Census 2027: The Union government has announced the dates of the long-delayed Census. The exercise, which is basically an official count of the people, including information about their ages, jobs, etc, will be done in two phases. The last census of India was conducted sixteen years ago in 2011. This time, however, the enumerators will collect caste details of residents along with the population numbers. This is the first caste enumeration since independence and it will be carried out before 1st March 2027. But why has there been so much controversy around it? Watch#castecensus #population #india Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-3Wm2A0ajs

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.

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.

Wondering how to check your EPF balance? Learn the 4 official ways to access your PF info—missed call, SMS, Umang App, and EPFO portal. Plus, discover a bonus tool by FinRight that not only shows your PF growth but also helps plan withdrawals and retirement goals. Ideal for those tracking their savings or planning for the future. Watch!#epfo #epf #epfbalance #pfcontribution #epf #epfo #umangapp #pfbalance #pfcheck #employeecontribution #employercontribution #pfshare #finright #providentfund #epfupdatePF Contribution | PF Share | How to Check EPF Balance | PF Information | How to check PF | Employee Contribution In PF | Employer Contribution In PF | FinRight | Umang App | EPFO | EPF | How to check EPFWatch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP7IGkP1PWk

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.

What happens to shares when the shareholder dies? This video explains the legal process of transmission, key documents required, and how legal heirs—whether in India or abroad—can claim inherited shares.

From obtaining succession certificates to filing the IEPF claim, experts Aprajita Sharma and Ankit Garg walk you through every step to recover shares lawfully and efficiently.

#shares #claimslostshares #stockmarket #iepfa

Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqOwNeY-osw

Pankaj Tripathi aka Madhav Mishra faces a bunch of questions in this video about his career and life as the new season of Criminal Justice - season 4, releases!

Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pENe_CTenRQ

#criminaljustice #jio #pankajtripathi

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.