Mint Kolkata
STIRRING UP THE HOT CHOCOLATE
Unlike coffee, which is largely for grown-ups, everyone loves hot chocolate. New cacao cafés have turned bean-to-bar chocolate into a craft beverage, adding new flavours and even spices to tap into nostalgia while creating something new.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
How Semicon 2.0 helps fulfil India’s chip ambitions
With a ₹1.27 trillion outlay for Semicon 2.0, the Centre is shifting focus from attracting chip factories to building a complete semiconductor ecosystem—from design and research to equipment, materials and gases central to the chip industry. Will that...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Why we need an index to measure services output
On Tuesday, India filled a long-standing gap in its economic data with the trial launch of the Index of Services Production (ISP), a highfrequency indicator that will track activity in the country’s services sector, which accounts for more than half of...
Read Full Story (Page 5)
How Aera wants to change airport passenger fees
Airports recover the costs of building new infrastructure from flyers and airlines even before the project is complete. India’s airport tariff regulator, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Aera), wants to change this practice. breaks...
Read Full Story (Page 7)
Why the generic weight-loss drug surge is fading
After an initial surge, sales of semaglutide generics have begun to plateau, showed monthly sales data. Experts expect growth to moderate through the rest of the year, tempering several drugmakers’ expansion plans. Mint explains what’s behind the...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Why is the ethanol fuel push sparking consumer fury?
The Centre has defended its ethanol blending programme just as discussions gain momentum to push the blend beyond 20%. The defence comes as consumers express renewed anxieties over potential damages and costs of higher ethanol mixing. Mint examines the...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
HOW INDIA FAILS FOOTBALL
Sunil Chhetri’s extraordinary career mirrors the paradox of Indian football: a nation overflowing with passion for the game, yet held back by weak grassroots sports, poor governance, and decades of administrative neglect.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why the fuss over India’s high power Wi-Fi plan
Behind our Wi-Fi are invisible radio waves carrying internet signals. India has opened the 6GHz spectrum for licence-free Wi-Fi. Should it now allow high-power Wi-Fi in the band? Telcos see a broadband boost from it in the remote areas. So, what’s at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why delivering fashion instantly hasn’t worked
While the promise of delivering trendy fashion in under an hour has attracted investors, turning that into a sustainable business has proved to be far more difficult. Is quick fashion facing structural challenges, or is the category simply too early in...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Why India is doubling down on regional air
Jodhpur’s new Rajputana-style airport terminal went viral after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on Saturday. But the event also saw the formal launch of UDAN’s next phase—the ₹28,840-crore Viksit UDAN. Why expand a scheme with a mixed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Tractor dumping puts India-China trade ties to test
The Indian government has launched an investigation into the alleged dumping of electric tractors from China. Mint explains why the probe matters—and why it could become a broader test of India-China business ties, with implications beyond electric...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
How no-egg meal shortchanges India’s children
What’s happening in West Bengal? The new BJP-led state government announced on 22 June that Iskcon, a Hindu religious organization, will provide “nutritious” meals to children attending government schools in Kolkata. Iskcon does not serve...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
FASHION IS A FEELING
From actor and musician to luxury creative director, Jaden Smith discusses his evolving career, his vision for Christian Louboutin menswear, embracing criticism, and designing shoes that inspire confidence.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why Indian IT is betting big on European assets
Recent acquisitions by Indian IT services companies signal a shift from their earlier reluctance to buy European assets to viewing the region as a key growth market. Several factors are driving this growing appetite for Europe. Mint takes a look. Why...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why are hybrid vehicles losing policy support?
The Delhi government’s decision to exclude hybrid vehicles from tax benefits in its electric vehicle (EV) policy is part of a growing national trend. This policy shift follows an industry debate over whether hybrid technology deserves government...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why Zerodha wants to be a merchant banker
Broking platform Zerodha wants to add another business to its growing financial services portfolio: investment banking. Can a discount broker carve out a niche in a business dominated by established investment banks? Mint explains. Are merchant...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Why is India’s satellite internet policy in limbo?
India’s commercial satellite broadband service rollout remains stuck nearly four years after Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb got the first licence in 2022 and then Jio-SES and Starlink got theirs. The regulator’s spectrum norms also came a year ago. So,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why is quantum computing the new global race?
Quantum computing was long seen as a technology stuck in the future with unstable qubits and high error rates. Leaps by Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc. now challenge the view and governments see it as a strategic capability with economic and security...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SUGARCANE TIGERS
THINK WORD OF MOUTH What food cults say about us FOCUS Is the next wave of men’s tennis here already? BOOKS ‘Khabar Lahariya’ tells its own story
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Data centres and water: Is there a way out for India?
India is racing to become a global AI data centre hub, offering tax breaks to attract vast investments. However, these facilities consume vast amounts of water for cooling, raising concerns in water-stressed states. Can India strike a balance? Mint...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Will cyberattacks hurt Tata Group’s global ambitions?
After a 2025 ransomware attack on Jaguar Land Rover that cost an estimated £260 million, Tata Electronics, another Tata Group company, has faced a cyberattack. Mint explains the latest attack, and what such developments could mean for Tata’s global...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
What US waiver on Iran oil sales means for India
The US has waived sanctions on Iran’s petroleum sales for 60 days as talks continue on a final peace deal, a move seen boosting global energy supplies. Given Iran’s proximity to India and its importance to major buyers such as China, Mint assesses what...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Monsoon is tardy. So, how bad is it going to get?
The south-west monsoon has seen an unusually sluggish start. Its India journey started with a three-day lag in Kerala, only to further drag. In this El Niño year, over 450 districts have seen deficient rains. Why this delay, how unusual is it and what...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
What Telegram ruling means for digital platforms
The Delhi High Court’s ruling upholding the Centre’s temporary ban on Telegram has put India’s digital platform regulation framework under the spotlight. Experts say the ruling raises concerns about the scope of executive powers. Mint explains: 4Why...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
THE CREATOR TAKEOVER
The breakout success of horror films like Backrooms and Obsession at the box office signals a shift in Hollywood, as a new generation of YouTube creators brings digitalnative storytelling instincts to the big screen.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why is SpaceX valued so highly?
Founded in March 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX is one of a kind in terms of the technology that it indigenously developed and owns and operates today. The tech in question is that of a reusable rocket. The technology has reduced the cost of launching...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
India’s big WPI reset
A shortfall in rainfall so far this monsoon threatens to push up already-hot prices in India. Inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) rose to 9.7% in May. This reading is from an updated index that replaces 2011-12 with 2022-23 as its base...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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. Mint...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Why are central banks starting to raise rates again?
On Thursday, the European Central Bank (ECB) raised benchmark interest rates, joining a number of central banks tightening their monetary policies. Mint explains how this shift will impact India’s economy, markets, and borrowing costs. How have global...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Art of the tariff spin
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed a 12.5% tariff on 54 countries, including India, for allegedly lacking mechanisms to stop the import of goods made with forced labour. Though it has invited public comments, that sounds like a...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
Why is obesity on the rise in India?
Public health experts cite rapidly changing lifestyles and urbanization as key reasons—less physical activity and more of ultraprocessed food, sugar, refined carbohydrates and fat. An ICMR survey linked rapid dietary changes with an alarming rise in...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
How are India’s consumer deals faring? Which are the standout segments?
Consumer and Retail Dealtracker for January-March, the sector saw 145 mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and private equity (PE) deals, up from 139 a year ago, but the total value fell 63% to $1.4 billion. “Investors are looking more at assets that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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? Mint...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Can FWICE enforce such a directive?
4 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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever causing internal bleeding, multiple organ failure, and is often fatal. Four strains have been identified: the Zaire strain, responsible for most outbreaks, including the 2014-16 West Africa crisis, has a 90% fatality...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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. Mint explains what the IOCC status means. Stake of...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FOR MOTHER, WITH LOVE
Still thinking of what to buy for Mother’s Day? We’ve got you sorted with our curated list of statement gifts, which include a jewelled watch and a plaid linen sari. Don’t forget to include a handwritten note, expressing your love and gratitude.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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?...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Talks or no talks?
The sudden twists in West Asia peace talks underscore just how fluid the situation is. On Friday, Iran showed some keenness to engage with the US as it declared the Strait of Hormuz open, but only to slam it shut again the next day. Since then, Tehran...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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. Mint looks at the...
Read Full Story (Page 5)
SPACES WHERE ART IS BORN
A new book, Portrait of an 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.
Read Full Story (Page 1)