the last year. This strategic sale is speculated to be a manoeuver by the Tata Group to bypass the need for a public market listing for Tata Sons. Such a listing is a requirement set by the Reserve Bank of India for 'upper layer' non-banking financial companies to be listed on stock exchanges. The issue of electoral bonds is more layered than was initially understood. Days into SBI releasing details of donations made by corporations to political parties, the data keeps on throwing up surprises. Mint’s Varun Sood unpacks more of it in this next story. Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd , a prominent player in India's infrastructure sector, finds itself at the centre of a puzzling discrepancy about its political donations made through electoral bonds. According to Megha Engineering’s  last annual report, the company purchased electoral bonds worth 280 crore rupees. However, the Election Commission's data tells a different story. The commission’s data shows Megha and its subsidiary, EveyTrans, together only bought bonds totaling 199 crore rupees in FY23. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accountability of such instruments, meant to channel money anonymously to political parties.  Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, which deemed electoral bonds illegal in a landmark judgement last month, has told the State Bank of India to disclose all details. This includes the date of purchase and redemption, the name of the purchaser and recipient, denomination, and alphanumeric numbers and serial bonds. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the Supreme Court’s strict and no nonsense approach towards electoral bonds.    What’s common between Sachin Tendulkar in the early 2010s, Muhammad Ali in the 80s and Roger Federer in the late 2010s. They were all past their prime but were still going on. Now what if I told you a similar analogy can be drawn in the stock market with giants like HDFC, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Asian Paints. These companies were once the stalwarts of equity markets, with a widespread belief that investing in them was a surefire win. However, everything has an expiration date. In 2023, for the first time, shares of HDFC Bank, HUL, and Asian Paints all lagged behind the Nifty50's impressive 20 per cent increase. While Asian Paints saw a modest 10 per cent rise, HDFC Bank climbed by only 5 per cent, and HUL grew a mere 4 per cent. Mint’s national editor, Abhishek Mukherjee, offers an in-depth analysis of the downturn experienced by these once-iconic stocks.   New Delhi-based Azure Global Power, a renewable energy firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is considering strategic moves including selling a stake to a partner. People familiar with the development told Mint’s policy bureau chief Utpal Bhaskar, that the company is even mulling selling the entire business. Originally listed on the NYSE in 2016 and subsequently delisted in 2023, Azure Power has significant investment from Canadian pension funds CDPQ and Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System, who own 53.4 per cent and 21.4 per cent of the company, respectively.   We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Mint Primer: Why you shouldn’t stress out over new mid- and small-cap tests Tata Sons to sell 23.4 million TCS shares worth ₹9,000 crore in block deal At India’s second-largest engineering co, gaps emerge in electoral bond funding Why Dalal Street’s one-time darlings are struggling to keep the romance going Azure Power is navigating leadership churn; a stake sale may be next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 19, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

On a day marked by wild gyrations of the Sensex and Nifty, the benchmark indices managed to end Tuesday on a positive note. Both Sensex and Nifty ended the trading session about 0.15 per cent above their previous close. Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, JSW Steel and Tata Motors emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday. 

Have you invested in a small cap fund? Or looking at the high rate of return, have you been tempted to? Market regulator Sebi put small and mid cap funds under a stress test to check if they can handle a large sum of money, especially in a space which tends to have less liquidity. But what was the need for this test? Mint Money’s Neil Borate and Jash Kriplani explain the move. Over the last two years, assets under management for small-cap mutual funds have more than doubled! This coupled with an average return value of more than 45 per cent, raised concerns with the regulator. Sebi asked small cap funds to rank companies under their management in descending order of liquidity. Days to liquidation vary from 12 days for 50 per cent liquidation for smaller funds, to 60 days for larger ones. Neil and Jash also tackle questions around the methodology of the stress test and whether you as a small-cap investor should be worried. 

Tata Sons, the parent entity of India's premier software services company Tata Consultancy Services, is reportedly planning to offload 23.4 million shares through block deals. The shares are to be sold at a price of 4,001 rupees each, totalling an estimated 9,300 crore rupees or about 1.1 billion dollars, as per a Bloomberg report. Tata Sons owns more than 72 per cent of TCS, which has seen its share value increase by 30 per cent over the last year. This strategic sale is speculated to be a manoeuver by the Tata Group to bypass the need for a public market listing for Tata Sons. Such a listing is a requirement set by the Reserve Bank of India for 'upper layer' non-banking financial companies to be listed on stock exchanges.

The issue of electoral bonds is more layered than was initially understood. Days into SBI releasing details of donations made by corporations to political parties, the data keeps on throwing up surprises. Mint’s Varun Sood unpacks more of it in this next story. Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd , a prominent player in India's infrastructure sector, finds itself at the centre of a puzzling discrepancy about its political donations made through electoral bonds. According to Megha Engineering’s  last annual report, the company purchased electoral bonds worth 280 crore rupees. However, the Election Commission's data tells a different story. The commission’s data shows Megha and its subsidiary, EveyTrans, together only bought bonds totaling 199 crore rupees in FY23. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accountability of such instruments, meant to channel money anonymously to political parties. 

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, which deemed electoral bonds illegal in a landmark judgement last month, has told the State Bank of India to disclose all details. This includes the date of purchase and redemption, the name of the purchaser and recipient, denomination, and alphanumeric numbers and serial bonds. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the Supreme Court’s strict and no nonsense approach towards electoral bonds. 

 

What’s common between Sachin Tendulkar in the early 2010s, Muhammad Ali in the 80s and Roger Federer in the late 2010s. They were all past their prime but were still going on. Now what if I told you a similar analogy can be drawn in the stock market with giants like HDFC, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Asian Paints. These companies were once the stalwarts of equity markets, with a widespread belief that investing in them was a surefire win. However, everything has an expiration date. In 2023, for the first time, shares of HDFC Bank, HUL, and Asian Paints all lagged behind the Nifty50's impressive 20 per cent increase. While Asian Paints saw a modest 10 per cent rise, HDFC Bank climbed by only 5 per cent, and HUL grew a mere 4 per cent. Mint’s national editor, Abhishek Mukherjee, offers an in-depth analysis of the downturn experienced by these once-iconic stocks.

 

New Delhi-based Azure Global Power, a renewable energy firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is considering strategic moves including selling a stake to a partner. People familiar with the development told Mint’s policy bureau chief Utpal Bhaskar, that the company is even mulling selling the entire business. Originally listed on the NYSE in 2016 and subsequently delisted in 2023, Azure Power has significant investment from Canadian pension funds CDPQ and Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System, who own 53.4 per cent and 21.4 per cent of the company, respectively.

 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Mint Primer: Why you shouldn’t stress out over new mid- and small-cap tests

Tata Sons to sell 23.4 million TCS shares worth ₹9,000 crore in block deal

At India’s second-largest engineering co, gaps emerge in electoral bond funding

Why Dalal Street’s one-time darlings are struggling to keep the romance going

Azure Power is navigating leadership churn; a stake sale may be next

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 459 no Who funded which party? An analysis of Electoral Bonds donors https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/who-funded-which-party-an-analysis-of-electoral-bonds-donors-MOZeCgLJ Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Late on Thursday, the State Bank of India released the list of donors from the Electoral Bonds list. Electoral bonds were an anonymous way to donate to political parties, which India’s Supreme Court declared unconstitutional last month. The court also ordered the previously anonymous data to be made public, which means the public can understand which party has been funded by whom since 2017. The data provided enough material for our Plain Facts team to pore over and investigate. Our partners at How India Lives . com dive deeper into the donations made by Madanlal Limited — a Kolkata-based company that bought bonds worth 186 crore rupees. Its website showed that Madanlal is part of two other companies: MKJ group and Keventers Group, both of whom also bought the same bonds. But How India Lives is investigating Madanlal because its total declared income in financial year 2022 was just 3 crore rupees. Does this seem odd? Read this story to dive deeper into how the purchase of electoral bonds worked. Over the weekend, the election commission of India also announced the dates for the upcoming general elections in India. The 2024 elections will be held in seven phases across the country. Shuja Asrar and Tanay Sukumar of our Plain Facts team bring you a retrospective view on the history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. How do women vote? Is there a divide in the number of voters between north and south India? What are the battlegrounds for the major states? Shuja and Tanay answer these crucial questions with granular data, put together using visualisations to help see India’s electoral behaviour in a new light.  An average investor places their money in a mutual fund when they trust that the fund manager can make more sound decisions on their behalf. But what happens when mutual funds make seemingly unsound investing choices? Mint's corporates reporter Nehal Chaliawala and markets correspondent Ram Sahgal write about the curious trend in ICICI Securities stock. ICICI is mulling if its securities arm should de-list — a process that usually reduces the share price of a company. Despite this move, mutual funds have continued to buy the stock. What's behind this move? Nehal and Ram speak to analysts, who expect this move to fall through, which would justify their bullish position on the stock. If not, these funds are in for a heavy loss — a prospect that might not be treated kindly by investors. It's rare to find women in the mutual fund ecosystem — and even rarer to find them at the head of the table. But Radhika Gupta has defied all such boundaries. She is the CEO of Edelweiss mutual funds. Mint Money's Jash Kriplani speaks to Gupta on her current allocation mix. Here is her portfolio, in her own words:   Everyone wants a quick hiring process. Multinational companies, more so. Tata Consultancy Services is going one step above to assure this: it is providing more monetary incentive to its hiring firms to hire quicker. Under an aptly-named 'quick joiner incentive plan', TCS is offering its hiring vendors 40,000 rupees extra if the potential hire joins within 30 days. IT reporter Jas Bardia and HR and workplaces correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this report on one of India's leading IT companies and its age-old problem. Devina is also a host of The Working Life, where she speaks to HR executives about problems like these. In her latest episode, Devina speaks to Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO of Salesforce in India, about the common problems around HR and hiring in corporate India. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Electoral bonds: The curious case of Madanlal Ltd’s donations  History of Lok Sabha polls in numbers: More women in fray, fewer independent MPs  ICICI Securities wants to delist. Why are mutual funds buying its shares?  How Edelweiss’s Radhika Gupta dialed up risk in her portfolio  TCS' incentive to get candidates under 30 days Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Who funded which party? An analysis of Electoral Bonds donors full 524 Mint - HT Smartcast A history of general elections in India, Radhika Gupta's portfolio mix Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Late on Thursday, the State Bank of India released the list of donors from the Electoral Bonds list. Electoral bonds were an anonymous way to donate to political parties, which India’s Supreme Court declared unconstitutional last month. The court also ordered the previously anonymous data to be made public, which means the public can understand which party has been funded by whom since 2017. The data provided enough material for our Plain Facts team to pore over and investigate. Our partners at How India Lives . com dive deeper into the donations made by Madanlal Limited — a Kolkata-based company that bought bonds worth 186 crore rupees. Its website showed that Madanlal is part of two other companies: MKJ group and Keventers Group, both of whom also bought the same bonds. But How India Lives is investigating Madanlal because its total declared income in financial year 2022 was just 3 crore rupees. Does this seem odd? Read this story to dive deeper into how the purchase of electoral bonds worked. Over the weekend, the election commission of India also announced the dates for the upcoming general elections in India. The 2024 elections will be held in seven phases across the country. Shuja Asrar and Tanay Sukumar of our Plain Facts team bring you a retrospective view on the history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. How do women vote? Is there a divide in the number of voters between north and south India? What are the battlegrounds for the major states? Shuja and Tanay answer these crucial questions with granular data, put together using visualisations to help see India’s electoral behaviour in a new light.  An average investor places their money in a mutual fund when they trust that the fund manager can make more sound decisions on their behalf. But what happens when mutual funds make seemingly unsound investing choices? Mint's corporates reporter Nehal Chaliawala and markets correspondent Ram Sahgal write about the curious trend in ICICI Securities stock. ICICI is mulling if its securities arm should de-list — a process that usually reduces the share price of a company. Despite this move, mutual funds have continued to buy the stock. What's behind this move? Nehal and Ram speak to analysts, who expect this move to fall through, which would justify their bullish position on the stock. If not, these funds are in for a heavy loss — a prospect that might not be treated kindly by investors. It's rare to find women in the mutual fund ecosystem — and even rarer to find them at the head of the table. But Radhika Gupta has defied all such boundaries. She is the CEO of Edelweiss mutual funds. Mint Money's Jash Kriplani speaks to Gupta on her current allocation mix. Here is her portfolio, in her own words:   Everyone wants a quick hiring process. Multinational companies, more so. Tata Consultancy Services is going one step above to assure this: it is providing more monetary incentive to its hiring firms to hire quicker. Under an aptly-named 'quick joiner incentive plan', TCS is offering its hiring vendors 40,000 rupees extra if the potential hire joins within 30 days. IT reporter Jas Bardia and HR and workplaces correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this report on one of India's leading IT companies and its age-old problem. Devina is also a host of The Working Life, where she speaks to HR executives about problems like these. In her latest episode, Devina speaks to Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO of Salesforce in India, about the common problems around HR and hiring in corporate India. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Electoral bonds: The curious case of Madanlal Ltd’s donations  History of Lok Sabha polls in numbers: More women in fray, fewer independent MPs  ICICI Securities wants to delist. Why are mutual funds buying its shares?  How Edelweiss’s Radhika Gupta dialed up risk in her portfolio  TCS' incentive to get candidates under 30 days Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 18, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Late on Thursday, the State Bank of India released the list of donors from the Electoral Bonds list. Electoral bonds were an anonymous way to donate to political parties, which India’s Supreme Court declared unconstitutional last month. The court also ordered the previously anonymous data to be made public, which means the public can understand which party has been funded by whom since 2017. The data provided enough material for our Plain Facts team to pore over and investigate. Our partners at How India Lives . com dive deeper into the donations made by Madanlal Limited — a Kolkata-based company that bought bonds worth 186 crore rupees. Its website showed that Madanlal is part of two other companies: MKJ group and Keventers Group, both of whom also bought the same bonds. But How India Lives is investigating Madanlal because its total declared income in financial year 2022 was just 3 crore rupees. Does this seem odd? Read this story to dive deeper into how the purchase of electoral bonds worked.

Over the weekend, the election commission of India also announced the dates for the upcoming general elections in India. The 2024 elections will be held in seven phases across the country. Shuja Asrar and Tanay Sukumar of our Plain Facts team bring you a retrospective view on the history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. How do women vote? Is there a divide in the number of voters between north and south India? What are the battlegrounds for the major states? Shuja and Tanay answer these crucial questions with granular data, put together using visualisations to help see India’s electoral behaviour in a new light. 

An average investor places their money in a mutual fund when they trust that the fund manager can make more sound decisions on their behalf. But what happens when mutual funds make seemingly unsound investing choices? Mint's corporates reporter Nehal Chaliawala and markets correspondent Ram Sahgal write about the curious trend in ICICI Securities stock. ICICI is mulling if its securities arm should de-list — a process that usually reduces the share price of a company. Despite this move, mutual funds have continued to buy the stock. What's behind this move? Nehal and Ram speak to analysts, who expect this move to fall through, which would justify their bullish position on the stock. If not, these funds are in for a heavy loss — a prospect that might not be treated kindly by investors.

It's rare to find women in the mutual fund ecosystem — and even rarer to find them at the head of the table. But Radhika Gupta has defied all such boundaries. She is the CEO of Edelweiss mutual funds. Mint Money's Jash Kriplani speaks to Gupta on her current allocation mix. Here is her portfolio, in her own words:

 

Everyone wants a quick hiring process. Multinational companies, more so. Tata Consultancy Services is going one step above to assure this: it is providing more monetary incentive to its hiring firms to hire quicker. Under an aptly-named 'quick joiner incentive plan', TCS is offering its hiring vendors 40,000 rupees extra if the potential hire joins within 30 days. IT reporter Jas Bardia and HR and workplaces correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this report on one of India's leading IT companies and its age-old problem.

Devina is also a host of The Working Life, where she speaks to HR executives about problems like these. In her latest episode, Devina speaks to Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO of Salesforce in India, about the common problems around HR and hiring in corporate India.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Electoral bonds: The curious case of Madanlal Ltd’s donations 

History of Lok Sabha polls in numbers: More women in fray, fewer independent MPs 

ICICI Securities wants to delist. Why are mutual funds buying its shares? 

How Edelweiss’s Radhika Gupta dialed up risk in her portfolio 

TCS' incentive to get candidates under 30 days

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 430 no Why RBI barred Paytm Payments Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-rbi-barred-paytm-payments-bank-mk62XrJd Show notes: India's crypto woes persist despite Bitcoin surge  Paytm’s bank is in a state of suspended animation. So, what’s next? Foodhall is shut, but Biyani sisters are not done with gourmet food yet Why ‘regular pay’ is better for life insurance premiums  Is the ice melting? Some startups defy funding slump with successive rounds   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After a disastrous Wednesday, the Indian stock market recovered on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex increased by just about half a percent, making some progress to undo the damage done by the mass selling in smallcap stocks. Real estate companies HUDCO and IRB both hit upper circuit, while Adani Green Energy and Ease My Trip were the other big gainers of the day. On the other hand, Tata Investment and Prestige Estates lost nearly 5 percent each. Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, hit another record high — a single bitcoin now costs ₹60 lakh, or more than $73,000. But Indians aren't profiting along with the rest of the world. Scepticism remains high among Indian investors, while those in the West are cashing in on this bull run. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, takes a deep dive into this fascinating world of cryptocurrency, and why the craze isn't rampant in India. Paytm has had a rough few months. After a sudden decision by the Reserve Bank of India, its payments arm was effectively dead. As a result, the company's stock price has also fallen by more than 45% so far this year. But outside of vague statements on the lack of regulatory compliances, we don't really know why this happened. That is, until now. Mint's banking editor Shayan Ghosh writes a detailed and incisive story on Paytm and its battle with the RBI, which had begun even before the bank officially opened in 2016. If you want to know the inside story of this eight-year long tussle, read this story. You may not have heard of the Future Group, but you're surely familiar with its logo: an orange bird fluttering in the corner of some stores. You definitely would have seen this logo, which was present at stores like Big Bazaar, Brand Factory, and Central malls. Future Group, founded by Kishore Biyani, has been riddled with debt. Future had decided to sell its Retail arm to Reliance, but the deal was called out. However, the Biyanis aren't done with this segment just yet. Kishore's daughters Avni and Ashni have big plans. The sisters launched a gourmet food platform named Food Stories, aimed at the premium segment, writes Mint's consumer goods reporter Suneera Tandon. The duo believes there's a demand in the market for specialised food and wellness products. But can it sustain better than the Biyani's previous attempts in retail? How often do you pay your insurance premium? Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually? While having to make that decision, you also need to decide whether the payments will be regular or limited in nature. If you take the latter option, insurers allow you to limit your payments to the first few years, in the case of very long cover periods — say 30 or 40 years. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma does a side-by-side comparison on these two models, and concludes that the regular pay option works out better financially for a policyholder. Last year, there was a lot of talk about a funding winter. Startups were in a rut, and unable to raise funds from VC and PE firms. But it's a new year, and a new season: those days may finally be behind us. Mint's startups correspondent Priyamvada C writes about how mid-sized startups are finally in the process of raising funds this year at higher valuations. There were a host of reasons why companies were unable to raise money last year — some of these concerns have now eased, executives across investing told Priyamvada. This might not result in a flurry of high-value deals like we saw in 2021, but the funding winter has definitely thawed a bit. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why RBI barred Paytm Payments Bank full 523 Mint - HT Smartcast Funding winter thaws, TCS's hiring problems Show notes: India's crypto woes persist despite Bitcoin surge  Paytm’s bank is in a state of suspended animation. So, what’s next? Foodhall is shut, but Biyani sisters are not done with gourmet food yet Why ‘regular pay’ is better for life insurance premiums  Is the ice melting? Some startups defy funding slump with successive rounds   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: After a disastrous Wednesday, the Indian stock market recovered on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex increased by just about half a percent, making some progress to undo the damage done by the mass selling in smallcap stocks. Real estate companies HUDCO and IRB both hit upper circuit, while Adani Green Energy and Ease My Trip were the other big gainers of the day. On the other hand, Tata Investment and Prestige Estates lost nearly 5 percent each. Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, hit another record high — a single bitcoin now costs ₹60 lakh, or more than $73,000. But Indians aren't profiting along with the rest of the world. Scepticism remains high among Indian investors, while those in the West are cashing in on this bull run. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, takes a deep dive into this fascinating world of cryptocurrency, and why the craze isn't rampant in India. Paytm has had a rough few months. After a sudden decision by the Reserve Bank of India, its payments arm was effectively dead. As a result, the company's stock price has also fallen by more than 45% so far this year. But outside of vague statements on the lack of regulatory compliances, we don't really know why this happened. That is, until now. Mint's banking editor Shayan Ghosh writes a detailed and incisive story on Paytm and its battle with the RBI, which had begun even before the bank officially opened in 2016. If you want to know the inside story of this eight-year long tussle, read this story. You may not have heard of the Future Group, but you're surely familiar with its logo: an orange bird fluttering in the corner of some stores. You definitely would have seen this logo, which was present at stores like Big Bazaar, Brand Factory, and Central malls. Future Group, founded by Kishore Biyani, has been riddled with debt. Future had decided to sell its Retail arm to Reliance, but the deal was called out. However, the Biyanis aren't done with this segment just yet. Kishore's daughters Avni and Ashni have big plans. The sisters launched a gourmet food platform named Food Stories, aimed at the premium segment, writes Mint's consumer goods reporter Suneera Tandon. The duo believes there's a demand in the market for specialised food and wellness products. But can it sustain better than the Biyani's previous attempts in retail? How often do you pay your insurance premium? Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually? While having to make that decision, you also need to decide whether the payments will be regular or limited in nature. If you take the latter option, insurers allow you to limit your payments to the first few years, in the case of very long cover periods — say 30 or 40 years. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma does a side-by-side comparison on these two models, and concludes that the regular pay option works out better financially for a policyholder. Last year, there was a lot of talk about a funding winter. Startups were in a rut, and unable to raise funds from VC and PE firms. But it's a new year, and a new season: those days may finally be behind us. Mint's startups correspondent Priyamvada C writes about how mid-sized startups are finally in the process of raising funds this year at higher valuations. There were a host of reasons why companies were unable to raise money last year — some of these concerns have now eased, executives across investing told Priyamvada. This might not result in a flurry of high-value deals like we saw in 2021, but the funding winter has definitely thawed a bit. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Show notes:

India's crypto woes persist despite Bitcoin surge 

Paytm’s bank is in a state of suspended animation. So, what’s next?

Foodhall is shut, but Biyani sisters are not done with gourmet food yet

Why ‘regular pay’ is better for life insurance premiums 

Is the ice melting? Some startups defy funding slump with successive rounds

 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Friday, March 15, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

After a disastrous Wednesday, the Indian stock market recovered on Thursday. Both Nifty and Sensex increased by just about half a percent, making some progress to undo the damage done by the mass selling in smallcap stocks. Real estate companies HUDCO and IRB both hit upper circuit, while Adani Green Energy and Ease My Trip were the other big gainers of the day. On the other hand, Tata Investment and Prestige Estates lost nearly 5 percent each.

Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, hit another record high — a single bitcoin now costs ₹60 lakh, or more than $73,000. But Indians aren't profiting along with the rest of the world. Scepticism remains high among Indian investors, while those in the West are cashing in on this bull run. Shouvik Das, Mint's tech correspondent, takes a deep dive into this fascinating world of cryptocurrency, and why the craze isn't rampant in India.

Paytm has had a rough few months. After a sudden decision by the Reserve Bank of India, its payments arm was effectively dead. As a result, the company's stock price has also fallen by more than 45% so far this year. But outside of vague statements on the lack of regulatory compliances, we don't really know why this happened. That is, until now. Mint's banking editor Shayan Ghosh writes a detailed and incisive story on Paytm and its battle with the RBI, which had begun even before the bank officially opened in 2016. If you want to know the inside story of this eight-year long tussle, read this story.

You may not have heard of the Future Group, but you're surely familiar with its logo: an orange bird fluttering in the corner of some stores. You definitely would have seen this logo, which was present at stores like Big Bazaar, Brand Factory, and Central malls. Future Group, founded by Kishore Biyani, has been riddled with debt. Future had decided to sell its Retail arm to Reliance, but the deal was called out. However, the Biyanis aren't done with this segment just yet. Kishore's daughters Avni and Ashni have big plans. The sisters launched a gourmet food platform named Food Stories, aimed at the premium segment, writes Mint's consumer goods reporter Suneera Tandon. The duo believes there's a demand in the market for specialised food and wellness products. But can it sustain better than the Biyani's previous attempts in retail?

How often do you pay your insurance premium? Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually? While having to make that decision, you also need to decide whether the payments will be regular or limited in nature. If you take the latter option, insurers allow you to limit your payments to the first few years, in the case of very long cover periods — say 30 or 40 years. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma does a side-by-side comparison on these two models, and concludes that the regular pay option works out better financially for a policyholder.

Last year, there was a lot of talk about a funding winter. Startups were in a rut, and unable to raise funds from VC and PE firms. But it's a new year, and a new season: those days may finally be behind us. Mint's startups correspondent Priyamvada C writes about how mid-sized startups are finally in the process of raising funds this year at higher valuations. There were a host of reasons why companies were unable to raise money last year — some of these concerns have now eased, executives across investing told Priyamvada. This might not result in a flurry of high-value deals like we saw in 2021, but the funding winter has definitely thawed a bit.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back next week with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 368 no Bloodbath on D-street https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bloodbath-on-d-street-4vnJ9_10 Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Wednesday witnessed a crash at Dalal Street. Facing headwinds from cautious sentiment in international markets and influenced by expectation of a delayed interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, Indian benchmark indices followed the lead of other Asian markets, ending the day with notable losses. Sensex fell more than 900 points to close 1.23 per cent in the red. Nifty was no better, the NSE index saw a fall of more than 1.5 per cent on Wednesday.  The fall in Nifty and Sensex was the biggest single day fall since January this year. The broader market wasn't spared either, as both the Nifty Small Cap 250 and Nifty Mid-Cap 150 indices underwent their steepest one-day drops in over two years. The small cap index was dragged down by more than 5 per cent, while the mid cap index plummeted by 4.2 per cent. This market correction follows a rally in midcap and smallcap stocks. The small and mid cap wave has now been tempered by a regulatory crackdown from Sebi and RBI, raising investor concerns. Mint’s senior correspondent Dipti Sharma spoke to market experts and analysts to make sense of the bloodbath Dalal Street saw on Wednesday. Experts pointed to comments from regulators about overvaluation in the market, upcoming stress-test disclosures for small and midcap funds, and lower market liquidity as factors that contributed to the crash. Smallcaps had a bad day at the bourses. It might get worse: the enforcement directorate seized the assets of several companies after it ascertained that they were party to a scam. Varun Sood and Ram Sahgal team up to investigate this scam, wherein trading entities were found to hold sizeable positions in smallcap stocks. ED has said that some of these players were involved in stock manipulation, and will charge them accordingly. Don't miss out on this fascinating story of the Mahadev betting scam. In 2011, a powerful earthquake and Tsunami struck the coast of Japan and changed the course of nuclear energy. The tsunami’s impact resulted in electric grid failure and damaged nearly all the backup energy sources of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Though no fatalities were reported, more than 160 thousand residents were evacuated. A tragedy of this scale, second only to the Chernobyl leak, raised doubts about the safety of nuclear energy. The demand for nuclear energy went down, dragging uranium demand with it. However, uranium seems to be back in demand, and so is nuclear energy. The prices for uranium have been above 90 dollars a pound for over a few months now. So, what’s driving the sudden increase in uranium demand? Rise in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and nations commiting to move away from fossil fuels are some of the reasons. Mint’s Tina Edwin explains what’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear energy.  India recently signed a trade deal with the India's deal with the European Free Trade Association. The bloc comprises Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The deal may not drastically boost bilateral trade, given modest exports and imports outside of gold. However, its significance lies in EFTA's $100 billion investment commitment and the promise of creating 1 million jobs in India over 15 years. The move also reflects India's broader strategy to foster long-term economic relationships and support its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub. With ongoing trade negotiations with the EU and over 50 countries, India's proactive trade policy aims to secure easy market access and attract investments, underscoring the crucial role of strategic trade agreements in achieving its economic goals. But, is the trade deal enough for bolstering India’s ambitions of becoming a 30 trillion dollar economy? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains why India needs to punch way above its weight when it comes to trade.  What comes to mind when I say the word Bengaluru? For some it's the traffic, for others startups and tech. Those on social media know the city for its weather and cherry blossom season. But for those who’ve lived here for some time it's the lovely mix of culture, the most perfect masala dosa out there, and a bustling pub culture. It's the ‘livability’ of the city that has set it apart for decades. However, all that is changing. The city is undergoing an acute water shortage. Even high-end gated communities are unable to provide its residents with drinking water. With rapid concretisation and most of its water resources getting dried up, Bengaluru is facing one of its biggest challenges. The city largely depends on water from Cauvery, which is pumped from more than 100 kilometres away. The river supplies 1,460 million litres per day which is well short of the current demand—estimated at around 2,100 million litres per day. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the water crisis staring Bengaluru in the face right now. In 2022, the city even saw its Outer Ring Road flooded during monsoon.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: A day to forget for small-caps as markets plunge Anatomy of a smallcap stock scam Mint Explainer: What’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear power? Why India must trade up to be a $30 tn economy Lovely climate? Read this before you move to Bengaluru Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bloodbath on D-street full 522 Mint - HT Smartcast Bengaluru not so livable anymore? What’s with increasing nuclear energy demand? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Wednesday witnessed a crash at Dalal Street. Facing headwinds from cautious sentiment in international markets and influenced by expectation of a delayed interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, Indian benchmark indices followed the lead of other Asian markets, ending the day with notable losses. Sensex fell more than 900 points to close 1.23 per cent in the red. Nifty was no better, the NSE index saw a fall of more than 1.5 per cent on Wednesday.  The fall in Nifty and Sensex was the biggest single day fall since January this year. The broader market wasn't spared either, as both the Nifty Small Cap 250 and Nifty Mid-Cap 150 indices underwent their steepest one-day drops in over two years. The small cap index was dragged down by more than 5 per cent, while the mid cap index plummeted by 4.2 per cent. This market correction follows a rally in midcap and smallcap stocks. The small and mid cap wave has now been tempered by a regulatory crackdown from Sebi and RBI, raising investor concerns. Mint’s senior correspondent Dipti Sharma spoke to market experts and analysts to make sense of the bloodbath Dalal Street saw on Wednesday. Experts pointed to comments from regulators about overvaluation in the market, upcoming stress-test disclosures for small and midcap funds, and lower market liquidity as factors that contributed to the crash. Smallcaps had a bad day at the bourses. It might get worse: the enforcement directorate seized the assets of several companies after it ascertained that they were party to a scam. Varun Sood and Ram Sahgal team up to investigate this scam, wherein trading entities were found to hold sizeable positions in smallcap stocks. ED has said that some of these players were involved in stock manipulation, and will charge them accordingly. Don't miss out on this fascinating story of the Mahadev betting scam. In 2011, a powerful earthquake and Tsunami struck the coast of Japan and changed the course of nuclear energy. The tsunami’s impact resulted in electric grid failure and damaged nearly all the backup energy sources of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Though no fatalities were reported, more than 160 thousand residents were evacuated. A tragedy of this scale, second only to the Chernobyl leak, raised doubts about the safety of nuclear energy. The demand for nuclear energy went down, dragging uranium demand with it. However, uranium seems to be back in demand, and so is nuclear energy. The prices for uranium have been above 90 dollars a pound for over a few months now. So, what’s driving the sudden increase in uranium demand? Rise in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and nations commiting to move away from fossil fuels are some of the reasons. Mint’s Tina Edwin explains what’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear energy.  India recently signed a trade deal with the India's deal with the European Free Trade Association. The bloc comprises Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The deal may not drastically boost bilateral trade, given modest exports and imports outside of gold. However, its significance lies in EFTA's $100 billion investment commitment and the promise of creating 1 million jobs in India over 15 years. The move also reflects India's broader strategy to foster long-term economic relationships and support its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub. With ongoing trade negotiations with the EU and over 50 countries, India's proactive trade policy aims to secure easy market access and attract investments, underscoring the crucial role of strategic trade agreements in achieving its economic goals. But, is the trade deal enough for bolstering India’s ambitions of becoming a 30 trillion dollar economy? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains why India needs to punch way above its weight when it comes to trade.  What comes to mind when I say the word Bengaluru? For some it's the traffic, for others startups and tech. Those on social media know the city for its weather and cherry blossom season. But for those who’ve lived here for some time it's the lovely mix of culture, the most perfect masala dosa out there, and a bustling pub culture. It's the ‘livability’ of the city that has set it apart for decades. However, all that is changing. The city is undergoing an acute water shortage. Even high-end gated communities are unable to provide its residents with drinking water. With rapid concretisation and most of its water resources getting dried up, Bengaluru is facing one of its biggest challenges. The city largely depends on water from Cauvery, which is pumped from more than 100 kilometres away. The river supplies 1,460 million litres per day which is well short of the current demand—estimated at around 2,100 million litres per day. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the water crisis staring Bengaluru in the face right now. In 2022, the city even saw its Outer Ring Road flooded during monsoon.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Show notes: A day to forget for small-caps as markets plunge Anatomy of a smallcap stock scam Mint Explainer: What’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear power? Why India must trade up to be a $30 tn economy Lovely climate? Read this before you move to Bengaluru Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, March 14, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Wednesday witnessed a crash at Dalal Street. Facing headwinds from cautious sentiment in international markets and influenced by expectation of a delayed interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, Indian benchmark indices followed the lead of other Asian markets, ending the day with notable losses. Sensex fell more than 900 points to close 1.23 per cent in the red. Nifty was no better, the NSE index saw a fall of more than 1.5 per cent on Wednesday. 

The fall in Nifty and Sensex was the biggest single day fall since January this year. The broader market wasn't spared either, as both the Nifty Small Cap 250 and Nifty Mid-Cap 150 indices underwent their steepest one-day drops in over two years. The small cap index was dragged down by more than 5 per cent, while the mid cap index plummeted by 4.2 per cent. This market correction follows a rally in midcap and smallcap stocks. The small and mid cap wave has now been tempered by a regulatory crackdown from Sebi and RBI, raising investor concerns. Mint’s senior correspondent Dipti Sharma spoke to market experts and analysts to make sense of the bloodbath Dalal Street saw on Wednesday. Experts pointed to comments from regulators about overvaluation in the market, upcoming stress-test disclosures for small and midcap funds, and lower market liquidity as factors that contributed to the crash.

Smallcaps had a bad day at the bourses. It might get worse: the enforcement directorate seized the assets of several companies after it ascertained that they were party to a scam. Varun Sood and Ram Sahgal team up to investigate this scam, wherein trading entities were found to hold sizeable positions in smallcap stocks. ED has said that some of these players were involved in stock manipulation, and will charge them accordingly. Don't miss out on this fascinating story of the Mahadev betting scam.

In 2011, a powerful earthquake and Tsunami struck the coast of Japan and changed the course of nuclear energy. The tsunami’s impact resulted in electric grid failure and damaged nearly all the backup energy sources of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Though no fatalities were reported, more than 160 thousand residents were evacuated. A tragedy of this scale, second only to the Chernobyl leak, raised doubts about the safety of nuclear energy. The demand for nuclear energy went down, dragging uranium demand with it. However, uranium seems to be back in demand, and so is nuclear energy. The prices for uranium have been above 90 dollars a pound for over a few months now. So, what’s driving the sudden increase in uranium demand? Rise in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and nations commiting to move away from fossil fuels are some of the reasons. Mint’s Tina Edwin explains what’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear energy. 

India recently signed a trade deal with the India's deal with the European Free Trade Association. The bloc comprises Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The deal may not drastically boost bilateral trade, given modest exports and imports outside of gold. However, its significance lies in EFTA's $100 billion investment commitment and the promise of creating 1 million jobs in India over 15 years. The move also reflects India's broader strategy to foster long-term economic relationships and support its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub. With ongoing trade negotiations with the EU and over 50 countries, India's proactive trade policy aims to secure easy market access and attract investments, underscoring the crucial role of strategic trade agreements in achieving its economic goals. But, is the trade deal enough for bolstering India’s ambitions of becoming a 30 trillion dollar economy? Mint’s senior editor N Madhavan explains why India needs to punch way above its weight when it comes to trade. 

What comes to mind when I say the word Bengaluru? For some it's the traffic, for others startups and tech. Those on social media know the city for its weather and cherry blossom season. But for those who’ve lived here for some time it's the lovely mix of culture, the most perfect masala dosa out there, and a bustling pub culture. It's the ‘livability’ of the city that has set it apart for decades. However, all that is changing. The city is undergoing an acute water shortage. Even high-end gated communities are unable to provide its residents with drinking water. With rapid concretisation and most of its water resources getting dried up, Bengaluru is facing one of its biggest challenges. The city largely depends on water from Cauvery, which is pumped from more than 100 kilometres away. The river supplies 1,460 million litres per day which is well short of the current demand—estimated at around 2,100 million litres per day. Mint’s Madhurima Nandy takes a deep dive into the water crisis staring Bengaluru in the face right now. In 2022, the city even saw its Outer Ring Road flooded during monsoon. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Show notes:

A day to forget for small-caps as markets plunge

Anatomy of a smallcap stock scam

Mint Explainer: What’s behind the renewed interest in nuclear power?

Why India must trade up to be a $30 tn economy

Lovely climate? Read this before you move to Bengaluru

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 463 no Ever heard of a part time CEO? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ever-heard-of-a-part-time-ceo-B5g13dQ7 At long last, Jet Airways revival in sight Tweaked stock options, coming soon to a job contract near you Petrol pumps cap inventory amid hopes of fuel price cut Startups, SMEs increasingly covet so-called fractional CXOs Netflix needs another midstream change in India. Here’s why   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty trimmed some of their gains, yet managed to end Tuesday in the green. Largely the indices remained flat with NSE’s Nifty 50 gaining a miniscule 0.01 per cent. BSE’s 30-company index Sensex too rose only 0.22 per cent. HDFC Bank, TCS, Maruti Suzuki India, Infosys, and Reliance Industries emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday. Finally, there’s been some progress in the possible revival of Jet Airways. The grounded airline got a second wind on Tuesday, after a decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. N-C-L-A-T has asked the bankrupt airline’s lender’s to handover the carrier to the Jalan-Karlock Consortium within 90 days. The National Company Law Tribunal — a lower body than the N-C-L-A-T, had approved the consortium’s resolution plan for Jet Airways back in June 2021. It had even allowed the handover in January last year. However, Jet’s lenders challenged this decision in the higher tribunal over alleging the consortium to be non-compliant with the resolution plan. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the development, crucial for not just Jet but also the Indian aviation industry.  In a bid to retain top talent amid rising attrition, companies are juggling with different kinds of stock options for employees. India Inc is experimenting with hybrid forms of stock options, as opposed to the regular ones. Some of them include stricter forms of performance based stock options, analysts told Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. These restricted stock units or RSUs, are shares given to an employee as a reward upon fulfilling a predetermined period of service. On the other hand, performance stocks are granted only when an employee achieves particular objectives, remains with the company for a designated duration, and the company itself reaches its goals within its industry. For businesses, these stock options are considered "less dilutive." According to consultancy firm EY, the number of companies choosing alternative stock incentives for employees has increased by 25 to 30 per cent in the last few years. General elections are only a few weeks away. Freebies and price cuts usually become the main weapons against anti-incumbency for governments around this time. One such important pre-election move is cutting down the price of fuel. Anticipating a price cut, fuel stations are running low on inventory. Petrol and diesel pumps are keeping enough stock for only three days, as opposed to their regular inventory of five days. This is to save on any losses that may occur in case a price cut is announced. In case of a price cut, the new rates take effect immediately — leaving fuel retailers with losses on the stock they bought for a higher price. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the cautious move by fuel retailers. He explains how a 5-rupee deduction in the price of petrol and diesel could mean losses of up to 1.5 lakh rupees for retailers in rural areas. The number only goes up for petrol stations in tier-3 and tier-2 cities. Petrol pumps in metro cities usually see losses of up to 25 lakh rupees on a 5-rupee price cut.  Ever thought of a life where you can be a banker by the day, and manage finances for a startup as its CFO by the night? No, I am not talking about moonlighting for another company. Fractional C-suites employees are becoming more and more common across startups and small and medium enterprises in India. What’s that you ask? These are experienced executives with deep competencies in domains like finance, marketing, and strategy who work with multiple companies at a time on a part-time basis. With the kind of flexibility a fractional CXO gig is able to offer, more senior executives are getting attracted to it. There is a demand factor to it also. Companies are increasingly looking for fractional CXOs to access good talent at affordable costs. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel writes about this unique trend shaping boardrooms across startups. She also spoke to C-suite executives following the trend and working as a fractional CXO. Globally, there's been about a 25 per cent increase in the hiring of fractional CXOs, while India saw a 10-12 per cent uptick among startups in sectors such as legal, finance, e-commerce, and technology, according to HR consulting firm Randstad.  Remember Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s iconic dialogues in Sacred Games? The Netflix original, parts of which were set in the Bombay of the 80s, became a pop culture phenomenon across languages in India. But pause for a moment and think. Has there been any other Netflix show as iconic as Sacred Games that comes to mind? The answer is highly likely to be no. The streaming pioneer, who entered India in 2016 has largely been facing flak for its strategy (or lack thereof) for the Indian market. Until recently, the streaming platform was struggling with adding and retaining subscribers. That is when it changed its password sharing policy, allowing only four devices to be linked to an account. The change, which is part of a multi-pronged strategy worked wonders for the company. Its paid subscribers have doubled over the past two years. Another change that helped, was slashing subscription prices. The mobile-only plan which would cost a user 199 rupees is now just 149, whereas for 199 a month, a user can watch Netflix on any device. Despite a big turnaround, the company lags behind its rivals which include Amazon Prime, Hotstar and JioCinema. The question remains, what’s not working for Netflix, and what other changes does the company need? Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha takes a deep dive into Netflix India’s current scenario and answers some of these questions. For once, the company’s acquisition strategy, where it is focusing on acquiring movies rather than producing originals, has been dubbed lazy by many. With the streaming market reaching the point of saturation in India, Netflix needs to up its game. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Ever heard of a part time CEO? full 521 Mint - HT Smartcast Why Netflix India needs to up its game; Why petrol pumps are cautious At long last, Jet Airways revival in sight Tweaked stock options, coming soon to a job contract near you Petrol pumps cap inventory amid hopes of fuel price cut Startups, SMEs increasingly covet so-called fractional CXOs Netflix needs another midstream change in India. Here’s why   Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty trimmed some of their gains, yet managed to end Tuesday in the green. Largely the indices remained flat with NSE’s Nifty 50 gaining a miniscule 0.01 per cent. BSE’s 30-company index Sensex too rose only 0.22 per cent. HDFC Bank, TCS, Maruti Suzuki India, Infosys, and Reliance Industries emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday. Finally, there’s been some progress in the possible revival of Jet Airways. The grounded airline got a second wind on Tuesday, after a decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. N-C-L-A-T has asked the bankrupt airline’s lender’s to handover the carrier to the Jalan-Karlock Consortium within 90 days. The National Company Law Tribunal — a lower body than the N-C-L-A-T, had approved the consortium’s resolution plan for Jet Airways back in June 2021. It had even allowed the handover in January last year. However, Jet’s lenders challenged this decision in the higher tribunal over alleging the consortium to be non-compliant with the resolution plan. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the development, crucial for not just Jet but also the Indian aviation industry.  In a bid to retain top talent amid rising attrition, companies are juggling with different kinds of stock options for employees. India Inc is experimenting with hybrid forms of stock options, as opposed to the regular ones. Some of them include stricter forms of performance based stock options, analysts told Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. These restricted stock units or RSUs, are shares given to an employee as a reward upon fulfilling a predetermined period of service. On the other hand, performance stocks are granted only when an employee achieves particular objectives, remains with the company for a designated duration, and the company itself reaches its goals within its industry. For businesses, these stock options are considered "less dilutive." According to consultancy firm EY, the number of companies choosing alternative stock incentives for employees has increased by 25 to 30 per cent in the last few years. General elections are only a few weeks away. Freebies and price cuts usually become the main weapons against anti-incumbency for governments around this time. One such important pre-election move is cutting down the price of fuel. Anticipating a price cut, fuel stations are running low on inventory. Petrol and diesel pumps are keeping enough stock for only three days, as opposed to their regular inventory of five days. This is to save on any losses that may occur in case a price cut is announced. In case of a price cut, the new rates take effect immediately — leaving fuel retailers with losses on the stock they bought for a higher price. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the cautious move by fuel retailers. He explains how a 5-rupee deduction in the price of petrol and diesel could mean losses of up to 1.5 lakh rupees for retailers in rural areas. The number only goes up for petrol stations in tier-3 and tier-2 cities. Petrol pumps in metro cities usually see losses of up to 25 lakh rupees on a 5-rupee price cut.  Ever thought of a life where you can be a banker by the day, and manage finances for a startup as its CFO by the night? No, I am not talking about moonlighting for another company. Fractional C-suites employees are becoming more and more common across startups and small and medium enterprises in India. What’s that you ask? These are experienced executives with deep competencies in domains like finance, marketing, and strategy who work with multiple companies at a time on a part-time basis. With the kind of flexibility a fractional CXO gig is able to offer, more senior executives are getting attracted to it. There is a demand factor to it also. Companies are increasingly looking for fractional CXOs to access good talent at affordable costs. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel writes about this unique trend shaping boardrooms across startups. She also spoke to C-suite executives following the trend and working as a fractional CXO. Globally, there's been about a 25 per cent increase in the hiring of fractional CXOs, while India saw a 10-12 per cent uptick among startups in sectors such as legal, finance, e-commerce, and technology, according to HR consulting firm Randstad.  Remember Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s iconic dialogues in Sacred Games? The Netflix original, parts of which were set in the Bombay of the 80s, became a pop culture phenomenon across languages in India. But pause for a moment and think. Has there been any other Netflix show as iconic as Sacred Games that comes to mind? The answer is highly likely to be no. The streaming pioneer, who entered India in 2016 has largely been facing flak for its strategy (or lack thereof) for the Indian market. Until recently, the streaming platform was struggling with adding and retaining subscribers. That is when it changed its password sharing policy, allowing only four devices to be linked to an account. The change, which is part of a multi-pronged strategy worked wonders for the company. Its paid subscribers have doubled over the past two years. Another change that helped, was slashing subscription prices. The mobile-only plan which would cost a user 199 rupees is now just 149, whereas for 199 a month, a user can watch Netflix on any device. Despite a big turnaround, the company lags behind its rivals which include Amazon Prime, Hotstar and JioCinema. The question remains, what’s not working for Netflix, and what other changes does the company need? Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha takes a deep dive into Netflix India’s current scenario and answers some of these questions. For once, the company’s acquisition strategy, where it is focusing on acquiring movies rather than producing originals, has been dubbed lazy by many. With the streaming market reaching the point of saturation in India, Netflix needs to up its game. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices At long last, Jet Airways revival in sight

Tweaked stock options, coming soon to a job contract near you

Petrol pumps cap inventory amid hopes of fuel price cut

Startups, SMEs increasingly covet so-called fractional CXOs

Netflix needs another midstream change in India. Here’s why

 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 13, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty trimmed some of their gains, yet managed to end Tuesday in the green. Largely the indices remained flat with NSE’s Nifty 50 gaining a miniscule 0.01 per cent. BSE’s 30-company index Sensex too rose only 0.22 per cent. HDFC Bank, TCS, Maruti Suzuki India, Infosys, and Reliance Industries emerged as the top gainers on Tuesday.

Finally, there’s been some progress in the possible revival of Jet Airways. The grounded airline got a second wind on Tuesday, after a decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. N-C-L-A-T has asked the bankrupt airline’s lender’s to handover the carrier to the Jalan-Karlock Consortium within 90 days. The National Company Law Tribunal — a lower body than the N-C-L-A-T, had approved the consortium’s resolution plan for Jet Airways back in June 2021. It had even allowed the handover in January last year. However, Jet’s lenders challenged this decision in the higher tribunal over alleging the consortium to be non-compliant with the resolution plan. Mint’s legal correspondent Krishna Yadav reports on the development, crucial for not just Jet but also the Indian aviation industry. 

In a bid to retain top talent amid rising attrition, companies are juggling with different kinds of stock options for employees. India Inc is experimenting with hybrid forms of stock options, as opposed to the regular ones. Some of them include stricter forms of performance based stock options, analysts told Mint’s HR and workplace correspondent Devina Sengupta. These restricted stock units or RSUs, are shares given to an employee as a reward upon fulfilling a predetermined period of service. On the other hand, performance stocks are granted only when an employee achieves particular objectives, remains with the company for a designated duration, and the company itself reaches its goals within its industry. For businesses, these stock options are considered "less dilutive." According to consultancy firm EY, the number of companies choosing alternative stock incentives for employees has increased by 25 to 30 per cent in the last few years.

General elections are only a few weeks away. Freebies and price cuts usually become the main weapons against anti-incumbency for governments around this time. One such important pre-election move is cutting down the price of fuel. Anticipating a price cut, fuel stations are running low on inventory. Petrol and diesel pumps are keeping enough stock for only three days, as opposed to their regular inventory of five days. This is to save on any losses that may occur in case a price cut is announced. In case of a price cut, the new rates take effect immediately — leaving fuel retailers with losses on the stock they bought for a higher price. Mint’s energy correspondent Rituraj Baruah reports on the cautious move by fuel retailers. He explains how a 5-rupee deduction in the price of petrol and diesel could mean losses of up to 1.5 lakh rupees for retailers in rural areas. The number only goes up for petrol stations in tier-3 and tier-2 cities. Petrol pumps in metro cities usually see losses of up to 25 lakh rupees on a 5-rupee price cut. 

Ever thought of a life where you can be a banker by the day, and manage finances for a startup as its CFO by the night? No, I am not talking about moonlighting for another company. Fractional C-suites employees are becoming more and more common across startups and small and medium enterprises in India. What’s that you ask? These are experienced executives with deep competencies in domains like finance, marketing, and strategy who work with multiple companies at a time on a part-time basis. With the kind of flexibility a fractional CXO gig is able to offer, more senior executives are getting attracted to it. There is a demand factor to it also. Companies are increasingly looking for fractional CXOs to access good talent at affordable costs. Mint’s startup correspondent Samiksha Goel writes about this unique trend shaping boardrooms across startups. She also spoke to C-suite executives following the trend and working as a fractional CXO. Globally, there's been about a 25 per cent increase in the hiring of fractional CXOs, while India saw a 10-12 per cent uptick among startups in sectors such as legal, finance, e-commerce, and technology, according to HR consulting firm Randstad. 

Remember Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s iconic dialogues in Sacred Games? The Netflix original, parts of which were set in the Bombay of the 80s, became a pop culture phenomenon across languages in India. But pause for a moment and think. Has there been any other Netflix show as iconic as Sacred Games that comes to mind? The answer is highly likely to be no. The streaming pioneer, who entered India in 2016 has largely been facing flak for its strategy (or lack thereof) for the Indian market. Until recently, the streaming platform was struggling with adding and retaining subscribers. That is when it changed its password sharing policy, allowing only four devices to be linked to an account. The change, which is part of a multi-pronged strategy worked wonders for the company. Its paid subscribers have doubled over the past two years. Another change that helped, was slashing subscription prices. The mobile-only plan which would cost a user 199 rupees is now just 149, whereas for 199 a month, a user can watch Netflix on any device. Despite a big turnaround, the company lags behind its rivals which include Amazon Prime, Hotstar and JioCinema. The question remains, what’s not working for Netflix, and what other changes does the company need? Mint’s media and entertainment correspondent Lata Jha takes a deep dive into Netflix India’s current scenario and answers some of these questions. For once, the company’s acquisition strategy, where it is focusing on acquiring movies rather than producing originals, has been dubbed lazy by many. With the streaming market reaching the point of saturation in India, Netflix needs to up its game.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 531 no SBI to make Electoral Bonds data public rules Apex Court https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-to-make-electoral-bonds-data-public-rules-apex-court-T6SACIPe Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:  The Indian stock market slid on Monday, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex falling by about 0.8 percent. Smallcap stocks like JM Financial, which faced disciplinary action by Sebi, and IIFL Finance were the worst losers of the day. However, if you owned shares of Godfrey Phillips — maker of Marlboro cigarettes, you had reason to cheer: the stock surged by more than 9 percent. ITC, another cigarette stock, might have an interesting week ahead: Mint's Mark to Market reporter Dipti Sharma reports that one of its biggest stakeholders might liquidate their position. British American Tobacco, which holds 29 percent of ITC, might look to sell 4 percent of its stake. Dipti writes that ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and O3 securities are in line to buy this stake. This sale might yield the company more than 20,000 crore rupees, which would be one of the biggest block deals in the Indian stock market in the last few years. Speaking of public markets, there might be a new entity IPO-ing soon. On Monday, Aditya Birla decided to merge two of its subsidiaries. Aditya Birla Capital and Finance will now work as a single company, which allows the non-banking financial company, or NBFC, to list on the public markets. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes that this move will consolidate Aditya Birla's financial arms, and lead to fewer complications when the newly-minted company decides to IPO. Lloyds, the electronic consumer goods company, claims to be the third-largest AC maker in India. But you wouldn't know it if you walked into any store: Lloyds air conditioners are rare to find in any brick-and-mortar shops.  A struggling Lloyds was bought by Havells in 2017, but the investment hasn't paid off yet: while Lloyds' goods contribute 20% of the revenue posted by Havells, it dragged its profits down by 14%. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji writes about the company and its journey so far, and why analysts feel Lloyds is harming the potential of Havells. The State Bank of India is almost synonymous with its infamous lunch breaks. But when the Supreme Court is in line, you better hurry up. On Monday, the apex court directed SBI to share the names of donors who purchased electoral bonds. SBI had argued that it needed time to collate all the data till at least June 30 — well after the general elections had concluded. The Supreme Court, led by chief justice Chandrachud, squashed this plea. Mint's legal reporter Krishan Yadav writes about this verdict that orders the names of donors to be submitted to the court by today evening, which will also be publicly disclosed by March 15. If you were to make a big purchase, you might consider pulling money from your provident fund. EPFO, or the employees' provident fund organisation, is in charge of this money. To get your hands on this money, you need to file an application with EPFO and upload some documents. Easy, right? But as Mint Money's Anil Poste and Shipra Singh found out, it really isn't. The duo spoke to four individuals who tried to get their money, but couldn't. On paper, it's an easy process. But in practice, you might have to jump through many hoops to get access to your own money. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: ITC block deal likely in two weeks; BAT to offload 4% stake  Aditya Birla Capital, subsidiary Aditya Birla Finance to merge Not cool enough: Bleeding Lloyd gives Havells a hard time  SC asks SBI to disclose electoral bond details by 12 March Why withdrawal of money from your PF is fraught with challenges  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 SBI to make Electoral Bonds data public rules Apex Court full 520 Mint - HT Smartcast Provident fund woes, ITC's possible stake sale Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:  The Indian stock market slid on Monday, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex falling by about 0.8 percent. Smallcap stocks like JM Financial, which faced disciplinary action by Sebi, and IIFL Finance were the worst losers of the day. However, if you owned shares of Godfrey Phillips — maker of Marlboro cigarettes, you had reason to cheer: the stock surged by more than 9 percent. ITC, another cigarette stock, might have an interesting week ahead: Mint's Mark to Market reporter Dipti Sharma reports that one of its biggest stakeholders might liquidate their position. British American Tobacco, which holds 29 percent of ITC, might look to sell 4 percent of its stake. Dipti writes that ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and O3 securities are in line to buy this stake. This sale might yield the company more than 20,000 crore rupees, which would be one of the biggest block deals in the Indian stock market in the last few years. Speaking of public markets, there might be a new entity IPO-ing soon. On Monday, Aditya Birla decided to merge two of its subsidiaries. Aditya Birla Capital and Finance will now work as a single company, which allows the non-banking financial company, or NBFC, to list on the public markets. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes that this move will consolidate Aditya Birla's financial arms, and lead to fewer complications when the newly-minted company decides to IPO. Lloyds, the electronic consumer goods company, claims to be the third-largest AC maker in India. But you wouldn't know it if you walked into any store: Lloyds air conditioners are rare to find in any brick-and-mortar shops.  A struggling Lloyds was bought by Havells in 2017, but the investment hasn't paid off yet: while Lloyds' goods contribute 20% of the revenue posted by Havells, it dragged its profits down by 14%. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji writes about the company and its journey so far, and why analysts feel Lloyds is harming the potential of Havells. The State Bank of India is almost synonymous with its infamous lunch breaks. But when the Supreme Court is in line, you better hurry up. On Monday, the apex court directed SBI to share the names of donors who purchased electoral bonds. SBI had argued that it needed time to collate all the data till at least June 30 — well after the general elections had concluded. The Supreme Court, led by chief justice Chandrachud, squashed this plea. Mint's legal reporter Krishan Yadav writes about this verdict that orders the names of donors to be submitted to the court by today evening, which will also be publicly disclosed by March 15. If you were to make a big purchase, you might consider pulling money from your provident fund. EPFO, or the employees' provident fund organisation, is in charge of this money. To get your hands on this money, you need to file an application with EPFO and upload some documents. Easy, right? But as Mint Money's Anil Poste and Shipra Singh found out, it really isn't. The duo spoke to four individuals who tried to get their money, but couldn't. On paper, it's an easy process. But in practice, you might have to jump through many hoops to get access to your own money. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Show notes: ITC block deal likely in two weeks; BAT to offload 4% stake  Aditya Birla Capital, subsidiary Aditya Birla Finance to merge Not cool enough: Bleeding Lloyd gives Havells a hard time  SC asks SBI to disclose electoral bond details by 12 March Why withdrawal of money from your PF is fraught with challenges  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 12, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: 

The Indian stock market slid on Monday, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex falling by about 0.8 percent. Smallcap stocks like JM Financial, which faced disciplinary action by Sebi, and IIFL Finance were the worst losers of the day. However, if you owned shares of Godfrey Phillips — maker of Marlboro cigarettes, you had reason to cheer: the stock surged by more than 9 percent.

ITC, another cigarette stock, might have an interesting week ahead: Mint's Mark to Market reporter Dipti Sharma reports that one of its biggest stakeholders might liquidate their position. British American Tobacco, which holds 29 percent of ITC, might look to sell 4 percent of its stake. Dipti writes that ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and O3 securities are in line to buy this stake. This sale might yield the company more than 20,000 crore rupees, which would be one of the biggest block deals in the Indian stock market in the last few years.

Speaking of public markets, there might be a new entity IPO-ing soon. On Monday, Aditya Birla decided to merge two of its subsidiaries. Aditya Birla Capital and Finance will now work as a single company, which allows the non-banking financial company, or NBFC, to list on the public markets. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes that this move will consolidate Aditya Birla's financial arms, and lead to fewer complications when the newly-minted company decides to IPO.

Lloyds, the electronic consumer goods company, claims to be the third-largest AC maker in India. But you wouldn't know it if you walked into any store: Lloyds air conditioners are rare to find in any brick-and-mortar shops.  A struggling Lloyds was bought by Havells in 2017, but the investment hasn't paid off yet: while Lloyds' goods contribute 20% of the revenue posted by Havells, it dragged its profits down by 14%. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji writes about the company and its journey so far, and why analysts feel Lloyds is harming the potential of Havells.

The State Bank of India is almost synonymous with its infamous lunch breaks. But when the Supreme Court is in line, you better hurry up. On Monday, the apex court directed SBI to share the names of donors who purchased electoral bonds. SBI had argued that it needed time to collate all the data till at least June 30 — well after the general elections had concluded. The Supreme Court, led by chief justice Chandrachud, squashed this plea. Mint's legal reporter Krishan Yadav writes about this verdict that orders the names of donors to be submitted to the court by today evening, which will also be publicly disclosed by March 15.

If you were to make a big purchase, you might consider pulling money from your provident fund. EPFO, or the employees' provident fund organisation, is in charge of this money. To get your hands on this money, you need to file an application with EPFO and upload some documents. Easy, right? But as Mint Money's Anil Poste and Shipra Singh found out, it really isn't. The duo spoke to four individuals who tried to get their money, but couldn't. On paper, it's an easy process. But in practice, you might have to jump through many hoops to get access to your own money.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Show notes:

ITC block deal likely in two weeks; BAT to offload 4% stake 

Aditya Birla Capital, subsidiary Aditya Birla Finance to merge

Not cool enough: Bleeding Lloyd gives Havells a hard time 

SC asks SBI to disclose electoral bond details by 12 March

Why withdrawal of money from your PF is fraught with challenges 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 349 no What’s with the Academy’s beef with popular movies? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-with-the-academys-beef-with-popular-movies-WBS6Lt29 Who will win Barbenheimer clash at Oscars? Here’s what history shows. India's chip ambitions are about to get larger  Disney merger in sight, Viacom18 rejigs top roles Spotify bets on independent music to bolster presence in India NexCAR 19 cancer therapy: Conceived at IIT Bombay, delivered in Tata Memorial Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The big day for cinephiles is finally here. As you are listening to this podcast, The 96th Academy Awards are being announced at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The apex awards for the global movie industry have for long raised eyebrows with their nomination choices. Often the Academy’s picks go against the popular box office trends of the year. Take 2023’s highest grossing film Barbie for example: it received 9 nominations, but missed out on some key categories. The Greta Gerwig directorial venture was snubbed in major categories including direction and leading actress. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, on the other hand, which clashed with Barbie in an epic showdown at the box office, received 13 nominations. Mint’s Shuja Asrar breaks down the data on the Academy’s past picks and how they performed in the theatres. For the Oscars, popular doesn't always equate to being the best. This year doesn’t seem like it’ll be any different. It’s the era of semiconductors. It is difficult to imagine the world without these tiny silicon chips, and India is bullish on its prospects. In an interview with Mint’s senior assistant editor Gulveen Aulakh, union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke about the government’s plan to boost chip sector incentives. Currently, these incentives add up to about 76,000 crore rupees. Thanks to a n increase in incentives, we can expect a boom in the number of chip fabs and testing units across the country. This interview comes as just last week the union government approved three chip sector projects with expected investments of 1.26 trillion rupees, with two of them being won by Tata. The minister expects dozens of such units to be up and running in the next five years.  As the mega-merger between media giants Reliance and Disney is inching closer, preparations are underway on both sides. In one such move, Reliance-owned Viacom18 is planning to rejig its organisational structure to streamline the business. Senior executives at the company spoke to Mint’s senior editor Gaurav Laghate about the upcoming change. As per the planned restructuring Kiran Mani, who was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of JioCinema in November last year, has now been tasked with overseeing both the digital and sports divisions. Meanwhile, the entire content division will be managed by Kevin Vaz, who assumed the role of CEO for Broadcast in July of the last year. Read Gaurav’s insightful piece to find out how Reliance is reshuffling its ranks to hit the ground running. There is a good chance that you’re listening to this podcast on Spotify, which is also at the centre of this story. Don’t worry, this isn’t another spotify ad!  In a move to bolster its presence in India, the audio streaming platform is ready to bet big on independent artists. The indie music scene in India is growing at a faster pace than film music consumption, which accounts for 70 to 90 per cent of music streaming on the platform in India. In an interview with Mint’s entertainment correspondent Lata Jha, Spotify India’s managing director Amarjit Singh Batra said that the platform would like to see an equal balance of film and indie music. The Swedish-audio streaming platform has also invested in ‘Spotify for Artists’ an initiative which involves working with independent artists by sharing streaming data and consumption habits with them. The significance of this shift in strategy towards independent music is evidenced in the fact that the most streamed song from 2023 was a song by King, who is an independent artist. Batra highlighted that consumption patterns differ significantly among various languages. For instance, in Punjabi music, non-film tracks dominate, making up 90 per cent of the total consumption. In contrast, in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu, where film music plays a more prominent role, the share of movie tracks in total music consumption ranges from 70 to 80 per cent.  This next story is about a potentially groundbreaking therapy for cancer patients. It starts with a 60-year-old woman named Sheeba. Three years after discovering a growth on her tonsils, Sheeba was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that attacks your lymph nodes. Traditional treatments, including naturopathy and chemotherapy, had failed her. But rather than giving in, Sheeba and her husband sought out CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge procedure that modifies a patient's immune cells to combat cancer. This therapy, developed on a modest budget by a dedicated team at IIT Bombay, represents a beacon of hope, offering significant advancements in cancer treatment in India. Remarkably, Sheeba's cancer was arrested just 28 days following her treatment, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach. Despite the high cost and no insurance coverage, CAR T-cell therapy stands out as a crucial alternative for patients facing a dire prognoses. But it isn't the silver bullet for cancer yet. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the journey of this emerging weapon against cancer cells. Devina also examines why the new therapy, which can cost the patient up to 50 lakh rupees, still has a long way to go.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What’s with the Academy’s beef with popular movies? full 519 Mint - HT Smartcast Spotify’s push for indie music; New hope for cancer patients Who will win Barbenheimer clash at Oscars? Here’s what history shows. India's chip ambitions are about to get larger  Disney merger in sight, Viacom18 rejigs top roles Spotify bets on independent music to bolster presence in India NexCAR 19 cancer therapy: Conceived at IIT Bombay, delivered in Tata Memorial Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: The big day for cinephiles is finally here. As you are listening to this podcast, The 96th Academy Awards are being announced at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The apex awards for the global movie industry have for long raised eyebrows with their nomination choices. Often the Academy’s picks go against the popular box office trends of the year. Take 2023’s highest grossing film Barbie for example: it received 9 nominations, but missed out on some key categories. The Greta Gerwig directorial venture was snubbed in major categories including direction and leading actress. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, on the other hand, which clashed with Barbie in an epic showdown at the box office, received 13 nominations. Mint’s Shuja Asrar breaks down the data on the Academy’s past picks and how they performed in the theatres. For the Oscars, popular doesn't always equate to being the best. This year doesn’t seem like it’ll be any different. It’s the era of semiconductors. It is difficult to imagine the world without these tiny silicon chips, and India is bullish on its prospects. In an interview with Mint’s senior assistant editor Gulveen Aulakh, union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke about the government’s plan to boost chip sector incentives. Currently, these incentives add up to about 76,000 crore rupees. Thanks to a n increase in incentives, we can expect a boom in the number of chip fabs and testing units across the country. This interview comes as just last week the union government approved three chip sector projects with expected investments of 1.26 trillion rupees, with two of them being won by Tata. The minister expects dozens of such units to be up and running in the next five years.  As the mega-merger between media giants Reliance and Disney is inching closer, preparations are underway on both sides. In one such move, Reliance-owned Viacom18 is planning to rejig its organisational structure to streamline the business. Senior executives at the company spoke to Mint’s senior editor Gaurav Laghate about the upcoming change. As per the planned restructuring Kiran Mani, who was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of JioCinema in November last year, has now been tasked with overseeing both the digital and sports divisions. Meanwhile, the entire content division will be managed by Kevin Vaz, who assumed the role of CEO for Broadcast in July of the last year. Read Gaurav’s insightful piece to find out how Reliance is reshuffling its ranks to hit the ground running. There is a good chance that you’re listening to this podcast on Spotify, which is also at the centre of this story. Don’t worry, this isn’t another spotify ad!  In a move to bolster its presence in India, the audio streaming platform is ready to bet big on independent artists. The indie music scene in India is growing at a faster pace than film music consumption, which accounts for 70 to 90 per cent of music streaming on the platform in India. In an interview with Mint’s entertainment correspondent Lata Jha, Spotify India’s managing director Amarjit Singh Batra said that the platform would like to see an equal balance of film and indie music. The Swedish-audio streaming platform has also invested in ‘Spotify for Artists’ an initiative which involves working with independent artists by sharing streaming data and consumption habits with them. The significance of this shift in strategy towards independent music is evidenced in the fact that the most streamed song from 2023 was a song by King, who is an independent artist. Batra highlighted that consumption patterns differ significantly among various languages. For instance, in Punjabi music, non-film tracks dominate, making up 90 per cent of the total consumption. In contrast, in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu, where film music plays a more prominent role, the share of movie tracks in total music consumption ranges from 70 to 80 per cent.  This next story is about a potentially groundbreaking therapy for cancer patients. It starts with a 60-year-old woman named Sheeba. Three years after discovering a growth on her tonsils, Sheeba was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that attacks your lymph nodes. Traditional treatments, including naturopathy and chemotherapy, had failed her. But rather than giving in, Sheeba and her husband sought out CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge procedure that modifies a patient's immune cells to combat cancer. This therapy, developed on a modest budget by a dedicated team at IIT Bombay, represents a beacon of hope, offering significant advancements in cancer treatment in India. Remarkably, Sheeba's cancer was arrested just 28 days following her treatment, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach. Despite the high cost and no insurance coverage, CAR T-cell therapy stands out as a crucial alternative for patients facing a dire prognoses. But it isn't the silver bullet for cancer yet. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the journey of this emerging weapon against cancer cells. Devina also examines why the new therapy, which can cost the patient up to 50 lakh rupees, still has a long way to go.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Who will win Barbenheimer clash at Oscars? Here’s what history shows.

India's chip ambitions are about to get larger 

Disney merger in sight, Viacom18 rejigs top roles

Spotify bets on independent music to bolster presence in India

NexCAR 19 cancer therapy: Conceived at IIT Bombay, delivered in Tata Memorial

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 11, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

The big day for cinephiles is finally here. As you are listening to this podcast, The 96th Academy Awards are being announced at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The apex awards for the global movie industry have for long raised eyebrows with their nomination choices. Often the Academy’s picks go against the popular box office trends of the year. Take 2023’s highest grossing film Barbie for example: it received 9 nominations, but missed out on some key categories. The Greta Gerwig directorial venture was snubbed in major categories including direction and leading actress. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, on the other hand, which clashed with Barbie in an epic showdown at the box office, received 13 nominations. Mint’s Shuja Asrar breaks down the data on the Academy’s past picks and how they performed in the theatres. For the Oscars, popular doesn't always equate to being the best. This year doesn’t seem like it’ll be any different.

It’s the era of semiconductors. It is difficult to imagine the world without these tiny silicon chips, and India is bullish on its prospects. In an interview with Mint’s senior assistant editor Gulveen Aulakh, union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke about the government’s plan to boost chip sector incentives. Currently, these incentives add up to about 76,000 crore rupees. Thanks to a n increase in incentives, we can expect a boom in the number of chip fabs and testing units across the country. This interview comes as just last week the union government approved three chip sector projects with expected investments of 1.26 trillion rupees, with two of them being won by Tata. The minister expects dozens of such units to be up and running in the next five years. 

As the mega-merger between media giants Reliance and Disney is inching closer, preparations are underway on both sides. In one such move, Reliance-owned Viacom18 is planning to rejig its organisational structure to streamline the business. Senior executives at the company spoke to Mint’s senior editor Gaurav Laghate about the upcoming change. As per the planned restructuring Kiran Mani, who was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of JioCinema in November last year, has now been tasked with overseeing both the digital and sports divisions. Meanwhile, the entire content division will be managed by Kevin Vaz, who assumed the role of CEO for Broadcast in July of the last year. Read Gaurav’s insightful piece to find out how Reliance is reshuffling its ranks to hit the ground running.

There is a good chance that you’re listening to this podcast on Spotify, which is also at the centre of this story. Don’t worry, this isn’t another spotify ad! 

In a move to bolster its presence in India, the audio streaming platform is ready to bet big on independent artists. The indie music scene in India is growing at a faster pace than film music consumption, which accounts for 70 to 90 per cent of music streaming on the platform in India. In an interview with Mint’s entertainment correspondent Lata Jha, Spotify India’s managing director Amarjit Singh Batra said that the platform would like to see an equal balance of film and indie music. The Swedish-audio streaming platform has also invested in ‘Spotify for Artists’ an initiative which involves working with independent artists by sharing streaming data and consumption habits with them. The significance of this shift in strategy towards independent music is evidenced in the fact that the most streamed song from 2023 was a song by King, who is an independent artist. Batra highlighted that consumption patterns differ significantly among various languages. For instance, in Punjabi music, non-film tracks dominate, making up 90 per cent of the total consumption. In contrast, in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu, where film music plays a more prominent role, the share of movie tracks in total music consumption ranges from 70 to 80 per cent. 

This next story is about a potentially groundbreaking therapy for cancer patients. It starts with a 60-year-old woman named Sheeba. Three years after discovering a growth on her tonsils, Sheeba was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that attacks your lymph nodes. Traditional treatments, including naturopathy and chemotherapy, had failed her. But rather than giving in, Sheeba and her husband sought out CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge procedure that modifies a patient's immune cells to combat cancer. This therapy, developed on a modest budget by a dedicated team at IIT Bombay, represents a beacon of hope, offering significant advancements in cancer treatment in India. Remarkably, Sheeba's cancer was arrested just 28 days following her treatment, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach. Despite the high cost and no insurance coverage, CAR T-cell therapy stands out as a crucial alternative for patients facing a dire prognoses. But it isn't the silver bullet for cancer yet. Mint’s Devina Sengupta takes a deep dive into the journey of this emerging weapon against cancer cells. Devina also examines why the new therapy, which can cost the patient up to 50 lakh rupees, still has a long way to go. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

We'll be back tomorrow with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 466 no The laws every Indian woman should know of https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-laws-every-indian-woman-should-know-of-Dpws2kss Don't be startled — you're still listening to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. I'm Devina Sengupta, deputy editor at Mint. I write about careers, workplaces, and higher education. I am your host for this special episode and will be substituting for Nelson John. It's Friday, March 8, 2024. Let's get started: Markets ended flat on Thursday, as Sensex maintained its position above the 74,000 mark. The benchmark indices showed marginal gains across the board, although oil companies in particular performed poorly. Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Reliance Industries fell by more than a percentage point each. The market has maintained its bull run for a few weeks now. Retail investors have reason to be delighted, but so do multinational companies. Startups and new economy reporter Priyamvada C writes that multinational companies have been selling their stakes in Indian companies. Companies like America's Conagra Brands, British American Tobacco, and Japan's Sumitomo Wiring offloaded their holdings in Indian companies to take advantage of high share prices and pay off debt in high interest markets.. The multinationals will use these proceeds for a host of purposes, using this moment to effectively manage their treasury and investments, notes Priyamvada. One such deal took place just yesterday evening: Singapore's telecom giant Singtel sold 0.8 percent of its stake in Airtel to investment firm GQG Partners. The value of the transaction was just above 700 million us dollars, or 4,888 crore rupees. Even after this deal, Singtel remains the largest stakeholder in Airtel — even more than Airtel's promoters, the Bharti Group. Mint's telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports that Singtel hopes to equalise its stake with Bharti over time through such deals. GQG Partners, an investment firm based in the US, has steadily increased its bets in India. It bought large chunks of Adani Group companies last year. It also invested in GMR Infrastructure, IDFC First, and JSW Energy. The markets regulator Sebi barred financial services company JM Financial from acting as a lead manager for any public issue of debt securities.  The order came after Sebi found some serious lapses in a case where JM Financial acted as a lead manager for a public issue.. During a routine examination, Sebi found some inconsistencies with this debt offering. Mint's legal correspondent Priyanka Gawande explains Sebi's 22-page order, which is likely to have consequences for JM Financial's share price when markets open tomorrow.   If you're a woman, today is as good a day as any to learn about your rights. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma writes about some key financial laws every woman should be aware of. Aprajita speaks to legal experts about Indian laws surrounding inheritance, insurance, and loans. They are structured differently for men and women, and differ across religions. It also points out contradictions in our system: for example, how the laws have exemptions for women to encourage them to buy properties — but how it's also more difficult for women to get loans.  It's not easy being a woman in corporate India — or in India, for that matter. I teamed up with my colleagues Suneera Tandon and Madhurima Nandy to bring you stories of four women at various stages in their careers. What's been their journey so far? Why is working from office a dealbreaker? Why do you carry a swiss army knife in your purse?  Special thanks to Shakshi, Rohini, Alisha, and Arudhati for sharing their stories. These are stories of determination and success. I hope you have as great of a time treading this piece as we had reporting and writing it. In addition to writing such stories, I'm also the host of The Working Life, a podcast on workplace practices. I'm currently working on season 2 of the podcast, but you can listen to any episode from season one. I'd like to think they're evergreen, and come in handy for any employee of India Inc navigating their professional life.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. Nelson will be back on Monday  with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!   Why MNCs are on a selling spree in India  Singtel sells 0.8% stake in Airtel to GQG Partners Sebi bars JM Financial from taking new mandates amid lapses in debt issue The key financial laws that every woman should know  Swiss knife to Lucknow diaries: Four women executives on guilt and success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The laws every Indian woman should know of full 518 Mint - HT Smartcast MNCs sell Indian stakes, Sebi comes down heavy on JM Financial Don't be startled — you're still listening to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. I'm Devina Sengupta, deputy editor at Mint. I write about careers, workplaces, and higher education. I am your host for this special episode and will be substituting for Nelson John. It's Friday, March 8, 2024. Let's get started: Markets ended flat on Thursday, as Sensex maintained its position above the 74,000 mark. The benchmark indices showed marginal gains across the board, although oil companies in particular performed poorly. Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Reliance Industries fell by more than a percentage point each. The market has maintained its bull run for a few weeks now. Retail investors have reason to be delighted, but so do multinational companies. Startups and new economy reporter Priyamvada C writes that multinational companies have been selling their stakes in Indian companies. Companies like America's Conagra Brands, British American Tobacco, and Japan's Sumitomo Wiring offloaded their holdings in Indian companies to take advantage of high share prices and pay off debt in high interest markets.. The multinationals will use these proceeds for a host of purposes, using this moment to effectively manage their treasury and investments, notes Priyamvada. One such deal took place just yesterday evening: Singapore's telecom giant Singtel sold 0.8 percent of its stake in Airtel to investment firm GQG Partners. The value of the transaction was just above 700 million us dollars, or 4,888 crore rupees. Even after this deal, Singtel remains the largest stakeholder in Airtel — even more than Airtel's promoters, the Bharti Group. Mint's telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports that Singtel hopes to equalise its stake with Bharti over time through such deals. GQG Partners, an investment firm based in the US, has steadily increased its bets in India. It bought large chunks of Adani Group companies last year. It also invested in GMR Infrastructure, IDFC First, and JSW Energy. The markets regulator Sebi barred financial services company JM Financial from acting as a lead manager for any public issue of debt securities.  The order came after Sebi found some serious lapses in a case where JM Financial acted as a lead manager for a public issue.. During a routine examination, Sebi found some inconsistencies with this debt offering. Mint's legal correspondent Priyanka Gawande explains Sebi's 22-page order, which is likely to have consequences for JM Financial's share price when markets open tomorrow.   If you're a woman, today is as good a day as any to learn about your rights. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma writes about some key financial laws every woman should be aware of. Aprajita speaks to legal experts about Indian laws surrounding inheritance, insurance, and loans. They are structured differently for men and women, and differ across religions. It also points out contradictions in our system: for example, how the laws have exemptions for women to encourage them to buy properties — but how it's also more difficult for women to get loans.  It's not easy being a woman in corporate India — or in India, for that matter. I teamed up with my colleagues Suneera Tandon and Madhurima Nandy to bring you stories of four women at various stages in their careers. What's been their journey so far? Why is working from office a dealbreaker? Why do you carry a swiss army knife in your purse?  Special thanks to Shakshi, Rohini, Alisha, and Arudhati for sharing their stories. These are stories of determination and success. I hope you have as great of a time treading this piece as we had reporting and writing it. In addition to writing such stories, I'm also the host of The Working Life, a podcast on workplace practices. I'm currently working on season 2 of the podcast, but you can listen to any episode from season one. I'd like to think they're evergreen, and come in handy for any employee of India Inc navigating their professional life.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. Nelson will be back on Monday  with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!   Why MNCs are on a selling spree in India  Singtel sells 0.8% stake in Airtel to GQG Partners Sebi bars JM Financial from taking new mandates amid lapses in debt issue The key financial laws that every woman should know  Swiss knife to Lucknow diaries: Four women executives on guilt and success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Don't be startled — you're still listening to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. I'm Devina Sengupta, deputy editor at Mint. I write about careers, workplaces, and higher education. I am your host for this special episode and will be substituting for Nelson John. It's Friday, March 8, 2024. Let's get started:

Markets ended flat on Thursday, as Sensex maintained its position above the 74,000 mark. The benchmark indices showed marginal gains across the board, although oil companies in particular performed poorly. Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Reliance Industries fell by more than a percentage point each.

The market has maintained its bull run for a few weeks now. Retail investors have reason to be delighted, but so do multinational companies. Startups and new economy reporter Priyamvada C writes that multinational companies have been selling their stakes in Indian companies. Companies like America's Conagra Brands, British American Tobacco, and Japan's Sumitomo Wiring offloaded their holdings in Indian companies to take advantage of high share prices and pay off debt in high interest markets.. The multinationals will use these proceeds for a host of purposes, using this moment to effectively manage their treasury and investments, notes Priyamvada.

One such deal took place just yesterday evening: Singapore's telecom giant Singtel sold 0.8 percent of its stake in Airtel to investment firm GQG Partners. The value of the transaction was just above 700 million us dollars, or 4,888 crore rupees. Even after this deal, Singtel remains the largest stakeholder in Airtel — even more than Airtel's promoters, the Bharti Group. Mint's telecom correspondent Gulveen Aulakh reports that Singtel hopes to equalise its stake with Bharti over time through such deals. GQG Partners, an investment firm based in the US, has steadily increased its bets in India. It bought large chunks of Adani Group companies last year. It also invested in GMR Infrastructure, IDFC First, and JSW Energy.

The markets regulator Sebi barred financial services company JM Financial from acting as a lead manager for any public issue of debt securities.  The order came after Sebi found some serious lapses in a case where JM Financial acted as a lead manager for a public issue.. During a routine examination, Sebi found some inconsistencies with this debt offering. Mint's legal correspondent Priyanka Gawande explains Sebi's 22-page order, which is likely to have consequences for JM Financial's share price when markets open tomorrow.

 

If you're a woman, today is as good a day as any to learn about your rights. Mint Money's Aprajita Sharma writes about some key financial laws every woman should be aware of. Aprajita speaks to legal experts about Indian laws surrounding inheritance, insurance, and loans. They are structured differently for men and women, and differ across religions. It also points out contradictions in our system: for example, how the laws have exemptions for women to encourage them to buy properties — but how it's also more difficult for women to get loans. 

It's not easy being a woman in corporate India — or in India, for that matter. I teamed up with my colleagues Suneera Tandon and Madhurima Nandy to bring you stories of four women at various stages in their careers. What's been their journey so far? Why is working from office a dealbreaker? Why do you carry a swiss army knife in your purse?  Special thanks to Shakshi, Rohini, Alisha, and Arudhati for sharing their stories. These are stories of determination and success. I hope you have as great of a time treading this piece as we had reporting and writing it.

In addition to writing such stories, I'm also the host of The Working Life, a podcast on workplace practices. I'm currently working on season 2 of the podcast, but you can listen to any episode from season one. I'd like to think they're evergreen, and come in handy for any employee of India Inc navigating their professional life. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

Nelson will be back on Monday  with a fresh episode of Top of the Morning. Have a nice day!

 

Why MNCs are on a selling spree in India 

Singtel sells 0.8% stake in Airtel to GQG Partners

Sebi bars JM Financial from taking new mandates amid lapses in debt issue

The key financial laws that every woman should know 

Swiss knife to Lucknow diaries: Four women executives on guilt and success

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 436 no Hey McDonald's! Who moved my cheese? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hey-mcdonalds-who-moved-my-cheese-hWiaVtDX It's Thursday, March 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: A new day, a new record high for the Indian stock market. Nifty and Sensex both surged by around half a percent each. Sensex crossed the 74,000 mark for the first time. Stocks such as ICICI Bank, SBI, and NTPC also hit lifetime highs.  However, as markets correspondent Ram Sahgal notes, trading remained uneven. Midcap and smallcap stocks plunged, as investors took note of regulatory action by the markets regulator. Ram spoke to analysts to make sense of the day's trading, and whether this bull run will continue across large, mid, and small caps.  After decades of fast-paced growth, China's economy looks to have run into some roadblocks. Its economy is likely to grow at 5% this year — it grew at 5.3% in 2023. But even this modest target looks difficult, given the tough position the country is in right now. The country is too debt-ridden, and demand has fallen. The markets have been ailing for a few months now. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains the current predicament that China finds itself in. When you're looking for a credit card, you can choose which bank, which tier, and what the annual fees could be. But what you can't choose is the card network — either Visa or Mastercard. That comes baked into any credit card. That will change soon: the Reserve Bank of India banned exclusive tie-ups between card issuers and networks. This ruling will apply from September this year. While applying for a new card, or renewing an existing one, you can now choose between the two options. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on this decision taken by the RBI, and explains its implications for the banking framework in the country. Speaking of credit cards: have you swiped your plastic to make a big purchase? I suppose we all have. But to buy a car? That seems a little... strange? As Mint Money's Shipra Singh writes, most car dealers will let you pay by credit card — either just the down payment, or the entire value in full. You can use the points and rewards for a variety of future expenses. Shipra writes that adopting this strategy can help you save a fair bit of money, which wouldn't be possible if you paid in cash or using other forms. However, Shipra writes that some dealers might charge you an extra 2 percent for processing the payments, negating some of your benefits. Lastly, such a transaction could also lower your credit score. But there's a way to steer clear of that too, while lapping up the points! Read this story before you pay for your new wheels using a credit card. Fast-food and cheese pretty much go hand in hand. If you were to walk into a McDonalds, chances are most items might contain some element of cheese in them. Except... it's not real cheese! The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration recently looked into claims that McDonald's doesn't serve real cheese, but rather cheese substitutes in its products. While it was being investigated, the international burger chain was forced to change the names on its menus: McCheese turned to cheddar veg delight. A back and forth ensued between the FDA and Westlife, the proprietors of McDonald's in West and South India. Mint's special correspondent Nehal Chaliawala takes a deep look to find out if McDonald's claims of serving real cheese melt under scrutiny. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Hey McDonald's! Who moved my cheese? full 517 Mint - HT Smartcast Markets hit new lifetime highs, can you buy a new car with your credit card? It's Thursday, March 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: A new day, a new record high for the Indian stock market. Nifty and Sensex both surged by around half a percent each. Sensex crossed the 74,000 mark for the first time. Stocks such as ICICI Bank, SBI, and NTPC also hit lifetime highs.  However, as markets correspondent Ram Sahgal notes, trading remained uneven. Midcap and smallcap stocks plunged, as investors took note of regulatory action by the markets regulator. Ram spoke to analysts to make sense of the day's trading, and whether this bull run will continue across large, mid, and small caps.  After decades of fast-paced growth, China's economy looks to have run into some roadblocks. Its economy is likely to grow at 5% this year — it grew at 5.3% in 2023. But even this modest target looks difficult, given the tough position the country is in right now. The country is too debt-ridden, and demand has fallen. The markets have been ailing for a few months now. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains the current predicament that China finds itself in. When you're looking for a credit card, you can choose which bank, which tier, and what the annual fees could be. But what you can't choose is the card network — either Visa or Mastercard. That comes baked into any credit card. That will change soon: the Reserve Bank of India banned exclusive tie-ups between card issuers and networks. This ruling will apply from September this year. While applying for a new card, or renewing an existing one, you can now choose between the two options. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on this decision taken by the RBI, and explains its implications for the banking framework in the country. Speaking of credit cards: have you swiped your plastic to make a big purchase? I suppose we all have. But to buy a car? That seems a little... strange? As Mint Money's Shipra Singh writes, most car dealers will let you pay by credit card — either just the down payment, or the entire value in full. You can use the points and rewards for a variety of future expenses. Shipra writes that adopting this strategy can help you save a fair bit of money, which wouldn't be possible if you paid in cash or using other forms. However, Shipra writes that some dealers might charge you an extra 2 percent for processing the payments, negating some of your benefits. Lastly, such a transaction could also lower your credit score. But there's a way to steer clear of that too, while lapping up the points! Read this story before you pay for your new wheels using a credit card. Fast-food and cheese pretty much go hand in hand. If you were to walk into a McDonalds, chances are most items might contain some element of cheese in them. Except... it's not real cheese! The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration recently looked into claims that McDonald's doesn't serve real cheese, but rather cheese substitutes in its products. While it was being investigated, the international burger chain was forced to change the names on its menus: McCheese turned to cheddar veg delight. A back and forth ensued between the FDA and Westlife, the proprietors of McDonald's in West and South India. Mint's special correspondent Nehal Chaliawala takes a deep look to find out if McDonald's claims of serving real cheese melt under scrutiny. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. That’s all for today. Thank you for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's Thursday, March 7, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

A new day, a new record high for the Indian stock market. Nifty and Sensex both surged by around half a percent each. Sensex crossed the 74,000 mark for the first time. Stocks such as ICICI Bank, SBI, and NTPC also hit lifetime highs. 

However, as markets correspondent Ram Sahgal notes, trading remained uneven. Midcap and smallcap stocks plunged, as investors took note of regulatory action by the markets regulator. Ram spoke to analysts to make sense of the day's trading, and whether this bull run will continue across large, mid, and small caps. 

After decades of fast-paced growth, China's economy looks to have run into some roadblocks. Its economy is likely to grow at 5% this year — it grew at 5.3% in 2023. But even this modest target looks difficult, given the tough position the country is in right now. The country is too debt-ridden, and demand has fallen. The markets have been ailing for a few months now. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains the current predicament that China finds itself in.

When you're looking for a credit card, you can choose which bank, which tier, and what the annual fees could be. But what you can't choose is the card network — either Visa or Mastercard. That comes baked into any credit card. That will change soon: the Reserve Bank of India banned exclusive tie-ups between card issuers and networks. This ruling will apply from September this year. While applying for a new card, or renewing an existing one, you can now choose between the two options. Mint's banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh writes on this decision taken by the RBI, and explains its implications for the banking framework in the country.

Speaking of credit cards: have you swiped your plastic to make a big purchase? I suppose we all have. But to buy a car? That seems a little... strange? As Mint Money's Shipra Singh writes, most car dealers will let you pay by credit card — either just the down payment, or the entire value in full. You can use the points and rewards for a variety of future expenses. Shipra writes that adopting this strategy can help you save a fair bit of money, which wouldn't be possible if you paid in cash or using other forms. However, Shipra writes that some dealers might charge you an extra 2 percent for processing the payments, negating some of your benefits. Lastly, such a transaction could also lower your credit score. But there's a way to steer clear of that too, while lapping up the points! Read this story before you pay for your new wheels using a credit card.

Fast-food and cheese pretty much go hand in hand. If you were to walk into a McDonalds, chances are most items might contain some element of cheese in them. Except... it's not real cheese! The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration recently looked into claims that McDonald's doesn't serve real cheese, but rather cheese substitutes in its products. While it was being investigated, the international burger chain was forced to change the names on its menus: McCheese turned to cheddar veg delight. A back and forth ensued between the FDA and Westlife, the proprietors of McDonald's in West and South India. Mint's special correspondent Nehal Chaliawala takes a deep look to find out if McDonald's claims of serving real cheese melt under scrutiny.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

That’s all for today. Thank you for listening.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 347 no Frozen hellscape or green shoots at the height of startup winter? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/frozen-hellscape-or-green-shoots-at-the-height-of-startup-winter-BLWN6uKU Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Breaking a four day winning streak, Indian markets closed in the red on Tuesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both suffered some losses during the day but closed slightly above their intraday lows. Sensex was down 0.26 per cent at the end of Tuesday’s trading. Nifty, at the closing bell, was down 0.22 per cent.  Make hay while the sun shines? Sure! But 2023 seems like a poor year for India's solar projects. We only installed 7.5 gigawatts of solar capacity last year. Compare this to 13.4 gigawatts in 2022, and 10 gigawatts in 21. Why is our capacity addition going down? High taxes to forbid the entry of Chinese solar panels is one reason for this drop. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji explains this anomaly in India's solar story — and what the outlook is for the next few years.  While we are on the topic of solar power, have you ever heard of agrivoltaics ? Let’s dive in. Agrivoltaics is a unique way of melding solar power generation with agriculture. The use of solar panels on agricultural land is what makes the method unique. The integrated system aims at maximising land productivity, by harnessing solar power while simultaneously growing crops under photovoltaic solar panels. The concept, conceived in the 1980s, solves multiple problems at the same time. It’s not only a step toward renewable energy, but also tackles the problem of land scarcity. But why isn’t it more prevalent in India? And what are the challenges this system faces? P Anima, who writes on climate change, environment and agriculture, tries to get beneath these questions in today’s Long Story. Some of the challenges include the lack of a uniform model for the method in India, and an unequal power dynamic between the main stakeholders, which includes farmers and solar developers.   This next story is for those following India’s debt securities market. India is set to receive inflows of 3 to 4 billion dollars from next year. The reason? Financial data provider Bloomberg announced its decision to include Indian government bonds to its emerging markets index. India’s domestic debt securities, which are accessible through the Fully Accessible Route or FAR , will now feature in Bloomberg’s  Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index. The FAR is a framework introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2020, aimed at encouraging foreign investment in the Indian securities market by removing some of the regulatory barriers. Under the framework, non resident Indians can invest in government securities without facing any investment ceilings or restrictions that typically apply to foreign ownership. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh reports that global investors with passive investment strategies are likely to be candidates to put their money into Indian government bonds. t These inflows could prove crucial for the Indian bonds and debt market. As of January 31, there are 34 Indian FAR bonds, totaling 448 billion dollars, eligible to be listed on the Bloomberg index.  At the end of HBO’s flagship show Game of Thrones, a long winter sets over the fictional continent of Westeros. The advent of winter in the show is a catastrophic event that supposedly lasts for decades. A similar, almost catastrophic winter fell upon the Indian funding landscape and startup ecosystem. But, latest data suggests that the funding winter may be starting to thaw.. Take MoveInSync for example. The office commute platform received a term sheet for a 15 million dollar raise within a week of announcing the deal. That is a really quick turnaround time for investors to get interested in today’s market. During the last financial year, funding for very early-stage deals continued, but growth-stage financing had slowed to a trickle. However, funding in the new economy across life stages of a business  is now experiencing a revival, with deals beginning to conclude successfully. Deals worth 443 million dollars were struck in January, which nearly doubled to 835 million in February. Mint’s Sneha Shah reports on the visible greenshoots from the frozen funding landscape.  On Tuesday, shares of Tata Motors surged over 3 per cent following an announcement that could redefine the automotive landscape in India. The company disclosed its ambitious plan to separate its commercial-vehicles and passenger-vehicles businesses into two distinct entities. For existing shareholders, this means a direct stake in both firms, with one share each being allocated for both the newly formed companies. By separating its entities, Tata Motors is not only sharpening its focus on each segment but is also aligning itself more closely with investor interests. Up until now, investors keen on the more stable passenger vehicles  business had no choice but to also invest in the commercial segment due to their combined operation under a single corporate umbrella. With financials for both divisions already being reported separately, this move allows for a more apples-to-apples comparison with industry rivals. How this could potentially lead to a re-rating of the passenger vehicles business. Mint’s Manish Joshi examines this and other implications of the Tata Motor’s decision today’s Mark to Market.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:15:38 -0000 Frozen hellscape or green shoots at the height of startup winter? full 516 Mint - HT Smartcast Implications of TaMo’s demerger; is solar energy adoption slowing in India? Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Breaking a four day winning streak, Indian markets closed in the red on Tuesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both suffered some losses during the day but closed slightly above their intraday lows. Sensex was down 0.26 per cent at the end of Tuesday’s trading. Nifty, at the closing bell, was down 0.22 per cent.  Make hay while the sun shines? Sure! But 2023 seems like a poor year for India's solar projects. We only installed 7.5 gigawatts of solar capacity last year. Compare this to 13.4 gigawatts in 2022, and 10 gigawatts in 21. Why is our capacity addition going down? High taxes to forbid the entry of Chinese solar panels is one reason for this drop. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji explains this anomaly in India's solar story — and what the outlook is for the next few years.  While we are on the topic of solar power, have you ever heard of agrivoltaics ? Let’s dive in. Agrivoltaics is a unique way of melding solar power generation with agriculture. The use of solar panels on agricultural land is what makes the method unique. The integrated system aims at maximising land productivity, by harnessing solar power while simultaneously growing crops under photovoltaic solar panels. The concept, conceived in the 1980s, solves multiple problems at the same time. It’s not only a step toward renewable energy, but also tackles the problem of land scarcity. But why isn’t it more prevalent in India? And what are the challenges this system faces? P Anima, who writes on climate change, environment and agriculture, tries to get beneath these questions in today’s Long Story. Some of the challenges include the lack of a uniform model for the method in India, and an unequal power dynamic between the main stakeholders, which includes farmers and solar developers.   This next story is for those following India’s debt securities market. India is set to receive inflows of 3 to 4 billion dollars from next year. The reason? Financial data provider Bloomberg announced its decision to include Indian government bonds to its emerging markets index. India’s domestic debt securities, which are accessible through the Fully Accessible Route or FAR , will now feature in Bloomberg’s  Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index. The FAR is a framework introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2020, aimed at encouraging foreign investment in the Indian securities market by removing some of the regulatory barriers. Under the framework, non resident Indians can invest in government securities without facing any investment ceilings or restrictions that typically apply to foreign ownership. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh reports that global investors with passive investment strategies are likely to be candidates to put their money into Indian government bonds. t These inflows could prove crucial for the Indian bonds and debt market. As of January 31, there are 34 Indian FAR bonds, totaling 448 billion dollars, eligible to be listed on the Bloomberg index.  At the end of HBO’s flagship show Game of Thrones, a long winter sets over the fictional continent of Westeros. The advent of winter in the show is a catastrophic event that supposedly lasts for decades. A similar, almost catastrophic winter fell upon the Indian funding landscape and startup ecosystem. But, latest data suggests that the funding winter may be starting to thaw.. Take MoveInSync for example. The office commute platform received a term sheet for a 15 million dollar raise within a week of announcing the deal. That is a really quick turnaround time for investors to get interested in today’s market. During the last financial year, funding for very early-stage deals continued, but growth-stage financing had slowed to a trickle. However, funding in the new economy across life stages of a business  is now experiencing a revival, with deals beginning to conclude successfully. Deals worth 443 million dollars were struck in January, which nearly doubled to 835 million in February. Mint’s Sneha Shah reports on the visible greenshoots from the frozen funding landscape.  On Tuesday, shares of Tata Motors surged over 3 per cent following an announcement that could redefine the automotive landscape in India. The company disclosed its ambitious plan to separate its commercial-vehicles and passenger-vehicles businesses into two distinct entities. For existing shareholders, this means a direct stake in both firms, with one share each being allocated for both the newly formed companies. By separating its entities, Tata Motors is not only sharpening its focus on each segment but is also aligning itself more closely with investor interests. Up until now, investors keen on the more stable passenger vehicles  business had no choice but to also invest in the commercial segment due to their combined operation under a single corporate umbrella. With financials for both divisions already being reported separately, this move allows for a more apples-to-apples comparison with industry rivals. How this could potentially lead to a re-rating of the passenger vehicles business. Mint’s Manish Joshi examines this and other implications of the Tata Motor’s decision today’s Mark to Market.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Wednesday, March 6, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Breaking a four day winning streak, Indian markets closed in the red on Tuesday. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both suffered some losses during the day but closed slightly above their intraday lows. Sensex was down 0.26 per cent at the end of Tuesday’s trading. Nifty, at the closing bell, was down 0.22 per cent. 

Make hay while the sun shines? Sure! But 2023 seems like a poor year for India's solar projects. We only installed 7.5 gigawatts of solar capacity last year. Compare this to 13.4 gigawatts in 2022, and 10 gigawatts in 21. Why is our capacity addition going down? High taxes to forbid the entry of Chinese solar panels is one reason for this drop. Mint's national editor Sumant Banerji explains this anomaly in India's solar story — and what the outlook is for the next few years. 

While we are on the topic of solar power, have you ever heard of agrivoltaics ? Let’s dive in. Agrivoltaics is a unique way of melding solar power generation with agriculture. The use of solar panels on agricultural land is what makes the method unique. The integrated system aims at maximising land productivity, by harnessing solar power while simultaneously growing crops under photovoltaic solar panels. The concept, conceived in the 1980s, solves multiple problems at the same time. It’s not only a step toward renewable energy, but also tackles the problem of land scarcity. But why isn’t it more prevalent in India? And what are the challenges this system faces? P Anima, who writes on climate change, environment and agriculture, tries to get beneath these questions in today’s Long Story. Some of the challenges include the lack of a uniform model for the method in India, and an unequal power dynamic between the main stakeholders, which includes farmers and solar developers.

 

This next story is for those following India’s debt securities market. India is set to receive inflows of 3 to 4 billion dollars from next year. The reason? Financial data provider Bloomberg announced its decision to include Indian government bonds to its emerging markets index. India’s domestic debt securities, which are accessible through the Fully Accessible Route or FAR , will now feature in Bloomberg’s  Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index. The FAR is a framework introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2020, aimed at encouraging foreign investment in the Indian securities market by removing some of the regulatory barriers. Under the framework, non resident Indians can invest in government securities without facing any investment ceilings or restrictions that typically apply to foreign ownership. Mint’s banking correspondent Shayan Ghosh reports that global investors with passive investment strategies are likely to be candidates to put their money into Indian government bonds. t These inflows could prove crucial for the Indian bonds and debt market. As of January 31, there are 34 Indian FAR bonds, totaling 448 billion dollars, eligible to be listed on the Bloomberg index. 

At the end of HBO’s flagship show Game of Thrones, a long winter sets over the fictional continent of Westeros. The advent of winter in the show is a catastrophic event that supposedly lasts for decades. A similar, almost catastrophic winter fell upon the Indian funding landscape and startup ecosystem. But, latest data suggests that the funding winter may be starting to thaw.. Take MoveInSync for example. The office commute platform received a term sheet for a 15 million dollar raise within a week of announcing the deal. That is a really quick turnaround time for investors to get interested in today’s market. During the last financial year, funding for very early-stage deals continued, but growth-stage financing had slowed to a trickle. However, funding in the new economy across life stages of a business  is now experiencing a revival, with deals beginning to conclude successfully. Deals worth 443 million dollars were struck in January, which nearly doubled to 835 million in February. Mint’s Sneha Shah reports on the visible greenshoots from the frozen funding landscape. 

On Tuesday, shares of Tata Motors surged over 3 per cent following an announcement that could redefine the automotive landscape in India. The company disclosed its ambitious plan to separate its commercial-vehicles and passenger-vehicles businesses into two distinct entities. For existing shareholders, this means a direct stake in both firms, with one share each being allocated for both the newly formed companies. By separating its entities, Tata Motors is not only sharpening its focus on each segment but is also aligning itself more closely with investor interests. Up until now, investors keen on the more stable passenger vehicles  business had no choice but to also invest in the commercial segment due to their combined operation under a single corporate umbrella. With financials for both divisions already being reported separately, this move allows for a more apples-to-apples comparison with industry rivals. How this could potentially lead to a re-rating of the passenger vehicles business. Mint’s Manish Joshi examines this and other implications of the Tata Motor’s decision today’s Mark to Market. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 490 no The uphill battle for Indian GPTs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-uphill-battle-for-indian-gpts-5iAY4zDu Small investors are savvier; look what they did with small-cap stocks  International airlines vie for the Indian globetrotter Tata Motors business divisions come to a fork in the road Should Nvidia employees with stock options sell or stay put? Ask me anything: Inside the race to build desi GPTs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Concluding the day marked by range-bound trading, Indian benchmark indices ended Monday with marginal gains. The Nifty 50 reached a new all-time high of 22,440 in early trading but subsequently pared some of those gains. At the end of the session, Nifty was up 0.12 per cent while Sensex closed marginally up by 0.09 per cent.  Retail investors are getting smarter day by day. With a rally in small and midcap stocks over the last three quarters of 2024, these investors who trade directly on the exchanges, had a gala time. Companies such as BSE, Birlasoft, Zensar Tech, Sonata Software, and RBL Bank saw their stock prices jump anywhere between 23 per cent to 415 per cent in the nine months through December. At the same time, retail investors cut their stake in these companies by 4 to 11 per cent. This means, these investors who typically invest only up to 2 lakh rupees, are getting in at low points and selling at mega profits. Mint’s market correspondents Ram Sahgal and Mayur Bhalerao examine how retail players are riding the small cap wave. Global airlines are looking at India with hopeful eyes. After witnessing a surge in the domestic market last year, airlines are upbeat on foreign fliers from India. The upcoming summer season is adding to the momentum. International carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad, among others, are expecting a significant increase in demand from India. They are adjusting their networks to accommodate this anticipated growth. According to the ratings agency ICRA, international passenger traffic for domestic airlines is projected to exceed the peak levels recorded in the fiscal year 2024. January 2024 itself saw 6.52 million passengers flying abroad, 17 per cent more than last January. Data from online travel portal ixigo attests to the growing number of outbound flights from India, reports Anu Sharma, Mint’s aviation correspondent. Ixigo saw a 2.5 times increase in searches for international travel in April and May this year, compared to 2023. Most popular destination in these searches you wonder? These are countries that have recently made travel for Indians visa free such as Kenya, Thailand, and Malaysia. One of India’s automobile behemoths is going to see a massive change in its corporate structuring. Tata Motors is going ahead with a demerger into two separate publicly traded companies. The company’s board greenlit the demerger proposal on Monday. This division will segregate the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments from the Passenger Vehicles sector, which includes passenger vehicle, EV, and Jaguar Land Rover verticals. So if you are a shareholder in Tata Motors, how will this affect you? All shareholders of the company will retain stock worth the same value in both companies following the demerger. The demerger is a logical next step after the previous split of the passenger and electric vehicle segments in 2022. The decision is expected to boost the independence of each business unit, which will also allow them to implement strategies more efficiently. Software company Nvidia has had a stellar run on the US stock market. Since the start of the year, its share price has gained more than 70 percent. Since last year, it has surged by a whopping 240 percent. The reason? Its dominance over supply over hardware and software needed to make artificial intelligence a reality. Such a performance in the markets has created many millionaires among its staff who hold employee stock options. Mint Money's Shipra Singh speaks to some Nvidia employees from India and talks to them about their newfound wealth — and how they plan to use it. Moreover, since these are US stocks, some might be tempted to not disclose them to the taxman. Shipra writes that this isn't advisable, as it opens them up to scrutiny under the Black Money Act. LLMs or large language models are the generators behind most of the AI chatbots floating around. LLMs excel in understanding and generating human-like text in the language that they are trained in. But How do you design an LLM for a country like ours, with hundreds of languages being spoken? This is where Indian GPTs come into the picture. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is largely trained on English, companies developing Indian language LLMs face the daunting challenge of training their systems in languages that are not extensively digitised. Indian companies have already started the uphill task of making accessible AI chatbots for all. Take ‘Ask Disha’ for example - IRCTC’s chatbot aimed at helping passengers. Chennai Police has a similar project — ‘AI Police’, a virtual assistant. These chatbots work on an LLM called BharatGPT, which is designed by Bengaluru’s AI startup CoRover. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte takes a deep dive into the emerging world of Indian LLMs. He also writes about the mammoth task that Indian companies face - creating an AI, accessible to all Indians.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 The uphill battle for Indian GPTs full 515 Mint - HT Smartcast Global airlines eye Indian market; Tata Motors to demerge Small investors are savvier; look what they did with small-cap stocks  International airlines vie for the Indian globetrotter Tata Motors business divisions come to a fork in the road Should Nvidia employees with stock options sell or stay put? Ask me anything: Inside the race to build desi GPTs Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Concluding the day marked by range-bound trading, Indian benchmark indices ended Monday with marginal gains. The Nifty 50 reached a new all-time high of 22,440 in early trading but subsequently pared some of those gains. At the end of the session, Nifty was up 0.12 per cent while Sensex closed marginally up by 0.09 per cent.  Retail investors are getting smarter day by day. With a rally in small and midcap stocks over the last three quarters of 2024, these investors who trade directly on the exchanges, had a gala time. Companies such as BSE, Birlasoft, Zensar Tech, Sonata Software, and RBL Bank saw their stock prices jump anywhere between 23 per cent to 415 per cent in the nine months through December. At the same time, retail investors cut their stake in these companies by 4 to 11 per cent. This means, these investors who typically invest only up to 2 lakh rupees, are getting in at low points and selling at mega profits. Mint’s market correspondents Ram Sahgal and Mayur Bhalerao examine how retail players are riding the small cap wave. Global airlines are looking at India with hopeful eyes. After witnessing a surge in the domestic market last year, airlines are upbeat on foreign fliers from India. The upcoming summer season is adding to the momentum. International carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad, among others, are expecting a significant increase in demand from India. They are adjusting their networks to accommodate this anticipated growth. According to the ratings agency ICRA, international passenger traffic for domestic airlines is projected to exceed the peak levels recorded in the fiscal year 2024. January 2024 itself saw 6.52 million passengers flying abroad, 17 per cent more than last January. Data from online travel portal ixigo attests to the growing number of outbound flights from India, reports Anu Sharma, Mint’s aviation correspondent. Ixigo saw a 2.5 times increase in searches for international travel in April and May this year, compared to 2023. Most popular destination in these searches you wonder? These are countries that have recently made travel for Indians visa free such as Kenya, Thailand, and Malaysia. One of India’s automobile behemoths is going to see a massive change in its corporate structuring. Tata Motors is going ahead with a demerger into two separate publicly traded companies. The company’s board greenlit the demerger proposal on Monday. This division will segregate the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments from the Passenger Vehicles sector, which includes passenger vehicle, EV, and Jaguar Land Rover verticals. So if you are a shareholder in Tata Motors, how will this affect you? All shareholders of the company will retain stock worth the same value in both companies following the demerger. The demerger is a logical next step after the previous split of the passenger and electric vehicle segments in 2022. The decision is expected to boost the independence of each business unit, which will also allow them to implement strategies more efficiently. Software company Nvidia has had a stellar run on the US stock market. Since the start of the year, its share price has gained more than 70 percent. Since last year, it has surged by a whopping 240 percent. The reason? Its dominance over supply over hardware and software needed to make artificial intelligence a reality. Such a performance in the markets has created many millionaires among its staff who hold employee stock options. Mint Money's Shipra Singh speaks to some Nvidia employees from India and talks to them about their newfound wealth — and how they plan to use it. Moreover, since these are US stocks, some might be tempted to not disclose them to the taxman. Shipra writes that this isn't advisable, as it opens them up to scrutiny under the Black Money Act. LLMs or large language models are the generators behind most of the AI chatbots floating around. LLMs excel in understanding and generating human-like text in the language that they are trained in. But How do you design an LLM for a country like ours, with hundreds of languages being spoken? This is where Indian GPTs come into the picture. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is largely trained on English, companies developing Indian language LLMs face the daunting challenge of training their systems in languages that are not extensively digitised. Indian companies have already started the uphill task of making accessible AI chatbots for all. Take ‘Ask Disha’ for example - IRCTC’s chatbot aimed at helping passengers. Chennai Police has a similar project — ‘AI Police’, a virtual assistant. These chatbots work on an LLM called BharatGPT, which is designed by Bengaluru’s AI startup CoRover. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte takes a deep dive into the emerging world of Indian LLMs. He also writes about the mammoth task that Indian companies face - creating an AI, accessible to all Indians.  We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Small investors are savvier; look what they did with small-cap stocks 

International airlines vie for the Indian globetrotter

Tata Motors business divisions come to a fork in the road

Should Nvidia employees with stock options sell or stay put?

Ask me anything: Inside the race to build desi GPTs

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Tuesday, March 5, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Concluding the day marked by range-bound trading, Indian benchmark indices ended Monday with marginal gains. The Nifty 50 reached a new all-time high of 22,440 in early trading but subsequently pared some of those gains. At the end of the session, Nifty was up 0.12 per cent while Sensex closed marginally up by 0.09 per cent. 

Retail investors are getting smarter day by day. With a rally in small and midcap stocks over the last three quarters of 2024, these investors who trade directly on the exchanges, had a gala time. Companies such as BSE, Birlasoft, Zensar Tech, Sonata Software, and RBL Bank saw their stock prices jump anywhere between 23 per cent to 415 per cent in the nine months through December. At the same time, retail investors cut their stake in these companies by 4 to 11 per cent. This means, these investors who typically invest only up to 2 lakh rupees, are getting in at low points and selling at mega profits. Mint’s market correspondents Ram Sahgal and Mayur Bhalerao examine how retail players are riding the small cap wave.

Global airlines are looking at India with hopeful eyes. After witnessing a surge in the domestic market last year, airlines are upbeat on foreign fliers from India. The upcoming summer season is adding to the momentum. International carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad, among others, are expecting a significant increase in demand from India. They are adjusting their networks to accommodate this anticipated growth. According to the ratings agency ICRA, international passenger traffic for domestic airlines is projected to exceed the peak levels recorded in the fiscal year 2024. January 2024 itself saw 6.52 million passengers flying abroad, 17 per cent more than last January. Data from online travel portal ixigo attests to the growing number of outbound flights from India, reports Anu Sharma, Mint’s aviation correspondent. Ixigo saw a 2.5 times increase in searches for international travel in April and May this year, compared to 2023. Most popular destination in these searches you wonder? These are countries that have recently made travel for Indians visa free such as Kenya, Thailand, and Malaysia.

One of India’s automobile behemoths is going to see a massive change in its corporate structuring. Tata Motors is going ahead with a demerger into two separate publicly traded companies. The company’s board greenlit the demerger proposal on Monday. This division will segregate the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments from the Passenger Vehicles sector, which includes passenger vehicle, EV, and Jaguar Land Rover verticals. So if you are a shareholder in Tata Motors, how will this affect you? All shareholders of the company will retain stock worth the same value in both companies following the demerger. The demerger is a logical next step after the previous split of the passenger and electric vehicle segments in 2022. The decision is expected to boost the independence of each business unit, which will also allow them to implement strategies more efficiently.

Software company Nvidia has had a stellar run on the US stock market. Since the start of the year, its share price has gained more than 70 percent. Since last year, it has surged by a whopping 240 percent. The reason? Its dominance over supply over hardware and software needed to make artificial intelligence a reality. Such a performance in the markets has created many millionaires among its staff who hold employee stock options. Mint Money's Shipra Singh speaks to some Nvidia employees from India and talks to them about their newfound wealth — and how they plan to use it. Moreover, since these are US stocks, some might be tempted to not disclose them to the taxman. Shipra writes that this isn't advisable, as it opens them up to scrutiny under the Black Money Act.

LLMs or large language models are the generators behind most of the AI chatbots floating around. LLMs excel in understanding and generating human-like text in the language that they are trained in. But How do you design an LLM for a country like ours, with hundreds of languages being spoken? This is where Indian GPTs come into the picture. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is largely trained on English, companies developing Indian language LLMs face the daunting challenge of training their systems in languages that are not extensively digitised. Indian companies have already started the uphill task of making accessible AI chatbots for all. Take ‘Ask Disha’ for example - IRCTC’s chatbot aimed at helping passengers. Chennai Police has a similar project — ‘AI Police’, a virtual assistant. These chatbots work on an LLM called BharatGPT, which is designed by Bengaluru’s AI startup CoRover. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte takes a deep dive into the emerging world of Indian LLMs. He also writes about the mammoth task that Indian companies face - creating an AI, accessible to all Indians. 

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 480 no What happened at the TCS retreat in Abu Dhabi https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-happened-at-the-tcs-retreat-in-abu-dhabi-NShit3pO What a scorcher: Can India sustain this torrid pace of growth?  What the TCS bosses have in mind: A growth spurt in the year ahead  2024 is the year to scale up beyond pilots, advance GenAI projects: IBM's Candy Mint Explainer: Who’s winning the app war – Google or Indian startups?  Struck by Byju’s, General Atlantic’s India ship is in distress. Will it survive?  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: In some surprising news, India’s GDP grew at a staggering 8.4% in the third quarter of the financial year in 2024. Mining and agriculture had tepid production, so estimates were moderate. The revised estimate for GDP growth for the entire year is now at 7.6 percent. This means that India will continue to be the fastest growing large economy in the world. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains these numbers. He outlines that while this is good news for our economy, these numbers are unlikely to sustain for the next quarter. IT giant TCS wants rapid growth — and it wants it soon. At a strategic retreat in Abu Dhabi, its CEO K. Krithivasan said he wanted at least double-digit growth in revenue in FY25. This would be double of its last year growth, which came in at 5.3 percent. Speaking at the same event, Tata Sons chair N. Chandrasekaran said he wanted the company to record at least 10 billion dollars worth of business from India alone. Mint's IT and corporates correspondent Varun Sood reports on the inside details from this event, including the incoming business for TCS worth billions. From one MNC to another: let's talk about IBM. Its consulting arm employs some 1.6 lakh people. Out of these, more than 20,000 employees now work solely on artificial intelligence. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte speaks to Matthew Candy, IBM consulting's global managing partner. Candy spoke about IBM's AI strategy, including how they are devoting their resources towards two big areas: customer care, and HR. Candy also gave advice to Indian founders who are foraying into Generative AI, and doing so responsibly. Some Indian startups received a jolt last week when Google removed them from its Play Store. Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, and 99 acres were some of the apps that were removed after Google said that they didn't pay service fees. This isn't a first for the tech giant: Google has had similar tiffs in the US and Europe as well. Indian startups are crying foul, and saying that Google shouldn't have the power to unilaterally de-platform apps in such a manner. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das writes a detailed explainer on this issue.  Byju's is going through a tough time. The startup, once valued at 22 billion dollars, is now raising money through a rights issue for a total valuation of only 20 million. This is of course a smart accounting practice, but it does hurt previous investors. One such investor is General Atlantic. The company has pumped in 380 million dollars into the edtech so far, but refused to put in more money during the latest round. The private equity firm is running on thin ice: it's current portfolio includes fellow edtech Unacademy, real estate platform NoBroker, and payments aggregator BillDesk. None of these companies have provided the returns GA would have liked. Startups and new economy writes Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah write about General Atlantic's trouble in navigating the Indian waters, and what lies ahead for the PE firm. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What happened at the TCS retreat in Abu Dhabi full 514 Mint - HT Smartcast General Atlantic’s tough Indian voyage, Google vs Indian apps What a scorcher: Can India sustain this torrid pace of growth?  What the TCS bosses have in mind: A growth spurt in the year ahead  2024 is the year to scale up beyond pilots, advance GenAI projects: IBM's Candy Mint Explainer: Who’s winning the app war – Google or Indian startups?  Struck by Byju’s, General Atlantic’s India ship is in distress. Will it survive?  Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: In some surprising news, India’s GDP grew at a staggering 8.4% in the third quarter of the financial year in 2024. Mining and agriculture had tepid production, so estimates were moderate. The revised estimate for GDP growth for the entire year is now at 7.6 percent. This means that India will continue to be the fastest growing large economy in the world. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains these numbers. He outlines that while this is good news for our economy, these numbers are unlikely to sustain for the next quarter. IT giant TCS wants rapid growth — and it wants it soon. At a strategic retreat in Abu Dhabi, its CEO K. Krithivasan said he wanted at least double-digit growth in revenue in FY25. This would be double of its last year growth, which came in at 5.3 percent. Speaking at the same event, Tata Sons chair N. Chandrasekaran said he wanted the company to record at least 10 billion dollars worth of business from India alone. Mint's IT and corporates correspondent Varun Sood reports on the inside details from this event, including the incoming business for TCS worth billions. From one MNC to another: let's talk about IBM. Its consulting arm employs some 1.6 lakh people. Out of these, more than 20,000 employees now work solely on artificial intelligence. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte speaks to Matthew Candy, IBM consulting's global managing partner. Candy spoke about IBM's AI strategy, including how they are devoting their resources towards two big areas: customer care, and HR. Candy also gave advice to Indian founders who are foraying into Generative AI, and doing so responsibly. Some Indian startups received a jolt last week when Google removed them from its Play Store. Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, and 99 acres were some of the apps that were removed after Google said that they didn't pay service fees. This isn't a first for the tech giant: Google has had similar tiffs in the US and Europe as well. Indian startups are crying foul, and saying that Google shouldn't have the power to unilaterally de-platform apps in such a manner. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das writes a detailed explainer on this issue.  Byju's is going through a tough time. The startup, once valued at 22 billion dollars, is now raising money through a rights issue for a total valuation of only 20 million. This is of course a smart accounting practice, but it does hurt previous investors. One such investor is General Atlantic. The company has pumped in 380 million dollars into the edtech so far, but refused to put in more money during the latest round. The private equity firm is running on thin ice: it's current portfolio includes fellow edtech Unacademy, real estate platform NoBroker, and payments aggregator BillDesk. None of these companies have provided the returns GA would have liked. Startups and new economy writes Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah write about General Atlantic's trouble in navigating the Indian waters, and what lies ahead for the PE firm. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What a scorcher: Can India sustain this torrid pace of growth? 

What the TCS bosses have in mind: A growth spurt in the year ahead 

2024 is the year to scale up beyond pilots, advance GenAI projects: IBM's Candy

Mint Explainer: Who’s winning the app war – Google or Indian startups? 

Struck by Byju’s, General Atlantic’s India ship is in distress. Will it survive? 

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Monday, March 4, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

In some surprising news, India’s GDP grew at a staggering 8.4% in the third quarter of the financial year in 2024. Mining and agriculture had tepid production, so estimates were moderate. The revised estimate for GDP growth for the entire year is now at 7.6 percent. This means that India will continue to be the fastest growing large economy in the world. Mint's senior editor N. Madhavan explains these numbers. He outlines that while this is good news for our economy, these numbers are unlikely to sustain for the next quarter.

IT giant TCS wants rapid growth — and it wants it soon. At a strategic retreat in Abu Dhabi, its CEO K. Krithivasan said he wanted at least double-digit growth in revenue in FY25. This would be double of its last year growth, which came in at 5.3 percent. Speaking at the same event, Tata Sons chair N. Chandrasekaran said he wanted the company to record at least 10 billion dollars worth of business from India alone. Mint's IT and corporates correspondent Varun Sood reports on the inside details from this event, including the incoming business for TCS worth billions.

From one MNC to another: let's talk about IBM. Its consulting arm employs some 1.6 lakh people. Out of these, more than 20,000 employees now work solely on artificial intelligence. Mint's executive editor Leslie D'monte speaks to Matthew Candy, IBM consulting's global managing partner. Candy spoke about IBM's AI strategy, including how they are devoting their resources towards two big areas: customer care, and HR. Candy also gave advice to Indian founders who are foraying into Generative AI, and doing so responsibly.

Some Indian startups received a jolt last week when Google removed them from its Play Store. Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, and 99 acres were some of the apps that were removed after Google said that they didn't pay service fees. This isn't a first for the tech giant: Google has had similar tiffs in the US and Europe as well. Indian startups are crying foul, and saying that Google shouldn't have the power to unilaterally de-platform apps in such a manner. Mint's tech correspondent Shouvik Das writes a detailed explainer on this issue. 

Byju's is going through a tough time. The startup, once valued at 22 billion dollars, is now raising money through a rights issue for a total valuation of only 20 million. This is of course a smart accounting practice, but it does hurt previous investors. One such investor is General Atlantic. The company has pumped in 380 million dollars into the edtech so far, but refused to put in more money during the latest round. The private equity firm is running on thin ice: it's current portfolio includes fellow edtech Unacademy, real estate platform NoBroker, and payments aggregator BillDesk. None of these companies have provided the returns GA would have liked. Startups and new economy writes Ranjani Raghavan and Sneha Shah write about General Atlantic's trouble in navigating the Indian waters, and what lies ahead for the PE firm.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 345 no What’s pushing Punjab farmers to protest? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-pushing-punjab-farmers-to-protest-99hSDEFe It’s Friday, March 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained flat on Thursday. Both market indices marginally increased by around 0.2 percent. Ever had a single malt named Rampur? Or a gin named Ranthambore? They're all made by a distiller named Radico Khaitan. And with a topline of close to 12 thousand crores, it's doing quite well. Radico Khaitan caters to the higher end of the alcohol market, which has found many suitors. Mint's luxury and lifestyle correspondent Varuni Khosla speaks to its managing director Abhishek Khaitan to find out about the distiller's present and future plans. Placements at IIMs usually consisted of consultancies or large corporates. But a surge in mergers and acquisitions has changed that. Investment banks and private equity firms are now lining up at IIMs to hire aggressively. Mint's startups reporter Sneha Shah and workplaces and HR correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this news from our nation's top institutions. These firms are estimating that the India growth story will need more analysts and bankers. This is good news for IIM graduates, who were anticipating a muted placement season. However, companies across consulting, FMCG or banking still prefer applicants with prior work experience.  What would you prefer - an electric vehicle which runs purely on electricity or a hybrid which has both an electric motor and a conventional engine? Data suggests that Indians are leaning hard towards a car that can do it both, also called the hybrid. This is despite hybrids getting no incentives or tax concessions from the government, as opposed to EVs. Hybrid cars attract 43 per cent GST, compared to a mere 5 per cent on EVs. In 2023, more than 82 thousand hybrids were sold in India. This marked a four-fold increase in hybrid sales compared to 2022. The growth in EV sales was subdued compared to hybrids. However, the number of EVs sold in 2023 was close to that of hybrids. So what’s fuelling the growth in hybrids? It is a slew of new models. The expansion in this segment is being led by Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Invicto, along with Toyota Hyryder and Innova Hycross. But what does a growth in the hybrid sector mean for EVs? EVs continue to be in demand but with a lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety is still a deciding factor behind an EV purchase. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji takes a look at India’s changing automotive landscape. He also takes on the hotly debated question - should hybrids be incentivized? Punjab - the land of five rivers, has historically been an area prone to conflicts. C Subramaniam, the agriculture minister behind India’s green revolution, wrote in his memoir that the area’s proximity to foreign invasions has made the people enterprising. Farming has been the main occupation for people here since centuries. And the area is yet again at the epicentre of the ongoing farmers’ protests. The state has been supplying food to the rest of the country for decades. Perpetual harvesting over the decades resulted in its soil getting ruined. With a depleting yield of paddy and wheat, and a lack of jobs elsewhere, farmers in Punjab are tied to their land. The increased dependence on rice and wheat at assured prices is also what makes the Punjab farmers edgy. Mint’s Sayantan Bera who writes on rural India, takes a deep dive into the issues plaguing the farmers of Punjab. He also explains why Punjabi farmers have been at the forefront of the ongoing protests. Is diversifying their crop a strategy that could work for the farmers of Punjab? Is there a solution to their issues? Sayantan tries to answer these questions in today’s long story. India is still growing, and it's growing well. The latest data shows that India's GDP grew at an 8.4% pace. That is double of what we saw in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Mint's economy correspondent Subhash Narayan writes that this growth can be attributed to robust manufacturing and construction activity. However, an erratic monsoon lead to negative growth by the agriculture sector, official data showed. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Premium push: Radico Khaitan sees sixfold rise in shareholder value in 5 years I-banks at the IIMs drop an optimistic note on India’s economy Hybrid cars are winning as range anxiety grips EVs A crisis is brewing in Punjab and farmers know it December quarter, when GDP beat every forecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What’s pushing Punjab farmers to protest? full 513 Mint - HT Smartcast What’s driving India’s hybrid car growth? Quarterly GDP update It’s Friday, March 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Sensex and Nifty remained flat on Thursday. Both market indices marginally increased by around 0.2 percent. Ever had a single malt named Rampur? Or a gin named Ranthambore? They're all made by a distiller named Radico Khaitan. And with a topline of close to 12 thousand crores, it's doing quite well. Radico Khaitan caters to the higher end of the alcohol market, which has found many suitors. Mint's luxury and lifestyle correspondent Varuni Khosla speaks to its managing director Abhishek Khaitan to find out about the distiller's present and future plans. Placements at IIMs usually consisted of consultancies or large corporates. But a surge in mergers and acquisitions has changed that. Investment banks and private equity firms are now lining up at IIMs to hire aggressively. Mint's startups reporter Sneha Shah and workplaces and HR correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this news from our nation's top institutions. These firms are estimating that the India growth story will need more analysts and bankers. This is good news for IIM graduates, who were anticipating a muted placement season. However, companies across consulting, FMCG or banking still prefer applicants with prior work experience.  What would you prefer - an electric vehicle which runs purely on electricity or a hybrid which has both an electric motor and a conventional engine? Data suggests that Indians are leaning hard towards a car that can do it both, also called the hybrid. This is despite hybrids getting no incentives or tax concessions from the government, as opposed to EVs. Hybrid cars attract 43 per cent GST, compared to a mere 5 per cent on EVs. In 2023, more than 82 thousand hybrids were sold in India. This marked a four-fold increase in hybrid sales compared to 2022. The growth in EV sales was subdued compared to hybrids. However, the number of EVs sold in 2023 was close to that of hybrids. So what’s fuelling the growth in hybrids? It is a slew of new models. The expansion in this segment is being led by Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Invicto, along with Toyota Hyryder and Innova Hycross. But what does a growth in the hybrid sector mean for EVs? EVs continue to be in demand but with a lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety is still a deciding factor behind an EV purchase. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji takes a look at India’s changing automotive landscape. He also takes on the hotly debated question - should hybrids be incentivized? Punjab - the land of five rivers, has historically been an area prone to conflicts. C Subramaniam, the agriculture minister behind India’s green revolution, wrote in his memoir that the area’s proximity to foreign invasions has made the people enterprising. Farming has been the main occupation for people here since centuries. And the area is yet again at the epicentre of the ongoing farmers’ protests. The state has been supplying food to the rest of the country for decades. Perpetual harvesting over the decades resulted in its soil getting ruined. With a depleting yield of paddy and wheat, and a lack of jobs elsewhere, farmers in Punjab are tied to their land. The increased dependence on rice and wheat at assured prices is also what makes the Punjab farmers edgy. Mint’s Sayantan Bera who writes on rural India, takes a deep dive into the issues plaguing the farmers of Punjab. He also explains why Punjabi farmers have been at the forefront of the ongoing protests. Is diversifying their crop a strategy that could work for the farmers of Punjab? Is there a solution to their issues? Sayantan tries to answer these questions in today’s long story. India is still growing, and it's growing well. The latest data shows that India's GDP grew at an 8.4% pace. That is double of what we saw in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Mint's economy correspondent Subhash Narayan writes that this growth can be attributed to robust manufacturing and construction activity. However, an erratic monsoon lead to negative growth by the agriculture sector, official data showed. We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Premium push: Radico Khaitan sees sixfold rise in shareholder value in 5 years I-banks at the IIMs drop an optimistic note on India’s economy Hybrid cars are winning as range anxiety grips EVs A crisis is brewing in Punjab and farmers know it December quarter, when GDP beat every forecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It’s Friday, March 1, 2024. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Sensex and Nifty remained flat on Thursday. Both market indices marginally increased by around 0.2 percent.

Ever had a single malt named Rampur? Or a gin named Ranthambore? They're all made by a distiller named Radico Khaitan. And with a topline of close to 12 thousand crores, it's doing quite well. Radico Khaitan caters to the higher end of the alcohol market, which has found many suitors. Mint's luxury and lifestyle correspondent Varuni Khosla speaks to its managing director Abhishek Khaitan to find out about the distiller's present and future plans.

Placements at IIMs usually consisted of consultancies or large corporates. But a surge in mergers and acquisitions has changed that. Investment banks and private equity firms are now lining up at IIMs to hire aggressively. Mint's startups reporter Sneha Shah and workplaces and HR correspondent Devina Sengupta team up to bring you this news from our nation's top institutions. These firms are estimating that the India growth story will need more analysts and bankers. This is good news for IIM graduates, who were anticipating a muted placement season. However, companies across consulting, FMCG or banking still prefer applicants with prior work experience. 

What would you prefer - an electric vehicle which runs purely on electricity or a hybrid which has both an electric motor and a conventional engine? Data suggests that Indians are leaning hard towards a car that can do it both, also called the hybrid. This is despite hybrids getting no incentives or tax concessions from the government, as opposed to EVs. Hybrid cars attract 43 per cent GST, compared to a mere 5 per cent on EVs. In 2023, more than 82 thousand hybrids were sold in India. This marked a four-fold increase in hybrid sales compared to 2022. The growth in EV sales was subdued compared to hybrids. However, the number of EVs sold in 2023 was close to that of hybrids. So what’s fuelling the growth in hybrids? It is a slew of new models. The expansion in this segment is being led by Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Invicto, along with Toyota Hyryder and Innova Hycross. But what does a growth in the hybrid sector mean for EVs? EVs continue to be in demand but with a lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety is still a deciding factor behind an EV purchase. Mint’s autos correspondent Sumant Banerji takes a look at India’s changing automotive landscape. He also takes on the hotly debated question - should hybrids be incentivized?

Punjab - the land of five rivers, has historically been an area prone to conflicts. C Subramaniam, the agriculture minister behind India’s green revolution, wrote in his memoir that the area’s proximity to foreign invasions has made the people enterprising. Farming has been the main occupation for people here since centuries. And the area is yet again at the epicentre of the ongoing farmers’ protests. The state has been supplying food to the rest of the country for decades. Perpetual harvesting over the decades resulted in its soil getting ruined. With a depleting yield of paddy and wheat, and a lack of jobs elsewhere, farmers in Punjab are tied to their land. The increased dependence on rice and wheat at assured prices is also what makes the Punjab farmers edgy. Mint’s Sayantan Bera who writes on rural India, takes a deep dive into the issues plaguing the farmers of Punjab. He also explains why Punjabi farmers have been at the forefront of the ongoing protests. Is diversifying their crop a strategy that could work for the farmers of Punjab? Is there a solution to their issues? Sayantan tries to answer these questions in today’s long story.

India is still growing, and it's growing well. The latest data shows that India's GDP grew at an 8.4% pace. That is double of what we saw in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Mint's economy correspondent Subhash Narayan writes that this growth can be attributed to robust manufacturing and construction activity. However, an erratic monsoon lead to negative growth by the agriculture sector, official data showed.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Premium push: Radico Khaitan sees sixfold rise in shareholder value in 5 years

I-banks at the IIMs drop an optimistic note on India’s economy

Hybrid cars are winning as range anxiety grips EVs

A crisis is brewing in Punjab and farmers know it

December quarter, when GDP beat every forecast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 404 no A profitable edtech unicorn goes shopping https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/844-million-in-disney-story-to-84-billion-8vt9Lszw Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 29, 2024. Happy Leap day to all our listeners. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Bears went loose on the D-street on Wednesday with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty seeing a crash. Dragged down by the Midcap and Smallcap indices, both Sensex and Nifty were down more than one per cent at close, falling below the psychological levels of 73 thousand and 22 thousand respectively. As the February derivatives approached their expiry, the border markets corrected themselves on Wednesday amid stretched valuations. small and midcap companies bore the brunt of the crash. This is after Sebi asked mutual funds investing in these companies to disclose more information about the risks involved. A senior mutual fund executive confirmed to Mint’s market correspondent Ram Sahgal, that the fund had shared information about handling a stress situation with Sebi. The market regulator had been in discussions with mutual funds about excessive inflow of cash into smaller companies. Coinciding with this, Kotak Mutual fund has capped the lump sum inflows to its small cap fund at 2 lakh rupees per PAN per month and SIP inflows to 25,000 rupees per PAN per month. https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11709128654894 “If you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline,” if this quote by Virgin Atlantic airline’s founder Richard Branson does not tell you enough about the risks of airline business, today’s Mint Primer, definitely will. For an airline business to be revived, a lot of factors need to align, it is no easy feat. Profitable carriers rely on a mix of factors: from favourable fuel prices and suitable aircraft, to reliable maintenance contracts, extensive networks, prime airport slots, and a skilled workforce. In India especially, the action plan to get the planes back on the tarmac, requires a hawk-eye over costs and proactive management. What’s also crucial is support from vendors, engine lessors and maintenance companies. With SpiceJet’s boss Ajay Singh making a bid,, Mint’s aviation reporter Anu Sharma explains the future prospects of Go First, the bankrupt airline that was launched by the Wadias.. Interestingly, the only revival story in the aviation industry over the last three decades is that of SpiceJet, which got a second lease of life in December 2014. https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/reviving-go-first-won-t-be-easy-here-s-why-11709133529363.html News from the edtech sector has been very bad lately.. But PhysicsWallah stands as an exception. The unicorn startup, which raised 100 million dollars at a valuation of more than a billion dollars from Westbridge capital in 2022, has been profitable for the last three years. In an interview  to Mint’s new economy reporter Sneha Shah, Physicswallah’s cofounder Prateek Maheshwari said the company is considering making more acquisitions in the future. The company has set aside a corpus of 100 million dollars for acquisitions and other inorganic deals, of which 60 million is from its last fund raise. The company, according to Maheshwari, is a cash generating one, unlike startups which took the cash-burning route. Physicswallah’s is expected to close this fiscal with a revenue of 2000 crore rupees, a growth of 150 percent over last year.. The edtech is now in need of new growth areas. According to Maheshwari’s plan for the company, physical centres will form a significant part of its expansion strategy. The company, which started as a YouTube channel, was entirely bootstrapped before the fund infusion by Westbridge, which was also joined by GSV ventures. Interestingly the founders still hold 91 per cent of the company.  https://www.livemint.com/news/we-will-raise-more-capital-if-an-interesting-acquisition-comes-up-11709128788045.html Private equity fund Kedaara Capital is on the verge of a milestone achievement in the Indian context. According to a Reuters report,Kedaara is set to raise 1.7 billion dollars for its fourth private equity fund. The new  fund will see about 80 per cent coming from existing investors. New investors including the US-based Cleveland Clinic and the University of Minnesota, will infuse the rest. The upcoming fund is poised to venture into various sectors, including banking, healthcare, consumer goods, and software. Kedaara plans to unveil the fund by the end of March, with final paperwork currently in the works. While investors expressed interest in committing over 2 billion dollars, Kedaara opted to cap the fund at 1.7 billion dollars, mindful of maintaining its deployment capabilities. https://www.livemint.com/videos/companies/kedaara-close-to-raising-1-7-billion-for-indias-biggest-pe-fund-sources-say-11709134679257.html Reliance and Disney disclosed the details of their merger to create  a sports and entertainment juggernaut. The newly formed media behemoth will look to take on streaming giants Netflix and Amazon in the rapidly growing Indian streaming market.  Reliance will also invest 11 thousand 500 crore rupees into the joint venture between its subsidiary Viacom 18 and Disney’s Star India. On a post-money basis, the combined entity will be valued at more than 70 thousand crore rupees. That’s close to 844 million dollars. The new joint venture will see Nita Ambani as the chairperson, while former Star India executive Uday Shankar will be the vice chairperson. With a 55 to 60 per cent shareholding, Reliance will have a controlling stake in the company. The merged entity will unite media assets spanning entertainment channels - including Colors, Star Plus, Star GOLD and sports channels like Star Sports and Sports18, along with content streaming on JioCinema and Hotstar. This collaboration is expected to reach over 750 million viewers in India. Additionally, the entity will gain exclusive distribution rights for Disney films and productions in India, encompassing over 30,000 Disney content assets. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondents Lata Jha and Gaurav Laghate bring to you the details on this much anticipated marriage of the two media giants.  https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliancedisney-india-sign-binding-agreement-to-merge-media-operations-nita-ambani-to-chair-merged-entity-11709126952804.html We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Small-caps sneeze, markets catch a cold Reviving Go First won’t be easy. Here’s why Will raise more capital if an interesting acquisition comes up: Physics Wallah Kedaara close to raising $1.7 billion for India's biggest PE fund, sources say Media empire takes shape, with Reliance-Disney at helm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:24:37 -0000 A profitable edtech unicorn goes shopping full 512 Mint - HT Smartcast Reliance-Disney create sports and entertainment behemoth; why you shouldn't own an airline Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 29, 2024. Happy Leap day to all our listeners. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started: Bears went loose on the D-street on Wednesday with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty seeing a crash. Dragged down by the Midcap and Smallcap indices, both Sensex and Nifty were down more than one per cent at close, falling below the psychological levels of 73 thousand and 22 thousand respectively. As the February derivatives approached their expiry, the border markets corrected themselves on Wednesday amid stretched valuations. small and midcap companies bore the brunt of the crash. This is after Sebi asked mutual funds investing in these companies to disclose more information about the risks involved. A senior mutual fund executive confirmed to Mint’s market correspondent Ram Sahgal, that the fund had shared information about handling a stress situation with Sebi. The market regulator had been in discussions with mutual funds about excessive inflow of cash into smaller companies. Coinciding with this, Kotak Mutual fund has capped the lump sum inflows to its small cap fund at 2 lakh rupees per PAN per month and SIP inflows to 25,000 rupees per PAN per month. https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11709128654894 “If you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline,” if this quote by Virgin Atlantic airline’s founder Richard Branson does not tell you enough about the risks of airline business, today’s Mint Primer, definitely will. For an airline business to be revived, a lot of factors need to align, it is no easy feat. Profitable carriers rely on a mix of factors: from favourable fuel prices and suitable aircraft, to reliable maintenance contracts, extensive networks, prime airport slots, and a skilled workforce. In India especially, the action plan to get the planes back on the tarmac, requires a hawk-eye over costs and proactive management. What’s also crucial is support from vendors, engine lessors and maintenance companies. With SpiceJet’s boss Ajay Singh making a bid,, Mint’s aviation reporter Anu Sharma explains the future prospects of Go First, the bankrupt airline that was launched by the Wadias.. Interestingly, the only revival story in the aviation industry over the last three decades is that of SpiceJet, which got a second lease of life in December 2014. https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/reviving-go-first-won-t-be-easy-here-s-why-11709133529363.html News from the edtech sector has been very bad lately.. But PhysicsWallah stands as an exception. The unicorn startup, which raised 100 million dollars at a valuation of more than a billion dollars from Westbridge capital in 2022, has been profitable for the last three years. In an interview  to Mint’s new economy reporter Sneha Shah, Physicswallah’s cofounder Prateek Maheshwari said the company is considering making more acquisitions in the future. The company has set aside a corpus of 100 million dollars for acquisitions and other inorganic deals, of which 60 million is from its last fund raise. The company, according to Maheshwari, is a cash generating one, unlike startups which took the cash-burning route. Physicswallah’s is expected to close this fiscal with a revenue of 2000 crore rupees, a growth of 150 percent over last year.. The edtech is now in need of new growth areas. According to Maheshwari’s plan for the company, physical centres will form a significant part of its expansion strategy. The company, which started as a YouTube channel, was entirely bootstrapped before the fund infusion by Westbridge, which was also joined by GSV ventures. Interestingly the founders still hold 91 per cent of the company.  https://www.livemint.com/news/we-will-raise-more-capital-if-an-interesting-acquisition-comes-up-11709128788045.html Private equity fund Kedaara Capital is on the verge of a milestone achievement in the Indian context. According to a Reuters report,Kedaara is set to raise 1.7 billion dollars for its fourth private equity fund. The new  fund will see about 80 per cent coming from existing investors. New investors including the US-based Cleveland Clinic and the University of Minnesota, will infuse the rest. The upcoming fund is poised to venture into various sectors, including banking, healthcare, consumer goods, and software. Kedaara plans to unveil the fund by the end of March, with final paperwork currently in the works. While investors expressed interest in committing over 2 billion dollars, Kedaara opted to cap the fund at 1.7 billion dollars, mindful of maintaining its deployment capabilities. https://www.livemint.com/videos/companies/kedaara-close-to-raising-1-7-billion-for-indias-biggest-pe-fund-sources-say-11709134679257.html Reliance and Disney disclosed the details of their merger to create  a sports and entertainment juggernaut. The newly formed media behemoth will look to take on streaming giants Netflix and Amazon in the rapidly growing Indian streaming market.  Reliance will also invest 11 thousand 500 crore rupees into the joint venture between its subsidiary Viacom 18 and Disney’s Star India. On a post-money basis, the combined entity will be valued at more than 70 thousand crore rupees. That’s close to 844 million dollars. The new joint venture will see Nita Ambani as the chairperson, while former Star India executive Uday Shankar will be the vice chairperson. With a 55 to 60 per cent shareholding, Reliance will have a controlling stake in the company. The merged entity will unite media assets spanning entertainment channels - including Colors, Star Plus, Star GOLD and sports channels like Star Sports and Sports18, along with content streaming on JioCinema and Hotstar. This collaboration is expected to reach over 750 million viewers in India. Additionally, the entity will gain exclusive distribution rights for Disney films and productions in India, encompassing over 30,000 Disney content assets. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondents Lata Jha and Gaurav Laghate bring to you the details on this much anticipated marriage of the two media giants.  https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliancedisney-india-sign-binding-agreement-to-merge-media-operations-nita-ambani-to-chair-merged-entity-11709126952804.html We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.   Show notes: Small-caps sneeze, markets catch a cold Reviving Go First won’t be easy. Here’s why Will raise more capital if an interesting acquisition comes up: Physics Wallah Kedaara close to raising $1.7 billion for India's biggest PE fund, sources say Media empire takes shape, with Reliance-Disney at helm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, your weekday newscast that brings you five major stories from the world of business. It's Thursday, February 29, 2024. Happy Leap day to all our listeners. My name is Nelson John. Let's get started:

Bears went loose on the D-street on Wednesday with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty seeing a crash. Dragged down by the Midcap and Smallcap indices, both Sensex and Nifty were down more than one per cent at close, falling below the psychological levels of 73 thousand and 22 thousand respectively.

As the February derivatives approached their expiry, the border markets corrected themselves on Wednesday amid stretched valuations. small and midcap companies bore the brunt of the crash. This is after Sebi asked mutual funds investing in these companies to disclose more information about the risks involved. A senior mutual fund executive confirmed to Mint’s market correspondent Ram Sahgal, that the fund had shared information about handling a stress situation with Sebi. The market regulator had been in discussions with mutual funds about excessive inflow of cash into smaller companies. Coinciding with this, Kotak Mutual fund has capped the lump sum inflows to its small cap fund at 2 lakh rupees per PAN per month and SIP inflows to 25,000 rupees per PAN per month.

https://blankpaper.htdigital.in/dash/story/11709128654894

“If you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline,” if this quote by Virgin Atlantic airline’s founder Richard Branson does not tell you enough about the risks of airline business, today’s Mint Primer, definitely will. For an airline business to be revived, a lot of factors need to align, it is no easy feat. Profitable carriers rely on a mix of factors: from favourable fuel prices and suitable aircraft, to reliable maintenance contracts, extensive networks, prime airport slots, and a skilled workforce. In India especially, the action plan to get the planes back on the tarmac, requires a hawk-eye over costs and proactive management. What’s also crucial is support from vendors, engine lessors and maintenance companies. With SpiceJet’s boss Ajay Singh making a bid,, Mint’s aviation reporter Anu Sharma explains the future prospects of Go First, the bankrupt airline that was launched by the Wadias.. Interestingly, the only revival story in the aviation industry over the last three decades is that of SpiceJet, which got a second lease of life in December 2014.

https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/reviving-go-first-won-t-be-easy-here-s-why-11709133529363.html

News from the edtech sector has been very bad lately.. But PhysicsWallah stands as an exception. The unicorn startup, which raised 100 million dollars at a valuation of more than a billion dollars from Westbridge capital in 2022, has been profitable for the last three years. In an interview  to Mint’s new economy reporter Sneha Shah, Physicswallah’s cofounder Prateek Maheshwari said the company is considering making more acquisitions in the future. The company has set aside a corpus of 100 million dollars for acquisitions and other inorganic deals, of which 60 million is from its last fund raise. The company, according to Maheshwari, is a cash generating one, unlike startups which took the cash-burning route. Physicswallah’s is expected to close this fiscal with a revenue of 2000 crore rupees, a growth of 150 percent over last year.. The edtech is now in need of new growth areas. According to Maheshwari’s plan for the company, physical centres will form a significant part of its expansion strategy. The company, which started as a YouTube channel, was entirely bootstrapped before the fund infusion by Westbridge, which was also joined by GSV ventures. Interestingly the founders still hold 91 per cent of the company. 

https://www.livemint.com/news/we-will-raise-more-capital-if-an-interesting-acquisition-comes-up-11709128788045.html

Private equity fund Kedaara Capital is on the verge of a milestone achievement in the Indian context. According to a Reuters report,Kedaara is set to raise 1.7 billion dollars for its fourth private equity fund. The new  fund will see about 80 per cent coming from existing investors. New investors including the US-based Cleveland Clinic and the University of Minnesota, will infuse the rest. The upcoming fund is poised to venture into various sectors, including banking, healthcare, consumer goods, and software. Kedaara plans to unveil the fund by the end of March, with final paperwork currently in the works. While investors expressed interest in committing over 2 billion dollars, Kedaara opted to cap the fund at 1.7 billion dollars, mindful of maintaining its deployment capabilities.

https://www.livemint.com/videos/companies/kedaara-close-to-raising-1-7-billion-for-indias-biggest-pe-fund-sources-say-11709134679257.html

Reliance and Disney disclosed the details of their merger to create  a sports and entertainment juggernaut. The newly formed media behemoth will look to take on streaming giants Netflix and Amazon in the rapidly growing Indian streaming market.  Reliance will also invest 11 thousand 500 crore rupees into the joint venture between its subsidiary Viacom 18 and Disney’s Star India. On a post-money basis, the combined entity will be valued at more than 70 thousand crore rupees. That’s close to 844 million dollars. The new joint venture will see Nita Ambani as the chairperson, while former Star India executive Uday Shankar will be the vice chairperson. With a 55 to 60 per cent shareholding, Reliance will have a controlling stake in the company. The merged entity will unite media assets spanning entertainment channels - including Colors, Star Plus, Star GOLD and sports channels like Star Sports and Sports18, along with content streaming on JioCinema and Hotstar. This collaboration is expected to reach over 750 million viewers in India. Additionally, the entity will gain exclusive distribution rights for Disney films and productions in India, encompassing over 30,000 Disney content assets. Mint’s entertainment and media correspondents Lata Jha and Gaurav Laghate bring to you the details on this much anticipated marriage of the two media giants. 

https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliancedisney-india-sign-binding-agreement-to-merge-media-operations-nita-ambani-to-chair-merged-entity-11709126952804.html

We'd love to hear your feedback on this podcast. Let us know by writing to us at feedback@livemint.com. You may send us feedback, tips or anything that you feel we should be covering from your vantage point in the world of business and finance.

 

Show notes:

Small-caps sneeze, markets catch a cold

Reviving Go First won’t be easy. Here’s why

Will raise more capital if an interesting acquisition comes up: Physics Wallah

Kedaara close to raising $1.7 billion for India's biggest PE fund, sources say

Media empire takes shape, with Reliance-Disney at helm

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 510 no Airtel to focus on payments bank, Africa and satellite broadband says Sunil Mittal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/airtel-to-focus-on-payments-bank-africa-and-satellite-broadband-says-sunil-mittal-0m9sP_0H Hostile investors likely to skip Byju’s $200-mn rights issue Why women, once ignored, are being treasured in Krishnagiri  Airtel to exit non-core biz for digital growth: Sunil Mittal  GCCs face talent exodus amid rising competition Why Chaayos is adding a stronger dash of premium to its cafes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Airtel to focus on payments bank, Africa and satellite broadband says Sunil Mittal full 511 Mint - HT Smartcast Byju's vs investors, Chaayos' premium pivot Hostile investors likely to skip Byju’s $200-mn rights issue Why women, once ignored, are being treasured in Krishnagiri  Airtel to exit non-core biz for digital growth: Sunil Mittal  GCCs face talent exodus amid rising competition Why Chaayos is adding a stronger dash of premium to its cafes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hostile investors likely to skip Byju’s $200-mn rights issue

Why women, once ignored, are being treasured in Krishnagiri 

Airtel to exit non-core biz for digital growth: Sunil Mittal 

GCCs face talent exodus amid rising competition

Why Chaayos is adding a stronger dash of premium to its cafes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 399 no Banks invoke God to avoid capital calls from PE and VC firms https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/banks-invoke-god-to-avoid-capital-calls-from-pe-and-vc-firms-fXT80ued The crackdown on AIF abuse comes with some collateral damage Mint Primer: Could Indian identifier Svc kill Sweden’s Truecaller? Yulu to re-focus on people mobility after $80 mn expected funding push  Sebi wants to nurture Indian real estate’s ₹4,000 crore baby. But why?  Indian politics is becoming increasingly partisan. We have the data to prove it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Banks invoke God to avoid capital calls from PE and VC firms full 510 Mint - HT Smartcast Yulu's future plans, Sebi's plans to regulate fractional real estate The crackdown on AIF abuse comes with some collateral damage Mint Primer: Could Indian identifier Svc kill Sweden’s Truecaller? Yulu to re-focus on people mobility after $80 mn expected funding push  Sebi wants to nurture Indian real estate’s ₹4,000 crore baby. But why?  Indian politics is becoming increasingly partisan. We have the data to prove it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The crackdown on AIF abuse comes with some collateral damage

Mint Primer: Could Indian identifier Svc kill Sweden’s Truecaller?

Yulu to re-focus on people mobility after $80 mn expected funding push 

Sebi wants to nurture Indian real estate’s ₹4,000 crore baby. But why? 

Indian politics is becoming increasingly partisan. We have the data to prove it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 386 no Life’s harsh for gig workers at Urban Company https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lifes-harsh-for-gig-workers-at-urban-company-iMrPA99L SBI breathing down ICICI Bank's neck in market-cap race After spurning Zee, Sony sets sights on aha FMCG companies in choppy waters, and there doesn't seem to be any respite soon The two faces of India Inc.'s Q3 growth story Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gigsters are angry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Life’s harsh for gig workers at Urban Company full 509 Mint - HT Smartcast Can SBI beat ICICI? Sony’s rebound deal SBI breathing down ICICI Bank's neck in market-cap race After spurning Zee, Sony sets sights on aha FMCG companies in choppy waters, and there doesn't seem to be any respite soon The two faces of India Inc.'s Q3 growth story Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gigsters are angry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices SBI breathing down ICICI Bank's neck in market-cap race

After spurning Zee, Sony sets sights on aha

FMCG companies in choppy waters, and there doesn't seem to be any respite soon

The two faces of India Inc.'s Q3 growth story

Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gigsters are angry

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 434 no Unacademy’s unenviable position https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/unacademys-unenviable-position-Zb_mu9be Japan’s Nikkei, after 34 years, finally tops its all-time high ‘You don't need to destroy Google. All you need to destroy is their monopoly.' Why there is no end in sight to the Red Sea crisis New space FDI policy to boost private startups amid flat patch Unacademy moved fast to break things. It ended up with a fracture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Unacademy’s unenviable position full 508 Mint - HT Smartcast Why Nikkei hit a record high, the Red Sea's impact on the global economy Japan’s Nikkei, after 34 years, finally tops its all-time high ‘You don't need to destroy Google. All you need to destroy is their monopoly.' Why there is no end in sight to the Red Sea crisis New space FDI policy to boost private startups amid flat patch Unacademy moved fast to break things. It ended up with a fracture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Japan’s Nikkei, after 34 years, finally tops its all-time high

‘You don't need to destroy Google. All you need to destroy is their monopoly.'

Why there is no end in sight to the Red Sea crisis

New space FDI policy to boost private startups amid flat patch

Unacademy moved fast to break things. It ended up with a fracture

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 684 no Digital dissent of Indian bank employees https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/digital-dissent-of-indian-bank-employees-olE5YlLZ Mint Primer: Is the market’s PSU narrative overstretched? Fast-food chains push more value meals as in-store footfall remains weak Salary hikes to be lowest in three years. But it's not all bad #5DaysBanking #SavePSB: Young bank activists are fighting a quiet battle Political leaders reach out to digital content creators, podcasters in run-up to elections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Digital dissent of Indian bank employees full 507 Mint - HT Smartcast Cheaper fast food is here; Brace for lower salary hikes Mint Primer: Is the market’s PSU narrative overstretched? Fast-food chains push more value meals as in-store footfall remains weak Salary hikes to be lowest in three years. But it's not all bad #5DaysBanking #SavePSB: Young bank activists are fighting a quiet battle Political leaders reach out to digital content creators, podcasters in run-up to elections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mint Primer: Is the market’s PSU narrative overstretched?

Fast-food chains push more value meals as in-store footfall remains weak

Salary hikes to be lowest in three years. But it's not all bad

#5DaysBanking #SavePSB: Young bank activists are fighting a quiet battle

Political leaders reach out to digital content creators, podcasters in run-up to elections

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 510 no The govt's history in dealing with farmer protests https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/the-govts-history-in-dealing-with-farmer-protests-NxpLM6r1 A decade of flip-flops on farmers’ issues despite full-majority government  What you can do to get your employer to deposit PF, TDS  Where to, Dara? Uber faces an off-road adventure  Scrapping your old car may fetch more soon  The onion peel that promises a sugar high Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:05:58 -0000 The govt's history in dealing with farmer protests full 506 Mint - HT Smartcast Onion-based sweeteners, time to scrap your car? A decade of flip-flops on farmers’ issues despite full-majority government  What you can do to get your employer to deposit PF, TDS  Where to, Dara? Uber faces an off-road adventure  Scrapping your old car may fetch more soon  The onion peel that promises a sugar high Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A decade of flip-flops on farmers’ issues despite full-majority government 

What you can do to get your employer to deposit PF, TDS 

Where to, Dara? Uber faces an off-road adventure 

Scrapping your old car may fetch more soon 

The onion peel that promises a sugar high

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 414 no India’s push for organic produce https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indias-push-for-organic-produce-4c9FXQuS Tested organic food coming on your plate, courtesy govt Why the Ratan Tata biography is not in print yet Mint Primer: Why commercial card spending has been paused Can PPFAS lure investors with its tax-efficient ‘debt’ fund? Beating GDP growth no longer enough for Indian firms: McKinsey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 India’s push for organic produce full 505 Mint - HT Smartcast Why RBI stopped B2B card payments; More wait for Ratan Tata biography Tested organic food coming on your plate, courtesy govt Why the Ratan Tata biography is not in print yet Mint Primer: Why commercial card spending has been paused Can PPFAS lure investors with its tax-efficient ‘debt’ fund? Beating GDP growth no longer enough for Indian firms: McKinsey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tested organic food coming on your plate, courtesy govt

Why the Ratan Tata biography is not in print yet

Mint Primer: Why commercial card spending has been paused

Can PPFAS lure investors with its tax-efficient ‘debt’ fund?

Beating GDP growth no longer enough for Indian firms: McKinsey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 466 no How the wealthy are fuelling the bull run https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-the-wealthy-are-fuelling-the-bull-run-spZzqyaG Affluent India is fuelling the equities surge. But that story has gaps Should you invest in Mirae’s latest multi-factor small-cap fund? The news sources that Indians will trust and distrust this poll season  How to develop bike-taxis (beyond issuing clarifications)  Airfares have soared, but summer travellers don't care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How the wealthy are fuelling the bull run full 504 Mint - HT Smartcast High air fare? Don't care, the future of bike taxis Affluent India is fuelling the equities surge. But that story has gaps Should you invest in Mirae’s latest multi-factor small-cap fund? The news sources that Indians will trust and distrust this poll season  How to develop bike-taxis (beyond issuing clarifications)  Airfares have soared, but summer travellers don't care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Affluent India is fuelling the equities surge. But that story has gaps

Should you invest in Mirae’s latest multi-factor small-cap fund?

The news sources that Indians will trust and distrust this poll season 

How to develop bike-taxis (beyond issuing clarifications) 

Airfares have soared, but summer travellers don't care

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 389 no Trouble in Paradise for the King of Spices https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/trouble-in-paradise-for-the-king-of-spices-EiIjXz3c Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds scheme, associated amendments as unconstitutional Large private lenders join hands informally to stem attrition tide BSNL pan-India 4G launch pushed to Dec, employees’ union seeks Vi network usage From DLF to Lodha and Godrej, builders are testing new cities Why Kashmir’s saffron growers are feeling blue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Trouble in Paradise for the King of Spices full 503 Mint - HT Smartcast Bye bye electoral bonds; Banks agree to not poach Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds scheme, associated amendments as unconstitutional Large private lenders join hands informally to stem attrition tide BSNL pan-India 4G launch pushed to Dec, employees’ union seeks Vi network usage From DLF to Lodha and Godrej, builders are testing new cities Why Kashmir’s saffron growers are feeling blue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds scheme, associated amendments as unconstitutional

Large private lenders join hands informally to stem attrition tide

BSNL pan-India 4G launch pushed to Dec, employees’ union seeks Vi network usage

From DLF to Lodha and Godrej, builders are testing new cities

Why Kashmir’s saffron growers are feeling blue

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 450 no Isn’t a top MBA good enough to land a job? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/isnt-a-top-mba-good-enough-to-land-a-job-1Tobj5Jd Centre plans skills for loans in financial inclusion schemes What fund managers think of the current PSU rally Who profiteered the most from GST tweaks? CCI has clues Work experience more crucial than ever for new MBA graduates, India’s top B-schools say RBI swipes left on commercial credit cards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Isn’t a top MBA good enough to land a job? full 502 Mint - HT Smartcast Fund managers bullish on PSUs; RBI’s clamp on commercial card transactions Centre plans skills for loans in financial inclusion schemes What fund managers think of the current PSU rally Who profiteered the most from GST tweaks? CCI has clues Work experience more crucial than ever for new MBA graduates, India’s top B-schools say RBI swipes left on commercial credit cards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Centre plans skills for loans in financial inclusion schemes

What fund managers think of the current PSU rally

Who profiteered the most from GST tweaks? CCI has clues

Work experience more crucial than ever for new MBA graduates, India’s top B-schools say

RBI swipes left on commercial credit cards

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 409 no Urban India's problems with BJP https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/urban-indias-problems-with-bjp-qElq0FF1 ED begins preliminary enquiry into Paytm Payment Bank Go Digit IPO gets Irdai go-ahead The political hot potatoes on which urban India disagrees with the BJP  Myntra is selling lipstick and blush. Should Nykaa be worried? Tesla seeks Indian partner for rooftop solar panel venture  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Urban India's problems with BJP full 501 Mint - HT Smartcast Paytm's problems continue, Myntra's entry into beauty care ED begins preliminary enquiry into Paytm Payment Bank Go Digit IPO gets Irdai go-ahead The political hot potatoes on which urban India disagrees with the BJP  Myntra is selling lipstick and blush. Should Nykaa be worried? Tesla seeks Indian partner for rooftop solar panel venture  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ED begins preliminary enquiry into Paytm Payment Bank

Go Digit IPO gets Irdai go-ahead

The political hot potatoes on which urban India disagrees with the BJP 

Myntra is selling lipstick and blush. Should Nykaa be worried?

Tesla seeks Indian partner for rooftop solar panel venture 

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]]> 326 no Desi ghee vs blue cheese: who will win? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/desi-ghee-vs-blue-cheese-who-will-win-fRdbqtnM Decent Q3, but bumps ahead for Hero Will Tata’s Curvv ball strike out Hyundai? Should investors lap up or ignore SBI Energy Opportunities Fund? Mint Primer: From Europe to India, why are farmers angry? India eyes a ghee-for-cheese deal with UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Desi ghee vs blue cheese: who will win? full 500 Mint - HT Smartcast Tata in Hyundai’s rear view mirror, SBI’s new energy MF Decent Q3, but bumps ahead for Hero Will Tata’s Curvv ball strike out Hyundai? Should investors lap up or ignore SBI Energy Opportunities Fund? Mint Primer: From Europe to India, why are farmers angry? India eyes a ghee-for-cheese deal with UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Decent Q3, but bumps ahead for Hero

Will Tata’s Curvv ball strike out Hyundai?

Should investors lap up or ignore SBI Energy Opportunities Fund?

Mint Primer: From Europe to India, why are farmers angry?

India eyes a ghee-for-cheese deal with UK

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]]> 357 no Behind the mass exodus of nurses https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/behind-the-mass-exodus-of-nurses-vqZR6zU3 Small investors raised stakes sharply in Paytm in Q3. Then came RBI’s curbs Infosys back on campuses to hire for niche job profiles Mint Primer: Are you middle class? A housing scheme may hold clues As nurses leave in droves, Indian hospitals get a backache How AA framework is changing your financial life for the better Listen to ‘India’s Reform Story’, a Mint special podcast series. Click here to listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Behind the mass exodus of nurses full 499 Mint - HT Smartcast How Paytm’s fall hit retail investors; Infosys goes back to campus Small investors raised stakes sharply in Paytm in Q3. Then came RBI’s curbs Infosys back on campuses to hire for niche job profiles Mint Primer: Are you middle class? A housing scheme may hold clues As nurses leave in droves, Indian hospitals get a backache How AA framework is changing your financial life for the better Listen to ‘India’s Reform Story’, a Mint special podcast series. Click here to listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Small investors raised stakes sharply in Paytm in Q3. Then came RBI’s curbs

Infosys back on campuses to hire for niche job profiles

Mint Primer: Are you middle class? A housing scheme may hold clues

As nurses leave in droves, Indian hospitals get a backache

How AA framework is changing your financial life for the better

Listen to ‘India’s Reform Story’, a Mint special podcast series. Click here to listen

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]]> 449 no Paytm's China ties concern govt https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-came-first-chicken-or-the-price-hike-aBEFAsFa Paytm's China link that made authorities sit up No Java, Oracle or AWS? Sorry, next student please Mint Explainer: What’s at stake in Pakistan’s general election? Mint Primer: Why rents will spiral again this year How to access assets when breadwinner is incapacitated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Paytm's China ties concern govt full 498 Mint - HT Smartcast Want an IT job? Better have niche skills; rents to remain high in 2024 Paytm's China link that made authorities sit up No Java, Oracle or AWS? Sorry, next student please Mint Explainer: What’s at stake in Pakistan’s general election? Mint Primer: Why rents will spiral again this year How to access assets when breadwinner is incapacitated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Paytm's China link that made authorities sit up

No Java, Oracle or AWS? Sorry, next student please

Mint Explainer: What’s at stake in Pakistan’s general election?

Mint Primer: Why rents will spiral again this year

How to access assets when breadwinner is incapacitated

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 381 no Who is India's middle class, exactly? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/who-is-indias-middle-class-exactly-5mXomo0i India on par with the world in AI adoption: Satya Nadella The long wait for India’s first agritech unicorn Mint Explainer: Why small vendors are wary of the law on prompt payments  Middle-class housing scheme: Govt to issue specifications to determine beneficiaries Mint Primer: Why passenger cars may move into the slow lane soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Who is India's middle class, exactly? full 497 Mint - HT Smartcast MSEs hurt by a law meant to protect them, Nadella commends India's AI prowess India on par with the world in AI adoption: Satya Nadella The long wait for India’s first agritech unicorn Mint Explainer: Why small vendors are wary of the law on prompt payments  Middle-class housing scheme: Govt to issue specifications to determine beneficiaries Mint Primer: Why passenger cars may move into the slow lane soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices India on par with the world in AI adoption: Satya Nadella

The long wait for India’s first agritech unicorn

Mint Explainer: Why small vendors are wary of the law on prompt payments 

Middle-class housing scheme: Govt to issue specifications to determine beneficiaries

Mint Primer: Why passenger cars may move into the slow lane soon

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]]> 397 no Retail investors are getting smarter https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/retail-investors-are-getting-smarte-OmrXV3e9 The small investor learns the art of booking profits FMCG firms had two good years. This one may be different Placement blues fade at IIMs as recruiters troop in Health plans: Is it wise to opt for monthly payments? Cred acquires Kuvera, enters wealth-management space Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Retail investors are getting smarter full 496 Mint - HT Smartcast Slower growth projections for FMCG; IIM grads get heavy paychecks The small investor learns the art of booking profits FMCG firms had two good years. This one may be different Placement blues fade at IIMs as recruiters troop in Health plans: Is it wise to opt for monthly payments? Cred acquires Kuvera, enters wealth-management space Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The small investor learns the art of booking profits

FMCG firms had two good years. This one may be different

Placement blues fade at IIMs as recruiters troop in

Health plans: Is it wise to opt for monthly payments?

Cred acquires Kuvera, enters wealth-management space

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 483 no Why are Indians not going to the movies? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-are-indian-not-going-to-the-movies-UMUAyEY3 Govt's ₹1-trillion deep tech fund: why we need it, and is it enough?  Gold loans without gold? Bizarre but true at BoB  The return of the NRI homebuyer  Box office popcorn for cinemas; but where are the viewers?  Are branded apartments worth the premium that you pay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Why are Indians not going to the movies? full 495 Mint - HT Smartcast India’s deeptech ambitions; Return of the NRI homeowner Govt's ₹1-trillion deep tech fund: why we need it, and is it enough?  Gold loans without gold? Bizarre but true at BoB  The return of the NRI homebuyer  Box office popcorn for cinemas; but where are the viewers?  Are branded apartments worth the premium that you pay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Govt's ₹1-trillion deep tech fund: why we need it, and is it enough? 

Gold loans without gold? Bizarre but true at BoB 

The return of the NRI homebuyer 

Box office popcorn for cinemas; but where are the viewers? 

Are branded apartments worth the premium that you pay?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 519 no FM talks on economy, GDP, and rural India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fm-talks-on-economy-gdp-and-rural-india-9ZXURp8r Conventional paradigms being challenged: FM Nirmala Sitharaman RBI to keep repo rate unchanged, focus on liquidity: Mint poll  Spooked Paytm Payments Bank executives rush to recruiters for jobs  Reliance-Disney dalliance to stir up streaming scene Telepathy: Would you put a chip in your brain? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:30:00 -0000 FM talks on economy, GDP, and rural India full 494 Mint - HT Smartcast Employees scamper to leave Paytm, a new streaming giant is born? Conventional paradigms being challenged: FM Nirmala Sitharaman RBI to keep repo rate unchanged, focus on liquidity: Mint poll  Spooked Paytm Payments Bank executives rush to recruiters for jobs  Reliance-Disney dalliance to stir up streaming scene Telepathy: Would you put a chip in your brain? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conventional paradigms being challenged: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

RBI to keep repo rate unchanged, focus on liquidity: Mint poll 

Spooked Paytm Payments Bank executives rush to recruiters for jobs 

Reliance-Disney dalliance to stir up streaming scene

Telepathy: Would you put a chip in your brain?

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]]> 389 no A special Budget edition https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/a-special-budget-edition-mrd_lbcH A smart chess move for the long game Lower fiscal deficit to drive bank rally Intent vs Delivery: What this govt promised, what it delivered Budget 2024: Auto PLI gets a boost, FAME scheme a cut RIL may pay $2.3 bn for 60% stake in Disney India assets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:37:18 -0000 A special Budget edition full 493 Mint - HT Smartcast Analysing the Interim Budget, Disney-Reliance’s deal A smart chess move for the long game Lower fiscal deficit to drive bank rally Intent vs Delivery: What this govt promised, what it delivered Budget 2024: Auto PLI gets a boost, FAME scheme a cut RIL may pay $2.3 bn for 60% stake in Disney India assets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A smart chess move for the long game

Lower fiscal deficit to drive bank rally

Intent vs Delivery: What this govt promised, what it delivered

Budget 2024: Auto PLI gets a boost, FAME scheme a cut

RIL may pay $2.3 bn for 60% stake in Disney India assets

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 450 no What's the Budget got in store for you? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-the-budget-got-in-store-for-you-CasPEt5a Top things to expect from today’s interim budget L&T: Margin woes overshadow Q3 positives  Crushing curbs on Paytm Payments Bank  Wipro lost its CFO to Cognizant. Then it lost a big client  For Flipkart’s top execs, one more year without pay hikes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:34:27 -0000 What's the Budget got in store for you? full 492 Mint - HT Smartcast Paytm's survival in question, Flipkart's disappointed senior staff Top things to expect from today’s interim budget L&T: Margin woes overshadow Q3 positives  Crushing curbs on Paytm Payments Bank  Wipro lost its CFO to Cognizant. Then it lost a big client  For Flipkart’s top execs, one more year without pay hikes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Top things to expect from today’s interim budget

L&T: Margin woes overshadow Q3 positives 

Crushing curbs on Paytm Payments Bank 

Wipro lost its CFO to Cognizant. Then it lost a big client 

For Flipkart’s top execs, one more year without pay hikes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 349 no How to explain the Budget to an engineer? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-explain-the-budget-to-an-engineer-zfUUDwc6 India's finance ministry believes that the nation's economy will be worth 7 trillion dollars by 2030. After a lull during the pandemic, commercial real estate prices have shot up How to explain the budget to an engineer  Tipplers who like scotch may have a reason to rejoice   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 How to explain the Budget to an engineer? full 491 Mint - HT Smartcast Cheers for scotch drinkers, markets continue tumultuous ride India's finance ministry believes that the nation's economy will be worth 7 trillion dollars by 2030. After a lull during the pandemic, commercial real estate prices have shot up How to explain the budget to an engineer  Tipplers who like scotch may have a reason to rejoice   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices India's finance ministry believes that the nation's economy will be worth 7 trillion dollars by 2030.

After a lull during the pandemic, commercial real estate prices have shot up

How to explain the budget to an engineer 

Tipplers who like scotch may have a reason to rejoice

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 321 no Bulls march back to Dalal Street https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bulls-march-back-to-dalal-street-93aDI_0g After Monday's steep climb, prepare for more volatility Can AI ring in a change for smartphones? What Bibek Debroy thinks of jobs, taxes, and the economy Municipal corporations and the tyranny of backdoor governance Why airlines may not offer you free accommodation for delayed flights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Bulls march back to Dalal Street full 490 Mint - HT Smartcast Will AI save smartphones? Municipal corporations and the tyranny of backdoor governance After Monday's steep climb, prepare for more volatility Can AI ring in a change for smartphones? What Bibek Debroy thinks of jobs, taxes, and the economy Municipal corporations and the tyranny of backdoor governance Why airlines may not offer you free accommodation for delayed flights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After Monday's steep climb, prepare for more volatility

Can AI ring in a change for smartphones?

What Bibek Debroy thinks of jobs, taxes, and the economy

Municipal corporations and the tyranny of backdoor governance

Why airlines may not offer you free accommodation for delayed flights

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 503 no What's next in the Sony-Zee saga? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-next-in-the-sony-zee-saga-1SP4W1xb Adani puts Hindenburg behind with a $3 billion fundraising plan Zee-Sony: What next after the merger collapse? Health insurance may be about to get a new regulator Blast from the past: Can these mega funds regain their mojo? Firms look for older CXOs as covid-led startup wave ebbs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 What's next in the Sony-Zee saga? full 489 Mint - HT Smartcast India may get a new regulator for health insurers, and are Indian boardrooms getting older? Adani puts Hindenburg behind with a $3 billion fundraising plan Zee-Sony: What next after the merger collapse? Health insurance may be about to get a new regulator Blast from the past: Can these mega funds regain their mojo? Firms look for older CXOs as covid-led startup wave ebbs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Adani puts Hindenburg behind with a $3 billion fundraising plan

Zee-Sony: What next after the merger collapse?

Health insurance may be about to get a new regulator

Blast from the past: Can these mega funds regain their mojo?

Firms look for older CXOs as covid-led startup wave ebbs

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 366 no Who stole snow from the Himalayas? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/who-stole-snow-from-the-himalayas-3u20gunB Can India's capex frenzy continue unabated? Six business jets on way to Adani Group Germany, Japan, or Korea? Indian students look beyond Canada Himalayas: Laid low by a winter drought Why senior citizens require deductibles in health plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Who stole snow from the Himalayas? full 488 Mint - HT Smartcast Can India continue its Capex frenzy; Canada’s cap on on student visas Can India's capex frenzy continue unabated? Six business jets on way to Adani Group Germany, Japan, or Korea? Indian students look beyond Canada Himalayas: Laid low by a winter drought Why senior citizens require deductibles in health plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Can India's capex frenzy continue unabated?

Six business jets on way to Adani Group

Germany, Japan, or Korea? Indian students look beyond Canada

Himalayas: Laid low by a winter drought

Why senior citizens require deductibles in health plans

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 399 no Relief for foreign investors https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/relief-for-foreign-investors-ZOE4nH2K BlinkIt's attempts to deliver everything, the implications of the coaching institute directive https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/relief-finally-sebi-lifts-the-fpi-disclosure-overhang-on-market-11706105484691.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/gift-city-may-witness-a-jobs-boom-hint-gccs-11706105589985.html https://www.livemint.com/education/news/mint-primer-why-indias-runaway-coaching-centres-need-regulating-11706105546807.html https://www.livemint.com/money/decoding-the-rationale-of-equal-weight-investing-11706105642374.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/from-cabbage-to-caps-inside-blinkit-s-game-plan-to-deliver-anything-11706097770489.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Relief for foreign investors full 487 Mint - HT Smartcast BlinkIt's attempts to deliver everything, the implications of the coaching institute directive https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/relief-finally-sebi-lifts-the-fpi-disclosure-overhang-on-market-11706105484691.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/gift-city-may-witness-a-jobs-boom-hint-gccs-11706105589985.html https://www.livemint.com/education/news/mint-primer-why-indias-runaway-coaching-centres-need-regulating-11706105546807.html https://www.livemint.com/money/decoding-the-rationale-of-equal-weight-investing-11706105642374.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/from-cabbage-to-caps-inside-blinkit-s-game-plan-to-deliver-anything-11706097770489.html BlinkIt's attempts to deliver everything, the implications of the coaching institute directive https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/relief-finally-sebi-lifts-the-fpi-disclosure-overhang-on-market-11706105484691.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/gift-city-may-witness-a-jobs-boom-hint-gccs-11706105589985.html https://www.livemint.com/education/news/mint-primer-why-indias-runaway-coaching-centres-need-regulating-11706105546807.html https://www.livemint.com/money/decoding-the-rationale-of-equal-weight-investing-11706105642374.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/from-cabbage-to-caps-inside-blinkit-s-game-plan-to-deliver-anything-11706097770489.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 381 no Byju’s undergoing an existential crisis https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/byjus-undergoing-an-existential-crisis-G5jXGp0B Can ChatGPT help you make a bomb? How GIFT city is luring in foreign investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Byju’s undergoing an existential crisis full 486 Mint - HT Smartcast Can ChatGPT help you make a bomb? How GIFT city is luring in foreign investors Can ChatGPT help you make a bomb? How GIFT city is luring in foreign investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 400 no RIP, Sony-Zee's $10 billion merger https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rip-sony-zees-10-billion-merger-1kpbnXkN Coaching classes to pursue legal action, understanding fintech regulation. https://www.livemint.com/education/news/coaching-centres-may-challenge-new-guidelines-11705943434367.html https://www.livemint.com/news/why-do-we-need-regulation-for-fintech-firms-11705934023343.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/sony-demands-90-million-in-termination-penalty-zee-to-seek-legal-options-11705911463157.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/agriculture/the-disquiet-around-iffco-s-magic-fertilizer-11705927306350.html https://www.livemint.com/money/are-ultra-premium-credit-cards-worth-their-hefty-annual-fees-11705940833292.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 RIP, Sony-Zee's $10 billion merger full 485 Mint - HT Smartcast Coaching classes to pursue legal action, understanding fintech regulation. https://www.livemint.com/education/news/coaching-centres-may-challenge-new-guidelines-11705943434367.html https://www.livemint.com/news/why-do-we-need-regulation-for-fintech-firms-11705934023343.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/sony-demands-90-million-in-termination-penalty-zee-to-seek-legal-options-11705911463157.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/agriculture/the-disquiet-around-iffco-s-magic-fertilizer-11705927306350.html https://www.livemint.com/money/are-ultra-premium-credit-cards-worth-their-hefty-annual-fees-11705940833292.html Coaching classes to pursue legal action, understanding fintech regulation. https://www.livemint.com/education/news/coaching-centres-may-challenge-new-guidelines-11705943434367.html https://www.livemint.com/news/why-do-we-need-regulation-for-fintech-firms-11705934023343.html https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/sony-demands-90-million-in-termination-penalty-zee-to-seek-legal-options-11705911463157.html https://www.livemint.com/industry/agriculture/the-disquiet-around-iffco-s-magic-fertilizer-11705927306350.html https://www.livemint.com/money/are-ultra-premium-credit-cards-worth-their-hefty-annual-fees-11705940833292.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 343 no Starlink in India soon? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/starlink-in-india-soon-3r2nOJ3P Understanding the Iran-Pakistan tiff, Budget's nominal GDP growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Starlink in India soon? full 484 Mint - HT Smartcast Understanding the Iran-Pakistan tiff, Budget's nominal GDP growth Understanding the Iran-Pakistan tiff, Budget's nominal GDP growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 396 no Rising tension in the neighbourhood? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rising-tension-in-the-neighbourhood-Mcm8HAgK Foreign investors pull back from Indian markets; How smart homes might become more mainstream in the years ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Rising tension in the neighbourhood? full 483 Mint - HT Smartcast Foreign investors pull back from Indian markets; How smart homes might become more mainstream in the years ahead Foreign investors pull back from Indian markets; How smart homes might become more mainstream in the years ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 394 no Where are the eligible board members for Corporate India? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/where-are-the-eligible-board-members-for-corporate-india-1vz8srNo HDFC leads midweek market crash, and can an interim Budget actually have a long term plan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0000 Where are the eligible board members for Corporate India? full 482 Mint - HT Smartcast HDFC leads midweek market crash, and can an interim Budget actually have a long term plan? HDFC leads midweek market crash, and can an interim Budget actually have a long term plan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 430 no Why is everyone’s flight delayed? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/why-is-everyones-flight-delayed-FgJpBQCy The scale of India's wedding industry, HDFC's surprising results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:08:25 -0000 Why is everyone’s flight delayed? full 481 Mint - HT Smartcast The scale of India's wedding industry, HDFC's surprising results The scale of India's wedding industry, HDFC's surprising results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 400 no IT stocks propel markets to new heights https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/it-stocks-propel-markets-to-new-heights-_dCyGtAn How Goa is more expensive than Thailand, analysing the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank Scam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:25:13 -0000 IT stocks propel markets to new heights full 480 Mint - HT Smartcast How Goa is more expensive than Thailand, analysing the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank Scam How Goa is more expensive than Thailand, analysing the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank Scam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 400 no What to expect from World Economic Forum 2024? https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/what-to-expect-from-world-economic-forum-2024-tmYh13dl TV channels count on Ayodhya to revive fortunes, why home loan taxation needs a tweak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:06:33 -0000 What to expect from World Economic Forum 2024? full 479 Mint - HT Smartcast TV channels count on Ayodhya to revive fortunes, why home loan taxation needs a tweak TV channels count on Ayodhya to revive fortunes, why home loan taxation needs a tweak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 418 no Kotak Mahindra Bank gets a new CEO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/kotak-mahindra-bank-gets-a-new-ceo-BZkVojy9 In this episode, find out about government's plans to revive privatization of state owned banks, also find out about ICICI bank reporting 35% growth in Q2 Business Term of the Day: Unsecured loan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:24:16 -0000 Kotak Mahindra Bank gets a new CEO full 478 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about government's plans to revive privatization of state owned banks, also find out about ICICI bank reporting 35% growth in Q2 Business Term of the Day: Unsecured loan. In this episode, find out about government's plans to revive privatization of state owned banks, also find out about ICICI bank reporting 35% growth in Q2 Business Term of the Day: Unsecured loan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 299 no Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio may face tax demands worth over ₹14000 cr: Kotak https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bharti-airtel-reliance-jio-may-face-tax-demands-worth-over-14000-cr-kotak-hK6r62ca In this episode, find out about Chinese solar firms under tax scrutiny, also find out about government amending pension scheme Business Term of the Day: Proxy firms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:40:17 -0000 Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio may face tax demands worth over ₹14000 cr: Kotak full 477 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Chinese solar firms under tax scrutiny, also find out about government amending pension scheme Business Term of the Day: Proxy firms In this episode, find out about Chinese solar firms under tax scrutiny, also find out about government amending pension scheme Business Term of the Day: Proxy firms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 407 no HDFC bank posts 51% jump in profit in Q2 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-posts-51-jump-in-profit-in-q2-5sJd_639 In this episode, find out about Grasim Industries raising funds upto Rs 4000 cr via rights issue, also find out about Jio Financial doubling its profit in Q2. Business Term of the Day: Liquidation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:55:46 -0000 HDFC bank posts 51% jump in profit in Q2 full 476 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Grasim Industries raising funds upto Rs 4000 cr via rights issue, also find out about Jio Financial doubling its profit in Q2. Business Term of the Day: Liquidation In this episode, find out about Grasim Industries raising funds upto Rs 4000 cr via rights issue, also find out about Jio Financial doubling its profit in Q2. Business Term of the Day: Liquidation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 352 no TCS sacks 16 staffers, former head of RMG https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-sacks-16-staffers-former-head-of-rmg-WrXCSFRA In this episode, find out about Ranjan Pai extending Rs 300 crore loan to Byju's parent, also find out about Tata Motors selling 9.9% stake in Tata Tech for Rs 1613 crore. Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:40:04 -0000 TCS sacks 16 staffers, former head of RMG full 475 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Ranjan Pai extending Rs 300 crore loan to Byju's parent, also find out about Tata Motors selling 9.9% stake in Tata Tech for Rs 1613 crore. Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle In this episode, find out about Ranjan Pai extending Rs 300 crore loan to Byju's parent, also find out about Tata Motors selling 9.9% stake in Tata Tech for Rs 1613 crore. Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 409 no TCS profit rises 9% yoy to Rs 11,342 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-profit-rises-9-yoy-to-rs-11-342-cr-d1GFC0mM In this episode, find out about SBI mutual fund picking up 9.99% stake in Indusind Bank, also find out about Go Air receiving expression of interest from Jindal Power. Business Term of the Day: Unified Payments Interface Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:38:30 -0000 TCS profit rises 9% yoy to Rs 11,342 cr full 474 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI mutual fund picking up 9.99% stake in Indusind Bank, also find out about Go Air receiving expression of interest from Jindal Power. Business Term of the Day: Unified Payments Interface In this episode, find out about SBI mutual fund picking up 9.99% stake in Indusind Bank, also find out about Go Air receiving expression of interest from Jindal Power. Business Term of the Day: Unified Payments Interface Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 369 no RBI bans BoB from onboarding new customers on to mobile banking app https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-bans-bob-from-onboarding-new-customers-on-to-mobile-banking-app-DAr_0ydw In this episode, find out why there are differences within Hamied family over Cipla sale plan, also find out why Religare Enterprises' has called for an independent valuation. Business Term of the Day: Inter-bank call money market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:56:10 -0000 RBI bans BoB from onboarding new customers on to mobile banking app full 473 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why there are differences within Hamied family over Cipla sale plan, also find out why Religare Enterprises' has called for an independent valuation. Business Term of the Day: Inter-bank call money market In this episode, find out why there are differences within Hamied family over Cipla sale plan, also find out why Religare Enterprises' has called for an independent valuation. Business Term of the Day: Inter-bank call money market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 333 no Maruti Suzuki eyes Rs 1.25 tn capex to boost EV, SUV play https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/maruti-suzuki-eyes-rs-125-tn-capex-to-boost-ev-suv-play-T2Eca7t2 In this episode, find out about tax authorities imposing penalty of Rs 1.8 cr on Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Glenmark announcing interim dividend of Rs 22.50 share Business Term of the Day: Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:34:57 -0000 Maruti Suzuki eyes Rs 1.25 tn capex to boost EV, SUV play full 472 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about tax authorities imposing penalty of Rs 1.8 cr on Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Glenmark announcing interim dividend of Rs 22.50 share Business Term of the Day: Guarantee In this episode, find out about tax authorities imposing penalty of Rs 1.8 cr on Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Glenmark announcing interim dividend of Rs 22.50 share Business Term of the Day: Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 329 no ADIA to invest Rs 4966 cr in Reliance Retail Ventures https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adia-to-invest-rs-4966-cr-in-reliance-retail-ventures-kvkzKliC In this episode, find out about TCS' share buyback proposal, also find out about MCX receiving SEBI approval for commodity derivatives platform. Business Term of the Day: Open market operations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:45:07 -0000 ADIA to invest Rs 4966 cr in Reliance Retail Ventures full 471 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TCS' share buyback proposal, also find out about MCX receiving SEBI approval for commodity derivatives platform. Business Term of the Day: Open market operations In this episode, find out about TCS' share buyback proposal, also find out about MCX receiving SEBI approval for commodity derivatives platform. Business Term of the Day: Open market operations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 321 no Slice merges with North East Small Finance Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/slice-merges-with-north-east-small-finance-bank-hIbANeN3 In this episode, find out about show cause notice to Maruti Suzuki, also find out about Government's decision to raise cooking gas subsidy. Business Term of the Day: Small Finance Bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:19:43 -0000 Slice merges with North East Small Finance Bank full 470 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about show cause notice to Maruti Suzuki, also find out about Government's decision to raise cooking gas subsidy. Business Term of the Day: Small Finance Bank In this episode, find out about show cause notice to Maruti Suzuki, also find out about Government's decision to raise cooking gas subsidy. Business Term of the Day: Small Finance Bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 281 no HDFC bank revamping its top management https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-revamping-its-top-management-h3iUWX8_ In this episode, find out about IDFC First Bank's QIP, also find out about GST demand notice to Bajaj Allianz for Rs 1010 cr Business Term of the Day: Sunk cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:26:42 -0000 HDFC bank revamping its top management full 469 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IDFC First Bank's QIP, also find out about GST demand notice to Bajaj Allianz for Rs 1010 cr Business Term of the Day: Sunk cost In this episode, find out about IDFC First Bank's QIP, also find out about GST demand notice to Bajaj Allianz for Rs 1010 cr Business Term of the Day: Sunk cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 405 no Byju's laying off 4000 employees https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/byjus-laying-off-4000-employees-XcZj3RgV In this episode, find out about Dilip Sanghvi terminating pact with Suzlon Energy, also find out about Shree Renuka's acquisition plans. Business Term of the Day: Co-lending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:24:54 -0000 Byju's laying off 4000 employees full 468 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Dilip Sanghvi terminating pact with Suzlon Energy, also find out about Shree Renuka's acquisition plans. Business Term of the Day: Co-lending In this episode, find out about Dilip Sanghvi terminating pact with Suzlon Energy, also find out about Shree Renuka's acquisition plans. Business Term of the Day: Co-lending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 326 no Samsung joins India laptop making push https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/samsung-joins-india-laptop-making-push-rLXDZL2c In this episode, find out about Sheela Foam's IPO, also find out about Mangalore Chemicals shutting down its Ammonia & Urea plants for maintenance. Business Term of the Day: Public bond issuance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:02:23 -0000 Samsung joins India laptop making push full 467 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Sheela Foam's IPO, also find out about Mangalore Chemicals shutting down its Ammonia & Urea plants for maintenance. Business Term of the Day: Public bond issuance In this episode, find out about Sheela Foam's IPO, also find out about Mangalore Chemicals shutting down its Ammonia & Urea plants for maintenance. Business Term of the Day: Public bond issuance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 316 no Burman family announces Rs 2116 cr open offer to take control of Religare Enterprises. https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/burman-family-announces-rs-2116-cr-open-offer-to-take-control-of-religare-enterprises-lIgPVJlF In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail getting full subscription amount of Rs 2069 crore from KKR, also find out about Adani's plans to refinance $3.5 bn in debt. Business Term of the Day: Private credit fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:03:37 -0000 Burman family announces Rs 2116 cr open offer to take control of Religare Enterprises. full 466 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail getting full subscription amount of Rs 2069 crore from KKR, also find out about Adani's plans to refinance $3.5 bn in debt. Business Term of the Day: Private credit fund In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail getting full subscription amount of Rs 2069 crore from KKR, also find out about Adani's plans to refinance $3.5 bn in debt. Business Term of the Day: Private credit fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 452 no JP Morgan to add India to its EM Bond index in June 2024 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jp-morgan-to-add-india-to-its-em-bond-index-in-june-2024-m_r0xzaa In this episode, find out about key management changes at Wipro & ICICI Lombard General Insurance, also find out about IndiGo's code-sharing partnership with British Airways. Business Term of the Day: Global bond indices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Sep 2023 05:33:32 -0000 JP Morgan to add India to its EM Bond index in June 2024 full 465 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about key management changes at Wipro & ICICI Lombard General Insurance, also find out about IndiGo's code-sharing partnership with British Airways. Business Term of the Day: Global bond indices In this episode, find out about key management changes at Wipro & ICICI Lombard General Insurance, also find out about IndiGo's code-sharing partnership with British Airways. Business Term of the Day: Global bond indices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 332 no Adani Green Energy to raise $1.5 bn https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-green-energy-to-raise-15-bn-lz03EiPc In this episode, find out about Infosys' tie up with NVIDIA, also find out about M&M market capitalization crossing Rs 2 trillion mark. Business Term of the Day: AAA rating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:10:10 -0000 Adani Green Energy to raise $1.5 bn full 464 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Infosys' tie up with NVIDIA, also find out about M&M market capitalization crossing Rs 2 trillion mark. Business Term of the Day: AAA rating In this episode, find out about Infosys' tie up with NVIDIA, also find out about M&M market capitalization crossing Rs 2 trillion mark. Business Term of the Day: AAA rating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 426 no RBI approves re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as HDFC Bank MD & CEO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-approves-re-appointment-of-sashidhar-jagdishan-as-hdfc-bank-md-ceo-6ZnGdbqM In this episode, find out about RR Kabel listed at 14% premium, also find out about Tata Motors raising price of CV by upto 3% Business Term of the Day: Net-worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:36:53 -0000 RBI approves re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as HDFC Bank MD & CEO full 463 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RR Kabel listed at 14% premium, also find out about Tata Motors raising price of CV by upto 3% Business Term of the Day: Net-worth. In this episode, find out about RR Kabel listed at 14% premium, also find out about Tata Motors raising price of CV by upto 3% Business Term of the Day: Net-worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 383 no L&T's share buyback opens today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lts-share-buyback-opens-today-2g5p2Jyv In this episode, find out about Jupiter Life Line Hospitals' listing today, also find out about BHEL's Rs 2110 cr order from Cochin Shipyard. Business Term of the Day: Penny stocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:23:07 -0000 L&T's share buyback opens today full 462 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Jupiter Life Line Hospitals' listing today, also find out about BHEL's Rs 2110 cr order from Cochin Shipyard. Business Term of the Day: Penny stocks In this episode, find out about Jupiter Life Line Hospitals' listing today, also find out about BHEL's Rs 2110 cr order from Cochin Shipyard. Business Term of the Day: Penny stocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 422 no Govt moves HC against order in RIL gas dispute https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-moves-hc-against-order-in-ril-gas-dispute-Z9dcFTAc In this episode, find out about Cipla stake sale being in jeopardy, also find out about Tata Motors' plans to set up a separate sales network for EV biz. Business Term of the Day: Small cap companies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:50 -0000 Govt moves HC against order in RIL gas dispute full 461 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Cipla stake sale being in jeopardy, also find out about Tata Motors' plans to set up a separate sales network for EV biz. Business Term of the Day: Small cap companies In this episode, find out about Cipla stake sale being in jeopardy, also find out about Tata Motors' plans to set up a separate sales network for EV biz. Business Term of the Day: Small cap companies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no Reliance Retail in talks with sovereign wealth funds for $1.5 bn https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-retail-in-talks-with-sovereign-wealth-funds-for-15-bn-nQEQh_o2 In this episode, find out about Adani group in talks with global banks to refinance $3.5 bn debt taken to buy Ambuja Cements, also find out about Paytm appoints new statutory auditor. Business Term of the Day: Mid cap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:50:26 -0000 Reliance Retail in talks with sovereign wealth funds for $1.5 bn full 460 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani group in talks with global banks to refinance $3.5 bn debt taken to buy Ambuja Cements, also find out about Paytm appoints new statutory auditor. Business Term of the Day: Mid cap In this episode, find out about Adani group in talks with global banks to refinance $3.5 bn debt taken to buy Ambuja Cements, also find out about Paytm appoints new statutory auditor. Business Term of the Day: Mid cap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 395 no SpiceJet completes Rs 100 cr payment to Kalanithi Maran https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/spicejet-completes-rs-100-cr-payment-to-kalanithi-maran-qY8lMLkf In this episode, find out why OMC's saw a downgrade in ratings in Q2, also find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance. Business Term of the Day: Corporate Social Responsibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:08:02 -0000 SpiceJet completes Rs 100 cr payment to Kalanithi Maran full 459 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why OMC's saw a downgrade in ratings in Q2, also find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance. Business Term of the Day: Corporate Social Responsibility In this episode, find out why OMC's saw a downgrade in ratings in Q2, also find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance. Business Term of the Day: Corporate Social Responsibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 440 no Jio Financial Services to be excluded from NSE from Sept 7 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jio-financial-services-to-be-excluded-from-nse-from-sept-7-83VZQiPl In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Currency appreciation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:03 -0000 Jio Financial Services to be excluded from NSE from Sept 7 full 458 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Currency appreciation In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Currency appreciation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no Adani Group increases stake in two group companies https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-increases-stake-in-two-group-companies-CQYE_z2L In this episode, find out about listing of Rishabh Instruments and Ratnaveer Precision, also find out about market expecting Nifty to cross 20,000 mark this week. Business Term of the Day: Series A, B, C funding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:52:57 -0000 Adani Group increases stake in two group companies full 457 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about listing of Rishabh Instruments and Ratnaveer Precision, also find out about market expecting Nifty to cross 20,000 mark this week. Business Term of the Day: Series A, B, C funding In this episode, find out about listing of Rishabh Instruments and Ratnaveer Precision, also find out about market expecting Nifty to cross 20,000 mark this week. Business Term of the Day: Series A, B, C funding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 439 no Viacom18 picks up media rights for ISL https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/viacom18-picks-up-media-rights-for-isl-6Kj7ZdNm In this episode, find out about SBI MF's Rs 400 cr investment in Nazara Tech, also find out about why SEBI disposed of order against LIC for violation of mutual fund norms Business Term of the Day: Unit economics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:51:41 -0000 Viacom18 picks up media rights for ISL full 456 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI MF's Rs 400 cr investment in Nazara Tech, also find out about why SEBI disposed of order against LIC for violation of mutual fund norms Business Term of the Day: Unit economics In this episode, find out about SBI MF's Rs 400 cr investment in Nazara Tech, also find out about why SEBI disposed of order against LIC for violation of mutual fund norms Business Term of the Day: Unit economics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 431 no Jio Financial Services to be excluded from NSE from Sept 7 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jio-financial-services-to-be-excluded-from-nse-from-j0B7XBeL In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024 Business Term of the Day: Open ended scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:38:52 -0000 Jio Financial Services to be excluded from NSE from Sept 7 full 455 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024 Business Term of the Day: Open ended scheme In this episode, find out about IDBI Bank challenging NCLT order on Zee-Sony merger, also find out about SEBI's plan to introduce 1 hour trade settlement by 2024 Business Term of the Day: Open ended scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 389 no JSW-MG Motor deal likely in two months https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jsw-mg-motor-deal-likely-in-two-months-AvwNbXRv In this episode, find out about government inviting bids for asset valuer for IDBI bank disinvestment, also find out about Cipla's acquisition of South Africa's Actor Pharma for $48.6 m Business Term of the Day: Sum assured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:36:31 -0000 JSW-MG Motor deal likely in two months full 454 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about government inviting bids for asset valuer for IDBI bank disinvestment, also find out about Cipla's acquisition of South Africa's Actor Pharma for $48.6 m Business Term of the Day: Sum assured. In this episode, find out about government inviting bids for asset valuer for IDBI bank disinvestment, also find out about Cipla's acquisition of South Africa's Actor Pharma for $48.6 m Business Term of the Day: Sum assured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 438 no Reliance Retail in talks with investors to raise another $2.5 bn https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-retail-in-talks-with-investors-to-raise-another-25-bn-QYS8gFgv In this episode, find out about Uday Kotak's sudden resignation, also find out about Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance receiving RBI approval to start business. Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:44:10 -0000 Reliance Retail in talks with investors to raise another $2.5 bn full 453 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Uday Kotak's sudden resignation, also find out about Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance receiving RBI approval to start business. Business Term of the Day: Liquidity In this episode, find out about Uday Kotak's sudden resignation, also find out about Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance receiving RBI approval to start business. Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 404 no Viacom18 wins BCCI media rights for Rs 5963 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/viacom18-wins-bcci-media-rights-for-rs-5963-cr-noKqp7JP In this episode, find out about fresh allegations against Adani Group on its offshore funding, also find out about Jalan Kalrock infusing Rs 100 cr in Jet Airways Business Term of the Day: Square off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:44:58 -0000 Viacom18 wins BCCI media rights for Rs 5963 cr full 452 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about fresh allegations against Adani Group on its offshore funding, also find out about Jalan Kalrock infusing Rs 100 cr in Jet Airways Business Term of the Day: Square off In this episode, find out about fresh allegations against Adani Group on its offshore funding, also find out about Jalan Kalrock infusing Rs 100 cr in Jet Airways Business Term of the Day: Square off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 496 no Q1 India GDP growth likely at 7.7% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/q1-india-gdp-growth-likely-at-77-Fmg_KrUt In this episode, find out about Verlinvest Asia's plan to sell 12.56% stake in Sula Vineyards, also find out about Aeroflex Industries' listing. Business Term of the Day: FinFluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Aug 2023 04:51:38 -0000 Q1 India GDP growth likely at 7.7% full 451 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Verlinvest Asia's plan to sell 12.56% stake in Sula Vineyards, also find out about Aeroflex Industries' listing. Business Term of the Day: FinFluencer In this episode, find out about Verlinvest Asia's plan to sell 12.56% stake in Sula Vineyards, also find out about Aeroflex Industries' listing. Business Term of the Day: FinFluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 463 no Reliance AGM today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-agm-today-UsGjGZmQ In this episode, find out about IDFC First bank winning sponsorship rights of all BCCI matches, also find out about Tata Motors' to be net zero carbon emission site by 2045. Business Term of the Day: Bharat NCAP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:59:40 -0000 Reliance AGM today full 450 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IDFC First bank winning sponsorship rights of all BCCI matches, also find out about Tata Motors' to be net zero carbon emission site by 2045. Business Term of the Day: Bharat NCAP In this episode, find out about IDFC First bank winning sponsorship rights of all BCCI matches, also find out about Tata Motors' to be net zero carbon emission site by 2045. Business Term of the Day: Bharat NCAP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 457 no BPEA sells coforge stake for Rs 7684 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bpea-sells-coforge-stake-for-rs-7684-cr-_Vp37Z1h In this episode, find out about One97 Communication's promoter Antfin stake sale in Paytm via block deal today, also find out about Infosys' tie-up with Rafael Nadal. Business Term of the Day: Arbitrage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:32 -0000 BPEA sells coforge stake for Rs 7684 cr full 449 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about One97 Communication's promoter Antfin stake sale in Paytm via block deal today, also find out about Infosys' tie-up with Rafael Nadal. Business Term of the Day: Arbitrage In this episode, find out about One97 Communication's promoter Antfin stake sale in Paytm via block deal today, also find out about Infosys' tie-up with Rafael Nadal. Business Term of the Day: Arbitrage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 471 no QIA to invest ₹8,278 crore in RIL’s retail arm for 0.99% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/qia-to-invest-8-278-crore-in-rils-retail-arm-for-099-irfH9qkY In this episode, find out about Gail plans capex of Rs 30,000 cr over 3 years, also find out about India's plan to ban mills from exporting sugar. Business Term of the Day: Friendshoring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:19:24 -0000 QIA to invest ₹8,278 crore in RIL’s retail arm for 0.99% full 448 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Gail plans capex of Rs 30,000 cr over 3 years, also find out about India's plan to ban mills from exporting sugar. Business Term of the Day: Friendshoring In this episode, find out about Gail plans capex of Rs 30,000 cr over 3 years, also find out about India's plan to ban mills from exporting sugar. Business Term of the Day: Friendshoring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 424 no Union bank to raise upto Rs 5000 cr via QIP https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/union-bank-to-raise-upto-rs-5000-cr-via-qip-3u1vxl1M In this episode, find out about Wochkhardt's shareholders rejecting proposal to raise Rs 1600 CR from promoter entity, also find out why Care Ratings downgraded Poonawalla Housing finance. Business Term of the Day: Price Band Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:52:55 -0000 Union bank to raise upto Rs 5000 cr via QIP full 447 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Wochkhardt's shareholders rejecting proposal to raise Rs 1600 CR from promoter entity, also find out why Care Ratings downgraded Poonawalla Housing finance. Business Term of the Day: Price Band In this episode, find out about Wochkhardt's shareholders rejecting proposal to raise Rs 1600 CR from promoter entity, also find out why Care Ratings downgraded Poonawalla Housing finance. Business Term of the Day: Price Band Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 396 no Bank of Baroda recalls auction notice on Sunny Deol's Juhu Bungalow https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bank-of-baroda-recalls-auction-notice-on-sunny-deols-juhu-bungalow-J_Yl9q00 In this episode, find out about IDBI bank divestment being pushed to next fiscal year, also find out about Jio Financial Services' listing. Business Term of the Day: Pre-call auction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:00:01 -0000 Bank of Baroda recalls auction notice on Sunny Deol's Juhu Bungalow full 446 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IDBI bank divestment being pushed to next fiscal year, also find out about Jio Financial Services' listing. Business Term of the Day: Pre-call auction In this episode, find out about IDBI bank divestment being pushed to next fiscal year, also find out about Jio Financial Services' listing. Business Term of the Day: Pre-call auction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 522 no Adani family sells $1.1 bn power arm stake to GQG https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-family-sells-11-bn-power-arm-stake-to-gqg-zhqr-ms-XKbDc1T2 In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start-up Snax Games Business Term of the Day: Intra-day trading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Aug 2023 03:36:44 -0000 Adani family sells $1.1 bn power arm stake to GQG full 445 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start-up Snax Games Business Term of the Day: Intra-day trading In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start-up Snax Games Business Term of the Day: Intra-day trading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 381 no Adani family sells $1.1 bn power arm stake to GQG https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-family-sells-11-bn-power-arm-stake-to-gqg-_akW1EaF In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start up Snax Games. Business Term of the Day: Private credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:03:37 -0000 Adani family sells $1.1 bn power arm stake to GQG full 444 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start up Snax Games. Business Term of the Day: Private credit In this episode, find out about GQG Partners buying JSW Energy shares, also find out about Nazara Tech's investment in Israeli gaming start up Snax Games. Business Term of the Day: Private credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 403 no Gangwal Family to sell 4% stake in Indigo https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/gangwal-family-to-sell-4-stake-in-indigo-p1wn66Mk In this episode, find out why markets opened lower, also find out about Mahindra Rise' new platform Oja Business Term of the Day: Broadband Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:05:07 -0000 Gangwal Family to sell 4% stake in Indigo full 443 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why markets opened lower, also find out about Mahindra Rise' new platform Oja Business Term of the Day: Broadband In this episode, find out why markets opened lower, also find out about Mahindra Rise' new platform Oja Business Term of the Day: Broadband Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 452 no HDFC Bank chief flags funding risk in first post merger AGM https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-chief-flags-funding-risk-in-first-post-merger-agm-g3zu0rfb In this episode, find out about Adani Ports' new auditor, also find out about TVS Supply chain Solution IPO closing. Business Term of the Day: Value of New Business (VNB) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:42:16 -0000 HDFC Bank chief flags funding risk in first post merger AGM full 442 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani Ports' new auditor, also find out about TVS Supply chain Solution IPO closing. Business Term of the Day: Value of New Business (VNB) In this episode, find out about Adani Ports' new auditor, also find out about TVS Supply chain Solution IPO closing. Business Term of the Day: Value of New Business (VNB) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 261 no RBI to announce bi-monthly monetary policy today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-to-announce-bi-monthly-monetary-policy-today-zky__hTK In this episode, find out about Suzlon's QIP plans, also find out about Air India's rebranding exercise. Business Term of the Day: Credit Rating Agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:48:52 -0000 RBI to announce bi-monthly monetary policy today full 441 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Suzlon's QIP plans, also find out about Air India's rebranding exercise. Business Term of the Day: Credit Rating Agency In this episode, find out about Suzlon's QIP plans, also find out about Air India's rebranding exercise. Business Term of the Day: Credit Rating Agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 337 no Ananya Birla founded Svatantra Microfin to acquire Sachin Bansal's Chaitanya India Fin for Rs 1479 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ananya-birla-founded-svatantra-microfin-to-acquire-sachin-bansals-chaitanya-india-fin-for-rs-1479-cr-kLC9yr3L In this episode, find out about Adani's plans to divest stake in Adani Wilmer, also about Zee Learn's decision to sign a settlement pact with JC Flowers ARC. Business Term of the Day: Bonus shares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:38:13 -0000 Ananya Birla founded Svatantra Microfin to acquire Sachin Bansal's Chaitanya India Fin for Rs 1479 cr full 440 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani's plans to divest stake in Adani Wilmer, also about Zee Learn's decision to sign a settlement pact with JC Flowers ARC. Business Term of the Day: Bonus shares In this episode, find out about Adani's plans to divest stake in Adani Wilmer, also about Zee Learn's decision to sign a settlement pact with JC Flowers ARC. Business Term of the Day: Bonus shares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 327 no Ant transfers 10.3% in Paytm to Sharma https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ant-transfers-103-in-paytm-to-sharma-iMssMM5T In this episode, find out about Paytm's new auditors, also about promoter' stake sale in Inox Wind Business Term of the Day: Churn rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:09:08 -0000 Ant transfers 10.3% in Paytm to Sharma full 439 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Paytm's new auditors, also about promoter' stake sale in Inox Wind Business Term of the Day: Churn rate In this episode, find out about Paytm's new auditors, also about promoter' stake sale in Inox Wind Business Term of the Day: Churn rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 336 no RIL seeks shareholders' nod to reappoint Mukesh Ambani as MD for 5 years https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-seeks-shareholders-nod-to-reappoint-mukesh-ambani-as-md-for-5-years-qzm_Ojw5 In this episode, find out about RBI's approval to ICICI bank to increase stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd, also about the big news announcements that market is watching this week. Business Term of the Day: Burn rate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Aug 2023 04:04:30 -0000 RIL seeks shareholders' nod to reappoint Mukesh Ambani as MD for 5 years full 438 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RBI's approval to ICICI bank to increase stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd, also about the big news announcements that market is watching this week. Business Term of the Day: Burn rate. In this episode, find out about RBI's approval to ICICI bank to increase stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd, also about the big news announcements that market is watching this week. Business Term of the Day: Burn rate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 301 no Adani Group plans $4-5 bn cement bet after Sanghi acquisition https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-plans-4-5-bn-cement-bet-after-sanghi-acquisition-4RyC_l2D In this episode, find out about Blackstone looking to submit non-binding bid for 33% promoter stake in Cipla, also about Zomato turning profitable. Business Term of the Day: Currency in circulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:09:31 -0000 Adani Group plans $4-5 bn cement bet after Sanghi acquisition full 437 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Blackstone looking to submit non-binding bid for 33% promoter stake in Cipla, also about Zomato turning profitable. Business Term of the Day: Currency in circulation In this episode, find out about Blackstone looking to submit non-binding bid for 33% promoter stake in Cipla, also about Zomato turning profitable. Business Term of the Day: Currency in circulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 326 no Twin Star to sell $500 m Vedanta shares for debt repayment https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/twin-star-to-sell-500-m-vedanta-shares-for-debt-repayment-x8liDUqr In this episode, find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance, also about Rites eying international contracts. Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Aug 2023 03:50:02 -0000 Twin Star to sell $500 m Vedanta shares for debt repayment full 436 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance, also about Rites eying international contracts. Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bills In this episode, find out about Bain Capital selling stake in L&T Finance, also about Rites eying international contracts. Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 396 no RBI fines 4 PSUs for late reporting https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-fines-4-psus-for-late-reporting-1GXuMTdn In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki's Q1 sales figure, also about ED raid on Hero Motocorp chairperson Pawan Munjal. Business Term of the Day: Remittance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:23:16 -0000 RBI fines 4 PSUs for late reporting full 435 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki's Q1 sales figure, also about ED raid on Hero Motocorp chairperson Pawan Munjal. Business Term of the Day: Remittance In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki's Q1 sales figure, also about ED raid on Hero Motocorp chairperson Pawan Munjal. Business Term of the Day: Remittance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 286 no Bharti Airtel prepays Rs 8024 cr to clear liabilities for spectrum https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bharti-airtel-prepays-rs-8024-cr-to-clear-liabilities-for-spectrum-idRN6wnu In this episode, find out about SBI's fund raising via infrastructure bonds, also about promoter Padmaja Reddy selling stake in Spandana Sphoorty. Business Term of the Day: Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Aug 2023 03:40:05 -0000 Bharti Airtel prepays Rs 8024 cr to clear liabilities for spectrum full 434 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI's fund raising via infrastructure bonds, also about promoter Padmaja Reddy selling stake in Spandana Sphoorty. Business Term of the Day: Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) In this episode, find out about SBI's fund raising via infrastructure bonds, also about promoter Padmaja Reddy selling stake in Spandana Sphoorty. Business Term of the Day: Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 311 no Vedanta to invest $5 billion in fab project https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/vedanta-to-invest-5-billion-in-fab-project-y3VRivN_ In this episode, find out why TCS announces change in senior management, also about Power Grid fund raising plan of upto Rs 5700 Cr via private placement of bonds. Business Term of the Day: Angel investor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:17:32 -0000 Vedanta to invest $5 billion in fab project full 433 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why TCS announces change in senior management, also about Power Grid fund raising plan of upto Rs 5700 Cr via private placement of bonds. Business Term of the Day: Angel investor In this episode, find out why TCS announces change in senior management, also about Power Grid fund raising plan of upto Rs 5700 Cr via private placement of bonds. Business Term of the Day: Angel investor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 269 no Cipla promoters in talks to sell stake in co. https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cipla-promoters-in-talks-to-sell-stake-in-co-aGWdqBXv In this episode, find out why ITC Ltd chose to retain 40% in de-merged ITC hotels, also about US court denying Go First emergency arbitration. Business Term of the Day: Arbitration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:06:19 -0000 Cipla promoters in talks to sell stake in co. full 432 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why ITC Ltd chose to retain 40% in de-merged ITC hotels, also about US court denying Go First emergency arbitration. Business Term of the Day: Arbitration In this episode, find out why ITC Ltd chose to retain 40% in de-merged ITC hotels, also about US court denying Go First emergency arbitration. Business Term of the Day: Arbitration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 277 no Jio Financial joins BlackRock to launch asset management firm https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jio-financial-joins-blackrock-to-launch-asset-management-firm-DPBRLAgV In this episode, find out why Tata Motors is looking to convert its DVR shares into ordinary shares, also about Marico's deal with Satiya Nutraceuticals. Business Term of the Day: Differential Voting Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:28:17 -0000 Jio Financial joins BlackRock to launch asset management firm full 431 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Tata Motors is looking to convert its DVR shares into ordinary shares, also about Marico's deal with Satiya Nutraceuticals. Business Term of the Day: Differential Voting Rights In this episode, find out why Tata Motors is looking to convert its DVR shares into ordinary shares, also about Marico's deal with Satiya Nutraceuticals. Business Term of the Day: Differential Voting Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 303 no L&T announces first Rs 10,000 Cr buyback https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lt-announces-first-rs-10-000-cr-buyback-SU1EJ2PL In this episode, find out why institutional investors voted against ACC, Ambuja resolutions, also about the fraud at Can Fin Homes. Business Term of the Day: Green finance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:46:27 -0000 L&T announces first Rs 10,000 Cr buyback full 430 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why institutional investors voted against ACC, Ambuja resolutions, also about the fraud at Can Fin Homes. Business Term of the Day: Green finance In this episode, find out why institutional investors voted against ACC, Ambuja resolutions, also about the fraud at Can Fin Homes. Business Term of the Day: Green finance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 289 no RIL teams up with Brookfield, Digital for data centres. https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-teams-up-with-brookfield-digital-for-data-centres-E3_BX6Fn Description – In this episode, find out about ITC's de-merger plans also about Samvardhana Motherson's new global acquisition. Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:01:07 -0000 RIL teams up with Brookfield, Digital for data centres. full 429 Mint - HT Smartcast Description – In this episode, find out about ITC's de-merger plans also about Samvardhana Motherson's new global acquisition. Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT Description – In this episode, find out about ITC's de-merger plans also about Samvardhana Motherson's new global acquisition. Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 364 no Bain Capital to buy 90% of Adani Capital https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bain-capital-to-buy-90-of-adani-capital-v54WflxT In this episode, find out why Reliance Industries reported decline in Q1 profit, also about HDFC Bank's growth target for this fiscal year. Business Term of the Day: Non-banking finance company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:00:11 -0000 Bain Capital to buy 90% of Adani Capital full 428 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Reliance Industries reported decline in Q1 profit, also about HDFC Bank's growth target for this fiscal year. Business Term of the Day: Non-banking finance company In this episode, find out why Reliance Industries reported decline in Q1 profit, also about HDFC Bank's growth target for this fiscal year. Business Term of the Day: Non-banking finance company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 282 no Chandra moves to raise Dish TV stake https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/chandra-moves-to-raise-dish-tv-stake-2qdJTZbX In this episode, find out why Arbitrator has rejected Max healthcare's claim on Care Hospital, also about L&T's first share buyback plan. Business Term of the Day: Share buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Jul 2023 03:51:25 -0000 Chandra moves to raise Dish TV stake full 427 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Arbitrator has rejected Max healthcare's claim on Care Hospital, also about L&T's first share buyback plan. Business Term of the Day: Share buyback In this episode, find out why Arbitrator has rejected Max healthcare's claim on Care Hospital, also about L&T's first share buyback plan. Business Term of the Day: Share buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 302 no Infosys bags a $2bn AI deal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/infosys-bags-a-2bn-ai-deal-ciMyw8oh In this episode, find out about BL Kashyap's contract from DLF, also about Piramal Pharma's capital raising plan. Business Term of the Day: Trust company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Jul 2023 03:19:56 -0000 Infosys bags a $2bn AI deal full 426 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about BL Kashyap's contract from DLF, also about Piramal Pharma's capital raising plan. Business Term of the Day: Trust company In this episode, find out about BL Kashyap's contract from DLF, also about Piramal Pharma's capital raising plan. Business Term of the Day: Trust company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 286 no HDFC Bank reports 30% rise in PAT https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-reports-30-rise-in-pat-nGe6Sed6 In this episode, find out about NSE's pre-open session for Reliance, also about Sheela Foam's acquisitions. Business Term of the Day: Pre-open market session Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:59:44 -0000 HDFC Bank reports 30% rise in PAT full 425 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NSE's pre-open session for Reliance, also about Sheela Foam's acquisitions. Business Term of the Day: Pre-open market session In this episode, find out about NSE's pre-open session for Reliance, also about Sheela Foam's acquisitions. Business Term of the Day: Pre-open market session Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 406 no HDFC Bank to announce its Q1 results today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-to-announce-its-q1-results-today-WsRSdDwT In this episode, find out about Suzlon's new order from Everrenew Energy, also why Indian markets are expected to open flat in today's trade. Business Term of the Day: Long position Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:33:43 -0000 HDFC Bank to announce its Q1 results today full 424 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Suzlon's new order from Everrenew Energy, also why Indian markets are expected to open flat in today's trade. Business Term of the Day: Long position In this episode, find out about Suzlon's new order from Everrenew Energy, also why Indian markets are expected to open flat in today's trade. Business Term of the Day: Long position Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 320 no Wipro's revenue declines 2.8% in constant currency https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/wipros-revenue-declines-28-in-constant-currency-CpmLW2J5 In this episode, find out about HCL Tech's acquisition of a German firm, also why Delta Corp shares plunged 27% in trade. Business Term of the Day: Bootstrapping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Jul 2023 03:33:21 -0000 Wipro's revenue declines 2.8% in constant currency full 423 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HCL Tech's acquisition of a German firm, also why Delta Corp shares plunged 27% in trade. Business Term of the Day: Bootstrapping In this episode, find out about HCL Tech's acquisition of a German firm, also why Delta Corp shares plunged 27% in trade. Business Term of the Day: Bootstrapping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 369 no TCS report 16.8% increase in PAT https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-report-168-increase-in-pat-rju0V_Sy In this episode, find out about Patanjali's offer for sale, also about what to expect from Wipro's Q1 results. Business Term of the Day: Structured finance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jul 2023 03:20:02 -0000 TCS report 16.8% increase in PAT full 422 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Patanjali's offer for sale, also about what to expect from Wipro's Q1 results. Business Term of the Day: Structured finance In this episode, find out about Patanjali's offer for sale, also about what to expect from Wipro's Q1 results. Business Term of the Day: Structured finance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 246 no MCA begins inspection into Byju's financials https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mca-begins-inspection-into-byjus-financials-baSkIWrb In this episode, find out about 28% GST on online gaming, casinos, also about Happiest Minds Technologies' Rs 400 crore QIP Business Term of the Day: Pledging of shares. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Jul 2023 03:57:50 -0000 MCA begins inspection into Byju's financials full 421 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about 28% GST on online gaming, casinos, also about Happiest Minds Technologies' Rs 400 crore QIP Business Term of the Day: Pledging of shares. In this episode, find out about 28% GST on online gaming, casinos, also about Happiest Minds Technologies' Rs 400 crore QIP Business Term of the Day: Pledging of shares. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 377 no Foxconn withdraws from $19.5 bn Vedanta chip plant in India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/foxconn-withdraws-from-195-bn-vedanta-chip-plant-in-india-vMIlg2rt In this episode, find out about NCLT's order on Zee Ent, also about L&T's joint venture partnership for submarine worth Rs 43,500 crore Business Term of the Day: Production Linked Scheme (PLI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:06:01 -0000 Foxconn withdraws from $19.5 bn Vedanta chip plant in India full 420 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NCLT's order on Zee Ent, also about L&T's joint venture partnership for submarine worth Rs 43,500 crore Business Term of the Day: Production Linked Scheme (PLI) In this episode, find out about NCLT's order on Zee Ent, also about L&T's joint venture partnership for submarine worth Rs 43,500 crore Business Term of the Day: Production Linked Scheme (PLI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 375 no Cyient DLM to list today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cyient-dlm-to-list-today-YkIUpFru In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto seeking RBI nod for new NBFC, also about IOC's Rs 22,000 crore fund raise. Business Term of the Day: Refinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Jul 2023 03:37:45 -0000 Cyient DLM to list today full 419 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto seeking RBI nod for new NBFC, also about IOC's Rs 22,000 crore fund raise. Business Term of the Day: Refinance In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto seeking RBI nod for new NBFC, also about IOC's Rs 22,000 crore fund raise. Business Term of the Day: Refinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 402 no Mumbai NCLT approves demerger of financial services unit of Reliance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mumbai-nclt-spproves-demerger-of-financial-services-unit-of-reliance-NuKs0z_u In this episode, find out about IdeaForge Technology's stellar listing on the bourses, also about TCS training its employees on generative AI. Business Term of the Day: Currency internationalisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:38:02 -0000 Mumbai NCLT approves demerger of financial services unit of Reliance full 418 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IdeaForge Technology's stellar listing on the bourses, also about TCS training its employees on generative AI. Business Term of the Day: Currency internationalisation In this episode, find out about IdeaForge Technology's stellar listing on the bourses, also about TCS training its employees on generative AI. Business Term of the Day: Currency internationalisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 348 no JSW Steel to repalce HDFC in S&P BSE Sensex https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jsw-steel-to-repalce-hdfc-in-sp-bse-sensex-lC6bEDB_ In this episode, find out about LIC offloading 2% stake in India Cement, also about Tata AMC on increasing stake to 7% in DCB Bank. Business Term of the Day: Aircraft lease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:03:49 -0000 JSW Steel to repalce HDFC in S&P BSE Sensex full 417 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about LIC offloading 2% stake in India Cement, also about Tata AMC on increasing stake to 7% in DCB Bank. Business Term of the Day: Aircraft lease In this episode, find out about LIC offloading 2% stake in India Cement, also about Tata AMC on increasing stake to 7% in DCB Bank. Business Term of the Day: Aircraft lease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 392 no Byju's expose gap in NFRA mandate https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/byjus-expose-gap-in-nfra-mandate-EJWve7WL In this episode, find out about CreditAccess selling 5.8% stake in CreditAccess Grameen, PowerGrid's idea to aggregate investment of Rs 388.94 crore, Natarajan Chandrasekaran's deep concern over the TCS controversy, MCX services deal with software vendor 63 Moons Technologies and also about BPCL's plan to raise Rs 18,000 crore via rights issue. Business Term of the Day: Account Aggregator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:26:29 -0000 Byju's expose gap in NFRA mandate full 416 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about CreditAccess selling 5.8% stake in CreditAccess Grameen, PowerGrid's idea to aggregate investment of Rs 388.94 crore, Natarajan Chandrasekaran's deep concern over the TCS controversy, MCX services deal with software vendor 63 Moons Technologies and also about BPCL's plan to raise Rs 18,000 crore via rights issue. Business Term of the Day: Account Aggregator In this episode, find out about CreditAccess selling 5.8% stake in CreditAccess Grameen, PowerGrid's idea to aggregate investment of Rs 388.94 crore, Natarajan Chandrasekaran's deep concern over the TCS controversy, MCX services deal with software vendor 63 Moons Technologies and also about BPCL's plan to raise Rs 18,000 crore via rights issue. Business Term of the Day: Account Aggregator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 302 no HDFC-HDFC bank merger to be effective from July 1 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-hdfc-bank-merger-to-be-effective-from-july-1-mYWpodS7 In this episode, find out about Vedanta Foxconn's plans to resubmit application to set up an electronic chip manufacturing plant, also about SBI's picking up SBI Capital's 20% stake in SBI Pension Fund Business Term of the Day: Refinance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:24:28 -0000 HDFC-HDFC bank merger to be effective from July 1 full 415 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Vedanta Foxconn's plans to resubmit application to set up an electronic chip manufacturing plant, also about SBI's picking up SBI Capital's 20% stake in SBI Pension Fund Business Term of the Day: Refinance. In this episode, find out about Vedanta Foxconn's plans to resubmit application to set up an electronic chip manufacturing plant, also about SBI's picking up SBI Capital's 20% stake in SBI Pension Fund Business Term of the Day: Refinance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 384 no TCS names new head of hiring amid probe https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-names-new-head-of-hiring-amid-probe-DVe3q_R0 In this episode, find out about Federal Bank appointing AP Hota as the part-time chairman, also about SAT's hearing on the Zee-Sebi case Business Term of the Day: Expense of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:51:43 -0000 TCS names new head of hiring amid probe full 414 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Federal Bank appointing AP Hota as the part-time chairman, also about SAT's hearing on the Zee-Sebi case Business Term of the Day: Expense of Management. In this episode, find out about Federal Bank appointing AP Hota as the part-time chairman, also about SAT's hearing on the Zee-Sebi case Business Term of the Day: Expense of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 394 no RIL tests water in consumer finance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-tests-water-in-consumer-finance-z8uGuG6C In this episode, find out about Hinduja Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,000 crore in Indusind Bank, also about Asian Paints’ acquisition of stake in White Teak Business Term of the Day: Financial influencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:11:15 -0000 RIL tests water in consumer finance full 413 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Hinduja Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,000 crore in Indusind Bank, also about Asian Paints’ acquisition of stake in White Teak Business Term of the Day: Financial influencer In this episode, find out about Hinduja Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,000 crore in Indusind Bank, also about Asian Paints’ acquisition of stake in White Teak Business Term of the Day: Financial influencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 411 no Blow to Byju’s as auditor Deloitte, 3 directors resign https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/blow-to-byjus-as-auditor-deloitte-3-directors-resign-HcsPforo In this episode, find out about SEBI's ban on Eros International & its promoters, also about RBI asking the PTC India Financial Services’ CEO to step down Business Term of the Day: EdTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Blow to Byju’s as auditor Deloitte, 3 directors resign full 412 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI's ban on Eros International & its promoters, also about RBI asking the PTC India Financial Services’ CEO to step down Business Term of the Day: EdTech In this episode, find out about SEBI's ban on Eros International & its promoters, also about RBI asking the PTC India Financial Services’ CEO to step down Business Term of the Day: EdTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 312 no Zee settles case with SEBI https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/zee-settles-case-with-sebi-bUXD8T7E In this episode, find out about Carlyle offloading a 2.5% stake in Delhivery via a block deal, and also about TCS’s $1.1 bn deal from UK’ Nest. Business Term of the Day: Insurance Broker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:28:01 -0000 Zee settles case with SEBI full 411 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Carlyle offloading a 2.5% stake in Delhivery via a block deal, and also about TCS’s $1.1 bn deal from UK’ Nest. Business Term of the Day: Insurance Broker In this episode, find out about Carlyle offloading a 2.5% stake in Delhivery via a block deal, and also about TCS’s $1.1 bn deal from UK’ Nest. Business Term of the Day: Insurance Broker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no IndiGo orders 500 jets in historic deal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indigo-orders-500-jets-in-historic-deal-G4IP8Oxz In this episode, find out about Baring PE, ChrysCapital’s acquisition of HDFC Credila for ₹9,060 crore,, also about SEBI’s ban on IIFL Securities Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:12:29 -0000 IndiGo orders 500 jets in historic deal full 410 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Baring PE, ChrysCapital’s acquisition of HDFC Credila for ₹9,060 crore,, also about SEBI’s ban on IIFL Securities Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee In this episode, find out about Baring PE, ChrysCapital’s acquisition of HDFC Credila for ₹9,060 crore,, also about SEBI’s ban on IIFL Securities Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 473 no Go Air may face forensic scrutiny https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/go-air-may-face-forensic-scrutiny-PAIWUygq In this episode, find out about Asia’s largest train wheel manufacturing plant in India, also about Adani Enterprises’ foray into train ticketing Business Term of the Day: Burn Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:50:21 -0000 Go Air may face forensic scrutiny full 409 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Asia’s largest train wheel manufacturing plant in India, also about Adani Enterprises’ foray into train ticketing Business Term of the Day: Burn Rate In this episode, find out about Asia’s largest train wheel manufacturing plant in India, also about Adani Enterprises’ foray into train ticketing Business Term of the Day: Burn Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 439 no Chandra, Goenka to contest SEBI order https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/chandra-goenka-to-contest-sebi-order-FubrbF5c In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s new multi-purpose vehicle, also about TRAI’s new directive to telecoms to deploy AI/ML to detect spam calls Business Term of the Day: Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:41:10 -0000 Chandra, Goenka to contest SEBI order full 408 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s new multi-purpose vehicle, also about TRAI’s new directive to telecoms to deploy AI/ML to detect spam calls Business Term of the Day: Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s new multi-purpose vehicle, also about TRAI’s new directive to telecoms to deploy AI/ML to detect spam calls Business Term of the Day: Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 392 no Retail inflation dips to 25-month low of 4.25% in May https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/retail-inflation-dips-to-25-month-low-of-425-in-may-tg7TSlS0 We dive into the significant developments shaping the Indian economy. We discuss the recent drop in retail inflation, which hit a 25-month low in May. With easing food prices as the main driver, this development offers relief to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and raises the possibility of the central bank maintaining interest rates in the upcoming meeting. Business Term of the Day: Warrants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:42:32 -0000 Retail inflation dips to 25-month low of 4.25% in May full 407 Mint - HT Smartcast We dive into the significant developments shaping the Indian economy. We discuss the recent drop in retail inflation, which hit a 25-month low in May. With easing food prices as the main driver, this development offers relief to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and raises the possibility of the central bank maintaining interest rates in the upcoming meeting. Business Term of the Day: Warrants We dive into the significant developments shaping the Indian economy. We discuss the recent drop in retail inflation, which hit a 25-month low in May. With easing food prices as the main driver, this development offers relief to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and raises the possibility of the central bank maintaining interest rates in the upcoming meeting. Business Term of the Day: Warrants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 431 no SBI proposes to raise upto Rs 50,000 cr this fiscal via bonds https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-proposes-to-raise-upto-rs-50-000-cr-this-fiscal-via-bonds-0DiHlnde In this episode, find out about fundraising of TV Motors’ finance arm from Premji Invest, also about Sequoia Capital’s stake sale in Go Fashion Business Term of the Day: Takeout financing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:10:56 -0000 SBI proposes to raise upto Rs 50,000 cr this fiscal via bonds full 406 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about fundraising of TV Motors’ finance arm from Premji Invest, also about Sequoia Capital’s stake sale in Go Fashion Business Term of the Day: Takeout financing In this episode, find out about fundraising of TV Motors’ finance arm from Premji Invest, also about Sequoia Capital’s stake sale in Go Fashion Business Term of the Day: Takeout financing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 446 no Canada’ CPPI to sell 1.66% stake in Kotak Mah Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/canada-cppi-to-sell-166-stake-in-kotak-mah-bank-IdZXi_QX In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s new home loan business head, also why Delhivery moved NCLT against Go First. Business Term of the Day: Call money rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Jun 2023 06:29:35 -0000 Canada’ CPPI to sell 1.66% stake in Kotak Mah Bank full 405 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s new home loan business head, also why Delhivery moved NCLT against Go First. Business Term of the Day: Call money rate In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s new home loan business head, also why Delhivery moved NCLT against Go First. Business Term of the Day: Call money rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 444 no BSNL to get Rs 89 k cr, this time for 4G/5G https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bsnl-to-get-rs-89-k-cr-this-time-for-4g-5g-AnkJHqYr In this episode, find out about LIC raising stake in Tech Mahindra to 8.88%, also about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to expand its electric range Business Term of the Day: Tender offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:50:49 -0000 BSNL to get Rs 89 k cr, this time for 4G/5G full 404 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about LIC raising stake in Tech Mahindra to 8.88%, also about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to expand its electric range Business Term of the Day: Tender offer In this episode, find out about LIC raising stake in Tech Mahindra to 8.88%, also about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to expand its electric range Business Term of the Day: Tender offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 493 no Adani revives investment plan for Mundra Petrochem https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-revives-investment-plan-for-mundra-petrochem-bmiWlWmr In this episode, find out about the legal notice issued by Reliance Home Finance debenture holders against Bank of Baroda, also Byju’s default on its loan Business Term of the Day: Term loan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:45:00 -0000 Adani revives investment plan for Mundra Petrochem full 403 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the legal notice issued by Reliance Home Finance debenture holders against Bank of Baroda, also Byju’s default on its loan Business Term of the Day: Term loan In this episode, find out about the legal notice issued by Reliance Home Finance debenture holders against Bank of Baroda, also Byju’s default on its loan Business Term of the Day: Term loan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 460 no Adani group plans to repay loans worth $2.65 bn https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-plans-to-repay-loans-worth-265-bn-a562AnIk In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s plan to auction a part stake in NSE, also find about shareholders' rejection of Baba Kalyani’s reappointment for CEO Business Term of the Day: Board resolution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:12:00 -0000 Adani group plans to repay loans worth $2.65 bn full 402 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s plan to auction a part stake in NSE, also find about shareholders' rejection of Baba Kalyani’s reappointment for CEO Business Term of the Day: Board resolution In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s plan to auction a part stake in NSE, also find about shareholders' rejection of Baba Kalyani’s reappointment for CEO Business Term of the Day: Board resolution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 443 no Wipro to buyback Rs 12,000 crore of shares on June 16 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/wipro-to-buyback-rs-12-000-crore-of-shares-on-june-16-PT2LPidU In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finserv’s Rs 5000 cr investment in Pune, also find out why Her0 Motocorp has increased price of its EV Business Term of the Day: Corporate Governance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:35:00 -0000 Wipro to buyback Rs 12,000 crore of shares on June 16 full 401 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finserv’s Rs 5000 cr investment in Pune, also find out why Her0 Motocorp has increased price of its EV Business Term of the Day: Corporate Governance In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finserv’s Rs 5000 cr investment in Pune, also find out why Her0 Motocorp has increased price of its EV Business Term of the Day: Corporate Governance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 524 no Coal India’s OFS subscribed 3.46 times https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/coal-indias-ofs-subscribed-346-times-lsWCDXo6 In this episode, find out about Aditay Birla Capital’s plans to raise Rs 1250 crore through preferential issue of shares, also find out Dish TV board’s decision to reject minority shareholders’ plea to reconstitute the board Business Term of the Day: Annuity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 Jun 2023 06:42:02 -0000 Coal India’s OFS subscribed 3.46 times full 400 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Aditay Birla Capital’s plans to raise Rs 1250 crore through preferential issue of shares, also find out Dish TV board’s decision to reject minority shareholders’ plea to reconstitute the board Business Term of the Day: Annuity In this episode, find out about Aditay Birla Capital’s plans to raise Rs 1250 crore through preferential issue of shares, also find out Dish TV board’s decision to reject minority shareholders’ plea to reconstitute the board Business Term of the Day: Annuity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 419 no Government proposes to sell 3% stake in Coal India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-proposes-to-sell-3-stake-in-coal-india-4JkKLKGM In this episode, find out about the new CEO of TCS taking charge, also find out Adani group’s plans to raise $3.5 bn through share sale to institutional investors Business Term of the Day: Covenant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:44:08 -0000 Government proposes to sell 3% stake in Coal India full 399 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the new CEO of TCS taking charge, also find out Adani group’s plans to raise $3.5 bn through share sale to institutional investors Business Term of the Day: Covenant In this episode, find out about the new CEO of TCS taking charge, also find out Adani group’s plans to raise $3.5 bn through share sale to institutional investors Business Term of the Day: Covenant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 381 no Reliance JioCinema signs content streaming deal with NBC Universal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-jiocinema-signs-content-streaming-deal-with-nbc-universal-EhJeN_PJ In this episode, find out about slowdown in unemployment rate in urban areas, also find out about HCL Tech suing Atos. Business Term of the Day: Vande Bharat Express Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 May 2023 06:30:21 -0000 Reliance JioCinema signs content streaming deal with NBC Universal full 398 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about slowdown in unemployment rate in urban areas, also find out about HCL Tech suing Atos. Business Term of the Day: Vande Bharat Express In this episode, find out about slowdown in unemployment rate in urban areas, also find out about HCL Tech suing Atos. Business Term of the Day: Vande Bharat Express Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 371 no Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) on Friday, announced its entry into the western snacking category https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-consumer-products-ltd-rcpl-a-wholly-owned-subsidiary-of-reliance-retail-ventures-ltd-rrvl-on-friday-announced-its-entry-into-the-western-snacking-category-pbHkp48z In this episode, find out about Reliance Consumer Products’ entry into snacking business and Maruti Suzuki India expects production loss to continue in the first quarter.. Business Term of the Day: Subsidy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 May 2023 07:52:15 -0000 Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) on Friday, announced its entry into the western snacking category full 397 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Reliance Consumer Products’ entry into snacking business and Maruti Suzuki India expects production loss to continue in the first quarter.. Business Term of the Day: Subsidy In this episode, find out about Reliance Consumer Products’ entry into snacking business and Maruti Suzuki India expects production loss to continue in the first quarter.. Business Term of the Day: Subsidy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 279 no Vi’s losses narrows to Rs 6418 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/vis-losses-narrows-to-rs-6418-cr-zaGd7nGM In this episode, find out about Oil India’s talks to acquire a stake in Tullow Oil’s Kenya block, also find out about Vikram Bakshi’s new investment Business Term of the Day: Dry powder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 26 May 2023 06:38:11 -0000 Vi’s losses narrows to Rs 6418 cr full 396 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Oil India’s talks to acquire a stake in Tullow Oil’s Kenya block, also find out about Vikram Bakshi’s new investment Business Term of the Day: Dry powder In this episode, find out about Oil India’s talks to acquire a stake in Tullow Oil’s Kenya block, also find out about Vikram Bakshi’s new investment Business Term of the Day: Dry powder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 339 no RIL softens hiring in retail, telecom https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-softens-hiring-in-retail-telecom-cYKw_KwW In this episode, find out about who are the finalists for Capital Foods, also find out why CEA Anantha Nageswaran is confident of 6.5% growth Business Term of the Day: Surety bond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 May 2023 07:03:46 -0000 RIL softens hiring in retail, telecom full 395 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about who are the finalists for Capital Foods, also find out why CEA Anantha Nageswaran is confident of 6.5% growth Business Term of the Day: Surety bond. In this episode, find out about who are the finalists for Capital Foods, also find out why CEA Anantha Nageswaran is confident of 6.5% growth Business Term of the Day: Surety bond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 300 no Coal India concludes wage revision pact with non-executive workers https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/coal-india-concludes-wage-revision-pact-with-non-executive-workers-oJtCzTRF In this episode, find out about Private equity players eye Glenmark Life Sciences, also find out HUL-Genpact deal to help scale small businesses Business Term of the Day: Debt ceiling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 May 2023 07:20:42 -0000 Coal India concludes wage revision pact with non-executive workers full 394 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Private equity players eye Glenmark Life Sciences, also find out HUL-Genpact deal to help scale small businesses Business Term of the Day: Debt ceiling In this episode, find out about Private equity players eye Glenmark Life Sciences, also find out HUL-Genpact deal to help scale small businesses Business Term of the Day: Debt ceiling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 381 no SBI says no slip or ID proof to exchange notes https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-says-no-slip-or-id-proof-to-exchange-notes-h0IxT8xi In this episode, find out about NCLT’s rejection of IDBI bank’s insolvency plea against Zee, also find out DOT’s worry over Vi’s fund delay Business Term of the Day: Demonetisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 May 2023 07:16:05 -0000 SBI says no slip or ID proof to exchange notes full 393 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NCLT’s rejection of IDBI bank’s insolvency plea against Zee, also find out DOT’s worry over Vi’s fund delay Business Term of the Day: Demonetisation In this episode, find out about NCLT’s rejection of IDBI bank’s insolvency plea against Zee, also find out DOT’s worry over Vi’s fund delay Business Term of the Day: Demonetisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 338 no SBI Q4 FY23 Profit Soars 83% to Rs 16,695 Cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-q4-fy23-profit-soars-83-to-rs-16-695-cr-mZ9BXxKw State Bank of India (SBI) reports record standalone profit in Q4 FY23, driven by strong net interest income (NII) and lower provisions, surpassing the previous best. Business Term of the Day - Tax collected at source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 May 2023 07:48:44 -0000 SBI Q4 FY23 Profit Soars 83% to Rs 16,695 Cr full 392 Mint - HT Smartcast State Bank of India (SBI) reports record standalone profit in Q4 FY23, driven by strong net interest income (NII) and lower provisions, surpassing the previous best. Business Term of the Day - Tax collected at source. State Bank of India (SBI) reports record standalone profit in Q4 FY23, driven by strong net interest income (NII) and lower provisions, surpassing the previous best. Business Term of the Day - Tax collected at source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 341 no RBI allows SBI Funds management to buy 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-allows-sbi-funds-management-to-buy-999-stake-in-hdfc-bank-Mgpn0WcL In this episode, find out about Goldman Sachs slashing Adani Group stake in ESG funds, also find out Manyavar promoters’ OFS launch Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 May 2023 07:12:25 -0000 RBI allows SBI Funds management to buy 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank full 391 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Goldman Sachs slashing Adani Group stake in ESG funds, also find out Manyavar promoters’ OFS launch Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme In this episode, find out about Goldman Sachs slashing Adani Group stake in ESG funds, also find out Manyavar promoters’ OFS launch Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 416 no Vodafone group values Vodafone Idea investment at zero https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/vodafone-group-values-vodafone-idea-investment-at-zero-KOmjUOOb In this episode, find out about BPCL’s new ethylene project at Bina refinery, also find out why Fame 2 subsidy on EVs could be slashed Business Term of the Day: Structured credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 May 2023 06:32:31 -0000 Vodafone group values Vodafone Idea investment at zero full 390 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about BPCL’s new ethylene project at Bina refinery, also find out why Fame 2 subsidy on EVs could be slashed Business Term of the Day: Structured credit In this episode, find out about BPCL’s new ethylene project at Bina refinery, also find out why Fame 2 subsidy on EVs could be slashed Business Term of the Day: Structured credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 286 no HDFC to raise Rs 8000 cr through bonds on private placement https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-to-raise-rs-8000-cr-through-bonds-on-private-placement-3AKBkCa2 In this episode, find out why SEBI has sought a 6 month extension to complete probe no Adani Group, also find out about the new Vedanta CFO. Business Term of the Day: Alternative Investment Fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 May 2023 07:54:55 -0000 HDFC to raise Rs 8000 cr through bonds on private placement full 389 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why SEBI has sought a 6 month extension to complete probe no Adani Group, also find out about the new Vedanta CFO. Business Term of the Day: Alternative Investment Fund. In this episode, find out why SEBI has sought a 6 month extension to complete probe no Adani Group, also find out about the new Vedanta CFO. Business Term of the Day: Alternative Investment Fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 355 no Adani group companies plan fund raising of upto Rs 21,000 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-companies-plan-fund-raising-of-upto-rs-21-000-cr-pe49u5Ot In this episode, find out about Godrej promoters’ new family office, also find out why markets are up in trade today. Business Term of the Day: Family office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 May 2023 06:35:14 -0000 Adani group companies plan fund raising of upto Rs 21,000 cr full 388 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Godrej promoters’ new family office, also find out why markets are up in trade today. Business Term of the Day: Family office. In this episode, find out about Godrej promoters’ new family office, also find out why markets are up in trade today. Business Term of the Day: Family office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 314 no Axis’ original promoter SUUTI exits after 30 years https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/axis-original-promoter-suuti-exits-after-30-years-LXUhQ56D In this episode, find out how Vedanta is looking to become a net zero debt company, also find out about India’s manufacturing PMI hitting 4 months high in April Business Term of the Day: CCIL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 May 2023 07:07:42 -0000 Axis’ original promoter SUUTI exits after 30 years full 387 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out how Vedanta is looking to become a net zero debt company, also find out about India’s manufacturing PMI hitting 4 months high in April Business Term of the Day: CCIL In this episode, find out how Vedanta is looking to become a net zero debt company, also find out about India’s manufacturing PMI hitting 4 months high in April Business Term of the Day: CCIL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 356 no Reliance Consumer Products join hands with Ceylon Beverage For Campa Cola https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-consumer-products-join-hands-with-ceylon-beverage-for-campa-cola-1oJz_E92 In this episode, find out about revision in LPF cylinder prices, also find out why SEBI’s investigation into Hindenburg’s allegations is delayed. Business Term of the Day: SaaS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 May 2023 06:50:25 -0000 Reliance Consumer Products join hands with Ceylon Beverage For Campa Cola full 386 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about revision in LPF cylinder prices, also find out why SEBI’s investigation into Hindenburg’s allegations is delayed. Business Term of the Day: SaaS In this episode, find out about revision in LPF cylinder prices, also find out why SEBI’s investigation into Hindenburg’s allegations is delayed. Business Term of the Day: SaaS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 260 no Finance Ministry gives nod to upgrade Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd to Navratna status https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/finance-ministry-gives-nod-to-upgrade-rail-vikas-nigam-ltd-to-navratna-status-AJScBOHc In this episode, find out about Abbott India’s recall of thyroid drug, also find out about Hinduja’s winning bid for Reliance Capital Business Term of the Day: Capital gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:59:08 -0000 Finance Ministry gives nod to upgrade Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd to Navratna status full 385 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Abbott India’s recall of thyroid drug, also find out about Hinduja’s winning bid for Reliance Capital Business Term of the Day: Capital gains In this episode, find out about Abbott India’s recall of thyroid drug, also find out about Hinduja’s winning bid for Reliance Capital Business Term of the Day: Capital gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 318 no RBI may be examining Uday Kotak’s board term https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-may-be-examining-uday-kotaks-board-term-5kS6mdvL In this episode, find out about Serum arm’s plan to double investment in the Biocon unit, also find out about IndiGo’s plan to buy 20 wide-body planes for international operations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:53:36 -0000 RBI may be examining Uday Kotak’s board term full 384 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Serum arm’s plan to double investment in the Biocon unit, also find out about IndiGo’s plan to buy 20 wide-body planes for international operations. In this episode, find out about Serum arm’s plan to double investment in the Biocon unit, also find out about IndiGo’s plan to buy 20 wide-body planes for international operations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 299 no HDFC Bank to buy 20% stake in Griha Pte https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-to-buy-20-stake-in-griha-pte-YFLJJPB9 In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s repayment of all maturing loans and bonds due in April, also find out about Future Retail’s resolution applicants Business Term of the Day: Volatility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:26:31 -0000 HDFC Bank to buy 20% stake in Griha Pte full 383 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s repayment of all maturing loans and bonds due in April, also find out about Future Retail’s resolution applicants Business Term of the Day: Volatility In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s repayment of all maturing loans and bonds due in April, also find out about Future Retail’s resolution applicants Business Term of the Day: Volatility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 305 no Wipro to consider buyback of shares this week https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/wipro-to-consider-buyback-of-shares-this-week-AlVCHKSi In this episode, find out about Q4 earnings of RIL & ICICI bank, also find out about HDFC’s plan to move RBI on Credila’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:20:53 -0000 Wipro to consider buyback of shares this week full 382 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Q4 earnings of RIL & ICICI bank, also find out about HDFC’s plan to move RBI on Credila’s future. In this episode, find out about Q4 earnings of RIL & ICICI bank, also find out about HDFC’s plan to move RBI on Credila’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 334 no Kumar Mangalam Birls returns to Vodafone Idea board https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/kumar-mangalam-birls-returns-to-vodafone-idea-board-aKmXyEBC In this episode, find out about Anil Agarwal pledged stake in Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Cholamandalam Investment and Finance co announces maiden debt issue of Rs 5000 cr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:45:53 -0000 Kumar Mangalam Birls returns to Vodafone Idea board full 381 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Anil Agarwal pledged stake in Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Cholamandalam Investment and Finance co announces maiden debt issue of Rs 5000 cr. In this episode, find out about Anil Agarwal pledged stake in Hindustan Zinc, also find out about Cholamandalam Investment and Finance co announces maiden debt issue of Rs 5000 cr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 321 no Apple Inc may triple investments in India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/apple-inc-may-triple-investments-in-india-npobuDe4 In this episode, find out about Jaguar Land Rover's investment in EVs, and also find out about Bank of Maharashtra's capital raising plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:54:53 -0000 Apple Inc may triple investments in India full 380 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Jaguar Land Rover's investment in EVs, and also find out about Bank of Maharashtra's capital raising plans. In this episode, find out about Jaguar Land Rover's investment in EVs, and also find out about Bank of Maharashtra's capital raising plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 297 no SBI board approved raising $2 bn in debt https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-board-approved-raising-2-bn-in-debt-WOCfKEid In this episode, find out about NTPC's plan to set up 3.5 GW of capacity by 2030, also find out about World Steel Association's 2023 forecast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:36:39 -0000 SBI board approved raising $2 bn in debt full 379 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NTPC's plan to set up 3.5 GW of capacity by 2030, also find out about World Steel Association's 2023 forecast. In this episode, find out about NTPC's plan to set up 3.5 GW of capacity by 2030, also find out about World Steel Association's 2023 forecast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 229 no Avalon Tech makes muted debut at Rs 431 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/avalon-tech-makes-muted-debut-at-rs-431-N1UIUR3I In this episode, find out about Adani's decision to pre-pay $3 bn in the March quarter, and also find out about Vedanta's MoU with 20 Korean companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:41:03 -0000 Avalon Tech makes muted debut at Rs 431 full 378 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani's decision to pre-pay $3 bn in the March quarter, and also find out about Vedanta's MoU with 20 Korean companies. In this episode, find out about Adani's decision to pre-pay $3 bn in the March quarter, and also find out about Vedanta's MoU with 20 Korean companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 314 no Infosys shares hit lower circuit, fall 12% in today's trade https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/infosys-shares-hit-lower-circuit-fall-12-in-todays-trade-bGyZYS7_ In this episode, find out about Murdoch's Bodhi Tree's decision to cut investment in RIL group firm Viacom18, also find out about Invesco Developing Markets Fund's decision to exit from ZEE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Apr 2023 07:09:06 -0000 Infosys shares hit lower circuit, fall 12% in today's trade full 377 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Murdoch's Bodhi Tree's decision to cut investment in RIL group firm Viacom18, also find out about Invesco Developing Markets Fund's decision to exit from ZEE. In this episode, find out about Murdoch's Bodhi Tree's decision to cut investment in RIL group firm Viacom18, also find out about Invesco Developing Markets Fund's decision to exit from ZEE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 488 no TCS Q4 Profit below estimates https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-q4-profit-below-estimates-AK2_iwL5 In this episode, find out about RIL’s InvIT plans, also find out about RBI’s approval to reappoint Sanjay Agarwal as AU Small Finance Bank CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:07:12 -0000 TCS Q4 Profit below estimates full 376 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RIL’s InvIT plans, also find out about RBI’s approval to reappoint Sanjay Agarwal as AU Small Finance Bank CEO. In this episode, find out about RIL’s InvIT plans, also find out about RBI’s approval to reappoint Sanjay Agarwal as AU Small Finance Bank CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 376 no HDFC bank to raise Rs 50,000 cr via bonds on private placement basis https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-to-raise-rs-50-000-cr-via-bonds-on-private-placement-basis-iyi_0ZB9 In this episode, find out about ONGC’s new gas collecting station in Bokaro, also find out about Sula Vineyards’ Q4 sales figures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:22:30 -0000 HDFC bank to raise Rs 50,000 cr via bonds on private placement basis full 375 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about ONGC’s new gas collecting station in Bokaro, also find out about Sula Vineyards’ Q4 sales figures. In this episode, find out about ONGC’s new gas collecting station in Bokaro, also find out about Sula Vineyards’ Q4 sales figures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 355 no SBI to raise $2 bn in FY24 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-to-raise-2-bn-in-fy24-jFeBmkA2 In this episode, find out about Vedanta Resources’ plan to raise NCDs, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s plan to launch 7 mutua fund schemes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:06:33 -0000 SBI to raise $2 bn in FY24 full 374 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Vedanta Resources’ plan to raise NCDs, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s plan to launch 7 mutua fund schemes. In this episode, find out about Vedanta Resources’ plan to raise NCDs, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s plan to launch 7 mutua fund schemes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 324 no L&T wins order for renovation of New Delhi railway station https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lt-wins-order-for-renovation-of-new-delhi-railway-station-r_4USpY4 In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ performance in the global wholesale business, also find out about Nazara Tech subsidiary’s acquisition in Pro Football Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:10:25 -0000 L&T wins order for renovation of New Delhi railway station full 373 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ performance in the global wholesale business, also find out about Nazara Tech subsidiary’s acquisition in Pro Football Network. In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ performance in the global wholesale business, also find out about Nazara Tech subsidiary’s acquisition in Pro Football Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 334 no RBI’s monetary policy committee pauses after 6 rate hikes https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbis-monetary-policy-committee-pauses-after-6-rate-hikes-b25bD3xa In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plans to cut debt, also find out about Cyient DLM’s IPO plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:20:27 -0000 RBI’s monetary policy committee pauses after 6 rate hikes full 372 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plans to cut debt, also find out about Cyient DLM’s IPO plans. In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plans to cut debt, also find out about Cyient DLM’s IPO plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 332 no RIL raises $2 bn additional loan days after $3 bn financing https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-raises-2-bn-additional-loan-days-after-3-bn-financing-5h1qpDnF In this episode, find out why World Bank has cut India’s FY24 growth forecast, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s SUV strategy for FY24 Business Term of the Day: Credit quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:24 -0000 RIL raises $2 bn additional loan days after $3 bn financing full 371 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why World Bank has cut India’s FY24 growth forecast, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s SUV strategy for FY24 Business Term of the Day: Credit quality In this episode, find out why World Bank has cut India’s FY24 growth forecast, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s SUV strategy for FY24 Business Term of the Day: Credit quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 361 no Byju’s appoints Vedanta Group’s Ajay Goel as CFO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/byjus-appoints-vedanta-groups-ajay-goel-as-cfo-UciuVj6B In this episode, find out why lenders have postponed Reliance Capital’s auction, also find out about HDFC Bank’s strong business growth in FY23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:51:28 -0000 Byju’s appoints Vedanta Group’s Ajay Goel as CFO full 370 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why lenders have postponed Reliance Capital’s auction, also find out about HDFC Bank’s strong business growth in FY23. In this episode, find out why lenders have postponed Reliance Capital’s auction, also find out about HDFC Bank’s strong business growth in FY23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 278 no Uday Shiva Kumar Infra lists at a discount https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/uday-shiva-kumar-infra-lists-at-a-discount-E9HReyNP In this episode, find out about SEBI’s investigation into Adani Group’s links with 3 offshore entities, and also find out why Indian markets fell in early trade today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:35:22 -0000 Uday Shiva Kumar Infra lists at a discount full 369 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI’s investigation into Adani Group’s links with 3 offshore entities, and also find out why Indian markets fell in early trade today. In this episode, find out about SEBI’s investigation into Adani Group’s links with 3 offshore entities, and also find out why Indian markets fell in early trade today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 286 no RIL calls for shareholder meeting on May 2 to approve demerger of financial services biz https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-calls-for-shareholder-meeting-on-may-2-to-approve-demerger-of-financial-services-biz-tnrcpsxo In this episode, find out about Adani’s private placement of bonds, also find out about JSW’s acquisition of Mytrah Energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:26:09 -0000 RIL calls for shareholder meeting on May 2 to approve demerger of financial services biz full 368 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani’s private placement of bonds, also find out about JSW’s acquisition of Mytrah Energy. In this episode, find out about Adani’s private placement of bonds, also find out about JSW’s acquisition of Mytrah Energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 346 no Private Equity funds to be promoter of mutual funds https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/private-equity-funds-to-be-promoter-of-mutual-funds-13qSW5Tp In this episode, find out about Air India’s fund raising from SBI, Bank of Baroda, also find out about PhonePe calling off deal with Zest Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:11:40 -0000 Private Equity funds to be promoter of mutual funds full 367 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Air India’s fund raising from SBI, Bank of Baroda, also find out about PhonePe calling off deal with Zest Money In this episode, find out about Air India’s fund raising from SBI, Bank of Baroda, also find out about PhonePe calling off deal with Zest Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 273 no RIL, ReNew, 9 others secure solar PLI sops https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-renew-9-others-secure-solar-pli-sops-ZS_pyLEb In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s interim dividend for FY23, also find out about Jindal Stainless’ nickel supply pact with New Yaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:34:29 -0000 RIL, ReNew, 9 others secure solar PLI sops full 366 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s interim dividend for FY23, also find out about Jindal Stainless’ nickel supply pact with New Yaking. In this episode, find out about Vedanta’s interim dividend for FY23, also find out about Jindal Stainless’ nickel supply pact with New Yaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 337 no AMG Media Networks acquires 49% stake in Quintillion Business Media for Rs 48 crore https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/amg-media-networks-acquires-49-stake-in-quintillion-business-media-for-rs-48-crore-SUs_dR1N In this episode, find out about HDFC approving the issuance of NCDs worth Rs 57,000 cr, also find out about Aditya Birla Capital’s stake sale in Aditya Birla Insurance Brokers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:17:18 -0000 AMG Media Networks acquires 49% stake in Quintillion Business Media for Rs 48 crore full 365 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HDFC approving the issuance of NCDs worth Rs 57,000 cr, also find out about Aditya Birla Capital’s stake sale in Aditya Birla Insurance Brokers. In this episode, find out about HDFC approving the issuance of NCDs worth Rs 57,000 cr, also find out about Aditya Birla Capital’s stake sale in Aditya Birla Insurance Brokers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 301 no Reliance enters personal & home care segment https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-enters-personal-home-care-segment-lLbX7Rid In this episode, find out about the latest resignations at Nyka, also find out about Sun Pharma’s acquisition of Vivaldis Health & Food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:14:09 -0000 Reliance enters personal & home care segment full 364 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the latest resignations at Nyka, also find out about Sun Pharma’s acquisition of Vivaldis Health & Food. In this episode, find out about the latest resignations at Nyka, also find out about Sun Pharma’s acquisition of Vivaldis Health & Food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no M&M to raise up to $1-1.3 bn for EV unit https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mm-to-raise-up-to-1-13-bn-for-ev-unit-KTvE2_sn In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s 1300% dividend payout, also find out about IOC’s plan to set up petrochem plant in Odisha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:33:22 -0000 M&M to raise up to $1-1.3 bn for EV unit full 363 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s 1300% dividend payout, also find out about IOC’s plan to set up petrochem plant in Odisha In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s 1300% dividend payout, also find out about IOC’s plan to set up petrochem plant in Odisha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 368 no India may hit back at EU’s carbon tax https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/india-may-hit-back-at-eus-carbon-tax-_Qyhn5jG In this episode, find out about IOC & NTPC’s decision to run refinery on green power, also find out about GMR’s plan to merge GMR Airports Infra with itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:16:03 -0000 India may hit back at EU’s carbon tax full 362 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about IOC & NTPC’s decision to run refinery on green power, also find out about GMR’s plan to merge GMR Airports Infra with itself. In this episode, find out about IOC & NTPC’s decision to run refinery on green power, also find out about GMR’s plan to merge GMR Airports Infra with itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 448 no Shapoorji Pallonji nears major revmap https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/shapoorji-pallonji-nears-major-revmap-6ZQ3jrjF In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plan to acquire MX Player, also find out about Reliance’ plan to relaunch auction for natural gas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:33:40 -0000 Shapoorji Pallonji nears major revmap full 361 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plan to acquire MX Player, also find out about Reliance’ plan to relaunch auction for natural gas. In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plan to acquire MX Player, also find out about Reliance’ plan to relaunch auction for natural gas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 373 no TCS CEO Rajesh Gopinathan resigns, K Krithivasan appointed as CEO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-ceo-rajesh-gopinathan-resigns-k-krithivasan-appointed-as-ceo-iownSkFr In this episode, find out about government’s plans to defer IDBI privatisation plan, also find out about Malaysia’s Petronas offer to buy 20% stake in NTPC’s green arm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:38:13 -0000 TCS CEO Rajesh Gopinathan resigns, K Krithivasan appointed as CEO full 360 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about government’s plans to defer IDBI privatisation plan, also find out about Malaysia’s Petronas offer to buy 20% stake in NTPC’s green arm In this episode, find out about government’s plans to defer IDBI privatisation plan, also find out about Malaysia’s Petronas offer to buy 20% stake in NTPC’s green arm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 323 no Credit Suisse to borrow up to $54 bn from Swiss National Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/credit-suisse-to-borrow-up-to-54-bn-from-swiss-national-bank-1vJfbWyh In this episode, find out about SJVN’s pact with Indian Oil Corp, also find out about GAIL’s bid to acquire JBF Petrochemicals Business Term of the Day: Gratuity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:04:57 -0000 Credit Suisse to borrow up to $54 bn from Swiss National Bank full 359 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SJVN’s pact with Indian Oil Corp, also find out about GAIL’s bid to acquire JBF Petrochemicals Business Term of the Day: Gratuity In this episode, find out about SJVN’s pact with Indian Oil Corp, also find out about GAIL’s bid to acquire JBF Petrochemicals Business Term of the Day: Gratuity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 335 no PNB Housing receives approval to raise Rs 2500 cr via rights issue https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/pnb-housing-receives-approval-to-raise-rs-2500-cr-via-rights-issue-F1qI27ko In this episode, find out about about Embassy Office Parks green initiatives, also find out about Shriram Finance’s plan to raise $2.4 bn to fund growth n FY24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:01:06 -0000 PNB Housing receives approval to raise Rs 2500 cr via rights issue full 358 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about about Embassy Office Parks green initiatives, also find out about Shriram Finance’s plan to raise $2.4 bn to fund growth n FY24 In this episode, find out about about Embassy Office Parks green initiatives, also find out about Shriram Finance’s plan to raise $2.4 bn to fund growth n FY24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 290 no Blackstone to sell 20.5% stake in Sona BLW via block deal today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/blackstone-to-sell-205-stake-in-sona-blw-via-block-deal-today-hia_5TEo In this episode, find out about Tech Mahindra’s new CEO Mohit Joshi, also find out about Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed Nazara Tech’s subsidiaries’ exposures to SVB Business Term of the Day: Held to Maturity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:29:22 -0000 Blackstone to sell 20.5% stake in Sona BLW via block deal today full 357 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tech Mahindra’s new CEO Mohit Joshi, also find out about Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed Nazara Tech’s subsidiaries’ exposures to SVB Business Term of the Day: Held to Maturity In this episode, find out about Tech Mahindra’s new CEO Mohit Joshi, also find out about Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed Nazara Tech’s subsidiaries’ exposures to SVB Business Term of the Day: Held to Maturity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 507 no Tata Motors unit Tata Technologies files for IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tata-motors-unit-tata-technologies-files-for-ipo-Eg7R1ChQ In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s decision to divest 49% stake in BoB Financial Solutions, also find out about Maharashtra government has reduced VAT on aviation fuel to 18% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 Mar 2023 06:54:39 -0000 Tata Motors unit Tata Technologies files for IPO full 356 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s decision to divest 49% stake in BoB Financial Solutions, also find out about Maharashtra government has reduced VAT on aviation fuel to 18% In this episode, find out about Bank of Baroda’s decision to divest 49% stake in BoB Financial Solutions, also find out about Maharashtra government has reduced VAT on aviation fuel to 18% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 342 no Jio owned Radisys Corp to buy Mimosa Networks for $60 m https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jio-owned-radisys-corp-to-buy-mimosa-networks-for-60-m-T7x438s_ In this episode, find out about Ramakrishna Forging’s new subsidiary company and SBI’s third AT1 bond issuance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:38:06 -0000 Jio owned Radisys Corp to buy Mimosa Networks for $60 m full 355 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Ramakrishna Forging’s new subsidiary company and SBI’s third AT1 bond issuance. In this episode, find out about Ramakrishna Forging’s new subsidiary company and SBI’s third AT1 bond issuance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 381 no SC sets up 6 member panel to investigate Adani allegations https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sc-sets-up-6-member-panel-to-investigate-adani-allegations-mSUGul01 In this episode, find out about Adani family’s sale of Rs 15,446 crore worth of stake in group cos, also find out about Greenko Energy’s fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: Corporate governance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:35:45 -0000 SC sets up 6 member panel to investigate Adani allegations full 354 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani family’s sale of Rs 15,446 crore worth of stake in group cos, also find out about Greenko Energy’s fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: Corporate governance In this episode, find out about Adani family’s sale of Rs 15,446 crore worth of stake in group cos, also find out about Greenko Energy’s fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: Corporate governance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 421 no Axis bank completes acquisition of Citibank India’s consumer banking business for a lower price https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/axis-bank-completes-acquisition-of-citibank-indias-consumer-banking-business-for-a-lower-price-oRpWt8xc In this episode, find out about Dish TV minority investors’ concerns about the company, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s foray into the mutual fund business Business Term of the Day: Transfer pricing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:23:59 -0000 Axis bank completes acquisition of Citibank India’s consumer banking business for a lower price full 353 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Dish TV minority investors’ concerns about the company, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s foray into the mutual fund business Business Term of the Day: Transfer pricing In this episode, find out about Dish TV minority investors’ concerns about the company, also find out about Bajaj Finserv’s foray into the mutual fund business Business Term of the Day: Transfer pricing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 364 no RBI reviews local bank loans to Adani firms https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-reviews-local-bank-loans-to-adani-firms-Tq_G3_Pm In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel's plans to hike mobile phone rates and Axis Bank completing the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:53:20 -0000 RBI reviews local bank loans to Adani firms full 352 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel's plans to hike mobile phone rates and Axis Bank completing the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer business In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel's plans to hike mobile phone rates and Axis Bank completing the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 359 no Carlyle Aviation Partners to pick up 7.5% stake in SpiceJet https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/carlyle-aviation-partners-to-pick-up-75-stake-in-spicejet-yLMTkJeB In this episode, find out about about Dalmia Cement’s mine acquisition in Madhya Pradesh, also find out about Mahindra Logistics’ new CFO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:19:22 -0000 Carlyle Aviation Partners to pick up 7.5% stake in SpiceJet full 351 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about about Dalmia Cement’s mine acquisition in Madhya Pradesh, also find out about Mahindra Logistics’ new CFO. In this episode, find out about about Dalmia Cement’s mine acquisition in Madhya Pradesh, also find out about Mahindra Logistics’ new CFO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 264 no ZEEL MD & CEO Puneet Goenka challenges NCLT’s insolvency order https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/zeel-md-ceo-puneet-goenka-challenges-nclts-insolvency-order-1BTgm6CP In this episode, find out about Axis Bank’s plan to complete the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer biz by March 2023, also find out about Tech Mahindra’s tie-up with Comviva to expand the deal with Vodafone Germany Business Term of the Day: Dollar bond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:10:34 -0000 ZEEL MD & CEO Puneet Goenka challenges NCLT’s insolvency order full 350 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Axis Bank’s plan to complete the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer biz by March 2023, also find out about Tech Mahindra’s tie-up with Comviva to expand the deal with Vodafone Germany Business Term of the Day: Dollar bond In this episode, find out about Axis Bank’s plan to complete the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer biz by March 2023, also find out about Tech Mahindra’s tie-up with Comviva to expand the deal with Vodafone Germany Business Term of the Day: Dollar bond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 406 no Orient Cement says MoU with Adani Power stands cancelled https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/orient-cement-says-mou-with-adani-power-stands-cancelled-UDuUwTHG In this episode, find out about about Biocon’s $129 m fund raising from Kotak, also find out about Titagarh-BHEL’s bid for Vande Bharat contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:40:25 -0000 Orient Cement says MoU with Adani Power stands cancelled full 349 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about about Biocon’s $129 m fund raising from Kotak, also find out about Titagarh-BHEL’s bid for Vande Bharat contract. In this episode, find out about about Biocon’s $129 m fund raising from Kotak, also find out about Titagarh-BHEL’s bid for Vande Bharat contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 353 no M&M and British International Investment agreed to invest up to ₹1900cr in Mahindra Electric Automobiles. https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mm-and-british-international-investment-agreed-to-invest-up-to-1900-crores-in-mahindra-electric-automobiles-IEVlLe_G In this episode, find about the department of pharmaceuticals releasing the first tranche of incentives, also know about HDFC bank planning to sell Dollar bonds to support its plans to expand lending outside India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Feb 2023 09:42:35 -0000 M&M and British International Investment agreed to invest up to ₹1900cr in Mahindra Electric Automobiles. full 348 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find about the department of pharmaceuticals releasing the first tranche of incentives, also know about HDFC bank planning to sell Dollar bonds to support its plans to expand lending outside India. In this episode, find about the department of pharmaceuticals releasing the first tranche of incentives, also know about HDFC bank planning to sell Dollar bonds to support its plans to expand lending outside India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 506 no Gautam Adani group decides against bidding for stake in PTC India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/gautam-adani-group-decides-against-bidding-for-stake-in-ptc-india-UaxCIMLG In this episode, find out about Wipro’s plan to cut freshers’ salaries, also find out about Tata Motors’ MoU with Uber Business Term of the Day: Business model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Feb 2023 08:09:50 -0000 Gautam Adani group decides against bidding for stake in PTC India full 347 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Wipro’s plan to cut freshers’ salaries, also find out about Tata Motors’ MoU with Uber Business Term of the Day: Business model In this episode, find out about Wipro’s plan to cut freshers’ salaries, also find out about Tata Motors’ MoU with Uber Business Term of the Day: Business model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 443 no HUL signs agreement to sell atta, salt businesses for Rs 60.4 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hul-signs-agreement-to-sell-atta-salt-businesses-for-rs-604-cr-drhBHm5d In this episode, find out about SC’s stay over Rs 800 cr penalty on beer cos for cartelisation, also find out about NSE’s rearrangement of stocks Business Term of the Day: Company guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Feb 2023 07:23:51 -0000 HUL signs agreement to sell atta, salt businesses for Rs 60.4 cr full 346 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SC’s stay over Rs 800 cr penalty on beer cos for cartelisation, also find out about NSE’s rearrangement of stocks Business Term of the Day: Company guidance In this episode, find out about SC’s stay over Rs 800 cr penalty on beer cos for cartelisation, also find out about NSE’s rearrangement of stocks Business Term of the Day: Company guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 370 no HDFC completes Rs 25,000 cr bond issuanc https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-completes-rs-25-000-cr-bond-issuanc-HzWTgimQ In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s plans to talk to the mines ministry to acquire Vedanta assets, also find out about Indian Oil’s clarification on the Adani Gas deal Business Term of the Day: Big bath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:11:13 -0000 HDFC completes Rs 25,000 cr bond issuanc full 345 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s plans to talk to the mines ministry to acquire Vedanta assets, also find out about Indian Oil’s clarification on the Adani Gas deal Business Term of the Day: Big bath In this episode, find out about Hindustan Zinc’s plans to talk to the mines ministry to acquire Vedanta assets, also find out about Indian Oil’s clarification on the Adani Gas deal Business Term of the Day: Big bath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 313 no MSCI delays index weighting changes of select Adani group companies to May https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/msci-delays-index-weighting-changes-of-select-adani-group-companies-to-may-_WO6Biei In this episode, find out about the block deal in IndiGo, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout plans Business Term of the Day: Additional Surveillance Measure (ASM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:07:25 -0000 MSCI delays index weighting changes of select Adani group companies to May full 344 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the block deal in IndiGo, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout plans Business Term of the Day: Additional Surveillance Measure (ASM) In this episode, find out about the block deal in IndiGo, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout plans Business Term of the Day: Additional Surveillance Measure (ASM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 418 no Air India buys 540 planes in biggest deal ever https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/air-india-buys-540-planes-in-biggest-deal-ever-8vnjzCk_ In this episode, find out about Phone Pe’s latest fund raising, also find out about wholesale price inflation easing to 4.7% in January Business Term of the Day: Disinflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:08:38 -0000 Air India buys 540 planes in biggest deal ever full 343 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Phone Pe’s latest fund raising, also find out about wholesale price inflation easing to 4.7% in January Business Term of the Day: Disinflation In this episode, find out about Phone Pe’s latest fund raising, also find out about wholesale price inflation easing to 4.7% in January Business Term of the Day: Disinflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 373 no Retail inflation zooms past 6.5%; increases rate hike fears https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/retail-inflation-zooms-past-65-increases-rate-hike-fears-7IV803Z_ In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s move to sell stake in the general insurance business, also find out about Nissan’s plans to invest Rs 5000 cr in India Business Term of the Day: Commercial Real Estate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:00:34 -0000 Retail inflation zooms past 6.5%; increases rate hike fears full 342 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s move to sell stake in the general insurance business, also find out about Nissan’s plans to invest Rs 5000 cr in India Business Term of the Day: Commercial Real Estate In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s move to sell stake in the general insurance business, also find out about Nissan’s plans to invest Rs 5000 cr in India Business Term of the Day: Commercial Real Estate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 331 no Moody’s downgrade rating outlook of 4 Adani Group firms https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/moodys-downgrade-rating-outlook-of-4-adani-group-firms-VIXeCxOC In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s acquisition of Sonata Finance, also find out M&M’s plan to roll out its first EV from Telangana Business Term of the Day: Rating outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:43:56 -0000 Moody’s downgrade rating outlook of 4 Adani Group firms full 341 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s acquisition of Sonata Finance, also find out M&M’s plan to roll out its first EV from Telangana Business Term of the Day: Rating outlook In this episode, find out about Kotak Mahindra Bank’s acquisition of Sonata Finance, also find out M&M’s plan to roll out its first EV from Telangana Business Term of the Day: Rating outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 294 no MSCI to announce changes to free float status of some Adani stocks https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/msci-to-announce-changes-to-free-float-status-of-some-adani-stocks-ZrZe_US2 In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s partnership with Vultr, also find out about Aditya Birla Group’s foray into premium dining Business Term of the Day: Free float Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:38:52 -0000 MSCI to announce changes to free float status of some Adani stocks full 340 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s partnership with Vultr, also find out about Aditya Birla Group’s foray into premium dining Business Term of the Day: Free float In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s partnership with Vultr, also find out about Aditya Birla Group’s foray into premium dining Business Term of the Day: Free float Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 398 no RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps, maintains policy stance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-hikes-repo-rate-by-25-bps-maintains-policy-stance-9YX8pm6s In this episode, find out about ONGC’s talks with energy giants for deep water exploration tech, also find out why Bharti Airtel’s Q3 earnings missed estimates Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:44:07 -0000 RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps, maintains policy stance full 339 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about ONGC’s talks with energy giants for deep water exploration tech, also find out why Bharti Airtel’s Q3 earnings missed estimates Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility In this episode, find out about ONGC’s talks with energy giants for deep water exploration tech, also find out why Bharti Airtel’s Q3 earnings missed estimates Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 311 no Adani prepays $1.1 bn loans https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-prepays-11-bn-loans-TQN8cUsJ In this episode, find out about RIL-Ashok Leyland’s move to launch India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine powered heavy-duty truck, also find out why the government is opposing Hindustan Zinc’s plan to purchase Vedanta Resources’ global zinc assets Business Term of the Day: Credit Deposit Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:09:16 -0000 Adani prepays $1.1 bn loans full 338 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RIL-Ashok Leyland’s move to launch India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine powered heavy-duty truck, also find out why the government is opposing Hindustan Zinc’s plan to purchase Vedanta Resources’ global zinc assets Business Term of the Day: Credit Deposit Ratio In this episode, find out about RIL-Ashok Leyland’s move to launch India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine powered heavy-duty truck, also find out why the government is opposing Hindustan Zinc’s plan to purchase Vedanta Resources’ global zinc assets Business Term of the Day: Credit Deposit Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 294 no Adani Ent removed frm Dow Jones Sustainability Indices https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-ent-removed-frm-dow-jones-sustainability-indices-GwXyxrxQ In this episode, find out about NSE’s decision to place Adani group companies under ASM framework, also find out why the government is not looking to sell additional shares in LIC Business Term of the Day: Budget Estimate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:58:06 -0000 Adani Ent removed frm Dow Jones Sustainability Indices full 337 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NSE’s decision to place Adani group companies under ASM framework, also find out why the government is not looking to sell additional shares in LIC Business Term of the Day: Budget Estimate In this episode, find out about NSE’s decision to place Adani group companies under ASM framework, also find out why the government is not looking to sell additional shares in LIC Business Term of the Day: Budget Estimate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 326 no Adani Ent withdraws Rs 20,000 cr FPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-ent-withdraws-rs-20-000-cr-fpo-xyYH3hpt In this episode, find out about why Citigroup’s weath arm has stopped accepting Adani Group securities, also find out why the budget announcement can hit life insurance business Business Term of the Day: Artificial Intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Feb 2023 07:32:14 -0000 Adani Ent withdraws Rs 20,000 cr FPO full 336 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about why Citigroup’s weath arm has stopped accepting Adani Group securities, also find out why the budget announcement can hit life insurance business Business Term of the Day: Artificial Intelligence In this episode, find out about why Citigroup’s weath arm has stopped accepting Adani Group securities, also find out why the budget announcement can hit life insurance business Business Term of the Day: Artificial Intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 333 no FM Nirmala Sitharaman to table Budget 2023 today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-to-table-budget-2023-today-bpgEYPet In this episode, find out about Adani’s acquisition of Israel’s Haifa Port, also find out why economic survey has pegged growth lower at 6.5% in FY24 Business Term of the Day: Economic survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:07:26 -0000 FM Nirmala Sitharaman to table Budget 2023 today full 335 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani’s acquisition of Israel’s Haifa Port, also find out why economic survey has pegged growth lower at 6.5% in FY24 Business Term of the Day: Economic survey In this episode, find out about Adani’s acquisition of Israel’s Haifa Port, also find out why economic survey has pegged growth lower at 6.5% in FY24 Business Term of the Day: Economic survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 383 no Adani Enterprises’ FPO faces critical final day https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-enterprises-fpo-faces-critical-final-day-PwTk078d In this episode, find out about Welspun International’s brand licensing agreement with Walt Disney, also find out why Sephora and Reliance Retail deal fell through Business Term of the Day: Short squeeze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:59:27 -0000 Adani Enterprises’ FPO faces critical final day full 334 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Welspun International’s brand licensing agreement with Walt Disney, also find out why Sephora and Reliance Retail deal fell through Business Term of the Day: Short squeeze In this episode, find out about Welspun International’s brand licensing agreement with Walt Disney, also find out why Sephora and Reliance Retail deal fell through Business Term of the Day: Short squeeze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 391 no Adani issues 413 page response, calls Hindenburg allegations attack on India https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-issues-413-page-response-calls-hindenburg-allegations-attack-on-india-hOuCTcgr In this episode, find out about Hinduja Global Solutions buyback programme, also find out why Coal India is looking to invest Rs 42,600 cr in fossil fuel missing & green energy Business Term of the Day: Short selling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:52:10 -0000 Adani issues 413 page response, calls Hindenburg allegations attack on India full 333 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Hinduja Global Solutions buyback programme, also find out why Coal India is looking to invest Rs 42,600 cr in fossil fuel missing & green energy Business Term of the Day: Short selling In this episode, find out about Hinduja Global Solutions buyback programme, also find out why Coal India is looking to invest Rs 42,600 cr in fossil fuel missing & green energy Business Term of the Day: Short selling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 327 no BCCI nets Rs 4670 cr from auction of five women’s IPL teams https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bcci-nets-rs-4670-cr-from-auction-of-five-womens-ipl-teams-Z_4Ba2xQ In this episode, find out who are the anchor investors for Adani Enterprises’ FPO, also find out why PhonePe’s investors have to take a hit of Rs 8000 cr capital gains tax Business Term of the Day: Public Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:33:51 -0000 BCCI nets Rs 4670 cr from auction of five women’s IPL teams full 332 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out who are the anchor investors for Adani Enterprises’ FPO, also find out why PhonePe’s investors have to take a hit of Rs 8000 cr capital gains tax Business Term of the Day: Public Accounts In this episode, find out who are the anchor investors for Adani Enterprises’ FPO, also find out why PhonePe’s investors have to take a hit of Rs 8000 cr capital gains tax Business Term of the Day: Public Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 294 no SEBI slaps Rs 26 cr penalty on Coffee Day Enterprises https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sebi-slaps-rs-26-cr-penalty-on-coffee-day-enterprises-Hby8Qpz8 In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new entry-level tariff plans, also find out why Tata Motors to post profit after 7 qtrs Business Term of the Day: Accounting fraud Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:20:52 -0000 SEBI slaps Rs 26 cr penalty on Coffee Day Enterprises full 331 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new entry-level tariff plans, also find out why Tata Motors to post profit after 7 qtrs Business Term of the Day: Accounting fraud In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new entry-level tariff plans, also find out why Tata Motors to post profit after 7 qtrs Business Term of the Day: Accounting fraud Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no Co-location order set aside in relief to NSE, Tribunal directs exchange to pay Rs 100 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/co-location-order-set-aside-in-relief-to-nse-tribunal-directs-exchange-to-pay-rs-100-cr-4CGRcXIE In this episode, find out why RBI has extended the deadline for renewal of the bank locker agreement, also find out about why Zomato has scrapped the 10-minute delivery Business Term of the Day: Tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:22:34 -0000 Co-location order set aside in relief to NSE, Tribunal directs exchange to pay Rs 100 cr full 330 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why RBI has extended the deadline for renewal of the bank locker agreement, also find out about why Zomato has scrapped the 10-minute delivery Business Term of the Day: Tax credit In this episode, find out why RBI has extended the deadline for renewal of the bank locker agreement, also find out about why Zomato has scrapped the 10-minute delivery Business Term of the Day: Tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 319 no Adani Group to spin off hydgrogen, airport, data centre businesses by 2028 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-to-spin-off-hydgrogen-airport-data-centre-businesses-by-2028-t6pwhvuV In this episode, find out about the resignation of Spencer retail’s MD & CEO, also find out about ICICI Bank’s Q3 results Business Term of the Day: Capital Budget Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:48:57 -0000 Adani Group to spin off hydgrogen, airport, data centre businesses by 2028 full 329 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the resignation of Spencer retail’s MD & CEO, also find out about ICICI Bank’s Q3 results Business Term of the Day: Capital Budget In this episode, find out about the resignation of Spencer retail’s MD & CEO, also find out about ICICI Bank’s Q3 results Business Term of the Day: Capital Budget Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 329 no Vedanta declared successful bidder for Meenakshi Energy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/vedanta-declared-successful-bidder-for-meenakshi-energy-E4m_mLih In this episode, find out about the changes made to the IBC by Ministry of Corporate Affair’, also find out about Adani Enterprises’ Follow on public offer Business Term of the Day: Public private partnership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:48:07 -0000 Vedanta declared successful bidder for Meenakshi Energy full 328 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the changes made to the IBC by Ministry of Corporate Affair’, also find out about Adani Enterprises’ Follow on public offer Business Term of the Day: Public private partnership In this episode, find out about the changes made to the IBC by Ministry of Corporate Affair’, also find out about Adani Enterprises’ Follow on public offer Business Term of the Day: Public private partnership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 398 no Govt may widen scope of PM-JAY in budget https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-may-widen-scope-of-pm-jay-in-budget-kar1_g14 In this episode, find out about ITC’s plans to buy Yoga Bar to boost health foods play Business Term of the Day: solvency ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:07:42 -0000 Govt may widen scope of PM-JAY in budget full 327 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about ITC’s plans to buy Yoga Bar to boost health foods play Business Term of the Day: solvency ratio In this episode, find out about ITC’s plans to buy Yoga Bar to boost health foods play Business Term of the Day: solvency ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 281 no Business confidence rises to 2 year high in December quarter https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/business-confidence-rises-to-2-year-high-in-december-quarter-YN1NENvZ In this episode, find out about Rattan India Enterprises’ plan for its EV venture Revolt Motors, also find out why the US FDA pull up Sun Pharma Business Term of the Day: e-gaming policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:57:48 -0000 Business confidence rises to 2 year high in December quarter full 326 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Rattan India Enterprises’ plan for its EV venture Revolt Motors, also find out why the US FDA pull up Sun Pharma Business Term of the Day: e-gaming policy In this episode, find out about Rattan India Enterprises’ plan for its EV venture Revolt Motors, also find out why the US FDA pull up Sun Pharma Business Term of the Day: e-gaming policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 318 no Retail inflation cools to 1 year low in December https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/retail-inflation-cools-to-1-year-low-in-december-bTRu5b_4 In this episode, find out why Infosys reported a 13.4% YoY rise in profit in Q3, also find out about Alibaba selling a stake in One97 Communication Business Term of the Day: Telecom spectrum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Jan 2023 06:52:08 -0000 Retail inflation cools to 1 year low in December full 325 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Infosys reported a 13.4% YoY rise in profit in Q3, also find out about Alibaba selling a stake in One97 Communication Business Term of the Day: Telecom spectrum In this episode, find out why Infosys reported a 13.4% YoY rise in profit in Q3, also find out about Alibaba selling a stake in One97 Communication Business Term of the Day: Telecom spectrum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 330 no Sah Polymers get listed at 30% premium https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sah-polymers-get-listed-at-30-premium-QlcNPuR2 In this episode, find out about HUL’s 51% acquisition of Zywie Ventures, also find out about Wipro’s leadership changes Business Term of the Day: Financial inclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:28:51 -0000 Sah Polymers get listed at 30% premium full 324 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HUL’s 51% acquisition of Zywie Ventures, also find out about Wipro’s leadership changes Business Term of the Day: Financial inclusion In this episode, find out about HUL’s 51% acquisition of Zywie Ventures, also find out about Wipro’s leadership changes Business Term of the Day: Financial inclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 336 no Reliance Capital Lenders vote for second round of auction https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-capital-lenders-vote-for-second-round-of-auction-GNt3bHNQ In this episode, find out about APSEZ’s acquisition of Haifa Port Company, also find out about Axis Bank’s revised agreement with Max Financial for the insurance venture Business Term of the Day: Spinoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:52:34 -0000 Reliance Capital Lenders vote for second round of auction full 323 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about APSEZ’s acquisition of Haifa Port Company, also find out about Axis Bank’s revised agreement with Max Financial for the insurance venture Business Term of the Day: Spinoff In this episode, find out about APSEZ’s acquisition of Haifa Port Company, also find out about Axis Bank’s revised agreement with Max Financial for the insurance venture Business Term of the Day: Spinoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 372 no Early backers in talks to sell stakes in Byju’s https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/early-backers-in-talks-to-sell-stakes-in-byjus-dYXU9Y9D In this episode, find out about the progress of IDBI bank privatisation, also find out why TCS reported lower expected earnings Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:23:28 -0000 Early backers in talks to sell stakes in Byju’s full 322 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the progress of IDBI bank privatisation, also find out why TCS reported lower expected earnings Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT In this episode, find out about the progress of IDBI bank privatisation, also find out why TCS reported lower expected earnings Business Term of the Day: ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 309 no Manchester City signs up Jio Platforms as mobile communications network partner https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/manchester-city-signs-up-jio-platforms-as-mobile-communications-network-partner-8ufcVAV2 In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to allow govt holding in IDBI Bank to be reclassified as public after divestment, also find out about L&T Realty Developers’ plan to sell a stake in Think Tower Developers Business Term of the Day: Plant Load Factor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Jan 2023 07:56:54 -0000 Manchester City signs up Jio Platforms as mobile communications network partner full 321 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to allow govt holding in IDBI Bank to be reclassified as public after divestment, also find out about L&T Realty Developers’ plan to sell a stake in Think Tower Developers Business Term of the Day: Plant Load Factor In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to allow govt holding in IDBI Bank to be reclassified as public after divestment, also find out about L&T Realty Developers’ plan to sell a stake in Think Tower Developers Business Term of the Day: Plant Load Factor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 335 no RBI lifts restrictions on M&M Finance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-lifts-restrictions-on-mm-finance-oEVbXgQI In this episode, find out about Biju’s founder’s fundraising plan to buyback as much as 15% of the firm, also find out about NARCL’s bid for Srei cos Business Term of the Day: Encumbrance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:04:34 -0000 RBI lifts restrictions on M&M Finance full 320 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Biju’s founder’s fundraising plan to buyback as much as 15% of the firm, also find out about NARCL’s bid for Srei cos Business Term of the Day: Encumbrance In this episode, find out about Biju’s founder’s fundraising plan to buyback as much as 15% of the firm, also find out about NARCL’s bid for Srei cos Business Term of the Day: Encumbrance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 337 no NCLT stays Rcap debt resolution process https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/nclt-stays-rcap-debt-resolution-process-OZbbUdEM In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plans to enter electricity trading, also find out about Reliance Retail FCMG arm’s move to acquire a stake in Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Business Term of the Day: Loan To Value Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:41:09 -0000 NCLT stays Rcap debt resolution process full 319 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plans to enter electricity trading, also find out about Reliance Retail FCMG arm’s move to acquire a stake in Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Business Term of the Day: Loan To Value Ratio In this episode, find out about Amazon’s plans to enter electricity trading, also find out about Reliance Retail FCMG arm’s move to acquire a stake in Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Business Term of the Day: Loan To Value Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 318 no Suhail Sameer to step down as CEO at BharatPe https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/suhail-sameer-to-step-down-as-ceo-at-bharatpe-9fy54P11 In this episode of Mint Business News, fint out about BharatPe's founder stepping down as CEO and Jet Airways' Revival Plan. Business Term of the day - Credit Spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Jan 2023 06:40:33 -0000 Suhail Sameer to step down as CEO at BharatPe full 318 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode of Mint Business News, fint out about BharatPe's founder stepping down as CEO and Jet Airways' Revival Plan. Business Term of the day - Credit Spread In this episode of Mint Business News, fint out about BharatPe's founder stepping down as CEO and Jet Airways' Revival Plan. Business Term of the day - Credit Spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 309 no Iob Appoints Ajay Srivastava As Md And Ceo https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/iob-appoints-ajay-srivastava-as-md-and-ceo-e21KVct3 In this episode of Mint Business News, find out about Tata Motors's acquisition plan of Ford India’s manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat and also find out about Religare Enterprises' settlement issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Jan 2023 07:05:09 -0000 Iob Appoints Ajay Srivastava As Md And Ceo full 317 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode of Mint Business News, find out about Tata Motors's acquisition plan of Ford India’s manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat and also find out about Religare Enterprises' settlement issue. In this episode of Mint Business News, find out about Tata Motors's acquisition plan of Ford India’s manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat and also find out about Religare Enterprises' settlement issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 300 no Aban Holdings, Landmark Cars made a disappointing debut on the bourses https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/aban-holdings-landmark-cars-made-a-disappointing-debut-on-the-bourses-rzJKuy80 In this episode, find out about JK Cement’s foray into the paint’s business, also find out about Yes Bank’s decision to transfer Dish TV shares to JC Flowers ARC Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Dec 2022 07:17:01 -0000 Aban Holdings, Landmark Cars made a disappointing debut on the bourses full 316 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about JK Cement’s foray into the paint’s business, also find out about Yes Bank’s decision to transfer Dish TV shares to JC Flowers ARC Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company In this episode, find out about JK Cement’s foray into the paint’s business, also find out about Yes Bank’s decision to transfer Dish TV shares to JC Flowers ARC Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 357 no RIL buys Metro AG’s wholesale ops in India for Rs 2850 cr https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-buys-metro-ags-wholesale-ops-in-india-for-rs-2850-cr-G6Dfx8a5 In this episode, find out about the listing of Sula Vineyard on the exchanges, also find out about Zee’s re-entry into the sports broadcasting business Business Term of the Day: Buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Dec 2022 09:12:42 -0000 RIL buys Metro AG’s wholesale ops in India for Rs 2850 cr full 315 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the listing of Sula Vineyard on the exchanges, also find out about Zee’s re-entry into the sports broadcasting business Business Term of the Day: Buyback In this episode, find out about the listing of Sula Vineyard on the exchanges, also find out about Zee’s re-entry into the sports broadcasting business Business Term of the Day: Buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 310 no SEBI board rejgs rule on buyback https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sebi-board-rejgs-rule-on-buyback-cGvMXvEn In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s acquisition of stake in a Bengaluru start-up, also find out about Jubilant Foodworks’ 20-minute delivery plan for Domino’s Pizza Business Term of the Day: Foreign exchange market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Dec 2022 07:17:50 -0000 SEBI board rejgs rule on buyback full 314 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s acquisition of stake in a Bengaluru start-up, also find out about Jubilant Foodworks’ 20-minute delivery plan for Domino’s Pizza Business Term of the Day: Foreign exchange market In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s acquisition of stake in a Bengaluru start-up, also find out about Jubilant Foodworks’ 20-minute delivery plan for Domino’s Pizza Business Term of the Day: Foreign exchange market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 312 no Reliance Retail Ventures to sell 2% stake in Just Dial https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-retail-ventures-to-sell-2-stake-in-just-dial-otthikIr In this episode, find out about the block deal by promoters of Dabur India, also find out why markets have hit day’s low in trade today Business Term of the Day: Anchor Investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:17:31 -0000 Reliance Retail Ventures to sell 2% stake in Just Dial full 313 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the block deal by promoters of Dabur India, also find out why markets have hit day’s low in trade today Business Term of the Day: Anchor Investors In this episode, find out about the block deal by promoters of Dabur India, also find out why markets have hit day’s low in trade today Business Term of the Day: Anchor Investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 375 no Ola Electric set to enter commercial vehicle space https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ola-electric-set-to-enter-commercial-vehicle-space-ezZtSFoR In this episode, find out about KFin Tech’s IPO, also find out about Adani Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,700 cr for the expansion of Lucknow Airport Business Term of the Day: Share purchase agreement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:37:45 -0000 Ola Electric set to enter commercial vehicle space full 312 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about KFin Tech’s IPO, also find out about Adani Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,700 cr for the expansion of Lucknow Airport Business Term of the Day: Share purchase agreement In this episode, find out about KFin Tech’s IPO, also find out about Adani Group’s plan to invest Rs 10,700 cr for the expansion of Lucknow Airport Business Term of the Day: Share purchase agreement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 377 no Walt Disney to sell entire stake in Tata Play https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/walt-disney-to-sell-entire-stake-in-tata-play-p_DCtYzJ In this episode, find out about Reliance group’s new packaged goods brand, also find out about HPCL’s debt-raising plan Business Term of the Day: Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:57:10 -0000 Walt Disney to sell entire stake in Tata Play full 311 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Reliance group’s new packaged goods brand, also find out about HPCL’s debt-raising plan Business Term of the Day: Capital In this episode, find out about Reliance group’s new packaged goods brand, also find out about HPCL’s debt-raising plan Business Term of the Day: Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no Government to sell 5% stake in IRCTC through open offer https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-to-sell-5-stake-in-irctc-through-open-offer-QEEvovpD In this episode, find out about Poonawalla Fincorp’s plan to sell the housing subsidiary to the TPG subsidiary, also find out about Arham Tech to list today Business Term of the Day: 5G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:33:51 -0000 Government to sell 5% stake in IRCTC through open offer full 310 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Poonawalla Fincorp’s plan to sell the housing subsidiary to the TPG subsidiary, also find out about Arham Tech to list today Business Term of the Day: 5G In this episode, find out about Poonawalla Fincorp’s plan to sell the housing subsidiary to the TPG subsidiary, also find out about Arham Tech to list today Business Term of the Day: 5G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 401 no Azim Premji Foundation to focus on healthcare https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/azim-premji-foundation-to-focus-on-healthcare-XPpLNIkW In this episode, find out about Manappuram Finance’s succession plan, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s plan to tie-up with Meta to invest in telecom infrastructure Business Term of the Day: Liquidation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:08:01 -0000 Azim Premji Foundation to focus on healthcare full 309 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Manappuram Finance’s succession plan, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s plan to tie-up with Meta to invest in telecom infrastructure Business Term of the Day: Liquidation In this episode, find out about Manappuram Finance’s succession plan, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s plan to tie-up with Meta to invest in telecom infrastructure Business Term of the Day: Liquidation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 405 no Adani Group’s open offer for NDTV shares end today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-groups-open-offer-for-ndtv-shares-end-today-rrohrJc_ In this episode, find out about NTPC’s hunt for investors for its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy, also find out why Maruti Suzuki’s production will fall short of the target Business Term of the Day: Succession planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:22:16 -0000 Adani Group’s open offer for NDTV shares end today full 308 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NTPC’s hunt for investors for its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy, also find out why Maruti Suzuki’s production will fall short of the target Business Term of the Day: Succession planning In this episode, find out about NTPC’s hunt for investors for its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy, also find out why Maruti Suzuki’s production will fall short of the target Business Term of the Day: Succession planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no Softbank sells 5% stake in PB Fintech https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/softbank-sells-5-stake-in-pb-fintech-RoWpKm2I In this episode, find out about Tata Play’s IPO plans, also find out about RBI’s nod to Carylyle, Advent for 9.9% stake in Yes Bank Business Term of the Day: Additional Tier 1 bonds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:39:22 -0000 Softbank sells 5% stake in PB Fintech full 307 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Play’s IPO plans, also find out about RBI’s nod to Carylyle, Advent for 9.9% stake in Yes Bank Business Term of the Day: Additional Tier 1 bonds In this episode, find out about Tata Play’s IPO plans, also find out about RBI’s nod to Carylyle, Advent for 9.9% stake in Yes Bank Business Term of the Day: Additional Tier 1 bonds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 350 no India Q2 GDP growth comes in at 6.3% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/india-q2-gdp-growth-comes-in-at-63-46SFNisr In this episode, find out about TCS’ contract to build UK Government’s Rail Data marketplace, also find out why Indian markets have hit fresh record highs today Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:11:28 -0000 India Q2 GDP growth comes in at 6.3% full 306 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TCS’ contract to build UK Government’s Rail Data marketplace, also find out why Indian markets have hit fresh record highs today Business Term of the Day: Liquidity In this episode, find out about TCS’ contract to build UK Government’s Rail Data marketplace, also find out why Indian markets have hit fresh record highs today Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 386 no NDTV founders Radhika & Prannoy Roy resign as RRPR directors https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ndtv-founders-radhika-prannoy-roy-resign-as-rrpr-directors-44Jm9Ay5 In this episode, find out about SBI’s decision to raise Rs 10,000 crore via infrastructure bonds, also find out about Alibaba Group Holding’s plan to sell a 3% stake in Zomato Business Term of the Day: Digital Wallets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:17:08 -0000 NDTV founders Radhika & Prannoy Roy resign as RRPR directors full 305 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI’s decision to raise Rs 10,000 crore via infrastructure bonds, also find out about Alibaba Group Holding’s plan to sell a 3% stake in Zomato Business Term of the Day: Digital Wallets In this episode, find out about SBI’s decision to raise Rs 10,000 crore via infrastructure bonds, also find out about Alibaba Group Holding’s plan to sell a 3% stake in Zomato Business Term of the Day: Digital Wallets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 447 no SBI to raise Rs 10,000 cr via infra bonds https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-to-raise-rs-10-000-cr-via-infra-bonds-KPzbmmXM In this episode, find out about PNB’s plans to divest stake in UTI Asset Management, also find out about ZIM Labortories’ plan to get listed on NSE Business Term of the Day: Disinvestment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:02:05 -0000 SBI to raise Rs 10,000 cr via infra bonds full 304 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about PNB’s plans to divest stake in UTI Asset Management, also find out about ZIM Labortories’ plan to get listed on NSE Business Term of the Day: Disinvestment In this episode, find out about PNB’s plans to divest stake in UTI Asset Management, also find out about ZIM Labortories’ plan to get listed on NSE Business Term of the Day: Disinvestment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 325 no Tatas to acquire Bisleri for up to ₹7,000 crore: Report https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tatas-to-acquire-bisleri-for-up-to-7-000-crore-report-noFwZX54 In this episode, find out why Tata Consumer stock rises 3% suddenly and how did Keystone Realtors debut in the stock market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:28:53 -0000 Tatas to acquire Bisleri for up to ₹7,000 crore: Report full 303 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Tata Consumer stock rises 3% suddenly and how did Keystone Realtors debut in the stock market. In this episode, find out why Tata Consumer stock rises 3% suddenly and how did Keystone Realtors debut in the stock market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 402 no Five Star Business sees muted listing, Archean Chemical lists at a premium https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/five-star-business-sees-muted-listing-archean-chemical-lists-at-a-premium-cIvTdKBq In this episode, find out about Jet Airwarys’ employees being asked to go on leave without pay, also find out about the government’s decision to roll back export duty on iron ore lumps Business Term of the Day: Tariff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:15:30 -0000 Five Star Business sees muted listing, Archean Chemical lists at a premium full 302 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Jet Airwarys’ employees being asked to go on leave without pay, also find out about the government’s decision to roll back export duty on iron ore lumps Business Term of the Day: Tariff In this episode, find out about Jet Airwarys’ employees being asked to go on leave without pay, also find out about the government’s decision to roll back export duty on iron ore lumps Business Term of the Day: Tariff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 275 no TPG Capital to sell Nyka shares worth Rs 1000 cr via block deal today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tpg-capital-to-sell-nyka-shares-worth-rs-1000-cr-via-block-deal-today-Kz6Tp9ql In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ new order from Haryana Roadways, also find out why DSP Investment Managers is picking up 10% stake in Equitas Small Finance Bank Business Term of the Day: Commercial paper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Nov 2022 09:19:46 -0000 TPG Capital to sell Nyka shares worth Rs 1000 cr via block deal today full 301 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ new order from Haryana Roadways, also find out why DSP Investment Managers is picking up 10% stake in Equitas Small Finance Bank Business Term of the Day: Commercial paper In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ new order from Haryana Roadways, also find out why DSP Investment Managers is picking up 10% stake in Equitas Small Finance Bank Business Term of the Day: Commercial paper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 317 no Paytm shares tumble 10% as Softbank seeks to cut stake https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/paytm-shares-tumble-10-as-softbank-seeks-to-cut-stake-dR5UjqVF In this episode, find out about TRAI’s new plan to roll out mobile phone caller identity system, also find out about Bajaj Auto’s plans to sell EV scooters in SE markets Business Term of the Day: Certificate of Deposits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:45:53 -0000 Paytm shares tumble 10% as Softbank seeks to cut stake full 300 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TRAI’s new plan to roll out mobile phone caller identity system, also find out about Bajaj Auto’s plans to sell EV scooters in SE markets Business Term of the Day: Certificate of Deposits In this episode, find out about TRAI’s new plan to roll out mobile phone caller identity system, also find out about Bajaj Auto’s plans to sell EV scooters in SE markets Business Term of the Day: Certificate of Deposits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no October Exports fall 16.5%, deficit widens https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/october-exports-fall-165-deficit-widens-ZQZBJjn6 In this episode, find out about the listing of Bikaji Foods and Global Health, also find out about ONGC Videsh’s plan to retake its Sakhalin-1 stake Business Term of the Day: Monetary transmission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:23:39 -0000 October Exports fall 16.5%, deficit widens full 299 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the listing of Bikaji Foods and Global Health, also find out about ONGC Videsh’s plan to retake its Sakhalin-1 stake Business Term of the Day: Monetary transmission In this episode, find out about the listing of Bikaji Foods and Global Health, also find out about ONGC Videsh’s plan to retake its Sakhalin-1 stake Business Term of the Day: Monetary transmission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 364 no Adani, Reliance Retail in race to bid for Future Retail https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-reliance-retail-in-race-to-bid-for-future-retail-BDB_BpIl In this episode, find out about DCX System’ strong listing, also find out why Indian markets have surged in trade today Business Term of the Day: Custodian bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 11 Nov 2022 07:35:07 -0000 Adani, Reliance Retail in race to bid for Future Retail full 298 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about DCX System’ strong listing, also find out why Indian markets have surged in trade today Business Term of the Day: Custodian bank In this episode, find out about DCX System’ strong listing, also find out why Indian markets have surged in trade today Business Term of the Day: Custodian bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 334 no Sembcorp to buy Vector Green Energy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sembcorp-to-buy-vector-green-energy-sxNrpUk9 In this episode, find out about SUUTi’s decision to sell 1.55% stake in Axis Bank, also find out Adani Ports move to buy 49.38% stake in Indian Oiltanking Business Term of the Day: Clearing House Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:09:29 -0000 Sembcorp to buy Vector Green Energy full 297 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SUUTi’s decision to sell 1.55% stake in Axis Bank, also find out Adani Ports move to buy 49.38% stake in Indian Oiltanking Business Term of the Day: Clearing House In this episode, find out about SUUTi’s decision to sell 1.55% stake in Axis Bank, also find out Adani Ports move to buy 49.38% stake in Indian Oiltanking Business Term of the Day: Clearing House Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no Aditya Birla, Nippon Life in talks to merge life insurance JVs https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/aditya-birla-nippon-life-in-talks-to-merge-life-insurance-jvs-zaDoTVi1 In this episode, find out about Paytm’s second-quarter earnings, also find out Macrotech’s plans to launch 16 new projects Business Term of the Day: Earnings guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Nov 2022 07:23:01 -0000 Aditya Birla, Nippon Life in talks to merge life insurance JVs full 296 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Paytm’s second-quarter earnings, also find out Macrotech’s plans to launch 16 new projects Business Term of the Day: Earnings guidance In this episode, find out about Paytm’s second-quarter earnings, also find out Macrotech’s plans to launch 16 new projects Business Term of the Day: Earnings guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 304 no Windfall levy fails to recoup lost revenue https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/windfall-levy-fails-to-recoup-lost-revenue-YVd6w_ND In this episode, find out about TPG’s plan to sell stake in Fourth Partner Energy, also find out why Uncademy fired 350 employees Business Term of the Day: Windfall tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:14:34 -0000 Windfall levy fails to recoup lost revenue full 295 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TPG’s plan to sell stake in Fourth Partner Energy, also find out why Uncademy fired 350 employees Business Term of the Day: Windfall tax In this episode, find out about TPG’s plan to sell stake in Fourth Partner Energy, also find out why Uncademy fired 350 employees Business Term of the Day: Windfall tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 314 no RIL set to buy Metro AG’s India biz for 500 m euro https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-set-to-buy-metro-ags-india-biz-for-500-m-euro-B5c8rORu In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to expand the Manesar plant capacity by 1lkh units, also find out about Tata Motors’ plan to hike prices of passenger vehicles Business Term of the Day: Capex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:22:49 -0000 RIL set to buy Metro AG’s India biz for 500 m euro full 294 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to expand the Manesar plant capacity by 1lkh units, also find out about Tata Motors’ plan to hike prices of passenger vehicles Business Term of the Day: Capex In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to expand the Manesar plant capacity by 1lkh units, also find out about Tata Motors’ plan to hike prices of passenger vehicles Business Term of the Day: Capex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 340 no Blackstone, Advent in talks to buy stake in Suven Pharma https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/blackstone-advent-in-talks-to-buy-stake-in-suven-pharma-_NxsncoH In this episode, find out about Indorama’ move to join race for PET filmmaker Polyplex, also find out about former Capgemini executive Amit Choudhary’s appointment as Wipro’s new Chief Operating Officer Business Term of the Day: Terminal Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Nov 2022 08:36:44 -0000 Blackstone, Advent in talks to buy stake in Suven Pharma full 293 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Indorama’ move to join race for PET filmmaker Polyplex, also find out about former Capgemini executive Amit Choudhary’s appointment as Wipro’s new Chief Operating Officer Business Term of the Day: Terminal Rate In this episode, find out about Indorama’ move to join race for PET filmmaker Polyplex, also find out about former Capgemini executive Amit Choudhary’s appointment as Wipro’s new Chief Operating Officer Business Term of the Day: Terminal Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 251 no Centre asks Voda Idea promoters to put in more equity https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/centre-asks-voda-idea-promoters-to-put-in-more-equity-I8zqULrI In this episode, find out about KKR, Temasek’s plans to buy stakes in Manipal Health, also find out Fed’s decision to hike rates by 75 bps Business Term of the Day: Ex-dividend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:19:45 -0000 Centre asks Voda Idea promoters to put in more equity full 292 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about KKR, Temasek’s plans to buy stakes in Manipal Health, also find out Fed’s decision to hike rates by 75 bps Business Term of the Day: Ex-dividend In this episode, find out about KKR, Temasek’s plans to buy stakes in Manipal Health, also find out Fed’s decision to hike rates by 75 bps Business Term of the Day: Ex-dividend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 329 no Bain Capital to sell part stake in Axis Bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bain-capital-to-sell-part-stake-in-axis-bank-UgcgTbSo In this episode, find out about the extension of the timeline for Adani Power’s acquisition of DB Power, also find out LIC’s decision to raise a stake in Capri Global Business Term of the Day: Leveraged Buyout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:24:49 -0000 Bain Capital to sell part stake in Axis Bank full 291 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the extension of the timeline for Adani Power’s acquisition of DB Power, also find out LIC’s decision to raise a stake in Capri Global Business Term of the Day: Leveraged Buyout In this episode, find out about the extension of the timeline for Adani Power’s acquisition of DB Power, also find out LIC’s decision to raise a stake in Capri Global Business Term of the Day: Leveraged Buyout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 260 no Mehli Mistry joins 3 Tata Trusts’ boards https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mehli-mistry-joins-3-tata-trusts-boards-uLOkySoz In this episode, find out about the government extending restrictions for sugar exports to October 23, also find out Maruti Suzuki recalling over 9000 units of Wagon R, Celerio, Ignis Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:59:07 -0000 Mehli Mistry joins 3 Tata Trusts’ boards full 290 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the government extending restrictions for sugar exports to October 23, also find out Maruti Suzuki recalling over 9000 units of Wagon R, Celerio, Ignis Business Term of the Day: Liquidity In this episode, find out about the government extending restrictions for sugar exports to October 23, also find out Maruti Suzuki recalling over 9000 units of Wagon R, Celerio, Ignis Business Term of the Day: Liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 269 no Cairn Oil& Gas gets extension for Rajasthan block till May 2030 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cairn-oil-gas-gets-extension-for-rajasthan-block-till-may-2030-dFRULezM In this episode, find out about DGCA’s nod for Spicejet for wet leasing five planes, also find out Jubilant Bhartia Group’s minority stake purchase in Keventers owner Business Term of the Day: Refinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Oct 2022 07:56:24 -0000 Cairn Oil& Gas gets extension for Rajasthan block till May 2030 full 289 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about DGCA’s nod for Spicejet for wet leasing five planes, also find out Jubilant Bhartia Group’s minority stake purchase in Keventers owner Business Term of the Day: Refinance In this episode, find out about DGCA’s nod for Spicejet for wet leasing five planes, also find out Jubilant Bhartia Group’s minority stake purchase in Keventers owner Business Term of the Day: Refinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 287 no Sony India – Zee agree to sell 3 Hindi channels https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sony-india-zee-agree-to-sell-3-hindi-channels-wosoLQsQ In this episode, find out about Tata Steels’ pact with Ford to supply green steel, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s agreement with Terrafirma Motors Corporation to enter Philippines. Business Term of the Day: Working Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Oct 2022 06:53:24 -0000 Sony India – Zee agree to sell 3 Hindi channels full 288 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Steels’ pact with Ford to supply green steel, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s agreement with Terrafirma Motors Corporation to enter Philippines. Business Term of the Day: Working Capital In this episode, find out about Tata Steels’ pact with Ford to supply green steel, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s agreement with Terrafirma Motors Corporation to enter Philippines. Business Term of the Day: Working Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 298 no Walmart to raise up to $3 bn for Flipkart https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/walmart-to-raise-up-to-3-bn-for-flipkart-fuPIAJyN In this episode, find out about government’s plan of PLI scheme for power transmission sector, also find out CCI’s penalty on Google Business Term of the Day: Stock options Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:48:34 -0000 Walmart to raise up to $3 bn for Flipkart full 287 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about government’s plan of PLI scheme for power transmission sector, also find out CCI’s penalty on Google Business Term of the Day: Stock options In this episode, find out about government’s plan of PLI scheme for power transmission sector, also find out CCI’s penalty on Google Business Term of the Day: Stock options Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 353 no Indian markets volataile in trade today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indian-markets-volataile-in-trade-today-rpn2AmzR In this episode, find out about Borosil’s stake buy in Europe’s largest solar glass manufacturers, and also find out why RIL reported lower net profit. Business Term of the Day: Cash flow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:05:08 -0000 Indian markets volataile in trade today full 286 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Borosil’s stake buy in Europe’s largest solar glass manufacturers, and also find out why RIL reported lower net profit. Business Term of the Day: Cash flow In this episode, find out about Borosil’s stake buy in Europe’s largest solar glass manufacturers, and also find out why RIL reported lower net profit. Business Term of the Day: Cash flow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 273 no RIL to announce Q2 earnings today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-to-announce-q2-earnings-today-paqG4Yve In this episode, find out about Dhanlakaxmi Bank’s shareholder's move to curb the powers of the CEO, also find out about the appointment of new MD of PNB Housing Business Term of the Day: Interest Rate differential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Oct 2022 08:02:35 -0000 RIL to announce Q2 earnings today full 285 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Dhanlakaxmi Bank’s shareholder's move to curb the powers of the CEO, also find out about the appointment of new MD of PNB Housing Business Term of the Day: Interest Rate differential In this episode, find out about Dhanlakaxmi Bank’s shareholder's move to curb the powers of the CEO, also find out about the appointment of new MD of PNB Housing Business Term of the Day: Interest Rate differential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 282 no Tracxn Tech makes a lacklustre debut https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tracxn-tech-makes-a-lacklustre-debut-6yAIhQNo In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s commitment to completing the open offer for NDTV, also find out Vodafone Idea’s plan to raise debt funds via convertible debentures Business Term of the Day: Exchange rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:52:13 -0000 Tracxn Tech makes a lacklustre debut full 284 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s commitment to completing the open offer for NDTV, also find out Vodafone Idea’s plan to raise debt funds via convertible debentures Business Term of the Day: Exchange rate In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s commitment to completing the open offer for NDTV, also find out Vodafone Idea’s plan to raise debt funds via convertible debentures Business Term of the Day: Exchange rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 281 no Adani Group to acquire Air Works https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-to-acquire-air-works-jb188cOD In this episode, find out about Sojitz Corp’s stake sale in Samvardhan Motherson Intl, also find out Tata Motors’ order to supply 300 electric buses to Jammu and Srinagar Business Term of the Day: Market capitalisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:39:45 -0000 Adani Group to acquire Air Works full 283 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Sojitz Corp’s stake sale in Samvardhan Motherson Intl, also find out Tata Motors’ order to supply 300 electric buses to Jammu and Srinagar Business Term of the Day: Market capitalisation In this episode, find out about Sojitz Corp’s stake sale in Samvardhan Motherson Intl, also find out Tata Motors’ order to supply 300 electric buses to Jammu and Srinagar Business Term of the Day: Market capitalisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 303 no KKR in talks to invest in Razorpay https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/kkr-in-talks-to-invest-in-razorpay-Vetew5i7 In this episode, find out about Byju’s $250 m rights issue, also find out Invesco’s decision to sell 5.5% stake in Zee Business Term of the Day: G-20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:43:30 -0000 KKR in talks to invest in Razorpay full 282 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Byju’s $250 m rights issue, also find out Invesco’s decision to sell 5.5% stake in Zee Business Term of the Day: G-20 In this episode, find out about Byju’s $250 m rights issue, also find out Invesco’s decision to sell 5.5% stake in Zee Business Term of the Day: G-20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 357 no Electronics Mart lists at Rs 89.40 per share on the bourses https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/electronics-mart-lists-at-rs-8940-per-share-on-the-bourses-GPZ8A3k9 In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s plans to divest steel business in UK, also find out HDFC Bank’s aim to close the merger ahead of the deadline Business Term of the Day: Amortization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Oct 2022 07:22:42 -0000 Electronics Mart lists at Rs 89.40 per share on the bourses full 281 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s plans to divest steel business in UK, also find out HDFC Bank’s aim to close the merger ahead of the deadline Business Term of the Day: Amortization In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s plans to divest steel business in UK, also find out HDFC Bank’s aim to close the merger ahead of the deadline Business Term of the Day: Amortization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 262 no SIA, Tatas in talks over Vistara-Air India merger https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sia-tatas-in-talks-over-vistara-air-india-merger-6VtxkTfH In this episode, find out about Reliance Industries’ plan to acquire Metro AG, also find out MTNL’s Rs 17,571 crore fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: RBI Retail Direct Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:55:18 -0000 SIA, Tatas in talks over Vistara-Air India merger full 280 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Reliance Industries’ plan to acquire Metro AG, also find out MTNL’s Rs 17,571 crore fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: RBI Retail Direct Scheme In this episode, find out about Reliance Industries’ plan to acquire Metro AG, also find out MTNL’s Rs 17,571 crore fundraising plan Business Term of the Day: RBI Retail Direct Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 375 no Retail inflation rises to 7.4% in September https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/retail-inflation-rises-to-74-in-september-tr23U65A In this episode, find out about Byju’s decision to lay off 2500 employees, also find out Government’s decision to scrap SAIL’s Bhadravathi steel plant privatisation Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:40:40 -0000 Retail inflation rises to 7.4% in September full 279 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Byju’s decision to lay off 2500 employees, also find out Government’s decision to scrap SAIL’s Bhadravathi steel plant privatisation Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company In this episode, find out about Byju’s decision to lay off 2500 employees, also find out Government’s decision to scrap SAIL’s Bhadravathi steel plant privatisation Business Term of the Day: Asset Reconstruction Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 374 no IMF Cuts India’s GDP Forecast to 6.8% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/imf-cuts-indias-gdp-forecast-to-68-Gl52KqGy In this episode, find out about TCS’ plan to help central banks roll out digital currency, also find out why large corporates will not bid for IDBI Bank Business Term of the Day: Suptech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Oct 2022 05:55:16 -0000 IMF Cuts India’s GDP Forecast to 6.8% full 278 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TCS’ plan to help central banks roll out digital currency, also find out why large corporates will not bid for IDBI Bank Business Term of the Day: Suptech In this episode, find out about TCS’ plan to help central banks roll out digital currency, also find out why large corporates will not bid for IDBI Bank Business Term of the Day: Suptech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 346 no TCS’ net profit up 8% in Q2FY23 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-net-profit-up-8-in-q2fy23-hoPXmA2b In this episode, find out about NCLT admitting GVK Power (Goindwal Sahib) for insolvency, also find out about Panacea Biotech baging global vaccine order Business Term of the Day: Net Asset Value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:52:36 -0000 TCS’ net profit up 8% in Q2FY23 full 277 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NCLT admitting GVK Power (Goindwal Sahib) for insolvency, also find out about Panacea Biotech baging global vaccine order Business Term of the Day: Net Asset Value In this episode, find out about NCLT admitting GVK Power (Goindwal Sahib) for insolvency, also find out about Panacea Biotech baging global vaccine order Business Term of the Day: Net Asset Value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 402 no SEBI cancels license of Brickwork Ratings https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sebi-cancels-license-of-brickwork-ratings-r0Vpr8j2 In this episode, find out about RBI approves the appointment of Prashant Kumar as MD & CEO of Yes bank, also find out about World Bank cuts India’s FY23 GDP forecast to 6.5% Business Term of the Day: Rebalancing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:43:32 -0000 SEBI cancels license of Brickwork Ratings full 276 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RBI approves the appointment of Prashant Kumar as MD & CEO of Yes bank, also find out about World Bank cuts India’s FY23 GDP forecast to 6.5% Business Term of the Day: Rebalancing In this episode, find out about RBI approves the appointment of Prashant Kumar as MD & CEO of Yes bank, also find out about World Bank cuts India’s FY23 GDP forecast to 6.5% Business Term of the Day: Rebalancing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 453 no WTO slashes 2023 global trade growth forecast to 1% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/wto-slashes-2023-global-trade-growth-forecast-to-1-68SxR36p In this episode, find out about CCI grants approval to the Zee-Sony deal, and also find out about JSW Energy to set up a 960 MW hydro pump storage project in Maharashtra Business Term of the Day: Just in Time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:26:09 -0000 WTO slashes 2023 global trade growth forecast to 1% full 275 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about CCI grants approval to the Zee-Sony deal, and also find out about JSW Energy to set up a 960 MW hydro pump storage project in Maharashtra Business Term of the Day: Just in Time In this episode, find out about CCI grants approval to the Zee-Sony deal, and also find out about JSW Energy to set up a 960 MW hydro pump storage project in Maharashtra Business Term of the Day: Just in Time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 416 no Bulls take over Dalal Street in trade today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bulls-take-over-dalal-street-in-trade-today-lGGZn2u_ In this episode, find out about Rs 500 crore IPO of Electronics Mart India, also find out about TCS’ $ 2 bn deal from BSNL Business Term of the Day: Contract manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:15:51 -0000 Bulls take over Dalal Street in trade today full 274 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Rs 500 crore IPO of Electronics Mart India, also find out about TCS’ $ 2 bn deal from BSNL Business Term of the Day: Contract manufacturing. In this episode, find out about Rs 500 crore IPO of Electronics Mart India, also find out about TCS’ $ 2 bn deal from BSNL Business Term of the Day: Contract manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no Reliance Jio to launch 4G enabled low cost laptop at Rs 15,000 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-jio-to-launch-4g-enabled-low-cost-laptop-at-rs-15-000-jyKLey8s In this episode, find out about Zee to shut channel to allay CCI concerns over the Sony deal, and also find out about CCI clears Bank of Baroda’s additional stake buy in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Business Term of the Day: Inflation targeting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:37:15 -0000 Reliance Jio to launch 4G enabled low cost laptop at Rs 15,000 full 273 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Zee to shut channel to allay CCI concerns over the Sony deal, and also find out about CCI clears Bank of Baroda’s additional stake buy in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Business Term of the Day: Inflation targeting In this episode, find out about Zee to shut channel to allay CCI concerns over the Sony deal, and also find out about CCI clears Bank of Baroda’s additional stake buy in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Business Term of the Day: Inflation targeting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 387 no RBI hikes policy rates by 50 basis points to 5.9% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-hikes-policy-rates-by-50-basis-points-to-59-F4wOUd_L In this episode, find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to invest $60 m in Zero Motorcyles, also find out about IOC’s plans to float a new subsidiary to do financing activities in Gift City Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:50:02 -0000 RBI hikes policy rates by 50 basis points to 5.9% full 272 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to invest $60 m in Zero Motorcyles, also find out about IOC’s plans to float a new subsidiary to do financing activities in Gift City Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing In this episode, find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to invest $60 m in Zero Motorcyles, also find out about IOC’s plans to float a new subsidiary to do financing activities in Gift City Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 410 no Indus Towers asks Vodafone Idea to clear dues for business continuity post Nov https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indus-towers-asks-vodafone-idea-to-clear-dues-for-business-continuity-post-nov-TYmhmbZt In this episode, find out about the government’s 2 stage plan to privatize IDBI Bank and also find out about Airtel Payment bank’s plans to set up 1.5 lk micro ATMs Business Term of the Day: Gig economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:21:08 -0000 Indus Towers asks Vodafone Idea to clear dues for business continuity post Nov full 271 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the government’s 2 stage plan to privatize IDBI Bank and also find out about Airtel Payment bank’s plans to set up 1.5 lk micro ATMs Business Term of the Day: Gig economy In this episode, find out about the government’s 2 stage plan to privatize IDBI Bank and also find out about Airtel Payment bank’s plans to set up 1.5 lk micro ATMs Business Term of the Day: Gig economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 387 no Reliance Retail announced the launch of its fashion and lifestyle departmental store format https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-retail-announced-the-launch-of-its-fashion-and-lifestyle-departmental-store-format-ioOQIkCl In this episode, find out about BHEL getting an order from NTPC and how much film exhibition company PVR Cinemas will invest to open 100 new screens in FY23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:12:27 -0000 Reliance Retail announced the launch of its fashion and lifestyle departmental store format full 270 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about BHEL getting an order from NTPC and how much film exhibition company PVR Cinemas will invest to open 100 new screens in FY23. In this episode, find out about BHEL getting an order from NTPC and how much film exhibition company PVR Cinemas will invest to open 100 new screens in FY23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 329 no Reliance New Energy to acquire 20% stake in US-based Caelux https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-new-energy-to-acquire-20-stake-in-us-based-caelux-2mUUjKMS In this episode, find out about the Shares of Tata Steel had a rise of 1.21% (Rs. 104.9) at 12:33 hours at BSE. So far today 52.6 Lac shares of the company were traded at the BSE. Business term of the day: PLI Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Sep 2022 07:42:31 -0000 Reliance New Energy to acquire 20% stake in US-based Caelux full 269 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the Shares of Tata Steel had a rise of 1.21% (Rs. 104.9) at 12:33 hours at BSE. So far today 52.6 Lac shares of the company were traded at the BSE. Business term of the day: PLI Scheme In this episode, find out about the Shares of Tata Steel had a rise of 1.21% (Rs. 104.9) at 12:33 hours at BSE. So far today 52.6 Lac shares of the company were traded at the BSE. Business term of the day: PLI Scheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 325 no Bombay High Court to hear petition today on whether Dish TV to hold EGM https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bombay-high-court-to-hear-petition-today-on-whether-dish-tv-to-hold-egm-O3gkFUMh In this episode, find out about CCI’s approval for the merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom 18 Media, and also find out why the Future unit has canceled plans to sell assets Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:57:17 -0000 Bombay High Court to hear petition today on whether Dish TV to hold EGM full 268 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about CCI’s approval for the merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom 18 Media, and also find out why the Future unit has canceled plans to sell assets Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) In this episode, find out about CCI’s approval for the merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom 18 Media, and also find out why the Future unit has canceled plans to sell assets Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 339 no Adani completes acquisition of Ambuja Cements, ACC https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-completes-acquisition-of-ambuja-cements-acc-wcpwy4lu In this episode, find out about NCLT’s approval for the merger of Exide Life with HDFC Life, and also find out about the government’s plan to grant DFI status to REC to boost climate funding Business Term of the Day: Development Finance Institution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Sep 2022 06:23:24 -0000 Adani completes acquisition of Ambuja Cements, ACC full 267 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NCLT’s approval for the merger of Exide Life with HDFC Life, and also find out about the government’s plan to grant DFI status to REC to boost climate funding Business Term of the Day: Development Finance Institution In this episode, find out about NCLT’s approval for the merger of Exide Life with HDFC Life, and also find out about the government’s plan to grant DFI status to REC to boost climate funding Business Term of the Day: Development Finance Institution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 343 no Divestment of BPCL not on the table, says oil minister Hardeep Puri https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/divestment-of-bpcl-not-on-the-table-says-oil-minister-hardeep-puri-eQ9tAlRE In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail’s plan to double its borrowing limit to ₹1 lakh crore, and also find out about Fairfax’s move to sell a majority stake in Fairchem Organics Business Term of the Day: Mark to Market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Sep 2022 06:29:15 -0000 Divestment of BPCL not on the table, says oil minister Hardeep Puri full 266 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail’s plan to double its borrowing limit to ₹1 lakh crore, and also find out about Fairfax’s move to sell a majority stake in Fairchem Organics Business Term of the Day: Mark to Market. In this episode, find out about Reliance Retail’s plan to double its borrowing limit to ₹1 lakh crore, and also find out about Fairfax’s move to sell a majority stake in Fairchem Organics Business Term of the Day: Mark to Market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 397 no Fitch lowers India’s Fy23 GDP to 7% from 7.8% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fitch-lowers-indias-fy23-gdp-to-7-from-78-BfsTMCDm In this episode, find out about the muted listing of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on the bourses and about Byju’s Rs 4500 crore loss in FY21. Business Term of the Day: Benchmark Prime Lending Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Sep 2022 07:51:49 -0000 Fitch lowers India’s Fy23 GDP to 7% from 7.8% full 265 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the muted listing of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on the bourses and about Byju’s Rs 4500 crore loss in FY21. Business Term of the Day: Benchmark Prime Lending Rate In this episode, find out about the muted listing of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on the bourses and about Byju’s Rs 4500 crore loss in FY21. Business Term of the Day: Benchmark Prime Lending Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no SBI hits market capitalisation of Rs 5 trillion mark https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sbi-hits-market-capitalisation-of-rs-5-trillion-mark-_xXkddQ9 In this episode, find out about Infosys’ collaboration with Bpost, also find out about JSW Steel entering into a pact with SMS Group Business Term of the Day: Know your Customer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Sep 2022 07:07:50 -0000 SBI hits market capitalisation of Rs 5 trillion mark full 264 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Infosys’ collaboration with Bpost, also find out about JSW Steel entering into a pact with SMS Group Business Term of the Day: Know your Customer In this episode, find out about Infosys’ collaboration with Bpost, also find out about JSW Steel entering into a pact with SMS Group Business Term of the Day: Know your Customer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 285 no Abrdn. to sell 2% stake in HDFC Life https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/abrdn-to-sell-2-stake-in-hdfc-life-tq5owOgO In this episode, find out about TCS’ tie-up with US-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, also find out about Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s QIP Business Term of the Day: Intra-day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Sep 2022 06:21:23 -0000 Abrdn. to sell 2% stake in HDFC Life full 263 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TCS’ tie-up with US-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, also find out about Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s QIP Business Term of the Day: Intra-day In this episode, find out about TCS’ tie-up with US-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, also find out about Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s QIP Business Term of the Day: Intra-day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 307 no August CPI inflation, July IIP numbers to be out today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/august-cpi-inflation-july-iip-numbers-to-be-out-today-bGfFJMQN In this episode, find out about Adani’s plan to overhaul the board of ACC, Ambuja Cements and also find out about Reliance Petroleum Retail’s plan to acquire Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Business Term of the Day: Personal Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:22:09 -0000 August CPI inflation, July IIP numbers to be out today full 262 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani’s plan to overhaul the board of ACC, Ambuja Cements and also find out about Reliance Petroleum Retail’s plan to acquire Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Business Term of the Day: Personal Guarantee In this episode, find out about Adani’s plan to overhaul the board of ACC, Ambuja Cements and also find out about Reliance Petroleum Retail’s plan to acquire Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Business Term of the Day: Personal Guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 297 no Govt to acquire VIL stake after share price stabilises at Rs 10 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/govt-to-acquire-vil-stake-after-share-price-stabilises-at-rs-10-ZDbk2Deq In this episode, find out why Reliance Jio going is close to finalizing its contract with telecom gear maker Ericsson and what are government's plans for Vodafone Idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Sep 2022 06:59:12 -0000 Govt to acquire VIL stake after share price stabilises at Rs 10 full 261 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Reliance Jio going is close to finalizing its contract with telecom gear maker Ericsson and what are government's plans for Vodafone Idea. In this episode, find out why Reliance Jio going is close to finalizing its contract with telecom gear maker Ericsson and what are government's plans for Vodafone Idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 326 no RIL to aquire 79.4% stake in US-based SenseHawk for $32 m https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-to-aquire-794-stake-in-us-based-sensehawk-for-32-m-061p5aWZ In this episode, find out about Sembcorp Ind’s plan to sell entire stake in Sembcorp Energy, also find out about DreamFolks’ IPO plans Business Term of the Day: Multibagger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Sep 2022 06:12:01 -0000 RIL to aquire 79.4% stake in US-based SenseHawk for $32 m full 260 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Sembcorp Ind’s plan to sell entire stake in Sembcorp Energy, also find out about DreamFolks’ IPO plans Business Term of the Day: Multibagger In this episode, find out about Sembcorp Ind’s plan to sell entire stake in Sembcorp Energy, also find out about DreamFolks’ IPO plans Business Term of the Day: Multibagger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 357 no Cyrus Mistry, Tata Sons ex chairman, dies in accident https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cyrus-mistry-tata-sons-ex-chairman-dies-in-accident-t5obH8nO In this episode, find out about Tamilnad Mercantile Bank’s IPO opens today, also find out about Mahindra Lifespace is targeting a 2.5 fold jump in annual sales bookings over next 3 years Business Term of the Day: NRE Deposit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:24:04 -0000 Cyrus Mistry, Tata Sons ex chairman, dies in accident full 259 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tamilnad Mercantile Bank’s IPO opens today, also find out about Mahindra Lifespace is targeting a 2.5 fold jump in annual sales bookings over next 3 years Business Term of the Day: NRE Deposit In this episode, find out about Tamilnad Mercantile Bank’s IPO opens today, also find out about Mahindra Lifespace is targeting a 2.5 fold jump in annual sales bookings over next 3 years Business Term of the Day: NRE Deposit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 271 no SAT to decide on the fate of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank’s IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sat-to-decide-on-the-fate-of-tamilnad-mercantile-banks-ipo-cb8nJAqP In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s arm’s plans to invest Rs 300 cr for capacity expansion, also find out about Adani Enterprise’ entry into NSE Nifty50 index Business Term of the Day: F&O expiry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:33:44 -0000 SAT to decide on the fate of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank’s IPO full 258 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s arm’s plans to invest Rs 300 cr for capacity expansion, also find out about Adani Enterprise’ entry into NSE Nifty50 index Business Term of the Day: F&O expiry In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s arm’s plans to invest Rs 300 cr for capacity expansion, also find out about Adani Enterprise’ entry into NSE Nifty50 index Business Term of the Day: F&O expiry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 283 no India’s GDP grows at 13.5% in Q1 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indias-gdp-grows-at-135-in-q1-uX2Q_TvU In this episode, find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance’ plan to issue NCDs and also find out about Dish TV Chair Jawahar Goel’s decision to step down Business Term of the Day: Forward Premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:31:36 -0000 India’s GDP grows at 13.5% in Q1 full 257 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance’ plan to issue NCDs and also find out about Dish TV Chair Jawahar Goel’s decision to step down Business Term of the Day: Forward Premium In this episode, find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance’ plan to issue NCDs and also find out about Dish TV Chair Jawahar Goel’s decision to step down Business Term of the Day: Forward Premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 416 no Disney Start sublicenses ICC TV rights to Zee https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/disney-start-sublicenses-icc-tv-rights-to-zee-p0YMwKqs In this episode, find out about TMB’s IPO set to open on September 5 and also find out about India’s Q1 GDP to be released today Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Aug 2022 06:55:25 -0000 Disney Start sublicenses ICC TV rights to Zee full 256 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TMB’s IPO set to open on September 5 and also find out about India’s Q1 GDP to be released today Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle In this episode, find out about TMB’s IPO set to open on September 5 and also find out about India’s Q1 GDP to be released today Business Term of the Day: Business Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 214 no Ambani charts plans to double RIL’s value https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ambani-charts-plans-to-double-rils-value-2OVXxqE4 In this episode, find out about BPCL’s plan to scale up its renewable energy portfolio to 10 GW by 2040, and also find out about Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited (MEML)’s all-new cargo electric three-wheeler – Zor Grand. Business Term of the Day: Jackson Hole Economic Symposium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:50:10 -0000 Ambani charts plans to double RIL’s value full 255 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about BPCL’s plan to scale up its renewable energy portfolio to 10 GW by 2040, and also find out about Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited (MEML)’s all-new cargo electric three-wheeler – Zor Grand. Business Term of the Day: Jackson Hole Economic Symposium In this episode, find out about BPCL’s plan to scale up its renewable energy portfolio to 10 GW by 2040, and also find out about Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited (MEML)’s all-new cargo electric three-wheeler – Zor Grand. Business Term of the Day: Jackson Hole Economic Symposium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 486 no RIL’s 45th AGM today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rils-45th-agm-today-FGvRo_Uk In this episode, find out about NDTV’s letter to SEBI seeking clarification on regulator’s 2020 order, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about Sensex down 1200 pts, rupee below 80/dollar Business Term of the Day: 5G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:51:22 -0000 RIL’s 45th AGM today full 254 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NDTV’s letter to SEBI seeking clarification on regulator’s 2020 order, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about Sensex down 1200 pts, rupee below 80/dollar Business Term of the Day: 5G In this episode, find out about NDTV’s letter to SEBI seeking clarification on regulator’s 2020 order, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about Sensex down 1200 pts, rupee below 80/dollar Business Term of the Day: 5G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 320 no Infosys cuts avg variable pay to 70% for June https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/infosys-cuts-avg-variable-pay-to-70-for-june-xbzTrJVO In this episode, find out about TVS Electronics’ plan to acquire business, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about SEBI disposing off adjudicating proceedings against Sobha Ltd Business Term of the Day: Net debt to EBITDA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:51:51 -0000 Infosys cuts avg variable pay to 70% for June full 253 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TVS Electronics’ plan to acquire business, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about SEBI disposing off adjudicating proceedings against Sobha Ltd Business Term of the Day: Net debt to EBITDA In this episode, find out about TVS Electronics’ plan to acquire business, IP rights of GTID solutions development, also find out about SEBI disposing off adjudicating proceedings against Sobha Ltd Business Term of the Day: Net debt to EBITDA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 405 no Vijay Shekhar Sharma to continue as Paytm MD & CEO for 5 years https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/vijay-shekhar-sharma-to-continue-as-paytm-md-ceo-for-5-years-DZcfo4_c In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plan to launch an open offer for ACC, and Ambuja Cements this week, and also find out why TCS has delayed variable compensation payment to a few employees Business Term of the Day: Moonlighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Aug 2022 07:03:44 -0000 Vijay Shekhar Sharma to continue as Paytm MD & CEO for 5 years full 252 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plan to launch an open offer for ACC, and Ambuja Cements this week, and also find out why TCS has delayed variable compensation payment to a few employees Business Term of the Day: Moonlighting In this episode, find out about Adani Group’s plan to launch an open offer for ACC, and Ambuja Cements this week, and also find out why TCS has delayed variable compensation payment to a few employees Business Term of the Day: Moonlighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 404 no Government hikes windfall profit tax on diesel, ATF exports https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-hikes-windfall-profit-tax-on-diesel-atf-exports-_qCbUDvV In this episode, find out about how SpiceJet settled dispute with Credit Suisse, also find out about ITC’s plans to develop The Ashok Hotel Business Term of the Day: Bank guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Aug 2022 04:32:10 -0000 Government hikes windfall profit tax on diesel, ATF exports full 251 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about how SpiceJet settled dispute with Credit Suisse, also find out about ITC’s plans to develop The Ashok Hotel Business Term of the Day: Bank guarantee In this episode, find out about how SpiceJet settled dispute with Credit Suisse, also find out about ITC’s plans to develop The Ashok Hotel Business Term of the Day: Bank guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 391 no M&M in talks with state governments for setting up EV production sites https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mm-in-talks-with-state-governments-for-setting-up-ev-production-sites-3moG6Zrt In this episode, find out about Gail’s $3.125 bn fund raising plan via ECBs, also find out why RBL bank has offloaded 12% stake in Kilburn Engineering. Business Term of the Day: Merchant Discount Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Aug 2022 04:35:36 -0000 M&M in talks with state governments for setting up EV production sites full 250 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Gail’s $3.125 bn fund raising plan via ECBs, also find out why RBL bank has offloaded 12% stake in Kilburn Engineering. Business Term of the Day: Merchant Discount Rate In this episode, find out about Gail’s $3.125 bn fund raising plan via ECBs, also find out why RBL bank has offloaded 12% stake in Kilburn Engineering. Business Term of the Day: Merchant Discount Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 402 no Bharti Airtel to raise Rs 3000 crore via CPs to fund 5G spectrum purchase https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bharti-airtel-to-raise-rs-3000-crore-via-cps-to-fund-5g-spectrum-purchase-PjbDpgUy In this episode, find out about Mahanagar Gas cutting prices of PNG &, CNG, also find out about NTPC’s plan to raise Rs 5000 crore loan for refinance Business Term of the Day: Solvency Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Aug 2022 06:59:13 -0000 Bharti Airtel to raise Rs 3000 crore via CPs to fund 5G spectrum purchase full 249 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Mahanagar Gas cutting prices of PNG &, CNG, also find out about NTPC’s plan to raise Rs 5000 crore loan for refinance Business Term of the Day: Solvency Ratio In this episode, find out about Mahanagar Gas cutting prices of PNG &, CNG, also find out about NTPC’s plan to raise Rs 5000 crore loan for refinance Business Term of the Day: Solvency Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 391 no CCI approves merger proposal of of HDFC and HDFC bank https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cci-approves-merger-proposal-of-of-hdfc-and-hdfc-bank-Ced23Tms In this episode, find out why Suzlon believes that its financial difficulties are behind it, and also find out about BPCL’s Rs 1.4 lakh crore investment plan for the next 5 years Business Term of the Day: Competition Commission of India (CCI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:58:37 -0000 CCI approves merger proposal of of HDFC and HDFC bank full 248 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Suzlon believes that its financial difficulties are behind it, and also find out about BPCL’s Rs 1.4 lakh crore investment plan for the next 5 years Business Term of the Day: Competition Commission of India (CCI) In this episode, find out why Suzlon believes that its financial difficulties are behind it, and also find out about BPCL’s Rs 1.4 lakh crore investment plan for the next 5 years Business Term of the Day: Competition Commission of India (CCI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 323 no ADIA infuses Rs 665 cr in Aditya Birla Health Insurance https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adia-infuses-rs-665-cr-in-aditya-birla-health-insurance-bvPcITTa In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new web platform Wynk Studio, also find out about Balaji Speciality Chemical’s plan to launch an IPO. Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:27:04 -0000 ADIA infuses Rs 665 cr in Aditya Birla Health Insurance full 247 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new web platform Wynk Studio, also find out about Balaji Speciality Chemical’s plan to launch an IPO. Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel’s new web platform Wynk Studio, also find out about Balaji Speciality Chemical’s plan to launch an IPO. Business Term of the Day: First Loan Default Guarantee (FLDG) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 338 no Bharti Airtel to launch 5G services this month https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bharti-airtel-to-launch-5g-services-this-month-JnfX7QSq In this episode, find out about the IPO of Syrma SGS to hit the market on 12 August, and also find out about the JSW Energy arm’s acquisition of renewable energy assets from Mytrah Energy for Rs 10,531 crore. Business Term of the Day: Credit score Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:16:05 -0000 Bharti Airtel to launch 5G services this month full 246 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the IPO of Syrma SGS to hit the market on 12 August, and also find out about the JSW Energy arm’s acquisition of renewable energy assets from Mytrah Energy for Rs 10,531 crore. Business Term of the Day: Credit score In this episode, find out about the IPO of Syrma SGS to hit the market on 12 August, and also find out about the JSW Energy arm’s acquisition of renewable energy assets from Mytrah Energy for Rs 10,531 crore. Business Term of the Day: Credit score Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 283 no Green Energy to be RIL’s crown jewel in 7 years: Mukesh Ambani https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/green-energy-to-be-rils-crown-jewel-in-7-years-mukesh-ambani-l5dhe9ac In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms and also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Letter of credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:18:36 -0000 Green Energy to be RIL’s crown jewel in 7 years: Mukesh Ambani full 245 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms and also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Letter of credit In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms and also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Letter of credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 254 no RBI to hike policy rates today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-to-hike-policy-rates-today-iXPZuRCE In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms, also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Export duty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 05 Aug 2022 07:32:13 -0000 RBI to hike policy rates today full 244 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms, also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Export duty In this episode, find out why PFC, REC are looking to lend Rs 1.2 trillion to discoms, also find out about Government’s plant to reduce export duty on steel products Business Term of the Day: Export duty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 338 no Government withdraws data bill to make way for a wider law https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-withdraws-data-bill-to-make-way-for-a-wider-law-0b_e3HNp In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel signing 5G network agreements with Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, and also find out about ARCIL’s challenger bid for Yes Bank’s NPA portfolio. Business Term of the Day: Unemployment Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:13:06 -0000 Government withdraws data bill to make way for a wider law full 243 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel signing 5G network agreements with Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, and also find out about ARCIL’s challenger bid for Yes Bank’s NPA portfolio. Business Term of the Day: Unemployment Rate In this episode, find out about Bharti Airtel signing 5G network agreements with Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, and also find out about ARCIL’s challenger bid for Yes Bank’s NPA portfolio. Business Term of the Day: Unemployment Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 346 no Government increases windfall tax on domestic crude oil https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-increases-windfall-tax-on-domestic-crude-oil-AGYaXFr_ In this episode, find out about Zomato shareholder looking to raise $420 m via block deal, also find out about ITC exiting lifestyle retailing business Business Term of the Day: Windfall Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:09:13 -0000 Government increases windfall tax on domestic crude oil full 242 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Zomato shareholder looking to raise $420 m via block deal, also find out about ITC exiting lifestyle retailing business Business Term of the Day: Windfall Tax In this episode, find out about Zomato shareholder looking to raise $420 m via block deal, also find out about ITC exiting lifestyle retailing business Business Term of the Day: Windfall Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 378 yes Telecom spectrum auction ends with record bids worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/telecom-spectrum-auction-ends-with-record-bids-worth-rs-15-lakh-crore-V0volhkq In this episode, find out about Zomato halving loss of Rs 186 crore, also find out about GST collections rising to Rs 1.49 trillion in July Business Term of the Day: Credit rating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Aug 2022 05:51:55 -0000 Telecom spectrum auction ends with record bids worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore full 241 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Zomato halving loss of Rs 186 crore, also find out about GST collections rising to Rs 1.49 trillion in July Business Term of the Day: Credit rating In this episode, find out about Zomato halving loss of Rs 186 crore, also find out about GST collections rising to Rs 1.49 trillion in July Business Term of the Day: Credit rating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 277 no Dr Reddy’s Labs enters into pact with US based Slayback Pharma https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-reddys-labs-enters-into-pact-with-us-based-slayback-pharma-9BVlI_Pj In this episode, find out HDFC raising lending rate by 25 bps, and also find out why Ashok Leyland expects the CV industry to grow at a fast pace in the coming quarters Business Term of the Day: Statutory Liquidity Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:20:09 -0000 Dr Reddy’s Labs enters into pact with US based Slayback Pharma full 240 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out HDFC raising lending rate by 25 bps, and also find out why Ashok Leyland expects the CV industry to grow at a fast pace in the coming quarters Business Term of the Day: Statutory Liquidity Ratio In this episode, find out HDFC raising lending rate by 25 bps, and also find out why Ashok Leyland expects the CV industry to grow at a fast pace in the coming quarters Business Term of the Day: Statutory Liquidity Ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 299 no 5 G Auction to continue today; Rs 1.49 lk crore bids received so far https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/5-g-auction-to-continue-today-rs-149-lk-crore-bids-received-so-far-7Z6T_rHJ In this episode, find out why PNB has reported a 70% drop in net profit in Q1FY23, and also find out about IOC’s plan to invest around Rs 564 cr in various projects in West Bengal Business Term of the Day: Call Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Jul 2022 07:30:49 -0000 5 G Auction to continue today; Rs 1.49 lk crore bids received so far full 239 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why PNB has reported a 70% drop in net profit in Q1FY23, and also find out about IOC’s plan to invest around Rs 564 cr in various projects in West Bengal Business Term of the Day: Call Money In this episode, find out why PNB has reported a 70% drop in net profit in Q1FY23, and also find out about IOC’s plan to invest around Rs 564 cr in various projects in West Bengal Business Term of the Day: Call Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 305 no Fed Reserve ups interest rates by 75 bps https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fed-reserve-ups-interest-rates-by-75-bps-zAds6yCZ In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s pact with a drone-based start-up for mining solutions, and also find out about Government’s revival package for BSNL Business Term of the Day: Profit Margin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:14:15 -0000 Fed Reserve ups interest rates by 75 bps full 238 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s pact with a drone-based start-up for mining solutions, and also find out about Government’s revival package for BSNL Business Term of the Day: Profit Margin In this episode, find out about Tata Steel’s pact with a drone-based start-up for mining solutions, and also find out about Government’s revival package for BSNL Business Term of the Day: Profit Margin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no Government receives Rs 1.45 lakh crore on Day 1 of 5G Auction https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-receives-rs-145-lakh-crore-on-day-1-of-5g-auction-zjT8XUxs In this episode, find out about ONGC signing MoU with Greenko, and also find out about Wipro’s partnership with Nokia Business Term of the Day: Balance of payment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Jul 2022 05:59:57 -0000 Government receives Rs 1.45 lakh crore on Day 1 of 5G Auction full 237 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about ONGC signing MoU with Greenko, and also find out about Wipro’s partnership with Nokia Business Term of the Day: Balance of payment In this episode, find out about ONGC signing MoU with Greenko, and also find out about Wipro’s partnership with Nokia Business Term of the Day: Balance of payment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 325 no 5G Spectrum Auction Begins Today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/5g-spectrum-auction-begins-today-67xyFrgG 5G Spectrum auction begins today Description – In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finerv’s proposal for a stock split, also find out about market action ahead of US Federal Reserve meet   Business Term of the Day:  Recession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Jul 2022 04:30:00 -0000 5G Spectrum Auction Begins Today full 236 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finerv’s proposal for a stock split, also find out about market action ahead of US Federal Reserve meet. Business Term of the Day:  Recession 5G Spectrum auction begins today Description – In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finerv’s proposal for a stock split, also find out about market action ahead of US Federal Reserve meet   Business Term of the Day:  Recession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 5G Spectrum auction begins today

Description – In this episode, find out about Bajaj Finerv’s proposal for a stock split, also find out about market action ahead of US Federal Reserve meet

 

Business Term of the Day:  Recession

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]]> 318 no RIL Q1 net profit up 46.3% https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-q1-net-profit-up-463-85HmIcRc RIL Q1 net profit up 46.3% Description – In this episode, find out about Infosys raising revenue guidance for FY23, also find out Vodaafone Idea’s CFO Akshay Moondra to take charge as new CEO   Business Term of the Day:  Gross refining margin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Jul 2022 04:51:13 -0000 RIL Q1 net profit up 46.3% full 235 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Infosys raising revenue guidance for FY23, also find out Vodaafone Idea’s CFO Akshay Moondra to take charge as new CEO. Business Term of the Day:  Gross refining margin RIL Q1 net profit up 46.3% Description – In this episode, find out about Infosys raising revenue guidance for FY23, also find out Vodaafone Idea’s CFO Akshay Moondra to take charge as new CEO   Business Term of the Day:  Gross refining margin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices RIL Q1 net profit up 46.3%

Description – In this episode, find out about Infosys raising revenue guidance for FY23, also find out Vodaafone Idea’s CFO Akshay Moondra to take charge as new CEO

 

Business Term of the Day:  Gross refining margin

 

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]]> 342 no Tube Investments buys 76% in Moshinde Electronics https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tube-investments-buys-76-in-moshinde-electronics-ZmJ7AeI_ In this episode, find out about ITC’s new super app for farmers, and also find out about Reliance Brands’ partners with Maison Valentino. Business Term of the Day: European Central Bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Jul 2022 07:02:30 -0000 Tube Investments buys 76% in Moshinde Electronics full 234 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about ITC’s new super app for farmers, and also find out about Reliance Brands’ partners with Maison Valentino. Business Term of the Day: European Central Bank In this episode, find out about ITC’s new super app for farmers, and also find out about Reliance Brands’ partners with Maison Valentino. Business Term of the Day: European Central Bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 372 no Future Retail to enter insolvency https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/future-retail-to-enter-insolvency-cjMpW2Dl In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise Rs 11,000 crore via bonds in FY23 and also find out why Wipro reported a fall in net profit. Business Term of the Day: Parity price Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Jul 2022 05:48:08 -0000 Future Retail to enter insolvency full 233 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise Rs 11,000 crore via bonds in FY23 and also find out why Wipro reported a fall in net profit. Business Term of the Day: Parity price In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise Rs 11,000 crore via bonds in FY23 and also find out why Wipro reported a fall in net profit. Business Term of the Day: Parity price Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 366 no Government Cuts Windfall Tax On Fuel Exports https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-cuts-windfall-tax-on-fuel-exports-4SLomQlg Government cuts windfall tax on fuel exports In this episode, find out about RBI’s proposal for a four-tiered structure for Uran Cooperative banks, and also find out PNB Hsg Finance’s decision to settle the case with SEBI. Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Jul 2022 03:43:55 -0000 Government Cuts Windfall Tax On Fuel Exports full 232 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RBI’s proposal for a four-tiered structure for Uran Cooperative banks, and also find out PNB Hsg Finance’s decision to settle the case with SEBI. Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge Government cuts windfall tax on fuel exports In this episode, find out about RBI’s proposal for a four-tiered structure for Uran Cooperative banks, and also find out PNB Hsg Finance’s decision to settle the case with SEBI. Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Government cuts windfall tax on fuel exports

In this episode, find out about RBI’s proposal for a four-tiered structure for Uran Cooperative banks, and also find out PNB Hsg Finance’s decision to settle the case with SEBI. Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge

Business Term of the Day:  Swiss Challenge

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]]> 322 no Reliance Jio puts in Rs 14,000 crore in 5G Auction deposit https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-jio-puts-in-rs-14-000-crore-in-5g-auction-deposit-Ohd6T1wZ In this episode, find out about Yes bank’s plans to invest Rs 350 crore in JC Flowers ARC and also find out about M&M hiking stake in subsidiary Sampo Rosenlew Business Term of the Day: Earnest Money Deposit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:27:18 -0000 Reliance Jio puts in Rs 14,000 crore in 5G Auction deposit full 231 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Yes bank’s plans to invest Rs 350 crore in JC Flowers ARC and also find out about M&M hiking stake in subsidiary Sampo Rosenlew Business Term of the Day: Earnest Money Deposit In this episode, find out about Yes bank’s plans to invest Rs 350 crore in JC Flowers ARC and also find out about M&M hiking stake in subsidiary Sampo Rosenlew Business Term of the Day: Earnest Money Deposit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 332 no Sanjay Nayyar’s new tech fund raises $100 m https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sanjay-nayyars-new-tech-fund-raises-100-m-LWx5WW9l In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s plans for its HDB Financial Services & HDFC Securities, also find out about Crude oil prices trading below $100 bbl. Business Term of the Day: non-deliverable forward (NDF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:23:40 -0000 Sanjay Nayyar’s new tech fund raises $100 m full 230 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s plans for its HDB Financial Services & HDFC Securities, also find out about Crude oil prices trading below $100 bbl. Business Term of the Day: non-deliverable forward (NDF) In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s plans for its HDB Financial Services & HDFC Securities, also find out about Crude oil prices trading below $100 bbl. Business Term of the Day: non-deliverable forward (NDF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 311 no RBI eases forex rules to defend rupee https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-eases-forex-rules-to-defend-rupee-JebqiVkn In this episode, find out why DGCA issued show-cause notice against SpiceJet, and also find out about Reliance Retail’s partnership with US apparel major Gap Inc Business Term of the Day: FCNR Deposits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:41:18 -0000 RBI eases forex rules to defend rupee full 229 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why DGCA issued show-cause notice against SpiceJet, and also find out about Reliance Retail’s partnership with US apparel major Gap Inc Business Term of the Day: FCNR Deposits In this episode, find out why DGCA issued show-cause notice against SpiceJet, and also find out about Reliance Retail’s partnership with US apparel major Gap Inc Business Term of the Day: FCNR Deposits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 372 no HDFC Bank receives RBI approval for merger with HDFC https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-bank-receives-rbi-approval-for-merger-with-hdfc-rrRfBLL8 In this episode, find out about Byju’s fund raising plan for acquisition of 2U, also find out about CCPA’s decision to bar hotels from levying service charge Business Term of the Day: Call money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:25:07 -0000 HDFC Bank receives RBI approval for merger with HDFC full 228 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Byju’s fund raising plan for acquisition of 2U, also find out about CCPA’s decision to bar hotels from levying service charge Business Term of the Day: Call money In this episode, find out about Byju’s fund raising plan for acquisition of 2U, also find out about CCPA’s decision to bar hotels from levying service charge Business Term of the Day: Call money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 305 no 5% of IndiGo’s flights delayed as cabin crew members called in sick https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/5-of-indigos-flights-delayed-as-cabin-crew-members-called-in-sick-bIgBJqNd In this episode, find out why NTPC signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government for the development of 10 GW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Rajasthan, also find out about Coal India’s record production in June Business Term of the Day: Shrinkflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Jul 2022 07:46:25 -0000 5% of IndiGo’s flights delayed as cabin crew members called in sick full 227 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why NTPC signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government for the development of 10 GW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Rajasthan, also find out about Coal India’s record production in June Business Term of the Day: Shrinkflation In this episode, find out why NTPC signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government for the development of 10 GW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Rajasthan, also find out about Coal India’s record production in June Business Term of the Day: Shrinkflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 347 no Bad loans fall to 6-year low in March 2022: RBI report https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bad-loans-fall-to-6-year-low-in-march-2022-rbi-report-0Q_C8mTo In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to increase its share in the SUV segment, also find out about rupee hitting 79/$ for the first time ever Business Term of the Day: Big tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:12:24 -0000 Bad loans fall to 6-year low in March 2022: RBI report full 226 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to increase its share in the SUV segment, also find out about rupee hitting 79/$ for the first time ever Business Term of the Day: Big tech In this episode, find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plans to increase its share in the SUV segment, also find out about rupee hitting 79/$ for the first time ever Business Term of the Day: Big tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 386 no GST’s 2-day meeting concluded without any decisions on extending compensation to states https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/gsts-2-day-meeting-concluded-without-any-decisions-on-extending-compensation-to-states-imwXdc7u In this episode, find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise funds from PE for its EV biz, also find out about Bijy’s deal to buy 2U. Business Term of the Day: Interest rate differential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:36 -0000 GST’s 2-day meeting concluded without any decisions on extending compensation to states full 225 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise funds from PE for its EV biz, also find out about Bijy’s deal to buy 2U. Business Term of the Day: Interest rate differential In this episode, find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise funds from PE for its EV biz, also find out about Bijy’s deal to buy 2U. Business Term of the Day: Interest rate differential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 332 no RIL chairman Mukhesh steps down as Reliance Jio director, son Akash takes over https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-chairman-mukhesh-steps-down-as-reliance-jio-director-son-akash-takes-over-yoNzNDaP In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ decision to hike the price of commercial vehicles, also find out about Novartis AG’s plan to cut 8000 jobs to save at least $1 billion by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Real Effective Exchange Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:07:07 -0000 RIL chairman Mukhesh steps down as Reliance Jio director, son Akash takes over full 224 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ decision to hike the price of commercial vehicles, also find out about Novartis AG’s plan to cut 8000 jobs to save at least $1 billion by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Real Effective Exchange Rate In this episode, find out about Tata Motors’ decision to hike the price of commercial vehicles, also find out about Novartis AG’s plan to cut 8000 jobs to save at least $1 billion by 2024. Business Term of the Day: Real Effective Exchange Rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 314 no 47th GT council meet begins today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/47th-gt-council-meet-begins-today-1b55J4n2 In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto’s share buyback program, also find out about credit card spends touching all-time high Business Term of the Day: Input tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:41:55 -0000 47th GT council meet begins today full 223 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto’s share buyback program, also find out about credit card spends touching all-time high Business Term of the Day: Input tax credit In this episode, find out about Bajaj Auto’s share buyback program, also find out about credit card spends touching all-time high Business Term of the Day: Input tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no RIL in talks to raise $8 bn for Boots deal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ril-in-talks-to-raise-8-bn-for-boots-deal-T1vzffVy In this episode, find out about Adani group’s entry into copper manufacturing, and also find out about Dish TV shareholders’ decision to vote out promoter Jawahar Goel as MD Business Term of the Day: Capital gain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:05:45 -0000 RIL in talks to raise $8 bn for Boots deal full 222 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani group’s entry into copper manufacturing, and also find out about Dish TV shareholders’ decision to vote out promoter Jawahar Goel as MD Business Term of the Day: Capital gain In this episode, find out about Adani group’s entry into copper manufacturing, and also find out about Dish TV shareholders’ decision to vote out promoter Jawahar Goel as MD Business Term of the Day: Capital gain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 298 no Hero Moto Corp increases prices of motorcycles, scooters https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hero-moto-corp-increases-prices-of-motorcycles-scooters-Py2Fat61 In this episode, find out about realty major Macrotech Developers’ entry in Bengaluru market, also find out about HUL’s concerns on inflation. Business Term of the Day: Recession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:22:15 -0000 Hero Moto Corp increases prices of motorcycles, scooters full 221 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about realty major Macrotech Developers’ entry in Bengaluru market, also find out about HUL’s concerns on inflation. Business Term of the Day: Recession In this episode, find out about realty major Macrotech Developers’ entry in Bengaluru market, also find out about HUL’s concerns on inflation. Business Term of the Day: Recession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 299 no MPC hints at more rate hikes, economic slowdown https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/mpc-hints-at-more-rate-hikes-economic-slowdown-bWZ5x6XA In this episode, find out about Spandana Sphoorty’s decision to resolve differences with founder Padmaja Reddy, also find out about SBI’s plan to take on competition from the HDFC-HDFC bank merger. Business Term of the Day: Prepaid Payment instruments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jun 2022 04:40:00 -0000 MPC hints at more rate hikes, economic slowdown full 220 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Spandana Sphoorty’s decision to resolve differences with founder Padmaja Reddy, also find out about SBI’s plan to take on competition from the HDFC-HDFC bank merger. Business Term of the Day: Prepaid Payment instruments In this episode, find out about Spandana Sphoorty’s decision to resolve differences with founder Padmaja Reddy, also find out about SBI’s plan to take on competition from the HDFC-HDFC bank merger. Business Term of the Day: Prepaid Payment instruments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 311 no Life insurers may get to sell health covers https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/life-insurers-may-get-to-sell-health-covers-Z2TXZsny In this episode, find out about SEBI’s penalty on RIL over Facebook deal news, also find out about Bank of India’s plan to raise capital of Rs 2500 cr. Business Term of the Day: Google Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:30:01 -0000 Life insurers may get to sell health covers full 219 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI’s penalty on RIL over Facebook deal news, also find out about Bank of India’s plan to raise capital of Rs 2500 cr. Business Term of the Day: Google Tax In this episode, find out about SEBI’s penalty on RIL over Facebook deal news, also find out about Bank of India’s plan to raise capital of Rs 2500 cr. Business Term of the Day: Google Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no FM meets PSU banks today to discuss credit growth, asset quality https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fm-meets-psu-banks-today-to-discuss-credit-growth-asset-quality-SHnmoTVt In this episode, find out about Coal India’s plan to decarbonise operations, and also find out about the government’s plan to relaunch Banks Board Bureau Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Jun 2022 04:16:36 -0000 FM meets PSU banks today to discuss credit growth, asset quality full 218 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Coal India’s plan to decarbonise operations, and also find out about the government’s plan to relaunch Banks Board Bureau Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) In this episode, find out about Coal India’s plan to decarbonise operations, and also find out about the government’s plan to relaunch Banks Board Bureau Business Term of the Day: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 269 no Tata Power plans to buy coal worth ₹12,000 crore https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tata-power-plans-to-buy-coal-worth-12-000-crore-G48sui2k In this episode, find out about what restrictions RBI has lifted on global card network Mastercard, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the day: Tokenisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:39:39 -0000 Tata Power plans to buy coal worth ₹12,000 crore full 217 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about what restrictions RBI has lifted on global card network Mastercard, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the day: Tokenisation In this episode, find out about what restrictions RBI has lifted on global card network Mastercard, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the day: Tokenisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 363 no Asians markets rise after largest Feb rate hike of 75 bps https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/asians-markets-rise-after-largest-feb-rate-hike-of-75-bps-3OUilvof In this episode, find out about Bharat Pe co-founder Ashneer Grover’s new start up plans, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the Day: Rating agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:55:44 -0000 Asians markets rise after largest Feb rate hike of 75 bps full 216 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bharat Pe co-founder Ashneer Grover’s new start up plans, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the Day: Rating agency In this episode, find out about Bharat Pe co-founder Ashneer Grover’s new start up plans, also find out about the government’s decision to auction 5G airwaves Business Term of the Day: Rating agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 324 no Investors Keep A Close Watch On US Fed Rate Decision https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/investors-keep-a-close-watch-on-us-fed-rate-decision-tMY5_mgO In this episode, find out about SBI, IDBI bank hiking deposit rates, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s launch of Xstream multiplex. Business Term of the Day: WTO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Jun 2022 06:20:00 -0000 Investors Keep A Close Watch On US Fed Rate Decision full 215 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI, IDBI bank hiking deposit rates, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s launch of Xstream multiplex. Business Term of the Day: WTO In this episode, find out about SBI, IDBI bank hiking deposit rates, also find out about Bharti Airtel’s launch of Xstream multiplex. Business Term of the Day: WTO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 337 no Viacom18 bags media rights for 2023-27 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/viacom18-bags-media-rights-for-2023-27-iooTFiay In this episode, find out about Sequioa’s new Asian fund worth $850 m, also find out about Zydus Lifesciences’ Rs 750 crore share buyback Business Term of the Day: Stock split Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:11:07 -0000 Viacom18 bags media rights for 2023-27 full 214 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Sequioa’s new Asian fund worth $850 m, also find out about Zydus Lifesciences’ Rs 750 crore share buyback Business Term of the Day: Stock split In this episode, find out about Sequioa’s new Asian fund worth $850 m, also find out about Zydus Lifesciences’ Rs 750 crore share buyback Business Term of the Day: Stock split Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 345 no Bajaj Auto announce share buyback, the first time since 2000 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bajaj-auto-announce-share-buyback-the-first-time-since-2000-rDZUwttc In this episode, find out about RIL-Apollo’s race for Boots pharma chain, also find out about ADIA’s Rs 2200 crore investment in IIFL Home Finance Business Term of the Day: Repo linked lending rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 Jun 2022 04:14:22 -0000 Bajaj Auto announce share buyback, the first time since 2000 full 213 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RIL-Apollo’s race for Boots pharma chain, also find out about ADIA’s Rs 2200 crore investment in IIFL Home Finance Business Term of the Day: Repo linked lending rate In this episode, find out about RIL-Apollo’s race for Boots pharma chain, also find out about ADIA’s Rs 2200 crore investment in IIFL Home Finance Business Term of the Day: Repo linked lending rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 401 no European Central Bank To Announce Its Policy Rate Action Today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/european-central-bank-to-announce-its-policy-rate-action-today-j_u9sWat In this episode, find out about RBI’s decision to hike the repo rate by 50 bps and the government’s decision to hike MSP for Kharif crops. Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jun 2022 05:26:26 -0000 European Central Bank To Announce Its Policy Rate Action Today full 212 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about RBI’s decision to hike the repo rate by 50 bps and the government’s decision to hike MSP for Kharif crops. Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) In this episode, find out about RBI’s decision to hike the repo rate by 50 bps and the government’s decision to hike MSP for Kharif crops. Business Term of the Day: Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 402 no Monetary Policy Committee to announce rate action today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/monetary-policy-committee-to-announce-rate-action-today-Dq3G_bCO In this episode, find out PNB to invest Rs 500 crore in PNB Housing Finance, and also find out about HDFC Bank hiking the MCLR rate Business Term of the Day: Yield curve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Jun 2022 04:24:41 -0000 Monetary Policy Committee to announce rate action today full 211 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out PNB to invest Rs 500 crore in PNB Housing Finance, and also find out about HDFC Bank hiking the MCLR rate Business Term of the Day: Yield curve In this episode, find out PNB to invest Rs 500 crore in PNB Housing Finance, and also find out about HDFC Bank hiking the MCLR rate Business Term of the Day: Yield curve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 282 no Adani, Apollo Hospital Eye Stake In Metropolis Healthcare https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-apollo-hospital-eye-stake-in-metropolis-healthcare-D_tVsyYE In this episode, find out Tata Power’s plans to partner with Kolte Patil Developers for EV stations, also find out about NCLT’s decision to hear Amazon’s petition against insolvency of Future Retail on June 10 Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Jun 2022 05:35:56 -0000 Adani, Apollo Hospital Eye Stake In Metropolis Healthcare full 210 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out Tata Power’s plans to partner with Kolte Patil Developers for EV stations, also find out about NCLT’s decision to hear Amazon’s petition against insolvency of Future Retail on June 10 Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bill In this episode, find out Tata Power’s plans to partner with Kolte Patil Developers for EV stations, also find out about NCLT’s decision to hear Amazon’s petition against insolvency of Future Retail on June 10 Business Term of the Day: Treasury Bill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 362 no RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee Meeting Starts Today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbis-monetary-policy-committee-meeting-starts-today-_xo4pDum In this episode, find out Vodafone Idea plans to grow its post paid user base, also find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise Rs 5000 crore in EV push Business Term of the Day: ONDC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:18:43 -0000 RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee Meeting Starts Today full 209 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out Vodafone Idea plans to grow its post paid user base, also find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise Rs 5000 crore in EV push Business Term of the Day: ONDC In this episode, find out Vodafone Idea plans to grow its post paid user base, also find out about TVS Motor’s plans to raise Rs 5000 crore in EV push Business Term of the Day: ONDC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 312 no UltraTech Cement To Double Down On Capex Plans https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ultratech-cement-to-double-down-on-capex-plans-YFSk_bNx UltraTech Cement to double down on CAPEX plans Description – In this episode, find out Coal India’s plan to list 25% shares of Bharat Coking Coal, also find out about Aesther Industries listing today Business Term of the Day:  price band Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Jun 2022 04:04:12 -0000 UltraTech Cement To Double Down On Capex Plans full 208 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out Coal India’s plan to list 25% shares of Bharat Coking Coal, also find out about Aesther Industries listing today. Business Term of the Day: Price Band UltraTech Cement to double down on CAPEX plans Description – In this episode, find out Coal India’s plan to list 25% shares of Bharat Coking Coal, also find out about Aesther Industries listing today Business Term of the Day:  price band Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices UltraTech Cement to double down on CAPEX plans

Description – In this episode, find out Coal India’s plan to list 25% shares of Bharat Coking Coal, also find out about Aesther Industries listing today

Business Term of the Day:  price band

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]]> 294 no NHPC aims to securitise Rs 2000 cr revenue in FY23 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/nhpc-aims-to-securitise-rs-2000-cr-revenue-in-fy23-hK_SZbN6 In this episode, find out Reliance Brands’ plan to acquire 40% stake in Legno SPA, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to postpone its EV launch Business Term of the Day: Mutual Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:30:35 -0000 NHPC aims to securitise Rs 2000 cr revenue in FY23 full 207 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out Reliance Brands’ plan to acquire 40% stake in Legno SPA, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to postpone its EV launch Business Term of the Day: Mutual Fund In this episode, find out Reliance Brands’ plan to acquire 40% stake in Legno SPA, also find out about Hero MotoCorp’s plan to postpone its EV launch Business Term of the Day: Mutual Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 275 no Future dials RIL for logistics; Premji & others for fashion biz https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/future-dials-ril-for-logistics-premji-others-for-fashion-biz-JnJNgzxP In this episode, find out Nxtdigital’s plan to enter broadband over-satellite market, also find out about eMudhra’s tepid listing today. Business Term of the Day: Red Herring Prospectus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:50:33 -0000 Future dials RIL for logistics; Premji & others for fashion biz full 206 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out Nxtdigital’s plan to enter broadband over-satellite market, also find out about eMudhra’s tepid listing today. Business Term of the Day: Red Herring Prospectus In this episode, find out Nxtdigital’s plan to enter broadband over-satellite market, also find out about eMudhra’s tepid listing today. Business Term of the Day: Red Herring Prospectus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 271 no LIC posts 17% drop in net profit in Q4FY22 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lic-posts-17-drop-in-net-profit-in-q4fy22-tA3kxOsv In this episode, find out why small online sellers may have to register for GST, also find out about PayMate’s plans to raise Rs 1500 crore via IPO Business Term of the Day: Opportunity cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 May 2022 06:52:57 -0000 LIC posts 17% drop in net profit in Q4FY22 full 205 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why small online sellers may have to register for GST, also find out about PayMate’s plans to raise Rs 1500 crore via IPO Business Term of the Day: Opportunity cost In this episode, find out why small online sellers may have to register for GST, also find out about PayMate’s plans to raise Rs 1500 crore via IPO Business Term of the Day: Opportunity cost Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 287 no LIC To Announce Its Q4 Results Today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lic-to-announce-its-q4-results-today-y6K01l48 In this episode, find out about United Spirits plans to focus on its premium brands, also find out why crude oil stocks will be in focus today. Business Term of the Day: Throughput Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 May 2022 06:07:30 -0000 LIC To Announce Its Q4 Results Today full 204 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about United Spirits plans to focus on its premium brands, also find out why crude oil stocks will be in focus today. Business Term of the Day: Throughput In this episode, find out about United Spirits plans to focus on its premium brands, also find out why crude oil stocks will be in focus today. Business Term of the Day: Throughput Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 244 no Government To Sell Residual Stake In Hindustan Zinc Ltd https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-to-sell-residual-stake-in-hindustan-zinc-ltd-VJSuXFfI Government to sell residual stake in Hindustan Zinc Ltd Description – In this episode, find out about Standard Chartered Bank's move to settle the case with SEBI, and also find out why RBI canceled NBFC licenses linked to app-based lenders. Business Term of the Day:  Value Added Tax (VAT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 May 2022 07:06:41 -0000 Government To Sell Residual Stake In Hindustan Zinc Ltd full 203 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Standard Chartered Bank's move to settle the case with SEBI, and also find out why RBI canceled NBFC licenses linked to app-based lenders. Business Term of the Day: Value Added Tax (VAT) Government to sell residual stake in Hindustan Zinc Ltd Description – In this episode, find out about Standard Chartered Bank's move to settle the case with SEBI, and also find out why RBI canceled NBFC licenses linked to app-based lenders. Business Term of the Day:  Value Added Tax (VAT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Government to sell residual stake in Hindustan Zinc Ltd

Description – In this episode, find out about Standard Chartered Bank's move to settle the case with SEBI, and also find out why RBI canceled NBFC licenses linked to app-based lenders.

Business Term of the Day:  Value Added Tax (VAT)

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]]> 303 no NTPC to increase coal supplies to its thermal plants https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/ntpc-to-increase-coal-supplies-to-its-thermal-plants-X_wMNuqZ In this episode, find out about the government’s move to impose restrictions on sugar exports from 1 June, also find out about Indian Hotels Company’s decision to reappoint Puneet Chhatwal. Business Term of the Day: Accommodative monetary policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 May 2022 03:28:12 -0000 NTPC to increase coal supplies to its thermal plants full 202 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the government’s move to impose restrictions on sugar exports from 1 June, also find out about Indian Hotels Company’s decision to reappoint Puneet Chhatwal. Business Term of the Day: Accommodative monetary policy In this episode, find out about the government’s move to impose restrictions on sugar exports from 1 June, also find out about Indian Hotels Company’s decision to reappoint Puneet Chhatwal. Business Term of the Day: Accommodative monetary policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 293 no Delhivery to get listed today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/delhivery-to-get-listed-today-fBtNJ7rB In this episode, find out about Marco’s move to acquire 54% stake in True Elements, also find out about NHP’s plan to float largest solar power project in Odisha Business Term of the Day: Tight monetary policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 May 2022 05:11:44 -0000 Delhivery to get listed today full 201 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Marco’s move to acquire 54% stake in True Elements, also find out about NHP’s plan to float largest solar power project in Odisha Business Term of the Day: Tight monetary policy In this episode, find out about Marco’s move to acquire 54% stake in True Elements, also find out about NHP’s plan to float largest solar power project in Odisha Business Term of the Day: Tight monetary policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 387 no Government may cut revenue expenditure, borrow extra https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-may-cut-revenue-expenditure-borrow-extra-zzo7EhfA In this episode, find out about NHPC’s Rs 62.4 k crore storage plants push, and also find out Zomato will announce its Q4 nos Business Term of the Day: Excise Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 May 2022 03:56:12 -0000 Government may cut revenue expenditure, borrow extra full 200 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NHPC’s Rs 62.4 k crore storage plants push, and also find out Zomato will announce its Q4 nos Business Term of the Day: Excise Tax In this episode, find out about NHPC’s Rs 62.4 k crore storage plants push, and also find out Zomato will announce its Q4 nos Business Term of the Day: Excise Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 276 no RBI Allows Settlement Of Trade Transactions With Sri Lanka In Indian Rupee https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-allows-settlement-of-trade-transactions-with-sri-lanka-in-indian-rupee-kxp0Fnge In this episode, find out why Equitas founder PN Vasudevan resigned, also find out about Indonesia’s decision to lift ban on edible oil exports Business Term of the Day: GST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 May 2022 04:33:44 -0000 RBI Allows Settlement Of Trade Transactions With Sri Lanka In Indian Rupee full 199 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Equitas founder PN Vasudevan resigned, also find out about Indonesia’s decision to lift ban on edible oil exports Business Term of the Day: GST In this episode, find out why Equitas founder PN Vasudevan resigned, also find out about Indonesia’s decision to lift ban on edible oil exports Business Term of the Day: GST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 276 no JSW Group Signs Exclusive Deal To Buy Mytrah https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/jsw-group-signs-exclusive-deal-to-buy-mytrah-KSL9mmYJ audio news, Paytm eCommerce, Hindustan times podcast, top news podcast, mint daily updates, trending news today, daily news updates, daily news podcast, news podcast, daily updates, mint news today, live mint, business news, mint news, live mint news     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 May 2022 06:15:00 -0000 JSW Group Signs Exclusive Deal To Buy Mytrah full 198 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why investors are looking at a sharper rate hike from RBI, also find out about the new CEO at Indigo. Business Term of the Day: Tariff audio news, Paytm eCommerce, Hindustan times podcast, top news podcast, mint daily updates, trending news today, daily news updates, daily news podcast, news podcast, daily updates, mint news today, live mint, business news, mint news, live mint news     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices audio news, Paytm eCommerce, Hindustan times podcast, top news podcast, mint daily updates, trending news today, daily news updates, daily news podcast, news podcast, daily updates, mint news today, live mint, business news, mint news, live mint news

 

 

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]]> 321 no Minutes of RBI’s monetary policy committee meeting to be released today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/minutes-of-rbis-monetary-policy-committee-meeting-to-be-released-today-A0cWDfE9 In this episode, find out about the government’s plans to reduce the quantum of stake sale in BPCL, and also find out about RBI’s decision to reject 6 applications for banking licences Business Term of the Day: Open offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 May 2022 05:28:34 -0000 Minutes of RBI’s monetary policy committee meeting to be released today full 197 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the government’s plans to reduce the quantum of stake sale in BPCL, and also find out about RBI’s decision to reject 6 applications for banking licences Business Term of the Day: Open offer In this episode, find out about the government’s plans to reduce the quantum of stake sale in BPCL, and also find out about RBI’s decision to reject 6 applications for banking licences Business Term of the Day: Open offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 331 no LIC to list its shares today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/lic-to-list-its-shares-today-QBvTeSA7 In this episode, find out about Jack Ma exiting Paytm E-commerce, also find out about Byju’s looking at US acquisition for $2 bn Business Term of the Day: Growth stocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 May 2022 03:55:14 -0000 LIC to list its shares today full 196 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Jack Ma exiting Paytm E-commerce, also find out about Byju’s looking at US acquisition for $2 bn Business Term of the Day: Growth stocks In this episode, find out about Jack Ma exiting Paytm E-commerce, also find out about Byju’s looking at US acquisition for $2 bn Business Term of the Day: Growth stocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 297 no Adani group acquires Holcim AG’s cement businesses for $10.5 billion https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-group-acquires-holcim-ags-cement-businesses-for-105-billion-vuz3_LgE In this episode, find out why Tech Mahindra thinks positive momentum will continue in FY23, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plan to invest Rs 11,000 crore in a new plant in Haryana. Business Term of the Day: Bear market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 May 2022 03:59:58 -0000 Adani group acquires Holcim AG’s cement businesses for $10.5 billion full 195 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Tech Mahindra thinks positive momentum will continue in FY23, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plan to invest Rs 11,000 crore in a new plant in Haryana. Business Term of the Day: Bear market In this episode, find out why Tech Mahindra thinks positive momentum will continue in FY23, also find out about Maruti Suzuki’s plan to invest Rs 11,000 crore in a new plant in Haryana. Business Term of the Day: Bear market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 299 no Indian Markets Are Likely To Open Higher Today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/indian-markets-are-likely-to-open-higher-today-XUkQt1_G In this episode, find out about PNB’s decision to subscribe to rights issue of PNB Housing, also find out about Reliance Industries and BP’s plan to draw up a compensation plan for dealers Business Term of the Day: Nominal GDP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 May 2022 03:30:59 -0000 Indian Markets Are Likely To Open Higher Today full 194 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about PNB’s decision to subscribe to rights issue of PNB Housing, also find out about Reliance Industries and BP’s plan to draw up a compensation plan for dealers Business Term of the Day: Nominal GDP In this episode, find out about PNB’s decision to subscribe to rights issue of PNB Housing, also find out about Reliance Industries and BP’s plan to draw up a compensation plan for dealers Business Term of the Day: Nominal GDP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 301 no Reliance Industries to announce its Q4 results today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/reliance-industries-to-announce-its-q4-results-today-roaiV531 In this episode, find out about banks hiking lending rates post RBI rate hike, also find out why Bitcoin dropped the most in a month. Business Term of the Day: FOMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 May 2022 03:53:41 -0000 Reliance Industries to announce its Q4 results today full 193 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about banks hiking lending rates post RBI rate hike, also find out why Bitcoin dropped the most in a month. Business Term of the Day: FOMC In this episode, find out about banks hiking lending rates post RBI rate hike, also find out why Bitcoin dropped the most in a month. Business Term of the Day: FOMC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 305 no Fed raises rates by 50 bps, the biggest hike in 2 decades https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/fed-raises-rates-by-50-bps-the-biggest-hike-in-2-decades-Woaf5CYz In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise $2bn from global markets, also find out why Indian markets are likely to open higher Business Term of the Day: Stagflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 May 2022 03:33:46 -0000 Fed raises rates by 50 bps, the biggest hike in 2 decades full 192 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise $2bn from global markets, also find out why Indian markets are likely to open higher Business Term of the Day: Stagflation In this episode, find out about SBI’s plans to raise $2bn from global markets, also find out why Indian markets are likely to open higher Business Term of the Day: Stagflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 251 no Rs 21,000 crore LIC IPO opens for subscription today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rs-21-000-crore-lic-ipo-opens-for-subscription-today-gvLPN6Fp In this episode, find out why Amazon has written to Sebi against Future Retail, also find out about Adani Wilmar’s acquisition of Kohinoor brand from McCormick Switzerland GMBH Business Term of the Day: Grey Market Premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 May 2022 04:02:01 -0000 Rs 21,000 crore LIC IPO opens for subscription today full 191 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Amazon has written to Sebi against Future Retail, also find out about Adani Wilmar’s acquisition of Kohinoor brand from McCormick Switzerland GMBH Business Term of the Day: Grey Market Premium In this episode, find out why Amazon has written to Sebi against Future Retail, also find out about Adani Wilmar’s acquisition of Kohinoor brand from McCormick Switzerland GMBH Business Term of the Day: Grey Market Premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no Government to launch open network for digital commerce https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-to-launch-open-network-for-digital-commerce-xuWgBsf8 In this episode, find out why Axis bank reported a 54% rise in net profit in Q4FY23, also find out about Tata Power looking to install 5000 EV charging points Business Term of the Day: Hostile takeover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:36:05 -0000 Government to launch open network for digital commerce full 190 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Axis bank reported a 54% rise in net profit in Q4FY23, also find out about Tata Power looking to install 5000 EV charging points Business Term of the Day: Hostile takeover In this episode, find out why Axis bank reported a 54% rise in net profit in Q4FY23, also find out about Tata Power looking to install 5000 EV charging points Business Term of the Day: Hostile takeover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 263 no James Murdoch firm leads $2 bn funding in Ambani media arm https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/james-murdoch-firm-leads-2-bn-funding-in-ambani-media-arm-gzb8rfJD April 25 Title –  James Murdoch firm leads $2 bn funding in Ambani media arm Description – In this episode, find out about HUL becoming Rs 50,000 crore turnover company, also find why Bajaj Auto saw a drop in Q4 results Business Term of the Day:  Poison Pill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Apr 2022 04:07:31 -0000 James Murdoch firm leads $2 bn funding in Ambani media arm full 189 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HUL becoming Rs 50,000 crore turnover company, also find out why Bajaj Auto saw a drop in Q4 results. Business Term of the Day: Poison Pill April 25 Title –  James Murdoch firm leads $2 bn funding in Ambani media arm Description – In this episode, find out about HUL becoming Rs 50,000 crore turnover company, also find why Bajaj Auto saw a drop in Q4 results Business Term of the Day:  Poison Pill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices April 25

Title –  James Murdoch firm leads $2 bn funding in Ambani media arm

Description – In this episode, find out about HUL becoming Rs 50,000 crore turnover company, also find why Bajaj Auto saw a drop in Q4 results

Business Term of the Day:  Poison Pill

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]]> 283 no Elon Musks acquires Twitter for $44 bn https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/elon-musks-acquires-twitter-for-44-bn-PkziXeo0 In this episode, find out about Bank of India’s plans to raise Rs 2500 crore by issuing fresh equity shares, also find why Yes bank has initiated insolvency proceedings against Zee Learn. Business Term of the Day: Short selling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:40:53 -0000 Elon Musks acquires Twitter for $44 bn full 188 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bank of India’s plans to raise Rs 2500 crore by issuing fresh equity shares, also find why Yes bank has initiated insolvency proceedings against Zee Learn. Business Term of the Day: Short selling In this episode, find out about Bank of India’s plans to raise Rs 2500 crore by issuing fresh equity shares, also find why Yes bank has initiated insolvency proceedings against Zee Learn. Business Term of the Day: Short selling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 249 no Aditya Birla Capital Appoints Vishakha Mulye As Its New CEO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/aditya-birla-capital-appoints-vishakha-mulye-as-its-new-ceo-d6p4M7Hj In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s dividend to its shareholders for FY22, also find out why Indian markets will have a negative opening. Business Term of the Day: Index Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Apr 2022 03:39:01 -0000 Aditya Birla Capital Appoints Vishakha Mulye As Its New CEO full 187 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s dividend to its shareholders for FY22, also find out why Indian markets will have a negative opening. Business Term of the Day: Index In this episode, find out about HDFC bank’s dividend to its shareholders for FY22, also find out why Indian markets will have a negative opening. Business Term of the Day: Index Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 301 no Major Lenders To Future Group Reject Deal With RIL https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/major-lenders-to-future-group-reject-deal-with-ril-5rc8q7X_ In this episode, find out about MuSigma Dhiraj Rajaram’s plans to raise debt to buy out Sequioa, also find out why Indian markets are likely to remain weak on global cues. Business Term of the Day: Net interest margins (NIM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:26:32 -0000 Major Lenders To Future Group Reject Deal With RIL full 186 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about MuSigma Dhiraj Rajaram’s plans to raise debt to buy out Sequioa, also find out why Indian markets are likely to remain weak on global cues. Business Term of the Day: Net interest margins (NIM) In this episode, find out about MuSigma Dhiraj Rajaram’s plans to raise debt to buy out Sequioa, also find out why Indian markets are likely to remain weak on global cues. Business Term of the Day: Net interest margins (NIM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 327 no HCL Tech, Nestle to announce Q4 results today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hcl-tech-nestle-to-announce-q4-results-today-j06BNbcg In this episode, find out about Future group shareholders' vote on the deal with RIL, also find out about Tata Steel's plans to exit Russia. Business Term of the Day: ESOPs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:03:20 -0000 HCL Tech, Nestle to announce Q4 results today full 185 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Future group shareholders' vote on the deal with RIL, also find out about Tata Steel's plans to exit Russia. Business Term of the Day: ESOPs In this episode, find out about Future group shareholders' vote on the deal with RIL, also find out about Tata Steel's plans to exit Russia. Business Term of the Day: ESOPs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 267 no IMF slashes India's growth forecast to 8.2% for FY23 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/imf-slashes-indias-growth-forecast-to-82-for-fy23-jG3JIRVE In this episode, find out about Punjab and Sind Bank classifies SREI group of cos as fraud, also find out about VRL Logistics to sell wind power undertaking to Ratna Cement Business Term of the Day: Slump Sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Apr 2022 04:14:05 -0000 IMF slashes India's growth forecast to 8.2% for FY23 full 184 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Punjab and Sind Bank classifies SREI group of cos as fraud, also find out about VRL Logistics to sell wind power undertaking to Ratna Cement Business Term of the Day: Slump Sale In this episode, find out about Punjab and Sind Bank classifies SREI group of cos as fraud, also find out about VRL Logistics to sell wind power undertaking to Ratna Cement Business Term of the Day: Slump Sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 261 no Q4 results of ACC, L&T Infotech, Tata Steel Long and Mastek slated to be announced today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/q4-results-of-acc-lt-infotech-tata-steel-long-and-mastek-slated-to-be-announced-today-QhlClKI9 In this episode, find out about L&T's plans to merge Mindtree and L&T Toubro Infotech, also find out about SBI’s move to hike the lending rate after 3 years Business Term of the Day: Marginal Cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Apr 2022 03:54:02 -0000 Q4 results of ACC, L&T Infotech, Tata Steel Long and Mastek slated to be announced today full 183 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about L&T's plans to merge Mindtree and L&T Toubro Infotech, also find out about SBI’s move to hike the lending rate after 3 years Business Term of the Day: Marginal Cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) In this episode, find out about L&T's plans to merge Mindtree and L&T Toubro Infotech, also find out about SBI’s move to hike the lending rate after 3 years Business Term of the Day: Marginal Cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 281 no Maruti Suzuki’s new chief feels affordable EV not possible by 2025 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/maruti-suzukis-new-chief-feels-affordable-ev-not-possible-by-2025-dXN4B5cH In this episode, find out about Mahindra Holidays & Resorts’ plans to increase stake in Rocksport Pvt Ltd, also find out Ultra Tech’s plans to invest in UAE based RAK Cement Business Term of the Day: Restricted Stock Units Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:15:45 -0000 Maruti Suzuki’s new chief feels affordable EV not possible by 2025 full 182 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Mahindra Holidays & Resorts’ plans to increase stake in Rocksport Pvt Ltd, also find out Ultra Tech’s plans to invest in UAE based RAK Cement Business Term of the Day: Restricted Stock Units In this episode, find out about Mahindra Holidays & Resorts’ plans to increase stake in Rocksport Pvt Ltd, also find out Ultra Tech’s plans to invest in UAE based RAK Cement Business Term of the Day: Restricted Stock Units Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 296 no Anchor Investors Commit Rs 18,000 Crore To LIC IPO https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/anchor-investors-commit-rs-18-000-crore-to-lic-ipo-kqFvhQKG In this episode, find out about Holcim Group’s plans to exit the India cement business, also find out why auto output fell to levels seen 5 years ago Business Term of the Day: Downtrading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:04:17 -0000 Anchor Investors Commit Rs 18,000 Crore To LIC IPO full 181 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Holcim Group’s plans to exit the India cement business, also find out why auto output fell to levels seen 5 years ago Business Term of the Day: Downtrading In this episode, find out about Holcim Group’s plans to exit the India cement business, also find out why auto output fell to levels seen 5 years ago Business Term of the Day: Downtrading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 277 no Infosys to announce Q4 numbers today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/infosys-to-announce-q4-numbers-today-SPBltWwY In this episode, find out about Fino Payments Bank’s move to buy minority stake in PaySprint, also find out why Indian markets will open on a flat note Business Term of the Day: Valuation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Apr 2022 03:56:42 -0000 Infosys to announce Q4 numbers today full 180 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Fino Payments Bank’s move to buy minority stake in PaySprint, also find out why Indian markets will open on a flat note Business Term of the Day: Valuation In this episode, find out about Fino Payments Bank’s move to buy minority stake in PaySprint, also find out why Indian markets will open on a flat note Business Term of the Day: Valuation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 298 no TCS announces 7.4% yoy rise in net profit in Q4 https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/tcs-announces-74-yoy-rise-in-net-profit-in-q4-Xd3k3RsZ In this episode, find out about TRAI’s decision to cut base price by 36%, also find out Zee Entertainment’s plans for its movie production business this year Business Term of the Day: Infrastructure Investment Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:02:37 -0000 TCS announces 7.4% yoy rise in net profit in Q4 full 179 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TRAI’s decision to cut base price by 36%, also find out Zee Entertainment’s plans for its movie production business this year Business Term of the Day: Infrastructure Investment Trust In this episode, find out about TRAI’s decision to cut base price by 36%, also find out Zee Entertainment’s plans for its movie production business this year Business Term of the Day: Infrastructure Investment Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 381 no Q4 earnings season begins today, with TCS earnings https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/q4-earnings-season-begins-today-with-tcs-earnings-T9w6dS8b In this episode, find out about Godrej Group’s plan to launch its NBFC business, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s fund raising talk with Apollo Global For $1 bn Business Term of the Day: Fixed income Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:17:50 -0000 Q4 earnings season begins today, with TCS earnings full 178 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Godrej Group’s plan to launch its NBFC business, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s fund raising talk with Apollo Global For $1 bn Business Term of the Day: Fixed income In this episode, find out about Godrej Group’s plan to launch its NBFC business, also find out about Vodafone Idea’s fund raising talk with Apollo Global For $1 bn Business Term of the Day: Fixed income Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 335 no RBI to announce monetary policy statement at 10 am today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-to-announce-monetary-policy-statement-at-10-am-today-prXcST01 In this episode, find out why M&M has terminated its decision to sell Ssang Yong Motor, also find out why Flipkart has raised its internal IPO valuation to $60-70 bn. Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:02:30 -0000 RBI to announce monetary policy statement at 10 am today full 177 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why M&M has terminated its decision to sell Ssang Yong Motor, also find out why Flipkart has raised its internal IPO valuation to $60-70 bn. Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing In this episode, find out why M&M has terminated its decision to sell Ssang Yong Motor, also find out why Flipkart has raised its internal IPO valuation to $60-70 bn. Business Term of the Day: Government borrowing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 255 no Invesco to sell 7.8% stake via block deal today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/invesco-to-sell-78-stake-via-block-deal-today-jQGNVxKd In this episode, find out about Bandhan bank’s bid for IDFC AMC, also find out why Indian markets are likely to trade lower Business Term of the Day: Revenue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Apr 2022 04:12:34 -0000 Invesco to sell 7.8% stake via block deal today full 176 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Bandhan bank’s bid for IDFC AMC, also find out why Indian markets are likely to trade lower Business Term of the Day: Revenue In this episode, find out about Bandhan bank’s bid for IDFC AMC, also find out why Indian markets are likely to trade lower Business Term of the Day: Revenue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 315 no HDFC merges with HDFC bank in $40 bn deal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/hdfc-merges-with-hdfc-bank-in-40-bn-deal-I1HjHLAB In this episode, find out why CCI has ordered a probe into Zomato & Swiggy, also find out about Carlyle group selling stake in SBI Cards Business Term of the Day: Merger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Apr 2022 06:21:43 -0000 HDFC merges with HDFC bank in $40 bn deal full 175 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why CCI has ordered a probe into Zomato & Swiggy, also find out about Carlyle group selling stake in SBI Cards Business Term of the Day: Merger In this episode, find out why CCI has ordered a probe into Zomato & Swiggy, also find out about Carlyle group selling stake in SBI Cards Business Term of the Day: Merger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 272 no Sembcorp, Enfinity Global, JSW shortlisted for Mytrah Energy https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sembcorp-enfinity-global-jsw-shortlisted-for-mytrah-energy-K3slCIUV In this episode, find out why lenders of Future Group are looking to auction assets of the retail venture, also find out about HDFC bank’s Q4 business numbers Business Term of the Day: Real interest rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:02:03 -0000 Sembcorp, Enfinity Global, JSW shortlisted for Mytrah Energy full 174 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why lenders of Future Group are looking to auction assets of the retail venture, also find out about HDFC bank’s Q4 business numbers Business Term of the Day: Real interest rate In this episode, find out why lenders of Future Group are looking to auction assets of the retail venture, also find out about HDFC bank’s Q4 business numbers Business Term of the Day: Real interest rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 292 no Current account deficit touches 9 year high https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/current-account-deficit-touches-9-year-high-I4OiscwL In this episode, find out about Shapoorji pallonji’s exit from debt restructuring, also find out about income tax raids at Hero Motocorp. Business Term of the Day: Debt restructuring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Apr 2022 03:59:21 -0000 Current account deficit touches 9 year high full 173 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Shapoorji pallonji’s exit from debt restructuring, also find out about income tax raids at Hero Motocorp. Business Term of the Day: Debt restructuring In this episode, find out about Shapoorji pallonji’s exit from debt restructuring, also find out about income tax raids at Hero Motocorp. Business Term of the Day: Debt restructuring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 288 no Axis Bank acquires Citi India’s retail assets for Rs 12,325 crore https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/axis-bank-acquires-citi-indias-retail-assets-for-rs-12-325-crore-jeXHTFvc In this episode, find out about the drop in telecom subscriber base, also find out about Bain Capital picking up 25% stake in IIFL Wealth Business Term of the Day: Revolver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:29:06 -0000 Axis Bank acquires Citi India’s retail assets for Rs 12,325 crore full 172 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the drop in telecom subscriber base, also find out about Bain Capital picking up 25% stake in IIFL Wealth Business Term of the Day: Revolver In this episode, find out about the drop in telecom subscriber base, also find out about Bain Capital picking up 25% stake in IIFL Wealth Business Term of the Day: Revolver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 360 no Government will sell upto 1.5% stake in ONGC this week https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/government-will-sell-upto-15-stake-in-ongc-this-week-nKI5iGbU In this episode, find out about the Hero MotoCorp’s hike in prices of motorcycles, scooters, also find out about Future Enterprises’ payment default Business Term of the Day: Fiscal Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:03:32 -0000 Government will sell upto 1.5% stake in ONGC this week full 171 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the Hero MotoCorp’s hike in prices of motorcycles, scooters, also find out about Future Enterprises’ payment default Business Term of the Day: Fiscal Policy In this episode, find out about the Hero MotoCorp’s hike in prices of motorcycles, scooters, also find out about Future Enterprises’ payment default Business Term of the Day: Fiscal Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 234 no BlackRock, Mubadala to invest in Tata Power’s green energy venture https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/blackrock-mubadala-to-invest-in-tata-powers-green-energy-venture-Fz0AHGjr In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s acquisition of Veritaz’ formulation biz, also find out the latest about Ruchi Soya FPO after SEBI rap Business Term of the Day: Super app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:16:13 -0000 BlackRock, Mubadala to invest in Tata Power’s green energy venture full 170 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s acquisition of Veritaz’ formulation biz, also find out the latest about Ruchi Soya FPO after SEBI rap Business Term of the Day: Super app In this episode, find out about Aurobindo Pharma’s acquisition of Veritaz’ formulation biz, also find out the latest about Ruchi Soya FPO after SEBI rap Business Term of the Day: Super app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 271 no PVR, INOX merge to form multiplex giant https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/pvr-inox-merge-to-form-multiplex-giant-4Lf6_7Ib In this episode, find out about Adani Gas’ foray into electric mobility infrastructure, also find out about Emami’s acquisition of Dermicool Business Term of the Day: Employee Stock Option Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Mar 2022 03:40:15 -0000 PVR, INOX merge to form multiplex giant full 169 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Adani Gas’ foray into electric mobility infrastructure, also find out about Emami’s acquisition of Dermicool Business Term of the Day: Employee Stock Option Plan In this episode, find out about Adani Gas’ foray into electric mobility infrastructure, also find out about Emami’s acquisition of Dermicool Business Term of the Day: Employee Stock Option Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 266 no SEBI fines Axis bank for violation of debt issuance norms https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sebi-fines-axis-bank-for-violation-of-debt-issuance-norms-v2dxPQqG In this episode, find out why oil marketing companies have raised petrol prices for the third time in a row, also find out about Reliance Industries’ bid for Sintex Industries Business Term of the Day: Gross Merchandise Value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:17:22 -0000 SEBI fines Axis bank for violation of debt issuance norms full 168 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why oil marketing companies have raised petrol prices for the third time in a row, also find out about Reliance Industries’ bid for Sintex Industries Business Term of the Day: Gross Merchandise Value In this episode, find out why oil marketing companies have raised petrol prices for the third time in a row, also find out about Reliance Industries’ bid for Sintex Industries Business Term of the Day: Gross Merchandise Value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 281 no Invesco withdraws case against Zee to pursue EGM https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/invesco-withdraws-case-against-zee-to-pursue-egm-opS0knpu In this episode, find out about income tax searches at Hero MotoCorp, also find out about HDFC bank’s acquisition of 7.8% stake in ONDC Business Term of the Day: Share buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:40:00 -0000 Invesco withdraws case against Zee to pursue EGM full 167 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about income tax searches at Hero MotoCorp, also find out about HDFC bank’s acquisition of 7.8% stake in ONDC Business Term of the Day: Share buyback In this episode, find out about income tax searches at Hero MotoCorp, also find out about HDFC bank’s acquisition of 7.8% stake in ONDC Business Term of the Day: Share buyback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 329 no Adani Ports & SEZ crosses 300 million metric tons in cargo handling https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/adani-ports-sez-crosses-300-million-metric-tons-in-cargo-handling-LWGL3RbK In this episode, find out about Infosys’ deal to acquire Germany-based Oddity, also find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance debt raising plans Business Term of the Day: Loan against Securities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Mar 2022 04:27:31 -0000 Adani Ports & SEZ crosses 300 million metric tons in cargo handling full 166 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Infosys’ deal to acquire Germany-based Oddity, also find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance debt raising plans Business Term of the Day: Loan against Securities In this episode, find out about Infosys’ deal to acquire Germany-based Oddity, also find out about Indiabulls Housing Finance debt raising plans Business Term of the Day: Loan against Securities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 291 no Banks to take Future Retail to debt recovery tribunal https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/banks-to-take-future-retail-to-debt-recovery-tribunal-__L8GWuW In this episode, find out about Wockhardt’s plans to deliver a global vaccine programme, also find out about Suzuki’s plans in Gujarat for manufacturing electric vehicles. Business Term of the Day: NFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Mar 2022 02:46:11 -0000 Banks to take Future Retail to debt recovery tribunal full 165 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Wockhardt’s plans to deliver a global vaccine programme, also find out about Suzuki’s plans in Gujarat for manufacturing electric vehicles. Business Term of the Day: NFT In this episode, find out about Wockhardt’s plans to deliver a global vaccine programme, also find out about Suzuki’s plans in Gujarat for manufacturing electric vehicles. Business Term of the Day: NFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 314 no US Fed announces 25 bps hike, hints at 6 more hikes this year https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/us-fed-announces-25-bps-hike-hints-at-6-more-hikes-this-year-CYJNq83r In this episode, find out about the new chiefs at Public Sector banks, also find out about NXT Digital’s merger with Hinduja Leyland Finance Business Term of the Day: Hedge Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Mar 2022 03:54:08 -0000 US Fed announces 25 bps hike, hints at 6 more hikes this year full 164 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about the new chiefs at Public Sector banks, also find out about NXT Digital’s merger with Hinduja Leyland Finance Business Term of the Day: Hedge Fund In this episode, find out about the new chiefs at Public Sector banks, also find out about NXT Digital’s merger with Hinduja Leyland Finance Business Term of the Day: Hedge Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 239 no Markets await outcome of Fed meeting https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/markets-await-outcome-of-fed-meeting-Q_BngT_V In this episode, find out about Zomato’s merger with Blinkt, also find out about Tata Motor’s investment plans in EV Business Term of the Day: Know Your Customer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Mar 2022 04:05:55 -0000 Markets await outcome of Fed meeting full 163 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about Zomato’s merger with Blinkt, also find out about Tata Motor’s investment plans in EV Business Term of the Day: Know Your Customer In this episode, find out about Zomato’s merger with Blinkt, also find out about Tata Motor’s investment plans in EV Business Term of the Day: Know Your Customer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 242 no RBI removes pricing cap on microfinance loans https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/rbi-removes-pricing-cap-on-microfinance-loans-KKAJyw0K In this episode, find out why Indian markets are likely to open lower in trade today, also find out about Reliance New Energy’s plan to acquire Lithium Werks Business Term of the Day: Wholesale inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Mar 2022 05:19:24 -0000 RBI removes pricing cap on microfinance loans full 162 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Indian markets are likely to open lower in trade today, also find out about Reliance New Energy’s plan to acquire Lithium Werks Business Term of the Day: Wholesale inflation In this episode, find out why Indian markets are likely to open lower in trade today, also find out about Reliance New Energy’s plan to acquire Lithium Werks Business Term of the Day: Wholesale inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 354 no India & Russia explore using Yuan as reference currency https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/india-russia-explore-using-yuan-as-reference-currency-8hdY_OWR In this episode, find out why LIC is looking at IPO in April, also find out about Brookfield’s plans to buy a substantial stake in Mahindra Susten Business Term of the Day: Reference exchange rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:15:00 -0000 India & Russia explore using Yuan as reference currency full 161 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why LIC is looking at IPO in April, also find out about Brookfield’s plans to buy a substantial stake in Mahindra Susten Business Term of the Day: Reference exchange rate In this episode, find out why LIC is looking at IPO in April, also find out about Brookfield’s plans to buy a substantial stake in Mahindra Susten Business Term of the Day: Reference exchange rate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 372 no BJP retains 4 states, AAP sweeps Punjab https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/bjp-retains-4-states-aap-sweeps-punjab-0ut3SSc6 In this episode, find out about SEBI’s search operations in social media stock tips scam, also find out why US markets fell during trade Business Term of the Day: Tax planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 11 Mar 2022 03:54:04 -0000 BJP retains 4 states, AAP sweeps Punjab full 160 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI’s search operations in social media stock tips scam, also find out why US markets fell during trade Business Term of the Day: Tax planning In this episode, find out about SEBI’s search operations in social media stock tips scam, also find out why US markets fell during trade Business Term of the Day: Tax planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 268 no Counting of votes for UP Assembly elections begins https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/counting-of-votes-for-up-assembly-elections-begins-p00r_cAp In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to clear the LIC IPO, also find out about RIL’s decision to terminate lease for 835 Future Retail stores Business Term of the Day: Supply shock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Mar 2022 03:58:49 -0000 Counting of votes for UP Assembly elections begins full 159 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to clear the LIC IPO, also find out about RIL’s decision to terminate lease for 835 Future Retail stores Business Term of the Day: Supply shock In this episode, find out about SEBI’s decision to clear the LIC IPO, also find out about RIL’s decision to terminate lease for 835 Future Retail stores Business Term of the Day: Supply shock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 321 no SAT to hear Dish TV matter today https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sat-to-hear-dish-tv-matter-today-xS0J6Ha1 In this episode, find out about NSE CEO Vikram Limaye’s plan to step down after his tenure ends in July, also find out why oil companies will be in focus in trade today Business Term of the Day: Unified Payment Interface Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:44:48 -0000 SAT to hear Dish TV matter today full 158 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about NSE CEO Vikram Limaye’s plan to step down after his tenure ends in July, also find out why oil companies will be in focus in trade today Business Term of the Day: Unified Payment Interface In this episode, find out about NSE CEO Vikram Limaye’s plan to step down after his tenure ends in July, also find out why oil companies will be in focus in trade today Business Term of the Day: Unified Payment Interface Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 295 no SEBI has asked Dish TV to disclose AGM results within 24 hours https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/sebi-has-asked-dish-tv-to-disclose-agm-results-within-24-hours-kdg4U7LN In this episode, find out about TCS’ Rs 18,000 crore share buyback plan, also find out ICICI bank’s plans to raise infrastructure bonds. Business Term of the Day: Generic drugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Mar 2022 03:47:19 -0000 SEBI has asked Dish TV to disclose AGM results within 24 hours full 157 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out about TCS’ Rs 18,000 crore share buyback plan, also find out ICICI bank’s plans to raise infrastructure bonds. Business Term of the Day: Generic drugs In this episode, find out about TCS’ Rs 18,000 crore share buyback plan, also find out ICICI bank’s plans to raise infrastructure bonds. Business Term of the Day: Generic drugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 276 no CBI arrests ex CEO of NSE Chitra Ramakrishnan https://mint-business-news.simplecast.com/episodes/cbi-arrests-ex-ceo-of-nse-chitra-ramakrishnan-Tu1NVsyI In this episode, find out why Indian markets are set to open lower today, also find out about PNB Housing Finance’s equity raising plan after a failed attempt last time Business Term of the Day: Limited Partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:59:50 -0000 CBI arrests ex CEO of NSE Chitra Ramakrishnan full 156 Mint - HT Smartcast In this episode, find out why Indian markets are set to open lower today, also find out about PNB Housing Finance’s equity raising plan after a failed attempt last time Business Term of the Day: Limited Partners In this episode, find out why Indian markets are set to open lower today, also find out about PNB Housing Finance’s equity raising plan after a failed attempt last time Business Term of the Day: Limited Partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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