Govt Hikes MSP | US Visa Ban Targets Global Censors | TCS Cuts Dividend

Top of the Morning

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3d ago 8:27

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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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