Top of the Morning : Sun TV’s Family Feud Explodes | Savings Rates Hit 25-Year Low | Khamenei in Israeli Crosshairs | Oil Surge Hits India’s Growth

1. Khamenei in the CrosshairsTensions in the Middle East have hit boiling point. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “can no longer be allowed to exist,” following a missile strike that injured 40 civilians in Beersheba. Katz directly blamed Khamenei for ordering attacks on civilian areas, including hospitals.Reports suggest the U.S. quietly blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, fearing massive regional fallout. President Donald Trump hasn’t ruled out military involvement, saying a decision would come in two weeks, though diplomatic talks are still on the table.2. Cluster Bomb ShockIn a dangerous escalation, Israel accused Iran of using cluster munitions—banned by over 100 nations—for the first time in this conflict. A missile reportedly burst mid-air over Tel Aviv, scattering around 20 bomblets across an 8-kilometer radius.While no casualties were reported, many bomblets did not detonate, posing long-term risks to civilians. “Iran used wide-dispersal weapons to harm civilians,” said Brigadier General Effie Defrin. Neither Israel nor Iran has signed the 2008 global treaty banning such weapons.Trump has again delayed his decision on U.S. intervention, citing a “substantial chance” for diplomacy. But the use of cluster weapons adds pressure on global leaders to act.3. Oil on the Boil, India Feels the HeatAs the Israel-Iran conflict drags on, Brent crude has surged over 18%, climbing from $64 to nearly $78 per barrel. This spike has already hit India’s economy, prompting ICRA Ratings to lower India’s FY26 GDP forecast to 6.2%, down from 6.5% last year.The real threat lies in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas passes. Any disruption could cripple supplies. For a country like India that imports 85% of its energy, that’s a fiscal nightmare. ICRA estimates that a $10 increase in crude could widen India’s current account deficit by 0.3% of GDP, or about $13–14 billion.Wholesale inflation is also at risk. A 10% rise in crude may spike wholesale prices by 80–100 basis points. So far, oil firms haven’t passed the cost to consumers—but that may not last.4. Maran vs Maran: Sun TV Family FeudIndia’s largest listed media house, Sun TV, is facing an ugly public feud. Former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran has accused his brother, billionaire Kalanithi Maran, of fraudulently seizing control of the company after their father’s death in 2003.In a legal notice, Dayanidhi alleges that Kalanithi—who now owns 75% of Sun TV—manipulated company records to buy shares at just ₹10 apiece. He demands a rollback to the 2003 shareholding structure, which would redistribute power to other family members, including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin.Founded in 1985, Sun TV operates 37 channels, 69 radio stations, and owns SunRisers Hyderabad, valued at $2 billion. With a market cap above ₹24,000 crore, the battle for control is high-stakes—and personal.5. Savers Squeezed as Banks Slash RatesSavings deposit rates in India have dropped to a 25-year low, now hovering at 2.5–2.75% for top banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI. The plunge follows a 100 bps repo rate cut by the RBI, which banks say is forcing them to slash rates to preserve margins.The result? A looming liquidity crunch. Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had warned that savers might shift to more attractive investment avenues, making it harder for banks to fund loans if credit demand picks up.Banks are hoping macro uncertainty will keep retail money parked. But analysts warn that without better offerings or digital value props, even loyal depositors might walk. Smaller banks, which had offered 7% earlier, may slash savings rates even more.