Mint Hyderabad
An ironic gold rush
One manifestation of the trust deficit faced by the world that Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to at the G7 meeting this week in France shines out: gold purchases by central banks. In the last four years, an increasing number of them, including...
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Big Tech seeks to sell cheaper AI. Can India benefit?
Big Tech is spending billions of dollars to lower the cost of training and running AI models. For these giants, controlling all parts of the AI ecosystem gives them a significant cost advantage. Can this help them sell AI at scale globally? Where does...
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Record exports in May warrant a cautious reading
India’s merchandise exports rose to a record $45.2 billion in May, up 18% year-on-year, but the headline number masks a more complex picture: the role of commodity price inflation, especially in petroleum products. explains. What’s behind the high...
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What a strong El Niño may have in store for India
Forecasters have confirmed the arrival of El Niño, the warming of the equatorial Pacific that is known to disrupt weather patterns worldwide. This year’s El Niño is expected to be among the strongest in decades and could persist into early 2027....
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What US curbs on Anthropic’s AI mean for India
On Friday, the US asked Anthropic to deny access to foreign nationals to its powerful new AI models. Stakeholders in India are alarmed. Some believe India is missing the bus on foundational models, with others underlining the criticality of sovereign...
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SATRAPI’S SWAY OVER INDIA
From chronicling revolution through a child’s eyes to reimagining the grammar of comics, Marjane Satrapi, who died last week, influenced a generation of comics creators and graphic novelists in India and the world.
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Football for a cause
Just as the Fifa World Cup hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada kicks off, US President Donald Trump has said he may not renew a trade pact between the three that he’d sponsored in 2018. By his claim, America doesn’t need anything from its neighbours....
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Relieve the fisc
With war disruption of energy supplies showing no sign of ending, India faces a big overshoot in its subsidy bill on fertilizers to ₹3.4 trillion in 2026-27, as reported. That would be twice the ₹1.7 trillion-plus budgeted and the result of prices kept...
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Flex-fuel vehicles hit the road, but it’s a long journey
The launch of a flex-fuel Maruti Suzuki car and a Hero MotoCorp motorcycle has sparked intense debate over these vehicles’ near-term prospects. Alongside the inauguration of first E85 fuel pump in New Delhi, it marks India’s most aggressive flex-fuel...
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India’s big local solar cell push: what it means
India’s push for a solar manufacturing ecosystem entered a new phase this month. Large, government projects must now use locally-made solar cells. While the move is seen boosting manufacturing, it may also influence costs, project timelines and power...
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MEET THE NO-SHOPPERS
As no-buy challenges and mindful shopping catch on, a section of people is slowly but steadily reassessing not just what they purchase but why they buy in the first place. Their purchases are shaped less by trends and more by intentionality.
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Why has the US proposed fresh tariffs on India?
At a time when India and the US are reportedly close to clinching a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the latter has mooted a fresh set of tariffs, which could kick in this month or early July. Mint examines if the move would hold legally and why the...
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India has a big fat problem. And it has a high cost
The National Family Health Survey fact sheet, released last week, shows obesity rising among adult Indians. This is linked to higher diabetes and cardiac disease risks. Mint unpacks the reasons for the obesity rise and its economic impact. And don’t...
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How companies are using workers to train robots
Companies are now recording workers going about their tasks to train humanoid robots that might later replace them. The row over Pronto filming workers at customer homes flags concern over surveillance, consent and whether India’s laws are prepared....
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Why are deal sizes shrinking for consumer firms?
Consumer and retail firms are seeing more deals, but for way lower values, shows a Grant Thornton Bharat report for January-March. While there was a boom after the pandemic, investors are now wary, with only health-focused deals showing resilience....
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Why the monsoon forecast has got alarm bells ringing
The prospects of a normal monsoon have dimmed. The IMD now expects rains at 90% of normal levels, downgrading its April forecast. If that materializes, 2026 will be the driest year since 2015. How will this affect the economy and food prices?...
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WHERE DOES ISL GO FROM HERE?
ISL, won by East Bengal FC this year, showed that Indian football has the capacity to enthral, but can it find a way to sustain itself? The league is battling instability, an uncertain future for clubs, players and the broader Indian football ecosystem.
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How the first EV from Ferrari split the auto world
Ferrari’s first electric vehicle, Luce, has stirred a storm in the automobile world, as a radical design change evokes strong reactions. Mint unpacks why the world is divided over Ferrari’s five-seater sports car, and what it tells us about the path to...
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Can FWICE enforce such a directive?
Such directives carry no legal heft. It all comes down to what FWICE can get members to agree to collectively. It is registered under the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and is empowered to negotiate wages on behalf of members, ensure working hours and public...
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Why Google may be pulling ahead in the AI race
On 19 May, Google unveiled artificial intelligence (AI) models that it said are specifically designed for high-speed, low-cost operations. The firm’s current AI spending is among the highest in the world. Is Google inching ahead of OpenAI and Anthropic...
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What 5G network slicing means for mobile users
A decade after the net neutrality battle, concerns have resurfaced over whether some users could receive better network access. Airtel’s new priority 5G postpaid plans have triggered fears that telcos may create premium fast lanes. Mint explains what...
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Why is India stepping up Ebola screening?
Ebola, an often fatal viral infection, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. India, yet to report a case, has stepped up airport surveillance, issued travel advisories and postponed the India-Africa Forum Summit in...
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THE MASTER IN COLOUR
Nemai Ghosh’s vivid colour portraits of Satyajit Ray at a Delhi exhibition reveal the filmmaker at work and in repose. These rare photos turn a new lens to Ray’s creative life and cinematic legacy.
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As US AI giants boom, a reality check for India
While AI leaders Anthropic and OpenAI are said to eye IPOs at $1 trillion valuation each, the scene in India has been subdued since its muchtouted February AI Impact Summit. Most local AI firms are yet to make much headway, and enterprises are still...
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Why more fuel price hikes are round the corner
Over the week, petrol and diesel prices have been hiked by nearly ₹4 per litre. With crude still at over $100 a barrel and no end in sight to the West Asia war, some analysts say fuel prices must go ₹11-14 higher to cover retailer losses. Mint breaks...
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India’s chip drive: how close are we to self-reliance?
India’s semiconductor push gathered pace this month with Tata Electronics signing a pact with Dutch major ASML and two new projects announced in Gujarat. With nearly a dozen initiatives now underway, how close is India to becoming self-reliant in...
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Why Swiggy is keen on being seen as Indian
Swiggy’s move to qualify as an Indian Owned and Controlled Company (IOCC) matters because foreign investment rules impose tight curbs on foreign-controlled firms in e-commerce and quick commerce. explains what the IOCC status means. How do you define...
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Why excess solar is pushing power prices to zero
Power prices on exchanges have slumped to zero in multiple trading sessions, despite an expected surge in summer electricity demand, underscoring the growing mismatch between rising solar generation without adequate storage capacity. Mint explains. Do...
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THE NEXT CLAY CHAMPIONS
With Novak Djokovic fading, new stars rising and claycourt rivalries intensifying, this year’s French Open could become a defining fortnight for an ambitious and unpredictable next generation.
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Why India ordered an abrupt ban on exports of sugar
India has banned exports of raw, white and refined sugar till 30 September, in a sharp shift from the earlier “restricted” export regime to a “prohibited” category. The immediate trigger is the worry over domestic availability and inflation. Mint...
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Why the PM wants households to use less cooking oil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to reduce the use of imported oils, both crude and edible, to help conserve foreign exchange amid a widening current account deficit and a weakening rupee. But what does the West Asia war have to do with...
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Why ride-hailing platforms are facing GST review
Ride-hailing app firms following the subscription model—where drivers pay a fixed fee instead of the app charging a commission on each ride— do not pay GST and are pushing for the status quo to continue. The GST Council is set to review the GST law....
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Should India act on China’s supply chain regulation?
In April, the Chinese government issued Decree 834, which imposed curbs on multinational companies operating in the country. Mint examines what this decree is all about, its motivation, its implications for India, and what the government should do to...
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Trump-Xi Beijing summit: what is on the table?
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a two-day summit in Beijing on 14-15 May. The meeting comes at a time when the world is riven by wars and trade disruptions. looks at the possible outcomes and implications for India...
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THE PAIN ECONOMY
THINK TASTE Restaurant menus get leaner STYLE Walking in Prada’s Kolhapuri-inspired chappals BUSINESS LOUNGE Meet Gaurav Banerjee of Sony Pictures
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Can India really put data centres in earth’s orbit?
Four Indian startups have joined Elon Musk in claiming they can build AI data centres in space. But despite the hype, the technology remains highly complex, capital-intensive, and tough. Mint explains why orbiting satellites running AI workloads could...
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Why are music labels tuning into regional libraries?
Music labels, grappling with slow paid subscriptions and revenue, are eyeing regional music catalogues. Times Music, Warner Music and Saregama have acquired regional catalogues recently. Such moves benefit established players and regional firms. Mint...
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Fast lane cruising
Data released on Tuesday by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations in India shows that automobile retail sales rose 13% from a year earlier to over 2.6 million units in April, the best-ever performance for this month. The growth was...
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What the ethanol push means for carmakers, buyers
The Centre has moved to formally include higher ethanol blends— E85 and E100—under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules through a draft amendment, open to public comments till 28 May. The move signals a renewed push to increase ethanol blending in the fuel...
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Why India rolled out emergency alerts on phones
On Saturday, millions of phones across India simultaneously blared a loud alert. India was testing a multilingual broadcast system developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) for emergency warnings. Why is India rolling out this system?...
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‘BENNE DOSA’ RISING benne
From a small-town staple to a social media sensation, dosa is drawing the crowds— the buttery dosa with crisp edges is made for the camera. What began as a trend in Mumbai is now playing out across cities.
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Musk vs Altman: what it means for OpenAI’s future
A public feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is playing out in court. Musk calls OpenAI a “stolen charity”, challenging its shift from a non-profit research lab to a commercial AI firm. The case may reshape how OpenAI is funded and operates. Mint...
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Why is AI wonder Mythos making regulators edgy?
Anthropic’s Mythos, a frontier artificial intelligence (AI) model, can outperform humans in detecting vulnerabilities across banks, telcos and utilities. While it can check flaws faster and better than humans, there are concerns over its use as a...
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Industrial resilience
With West Asia embroiled in conflict, global growth is set to take a hit as supply disruptions impact economies around the world. India can’t escape, given our heavy reliance on crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz that is currently under...
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Can West Asia tensions quicken the green shift?
Renewables overtook coal in the global power mix in 2025, a report by think tank Ember showed. In India, though, coal still accounts for over 70% of electricity. Can the clean energy transition accelerate amid the West Asia war and falling battery...
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How does India’s policy panel on AI affect startups?
The government has set up an inter-ministerial advisory body, the AI Governance and Economic Group, to act as a central node for shaping and coordinating policy on artificial intelligence. Mint breaks down how this new body will change things for...
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MAPPING LIGHT AND PLACE Luminous
Paresh Maity’s Terrains looks at diverse landscapes across regions, where light becomes a medium to express the external world and the artist’s personal understanding of place.
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How long will the momentum in steel prices last?
After steel prices hit multi-year lows in November 2025, India’s steel makers are set to post a strong March quarter, thanks to firm demand and higher prices. Will this momentum continue in the coming months? breaks down why the rally could slip from...
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What you should know about RBI’s e-mandate rules
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened and consolidated rules for e-mandates—automated instructions that allow recurring payments—to improve transaction processing by payment system operators. Mint explains what has changed and why it...
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Apple CEO shift: A hardware bet in the age of AI
Apple has named John Ternus as its next CEO, succeeding Tim Cook. The timing of the transition and choice of a hardware leader comes as AI reshapes Big Tech. The move signals Apple’s bet that tightly integrated devices will remain central to its...
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How sub-normal rains may affect reservoir levels
Low rainfall may hit India’s water reservoir replenishment, raising concerns among farmers and policymakers. Water reservoir levels stand at 44.7% of total capacity as of 9 April, better than last year, but experts warn that weak rainfall could hurt...
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Why oil prices haven’t cooled despite a truce
Hostilities in West Asia may have eased, but oil prices remain above the pre-war levels. Though prices have stayed below $100 a barrel since the ceasefire, conflicting signals from the US and Iran are keeping markets volatile. looks at the near-term...
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SPACES WHERE ART IS BORN Portrait of an
A new book, Artist, takes readers into the studios of 68 artists, including Akbar Padamsee and Tyeb Mehta, and shows the messy, meditative, creative and emotional spaces in which their ideas take shape.
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China’s new year
China’s economy got off to a solid start in 2026, with its GDP growing 5% in the first quarter, according to official data released on Thursday. This exceeded the expectations of economists and struck the topend of the 4.5-5% growth aim set by Beijing...
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Will Noida unrest drive automation in Indian plants?
The unrest in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, with workers demanding higher wages, could accelerate automation. For manufacturers eyeing global markets, the challenge is to strike a balance between labour needs and automation to remain competitive. Mint...
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Climate pledges rise at India Inc, execution falters
Though more Indian firms are setting climate goals, the progress is uneven. A report by IiAS Sustainability Solutions (IiAS Sustain) shows while target-setting is increasing, many firms fall short on execution, timelines and credibility. takes a...
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Status of Hormuz
With safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz still under a cloud of uncertainty, the fate of a vital chunk of global trade lies in limbo. Peace talks between the US and Iran ended over the weekend with a gulf between the two sides on multiple issues,...
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SCHIAPARELLI’S LASTING FLAIR Lounge
speaks to Sonnet Stanfill, the curator of a sweeping exhibition at London’s V&A that explores Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy, tracing her bold designs and enduring influence on fashion through innovation.
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Can AI find bugs we can’t? Inside Anthropic’s latest
On Tuesday, Anthropic unveiled Project Glasswing, a group of top global tech firms. It will use AI to spot cybersecurity risks that human engineers find tough. Amid lack of cybersecurity skills and rising cyberattacks, this could be pivotal. explains...
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Why does India’s nuclear reactor milestone matter?
India moved closer to nuclear fuel self-reliance as its prototype fast breeder reactor in Tamil Nadu achieved criticality on 6 April, the stage of sustained nuclear reaction. This could help India achieve its target of 100GW nuclear capacity by 2047....
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Now, a new covid strain. Should that worry us?
The covid-19 virus continues to mutate. A new strain, BA.3.2, has now surfaced in many countries. Early reports show high spike-protein mutations that could help it enter human cells. Global experts urge for caution but no panic. Should you be...
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No escape from war
Effects of the global disruptions resulting from America and Israel’s war on Iran have started to show on India’s economy. On Monday, the final HSBC India services purchasing managers’ index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, showed a fall to 57.5 in March...
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India eyes space surveillance. What could play spoiler?
Amid the raging West Asia war, Indian space firms are seeing keen interest for surveillance services in the region. This signals big potential, but the journey seems complicated, as local and global regulations may pose challenges. spells out the...
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JAMES BOND GOES BROWN
The search for the next Bond is good fodder for comedy and in Bait, Riz Ahmed plays an actor auditioning for the role. Highlighting biases, the show asks if 007 is even relevant in a post-Cold War world.
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Food delivery in 10 mins: Can Swish crack the code?
Swish, a snack and fresh food delivery platform, raised $38 million recently. Food delivery majors Swiggy and Zomato both scaled back their bets on 10-minute food delivery after struggling to make the economics work. So what is Swish doing differently?...
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Why weight loss has set off a drug price war in India
Novo Nordisk slashed prices of Ozempic and Wegovy by up to 48% on Tuesday, after losing patent exclusivity in India. Local copycats are sparking a price war, making semaglutide accessible, yet raising concerns about misuse. decodes the impact on pharma...
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Can RBI’s new rules stop digital payment fraud?
From 1 April, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will require all digital payments to be authenticated using at least two independent factors. The move aims to plug gaps in systems that rely on a single layer of verification. Will this help curb digital...
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Can the West Asia war destabilize India’s internet?
The war in West Asia has raised concerns about the safety of subsea cables. A large part of India’s data travels through these cables. If hit, the networks can still function, but companies may need to reroute data to alternative routes. Mint finds...
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Iran war boosts ethanol pitch. But at what cost?
India’s ethanol makers are pushing for a hike in the fuel blending ratio and a mandate for flex-fuel vehicles following the spike in crude oil prices due to the West Asia war. For petrol, India already has a norm of 20% blending with ethanol made from...
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DATING THE LIVING PAST
Riding Mumbai Metro’s Aqua line is a trip through the city’s history, proving that heritage is made meaningful only by its links to today. Yet, policymakers routinely define heritage only by age and not by how people use spaces.
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Will US ruling on social media hit Big Tech in India?
A US court has delivered a significant ruling on Big Tech’s design playbook, finding that Meta Platforms and Google built features that foster addiction among young users. With India weighing age-based curbs, the ruling could hasten a broader reset....
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AI constitutions: where is India’s seat at the table?
AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic’s ‘do no harm’ pledges are faltering as the West Asia war pulls tools into army use. This gap in corporate ethics and war reality sparks a query: do voluntary rules hold weight, and why is India Inc. avoiding the...
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What’s changed in Sebi’s new rules on conflict?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday tightened conflict-of-interest rules, bringing its top leadership under a stricter disclosure and investment regime amid heightened scrutiny of governance standards. Mint explains the new...
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Why India stares at an LNG squeeze, and what it can do
India imports 50% of its liquefied natural gas needs from West Asia, mostly from Qatar. With the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Ras Laffan industrial city, much of India’s imports are halted. takes a look at the impact on the country’s...
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Can IBM reboot its AI play with Confluent buy?
IBM’s second-largest acquisition ever, the $11 billion buyout of data streaming company Confluent, is seen boosting its AI and hybrid cloud capabilities. It now bets on faster, more reliable data pipelines. But can this help reassert the Big Blue’s AI...
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