Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

California Tragedy Sparks National Debate:

Dashcam footage captured the terrifying moment a semi-truck slammed into stopped traffic on California’s I-10 — killing three, injuring four, and igniting a firestorm over how commercial licenses are issued. The driver, 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, an undocumented immigrant allegedly high on drugs, had somehow obtained a California CDL. Federal officials are calling it a “systemic failure,” while Washington froze $40 million in funding over weak language standards for truckers. Singh faces manslaughter and DUI charges.

Trump’s High-Stakes Asia Trip:

President Trump heads to Asia for his first meeting with Xi Jinping since returning to office — and it’s make-or-break. After months of tariff threats and China’s rare-earth export curbs, Trump’s opening line to Xi will be about fentanyl. Washington blames Beijing for chemical flows fueling America’s drug crisis. The outcome could reset U.S.-China trade — or reignite tensions.

India’s Big Defense Push:

India approved ₹79,000 crore in new defense buys — missiles, warships, and AI-powered air systems — part of a wider push for self-reliance after Operation Sindoor. The move boosts combat readiness across all forces while backing Indian defense tech.

Delhi Bets on Artificial Rain:

Delhi may finally make it rain — literally. Using IIT Kanpur’s cloud seeding tech, the city plans its first artificial rainfall by October 29 to fight smog. Five trials are planned — science versus pollution.

India-Canada Thaw Begins:

After a year of diplomatic frost, India and Canada are talking again. Ottawa can now send back diplomats under a “reciprocal” staffing deal — a cautious reset after Trudeau’s explosive 2023 accusation over Hardeep Nijjar’s death.