Episodios

  • Tax Deadline Extension | Vi’s Last Lifeline? | NMDC Q4 Results
    May 28 2025
    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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  • IndiGo ₹6,831 Cr Exit Alert | NSE vs BSE: Showdown Begins | ₹850/month Starlink Connection
    May 27 2025
    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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  • India Leaps Past Japan | Rally Interrupted: Markets Lose Steam | Gold Slips, Reserves Tumble
    May 26 2025
    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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  • Sensex Shake-Up | ITC Profit Soars | Sun Pharma Slides | No More ‘Lodha’ Wars
    May 23 2025
    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.
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  • Blackstone Buys AGS | NHPC Profit Soars 52% | India-EU FTA Talks
    May 21 2025
    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.
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  • No Relief for Telcos | Myntra Goes Global | Trump, Putin Talk Peace
    May 20 2025
    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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  • Big Corporate Earnings Week | India Chokes Dhaka’s Trade Lifeline
    May 19 2025
    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.
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  • Çelebi Booted from India | India to Pak: Vacate PoK | India’s Oil Demand Rockets
    May 16 2025
    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.
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