Morning Brief Podcast

The Parliament was abuzz earlier this week as MPs debated the introduction of a landmark constitutional amendment Bill proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies—widely known as One Nation, One Election. Advocates claim it will streamline governance and save resources, while critics warn it could marginalise regional parties and centralise power. In this episode, host Nidhi Sharma dives deep into the proposed 129th constitutional amendment–How does it aim to synchronise India’s electoral cycles, and what are its implications for federalism and democracy? What’s driving the NDA government’s push for this reform? Why is the Opposition so fiercely against it? And what’s next in this high-stakes political showdown?–with Members of Parliament, Manish Tewari, and Sanjay Singh and PRS Legislative Research’s Chakshu Roy. Join us as we unpack the complexities of this contentious Bill, its historical context, and its potential impact on India's political landscape. Tune in for a balanced analysis of one of India’s most ambitious and debated legislative moves. Credits: ANI, Mint, Times Now

In this episode we are tracing the journey of Vishal Retail, from surplus apparel exhibitions to a business that brought global fashion to the masses at unbeatable prices, this narrative explores the challenges of rapid expansion, the risks of short-term debt, and the disruptions that reshaped the market. Host Arijit Barman engages with Gunender Kapur of Vishal Mega Mart, Manas Tandon of Partners Group, and Nishant Sharma of Kedaara Capital to uncover a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and the transformative evolution of affordable retail.

With stellar credentials and a remarkable career trajectory, the new RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, takes charge amid a two-year low GDP growth rate, persistent inflation, and growing debates on the monetary policy framework. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury explores Malhotra’s background and immediate challenges with insights from Deepshikha Sikarwar, National Editor (Economics) at Economics Times, Sugata Ghosh, Associate Editor at Economic Times, and Indranil Pan, Chief Economist at Yes Bank. From tackling inflation and growth to navigating the RBI’s stance on crypto and NBFCs, we unpack what lies ahead for the new central bank chief. Tune in. Credits: NDTV, The Hindu Businessline, India Today, CNBC-TV18, Business Today, The Print, NDTV Profit

The ET CEO Roundtable 2024 brings together India’s top business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts for a thought-provoking discussion on the year’s defining challenges and opportunities. From devastating global conflicts and economic downturns to the rapid rise of AI and shifting power dynamics, the conversation explores how India, despite its challenges, remains poised to harness the best of global disruptions. Against a backdrop of inflationary pressures and rural consumption concerns, the discussion centers on whether India should maintain cautious optimism or unleash its full potential to shape the new world order. Listen in as ET’s associate editor Arijit Barman moderates a highly engaging discussion with: Lakshmi Venu, Director, TAFE; Salil Parekh, CEO, Infosys; Zia Mody, Co-founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners; Uday Kotak, Founder, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals; Romal Shetty, CEO, Deloitte South Asia; Anish Shah, Group CEO, Mahindra Group; Rohit Jawa, CEO & MD, Hindustan Unilever; Nicolas Berggruen, Founder, Berggruen Holdings

India is on the brink of a telecom disruption as the government plans to relax entry barriers for satellite communication (satcom) technology. This could pave the way for global heavyweights like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper to enter the market. But the move has telecom majors—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea—raising alarms over spectrum allocation policies and market disruption. Join host Dia Rekhi as she decodes the significance of satcom, the potential impact on India’s data market, pricing concerns, and how players like Starlink and Kuiper navigate regulatory hurdles. With Siddhant Cally, Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, and Ashutosh Sharma, VP, Research Director at Forrester. This episode unpacks the future of India's link with Starlink. Tune in.

Yuval Noah Harari’s latest book Nexus talks, among other things, about information networks and how they are taking humanity away from the truth. The writer and historian has been one of the most prominent iconoclasts of recent times, turning time-honoured theories of human evolution, religion, governance and science on their heads. Harari has been one of the foremost warning voices on the dangers of letting technology rule over humanity. He says that unchecked and unregulated, AI has the potential to destroy humankind. ET’s executive editor Sruthijith KK and editor, views, Indrajit Hazra catch up with Harari on his India visit to launch his latest book. They examine the growing chasm between information and truth, the breakdown of shared reality, dangers of the Trump government, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the biggest violation of the international order, why the Israel-Palestine conflict is everything that is not Zionism and how India can play a role in resetting the international order.

Is food inflation truly skewing the effectiveness of monetary policy? The government certainly seems to think so. A combination of volatile food prices, supply side inflation surge, and tame core inflation has led the government to think food inflation had best be excluded from the headline numbers. Now this can be massively consequential as its weightage in the consumer price index is 46%! So does the change in framework make any sense?Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Gaura Sengupta, Chief Economist at IDFC FIRST Bank about the Debate Over India’s Monetary Policy Framework

The Indian government’s recent access to data from Germany has unraveled a massive stash of undisclosed properties owned by wealthy Indians in Dubai—worth over ₹1,000 crore. In this episode, Anirban Chowdhury dives into the depths of this financial thriller with ET’s Rashmi Rajput and Sugata Ghosh.They discuss the significance of this treasure trove, its implications for India's tax authorities and perpetrators, and how this could be the beginning of a larger global crackdown on undisclosed wealth. Tune in.

India’s economy just recorded its slowest growth in almost 2 years, with the fastest growing major economy coming back to Earth. Manufacturing stagnated, mining declined, and even government spending—a key growth driver—remains muted. While services posted a strong performance, weak private consumption continues to weigh on the overall picture. In this episode, we unpack the implications of these disappointing numbers. What went wrong? And why did experts—including the RBI—miss the warning signs? With the central bank’s policy meeting looming on Friday, critical questions emerge: Can India recalibrate its strategy to revive growth? Or is it time to fundamentally rethink the nation’s economic trajectory? Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he speaks to renowned economist and former RBI Monetary Policy Committee member Ashima Goyal to explore the state of the economy, the factors behind this slowdown, and the road ahead.Credits: Firstpost, CNBC-TV18

Terrorism casts a long, wide shadow—crippling economies, tearing societies, and leaving nations to grapple with enormous costs. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Dia Rekhi dives deep into the costs of terror. Joining her are Thomas Morgan, Chief Research Officer at the Institute for Economics & Peace, who unpacks insights from the Global Terrorism Index, and Dr. Abhinav Pandya, a counterterrorism expert and Founder of Usanas Foundation, who breaks down the funding machinery of terror outfits. How are terror organizations financed? What role do cryptocurrencies play in fueling extremism? And as nations pour billions into counterterrorism, are we really any safer? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the monetary, social, and human toll of terrorism. Credits: India Today

Gold has had an extraordinary year in 2024, marked 40 record-breaking price peaks and a recent volatility…all influenced by geopolitical events, Fed rate cuts, central bank purchases and Trump’s return to the White House. India’s consumer demand was a standout despite price hikes and helped by a duty cut. Gold-backed ETFs gained traction, growing by 14 tons this year. And let’s not forget the growing demand for the yellow metal in AI technology. Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, World Gold Council, Gayatri Nayak from ET and S Mehta of Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association to chronicle the new age gold rush.

As Bitcoin nears $100,000, Trump’s pro-crypto policies, including a proposed Crypto Czar and a U.S. “Bitcoin stockpile,” are reshaping global sentiment about this asset class. The EU and UK are advancing crypto regulations, while India’s capital markets regulator SEBI hints at a progressive framework despite RBI’s caution. Amid optimism, challenges like the WazirX hack highlight the need for stronger investor protection. Can India embrace a crypto-friendly future while safeguarding its investors? The world watches as crypto evolves in a rapidly changing landscape. Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses the ramifications with CoinDcx's co-founder and CEO Sumit Gupta and ET's associate editor Sugata Ghosh.

With automation and generative AI reshaping industries faster than ever, half of the global workforce may need reskilling by 2025. In this episode, we delve into the urgent need for learning and development (L&D) programs to help Indian professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from eye-opening reports by the World Economic Forum, LinkedIn, and McKinsey, we explore how AI is transforming roles across sectors—while also creating significant skill gaps. Why is healthcare, one of the world’s largest workforce sectors, struggling with digital upskilling? How are organizations rethinking their strategies to embrace AI while bridging critical gaps? And what does India’s role look like in this global race for a future-ready workforce? Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the skilling revolution and uncovers how two companies are gearing up to meet the demands of a tech-driven tomorrow. With Coursera’s India and APAC MD Raghav Gupta & Rajat Puri, Chief Operating Officer, Carelon, and President, Carelon Global Solutions.

Delhi’s air has hit a new low—literally. With pollution levels crossing global safety thresholds, the city is gasping for solutions. Crop burning, rapid urbanisation, and political inaction have created a toxic cocktail choking much of India. In today’s episode of The Morning Brief, Anirban Chowdhury hosts Frank Hammes, Global CEO, IQAir, Dr. Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta, Karthik Ganesan, Fellow & Director, CEEW, and Anubhuti Vishnoi, Senior Editor, ET, to explore the causes, health repercussions, and potential solutions to India’s air quality crisis. Don’t miss this critical conversation on what it will take to clear the air!

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is escalating into a global health emergency with dire consequences for humanity. As World AMR Awareness Week unfolds, Anirban Chowdhury hosts an insightful conversation with Vikas Dandekar and Dr. Manica Balasegaram, Executive Director at the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership. Together, they explore the global response, innovative solutions, and India’s potential influence in combating this looming crisis.Tune in!Credits: World Health Organization (WHO), Forbes Middle East

Indians are ingesting too many antibiotics. As a result, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a serious public health crisis, as many commonly used antibiotics are losing their effectiveness. Currently, about 70% of antibiotic treatments fail to work against infections, making it increasingly difficult to treat conditions that once had straightforward solutions. Each year, more patients experience recurring infections, both in outpatient and inpatient settings, and mortality rates continue to rise among those requiring critical care. Hosts Vikas Dandekar and Anirban Chowdhury talk to Dr Viny Kantroo of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and Maneesh Paul of Orchid Pharma trying to understand if AMR could drastically alter healthcare as we know it, posing an unprecedented challenge to future generations.

As COP 29 unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. The focus this year is on new climate finance targets. The question is the same: Will developed countries pay up to help the poorer nations battle climate change? And where will the money come from? Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with Urmi Goswami, Special Correspondent at Economic Times, and Dr. Jai Asundi, Executive Director at CSTEP, to explore whether rich nations are walking the talk. From India’s evolving stance on energy transition to the G77+China’s position on NCQG, this episode deals with the most pressing issues. Tune in to find out what COP 29 could mean for the future of global climate action. Credits: Economic Times, Business Standard, NDTV (1), ANC 24/7 (1), CTV News, BBC News (1), Sky News, BBC News (2), Firstpost, CBS Evening News, NDTV (2), ANI News India, ANC 24/7 (2)

Political instability and the constant flip-flopping of voters define the predicament of the Jharkhand State Legislative Assembly since the turn of the century when it came into being. Despite the last two governments completing their terms, no political party can claim with conviction that they have cracked the code in Jharkhand. Join host Nidhi Sharma as she and ET’s own Kumar Anshuman navigate the tricky electoral arithmetic of the state and bring to you the issues, parties and personalities that will decide the fate of one of the country’s most resource-rich states.Don't miss out on this special election series – Polls On My Pod!

The RBI’s latest draft guidelines stems from its discomfort in overlapping activities between banks and their subsidiaries. It says banks and not their units should do the core banking activity of lending and deposit taking. This will affect banks' structures, balance sheets and upcoming IPO valuations. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury breaks down the implications with ET’s Banking Editor Sangita Mehta and Sachin Gupta, Chief Ratings Officer at CARE Ratings Ltd.

India’s airlines are facing a never-before, nowhere-else crisis. Close to 100 bomb threat calls in just 7 days, numerous flight delays, and hundreds of crores in losses—India's airline industry is in turmoil. What’s causing this surge in threats, and why is it so difficult to tackle? Will it lead to a fear of flying among passengers, and how are airlines and the government responding? Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he speaks with The Economic Times’ airline tracker Arindam Majumder, Shyamala D., former DIG of the Central Industrial Security Force, and Rajesh Chandra, former head of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, to break down the situation, its impact, and the measures being taken. Credits: India TV, India Today, WION, News 18 Rajasthan, CNN-News 18

Ten months after the government stipulated guidelines to curb them, dark patterns continue to be used by ecommerce companies in India-from travel to health tech. These deceptive design strategies are used to manipulate users into sharing personal information or making unintended purchases. With India’s e-commerce market expected to reach $350 billion by 2030, this is a menace that needs to be prevented. But how? Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi talk to Manisha Kapoor of ASCI, Nidhi Khare, Consumer Affairs Secretary and Sachin Taparia of LocalCircles to understand the nuances and the way forward.

SEBI’s new curbs on the high-stakes world of Futures and Options trading mean tighter restrictions for retail traders, such as reduced weekly expiries and increased contract sizes. The game is about to change. Host Himani Kothari talks to Deepak Shenoy, Founder of Capitalmind, and Sudhakara Reddy, Associate Professor of Finance and Control at IIM-Calcutta, to break down why Sebi has implemented these steps, the alarming rise in retail participation, and the staggering losses traders have incurred.

India’s underworld, once dominated by figures like Dawood Ibrahim, is witnessing a resurgence with the rise of Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang. Once a small-time outfit, Bishnoi's criminal empire now wields significant power, with the recent high-profile killing of powerful Maharashtra politician Baba Siddiqui sending shockwaves across the country. Is India witnessing the return of an era where gangsters run the business of extortion and fear? Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he talks to ET’s Rashmi Rajput and supercop D Sivandandan to uncover how the Bishnoi gang operates and what this means for the future of organised crime in India. Credits: ABP News, midday india, NDTV, India Today, WION

India - Canada relations have hit an all-time low after Ottawa accused Indian diplomats of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s retaliatory expulsion of Canadian diplomats has only fueled the crisis further. With global players like the US, China, and the Five Eyes alliance involved, the stakes are high. Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he speaks with Harsh V Pant of the Observer Research Foundation and ET’s Pranab Dhal Samanta to break down the geopolitical, economic, and political factors at play. Credits: Firstpost, DNA, ANI News, DW News

Following the passing of Ratan Tata, the Tata Group has appointed Noel Tata as the new chairman of Steer Tata Trusts. While Noel has built Tata's retail business into a ₹2.85 lakh crore entity, his new role at the helm of the Trusts comes with different challenges. From managing a complex board of shareholders to navigating the group’s relationship with the SP Group, all eyes are on how Noel will steer the Trusts and its vast influence over the ₹34 trillion Tata empire.In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury discusses with ET’s Kala Vijayraghavan on what Noel Tata’s leadership means for the future of the Tata Group.

With Chinese equities being among the cheapest globally, they have sparked renewed interest from value investors. But with past rallies fizzling out, will this time be different? Host Nishanth Vasudevan talks with Manish Bhandari of Vallum Capital Advisors discuss the historical patterns of Chinese market rallies, the government’s efforts to rebuild trust, and how China’s evolving economic strategies could impact global markets, including India.

Bollywood is facing turbulent times, with over 40 big-budget projects shelved or stalled—double the pre-pandemic numbers. Big names like Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar, and Deepika Padukone are affected as rising star fees, weak scripts, and the waning bankability of A-list actors weigh heavily on the industry. After a promising bounce back in 2023, uncertainty now looms large. Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he delves into the reasons behind this freeze with ET’s Rajesh Naidu, Suniel Wadhwa of Karmic Films and producer Vikram Malhotra of Abundantia Entertainment.Credits: The Hollywood Reporter India

India is betting big on hydrogen-powered mobility. From the Indian Railways’ plans of hydrogen trains on heritage routes to govts commissioning of dedicated hydrogen ports to initiatives by auto companies such as Tata Motors and M&M, India has a lot going for its green hydrogen mission. In this episode, we discuss potential, opportunities and challenges. We also trace the global history of hydrogen transportation, from early innovations in the 1960s to today’s advancements, and ask the question: Can hydrogen-powered transportation truly go mainstream? Host Anirban Choudhury talks to Anuraag Nallapaneni, Program Manager (Hydrogen) WRI India and ET’s Twesh Mishra.

The recent pager explosions in Lebanon have led the Indian government to fasttrack the implementation of its guidelines regarding surveillance equipment, which came out earlier this year. The fresh guidelines are likely to come into effect this month and will likely affect Chinese vendors who make up a bulk of the CCTV market in the country. The new guidelines prioritize security, data protection, and the promotion of “Make in India” products. In this episode, we discuss the implications for Chinese players like Hikvision and Dahua, the rise of domestic companies like CP Plus, and how these measures are in line with other governments too which are cracking down heavily on Chinese CCTV equipment. Host Dia Rekhi is joined by Varun Gupta of Counterpoint Research and Ausma Bernot, Expert of Surveillance Tech & Governance to understand how India is reshaping its surveillance landscape.

India's primary market is set to witness back-to-back billion-dollar IPOs, including Hyundai's record-breaking Rs 25,000 crore issue. With heavyweights like Swiggy and Afcons Infrastructure also preparing to go public, investors are closely watching the potential market impact. Will these big IPOs sail through smoothly, or are we looking at short-term market disruptions? Join host Nishanth Vasudevan, as he discusses the road ahead with Aditya Sood, Fund Manager at Incred Asset Management, on this episode of The Morning Brief.

The last time the people of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) elected their representatives to the state assembly was nearly a decade ago. In 2014, the electoral landscape was markedly different. For starters, J&K was a state that included Ladakh, it enjoyed a special status as per the constitution of India and there were fewer seats in the fray. Turn to today and much water has passed under the bridge. J&K is now a union territory that will have a bigger legislative assembly with truncated powers. Join host Nidhi Sharma–along with ET’s own Anubhuti Vishnoi and Hakeem Irfan Rashid–as she tracks one of the shortest elections the region has seen and the issues, parties and personalities resonating with the electorate.

Symbolic of India’s affinity to Apple, a week ago, hordes eager to get their hands on the shiny new iPhone 16 pro queued up in front of stores. With all the business that the company is getting from India, it is reciprocating the love in the form of jobs generated from manufacturing phones and allied components–6 lakh jobs by the end of FY25, including 2 lakh direct positions by March with a special impetus on diversity, equity and inclusion. But why is Apple eyeing India? Where does the country stand when it comes to the company’s largest markets? How is Apple doing in a price-sensitive market like India? What kind of value addition is India doing and how will it change? Join host Dia Rekhi as she seeks answers to these questions and more with Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research and Ekta Mittal, senior analyst at CCS Insight.

The controversy surrounding the iconic Tirupati laddoos has sparked a political firestorm. What began as allegations of adulterated ghee has escalated into a major showdown between Andhra Pradesh’s political figures, N. Chandrababu Naidu and Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy. Host Nidhi Sharma speaks with YSRCP’s Rajampet MP P V Midhun Reddy and TDP’s Vizag MP Mathukumili Sribharat to break down how this controversy took a sharp religious twist, and its broader implications for temple management, food safety, and the faith of millions. Join us as we dissect the politics, religion, and facts behind the laddoo scandal.

Bajaj Housing Finance just had a record 6,560 crore rupees IPO, setting records for both demand and applications in the Indian primary market. The issue was oversubscribed 64 times, attracting bids worth 3.23 trillion rupees—surpassing Coal India's 2010 record. Bajaj’s valuation is several multiples of its peers although it’s financials don’t beat theirs in every instance. Is the company overvalued? Is the valuation sustainable? What price will it settle at? How should investors take this frenzy? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury explores all of this with ET’s Saloni Shukla and Jignesh Shial, Director - Research and Head of BFSI Sector at InCred Capital. Tune in!

Etihad Airways Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves has the precarious job of balancing growth with profitability and margins. Neves is the rare premium airline chief who talks of saving $150 million a year—through the minutest of cut downs like double catering of food—even as he aims to double his airline’s size and keep it as premium as it has always been. Etihad’s net profit grew fivefold to $143 million in 2023 (it turned around in 2022 from losses worth billions of dollars) but it remains a fraction of earnings clocked by rivals Emirates and Qatar. Neves however isn’t bothered about “our friends in the Gulf” too much. As he overhauls Etihad’s network, India features among its top three markets globally. In the latest Corner Office Conversation, Neves talks to hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Forum Gandhi about the flight path he has planned for the airline.

Nearly four and a half years ago The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, a traders association alleged that e-commerce giants were playing favourites. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) soon took cognizance and passed an order asking the director general to investigate both Amazon and Flipkart for anti-competitive practices. Turn to today, an exhaustive report on alleged anti-trust activities of Amazon and Flipkart has been submitted, though not made public. The findings include charges of preferential treatment to a select few, deep discounting undercutting competition and giving certain listings priority. In today’s episode, host Dia Rekhi turns to Vishwanath Pingali, faculty at IIM Ahmedabad, to understand whether digital platforms are indeed hurting small businesses and legal eagle Gautam Shahi, partner at Dua Associates, to explore the ramifications of what could potentially be a landmark judgement.

Exactly a year ago, ONDC, the govt backed open sourced commerce network was launched across the country. The purpose was twofold: onboarding small sellers who couldn’t afford to be on ecomm biggies; challenging the supremacy of the biggies. The platform has quietly been achieving one milestone after the other, spreading to more than 200 pincodes, adding 2 lakh sellers and some prominent names such as Paytm and Ola. But is this enough? And what are the challenges? Anirban Chowdhury and ET’s tech expert Suraksha P explores answers to these questions. With ONDC’s MD and CEO, T Koshy.

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein, one of the companies banned in India in 2020, is set to make a comeback, this time under a licensing agreement with Reliance Industries. Other Chinese entities like HKC and the Adani Group’s new subsidiary in China hint at a possible shift in India’s business approach towards its neighbour. Do all these point to a change in Indo-Chinese relations, at least as far as business is concerned? Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi discuss the dynamics with ET Prime’s Shabori Das and public policy and China expert Amit Bhandari.

A year ago, President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi launched the India-U.S. Renewable Energy Technologies Action Platform (RE-TAP), deepening cooperation on clean energy. With over a decade of collaboration and billions in U.S. investments, how can the two countries drive the future of renewables and rural electrification? Join ET’s Sanjeev Choudhary as he speaks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, David Turk about the next steps in this critical energy partnership. Tune in.

India's SME IPO market is on a tear, with companies like Amic Forging, Bondada Engineering, and Resourceful Automobiles delivering triple-digit gain multiples and driving a 176% surge in the BSE SME IPO index over the past year. Retail participation is at an all-time high, with applications soaring from 408 in 2019 to over 2.13 lakh per IPO today. But behind the headlines, concerns are growing. Volatility and rapid price swings have sparked debate about whether this is a healthy market or a bubble waiting to burst. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by ET Prime Reporter Himadri Buch, Capital Mind’s Deepak Shenoy, and IIM Calcutta Professor Sudhakara Reddy to analyse the drivers behind the SME IPO boom, the emerging risks, and what regulators are watching closely. Tune in! Credits: CNBC TV-18

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently met with top CEOs at Sri City, Tirupati, to rally investment, but his unexpected focus on population growth stole the spotlight. Earlier in August, his Cabinet scrapped the two-child rule for local elections, prompting questions about his strategy. Why is a leader known for sharp political and economic insights now zeroing in on population management and the North-South divide? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Nidhi Sharma discusses Naidu's surprising policy shift and its potential impact with Telugu Desam Party MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu and Professor Sanjay Kumar from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Stay tuned to understand what's driving these decisions and what they mean for Andhra Pradesh's future. Credits: ABN Telugu

Peer-to-peer lending in India was supposed to be a game-changer—connecting borrowers and lenders directly and bypassing banks. But the business is now facing major turbulence. On August 16th, the RBI issued a new mandate that could reshape the future of P2P lending in India, leaving many to wonder if this is a turning point or the beginning of the end. Join The Morning Brief as host Anirban Chowdhury discusses what lies ahead for this emerging sector with ET’s fintech expert Pratik Bhakta and Mukesh Bubna of P2P lending firm Monexo.

Payments giant Visa is bullish about India’s fast evolving digital payments landscape, the growth of small and medium enterprises and its fiercely independent women customers and stakeholders. In a riveting conversation at the ET World Leaders Forum, vice chair Kelly Mahon Tullier talks to ET’s associate editor Arijit Barman about Visa’s new vistas.

Mahindra & Mahindra is on top of the SUV game. It’s the market leader by revenue and no. 2 by volumes. The company is on a launch spree. And is heavily invested in the EV story. But with heavy competition in the SUV space, a global slowdown in EVs and sporadic demand in India’s automotive industry, how will it stay ahead of the game? Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Shally Seth talk to M&M’s ED & CEO of the auto and farm sector in this Corner Office Conversation. Listen in. Credits: Mahindra Automotive

The recent incident at R G Kar Medical College has brought the larger issue of women’s safety, particularly in the medical profession, into sharp focus. We hear firsthand accounts from women doctors who recount the harassment and discrimination they face from colleagues, patients, and their families. Host Nidhi Sharma talks to Dr. Ammara Hasan, radiation oncologist and Anirban Chowdhury talks to Aparna Mittal, DEI advisor/ Corporate Lawyer, Founder Samāna Centre, on whether the legal framework is inadequate to protect women employees.

Fractal, India’s first AI analytics unicorn, is poised for an IPO at a reported valuation of $3 billion . From being founded 24 years ago long before AI became a buzzword every business wanted to log on to by five IIM batchmates, the company quickly gained traction amongst Indian and international clients. Within a few years however, it faced a leadership crisis with two of its founders exiting. Srikant Vellamakani, whose CEO ship was the centre of a raging debate among the founder group, however, took the setback as not a “Why me?” lament but a “Why not me?” lesson instead. Soon enough he made a comeback as the CEO and 2022, the company entered the unicorn club with a $360 million investment from TPG. Along the way it came up with some ground breaking solutions for clients spread across more than 10 industries and 170 plus enterprises-including a solution that reduced railway track crossing accidents in Mumbai by a whooping 75%. In this corner officer conversation, host Arijit Barman talks to Srikanth Velamakanni about AI of today, tomorrow and the future. Will it be responsible or regulated? From maths to machine and the mind here is a freewheeling conversation, up, close & personal.

Telegram, the bad boy of social messaging, is in deep trouble. Its CEO Pavel Durov has been arrested by the French police on alleged failure to mitigate the misuse of its platform for criminal activities. When Telegram started, it was hailed as a champion of freedom of speech and information sharing. Over the last few years however, it has become a hotbed for the exchange of pirated content, child pornography and other alleged terrorism and criminal acts. Governments across the world have had problems with Durov and his platform. But there have never been so serious questions about its future as now. Host Anirban Chowdhury explores with Kevin Curran, Professor of Cybersecurity at Ulster University, Siddhant Jain founder of VdoCipher and an active voice against anti-piracy and ET’s Aashish Aryan.

Netflix’s India story is a growing piece of its global saga that spans 278 million subscribers and an annual revenue of more than $34 billion. Indian content on the platform has been attracting subscribers at home and abroad and has pushed into being a profitable entity. But content costs are growing, cinemas are filling and consumer dynamics are rapidly changing. In this episode, Monika Shergill talks about the Netflix India story and its upcoming episodes and seasons.

Many of us grew up dreaming of becoming astronauts, picturing ourselves floating among the stars. In today’s world, making that dream a reality is no longer the destiny of the select few. With private companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic making space travel accessible, anyone can now touch the cosmos. Join host Nirmal John as he sits down with Michael Edmonds of Blue Origin and Gopichand Thotakura, India’s first civilian astronaut, to discuss how you too can fly to space.Credit: VideoFromSpace

Hosur, a town in Tamil Nadu, is on the cusp of a transformation. With Tata Group’s ambitious projects and a rapidly changing landscape, some are calling it the next Jamshedpur. But what does that really mean? In this episode, host Dia Rekhi explores the vision behind Hosur’s development, the parallels with Jamshedpur, and the role of the state government in shaping this industrial town of the future. Joining her isTamil Nadu's Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa and Historian & Professor, Dr Arup Chatterjee. Tune in. ET Podcasts now has a new show. 7@7 is your quick, sharp sub 5 minute daily roundup of financial news from India and the world. Tune in to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, Jio Saavn, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts from!

Akasa Air, one of India's youngest carriers, has had a fairly good run so far. The two-year old airline was the fastest in India to start international operations and the fastest to scale up its fleet. It now operates more than 900 weekly flights to India and international locations, has a 4.7% domestic market share and 226 planes on order. But piling losses, ruthless competition from the IndiGo-Air India duopoly and a slowdown in deliveries from troubled plane maker Boeing loomed large and threatened to impact its run. What are Akasa’s plans ahead? Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to CEO Vinay Dube and CCO Praveen Iyeri.ET Podcasts now has a new show. 7@7 is your quick, sharp sub 5 minute daily roundup of financial news from India and the world. Tune in to EconomicTimes.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts from!

GCCs or Global Capability Centres are today among the biggest FDI vehicles cum job creators that few are talking about. Target, Maersk and JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, AstraZeneca are investing big on these centres making them the latest phenomenon to push India as a global talent hub. Host Dia Rekhi explores how GCCs are driving digital innovation in India for the world’s biggest brands. With Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, Partner, Catalinics and Bala Sankaranarayanan, CEO, Thryve Digital Health LLP.

Of late, GST sleuths have come knocking on the doors of real estate and construction companies, tech service providers, foreign airlines, insurance companies and many other conglomerates. Corporate India has cried foul and labelled this an exercise in tax terrorism. Despite being 7 years old, why is the CBIC ramping up tax demands on companies across sectors? What’s leading to the dissonance between companies and the taxmen? Are the dockets of the GST appellate tribunal about to overflow? Host Anirban Chowdhury answers these questions and more with ET’s Rashmi Rajput and tax expert and CEO of Dhruva Advisors LLP, Dinesh Kanabar.

Sharp currency fluctuations, weak American jobs data, a sudden historic rate hike by the Japanese central bank and renewed geopolitical tensions triggered a wave of selling across global equities. Immediately after that came uncharacteristic comforting words from the Bank of Japan. This has thrown into the light the tussle between markets and central banks. And for now, markets are winning! Join host Nishanth Vasudevan, ET’s Markets Editor as he talks to Ritesh Jain, Co-founder of Pinetree Macro about the dynamics and their implications.

Bangladesh is facing its worst crisis in recent times. The government has broken down, PM Sheikh Hasina has escaped, law and order is in complete disarray as mob violence and vandalism continue to rattle several parts of the country. As talks of an interim government hang in the air and security concerns loom large, what are the concerns for India, a friend to Sheikh Hasina, but not necessarily to the political forces that now hold sway in the state? Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Kingshuk Chatterjee, professor, department of history, University of Calcutta and ET’s executive editor, politics Pranab Dhal Samanta. Credits: CNBC-TV18, Firstpost, WION 1, WION 2, Business Today

On August 1, the Supreme Court of India delivered a groundbreaking verdict, empowering state governments to sub-categorize castes within the Scheduled Castes based on socio-economic backwardness. This 6:1 decision addresses the issue of certain communities monopolising reservation benefits. Host Nidhi Sharma breaks down the complexities of this ruling and its implications. We explore the historical context, political dynamics, and the contentious debates surrounding the quota within quota system with Kadiyam Srihari, former Social Welfare Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and R. Subrahmanyam, former Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry

IT services major Infosys has been slapped with a pre-show cause notice from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) for alleged tax dues of over ₹32,000 crores, the biggest ever such number for an Indian IT company. Infosys has cited a recent circular from the CBIC to say the services received from its overseas branches are not taxable. Why would the DGGI send the notice? What is Infosys' response? And what impact could this have on the company and the broader IT industry? Dia Rekhi and Anirban Chowdhury delve into these questions with tax veteran Ketan Dalal and ET Prime's ace reporters Jochelle Mendonca and Manu Toms.

The highly anticipated IPO of Ola Electric Mobility is set to open for subscription on August 2nd. Backed by Softbank, Ola Electric is India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, and this IPO marks a significant milestone in the country’s EV revolution. But there are concerns: losses, cash burn and previous incidents with its products.. Listen in as host Anirban Chowdhury talks with ET’s auto experts Sumantra Barooah and Manu P Toms, unpacking what this means for investors and India’s electric vehicle two-wheeler market.

Mankind Pharma has announced it will buy biotech company BSV for a whopping Rs 13,630 crore. The deal brings together a master of mass market products and an intrinsic innovator in the high entry barrier spaces of the healthcare market. It’s an expensive buy and Mankind has gone for broke, raising equity and debt and stalling other planned purchases. Why is the deal so important and how will it transform Mankind Pharma’s position in the industry? Host Anirban Chowdhury, ET’s pharma expert Vikas Dandekar, Sheetal Sapale from Pharmarack, and Mankind co-founder Rajeev Juneja weigh in. Credits: NDTV Profit, CNBC-TV18

Unrest in Bangladesh has erupted following a controversial court ruling reinstating a 30% government job quota for the descendants of freedom fighters. The decision has led to nationwide protests, over 200 deaths, and severe disruptions. Host Prachi Verma delves into the origins and escalation of this crisis, its impact on regional stability and global trade, with insights from Former Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and ET's Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury. Tune in as TMB explores the complexities and broader implications of this turmoil. Credits: ATN News, Independent Television.

Investments, employment, and consumption are the three burning issues facing India in 2024. Did the government’s latest fiscal budget deliver on all three? At a deeper level, should a fiscal budget solve problems on these aspects? You have read, seen and heard all the immediate analysis and number crunching around Budget 24. Listen in for a deeper analysis of what lies beyond these numbers, the allocations, the promises and the balancing.Can the government really create jobs? Have PLIs been successful? Should we worry about concentration of wealth, falling FDI and declining govt spend as a percentage of GDP? Should the budget document be fiscally prudent and little else? Join host Arijit Barman as he speaks to economist, columnist and dissector extraordinaire of the Indian economy Swaminathan Aiyar on all this and more.

There are three kinds of people in the world: those who understand quantum computing, those who dont..and those who do and don’t. Quantum computing goes beyond the world of binaries, into the smallest units of calculations fathomable. It can simulate chemical reactions and optimize AI, financial service and healthcare beyond the range of current human thought. It is into this realm that India wishes to take a leap. It launched the National Quantum Mission with a budget of over Rs. 6,003 crore (approximately $730 million) for 2023-2031. It is building an indigenous quantum computer, of 6 to 7 qubits. Like in other tech capabilities, India is a late starter with super charged ambitions. Host Dia Rekhi, Robert Sutor, Vice President at The Futurum Group and Ajai Chowdhry, Chair of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission delve into this fascinating world and analyse India’s place in it.

In an unexpected twist, Friday, 19th July, brought a mini tech apocalypse that left air travel, banks, retail, hospitals, TV channels, and stock markets reeling from disruptions. The culprit? A problematic update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which led to widespread system crashes and the infamous Blue Screen of Death. In this special weekend episode, host Anirban Chowdhury breaks down the chaos with insights with a global tech veteran, Peter Bendor-Samuel, CEO and founder of tech research firm Everest Group and an independent cyber security expert and the author of Philosophy of Cyber Security, Lukasz Olenjik. Discover how this outage unfolded, why fixing it isn’t as simple as it seems, and what this incident reveals about the importance of quality checks, testing, and implementation in tech. Credits: Republic World, NBC News, Mirror Now, CNA, Today

The RBI has set new rules to pre-empt, prevent and penalise banking fraud. Instances of fraud in the sector have nearly trebled in the last year. Interestingly, the central bank’s new guidelines give more scope to the accused to clear their names. The new rules,for instance, give three weeks to the borrower to respond to allegations before it’s tagged as a fraud account. Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses the pros and cons with Abizer Diwanji advisor, Neostrat Advisors LLP, Dhruv Chawla, Partner Forensic Services, PwC and ET’s Sangita Mehta.

Andhra Pradesh is in the spotlight with N. Chandrababu Naidu back in power. Known as the 'CEO' Chief Minister, Naidu is on a mission to attract investments and eliminate political opposition. Allegations of politics are rampant too. In just a month, Naidu has demolished YSRCP’s under-construction central office. He has also released white papers criticising the Jagan administration's handling of major projects, escalating the political battle. Host Nidhi Sharma explore these developments and their implications with Nara Lokesh, TDP General Secretary and Andhra Pradesh's HRD and IT Minister and P.V. Midhun Reddy, Member of the Lok Sabha, YSRCP. Credits: India Today

Electric vehicle sales are slowing down in India, following a global trend they had bucked until as late as June. Champions of the EV story like Tata Motors are revising their sales guidance downwards, even as challenges of limited charging infrastructure and range loom large. Host Anirban Chowdhury analyses the problem and discusses possible solutions with Rajeev Singh, leader, consumer industry, Deloitte India and ET’s Sharmishtha Mukherjee.

French alcobev manufacturer, and part of the largest luxury group in the world Moet Hennessy is planning to expand its India focus. After being in the country for over two decades, the company now has their own sparkling wine production facility in India, and an Indian managing director, for the first time ever - Ipsita Das. The company’s sharper India focus is in keeping with the country’s fast-growing premium liquor market. Host Shabori Das talks to Ipsita Das about Moet Hennessy’s plans for India, and how luxury alcobev is growing in the country.

India’s capital markets regulator Sebi has asked online brokerages to move away from any kind of slab pricing to their clients and levy one, uniform charge. It has sweeping implications for fintech startups in the online stock brokerage space. Companies like Zerodha, Groww, and Shoonya, known for their zero brokerage models, face potential revenue disruptions and valuation shifts. As SEBI continues to enforce stringent regulations aimed at enhancing market accountability and oversight, how will these fintech players adapt? Hosts Nikhil Agarwal and Anirban Chowdhury talk to Arun Chaudhry, CBO of m.Stock by Mirae Asset and ET’s Pratik Bhakta to explore the ripple effects of this mandate, the strategic pivots these companies might need to make, and whether this is part of a broader regulatory trend targeting online brokers. Tune in.

Adani group’s recent acquisition spree in the cement space has reshaped the competitive landscape by challenging Aditya Birla Group’s long-standing lead with UltraTech cement. Aditya Birla Group has continued its aggressive expansion strategy through its recent buyout of India Cements indicating its intent to continue being a market leader. As both companies increase their production capacities against an increasing demand from housing projects and government infrastructure spending, there are key questions that occur. Join host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Vipul Prasad, Founder, Magadh Capital Advisors LLP and Arijit Barman from ET on seismic shifts in the Indian cement industry brought about by the giants.

Did you know Siemens is the world's largest industrial software company? The Morning Brief podcast explores how this German giant, known for smart cities, cutting-edge green factories, and innovative energy solutions, is transforming to meet today's challenges. Host Arijit Barman sits down with Siemens' Global CEO Roland Busch as they discuss about industry, innovation, and the future of industrial software, with a special focus on India. Dr. Busch discusses Siemens' journey, the mega trends on every global CEO's mind, and the company's strategies. Tune in for this enlightening conversation to uncover the truth behind Siemens' transformation and what lies ahead in the industrial landscape!

In the second part of this eye-opening episode of The Morning Brief, we delve into the disturbing case of child labor at Som Distilleries in Madhya Pradesh. Around 100 minors worked 12-hour shifts in hazardous conditions, disguised in school uniforms and exposed to harmful chemicals, until a government rescue intervened. Shockingly, operations resumed shortly after suspension. Why did local authorities fail to protect these children? What happens to the victims now? And what does this incident reveal about the glaring gaps in India’s child protection laws? Join Anirban Chowdhury as he investigates these urgent questions and uncovers the truth behind this egregious violation of children's rights with ….

India has enacted three new laws to replace its colonial-era criminal laws, marking a significant shift in its criminal justice system. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaces the Indian Evidence Act. This overhaul aims to create a more victim-centric system, addressing terrorism, hate crimes, and mob lynchings while removing sedition. However, the changes have sparked public concern. What will happen to ongoing cases? Is chaos imminent? Criminal lawyers Tanveer Ahmed Mir and Amit Desai weigh in on the necessity and impact of these changes, questioning the extension of police custody to 90 days, the practicality of end-to-end digitisation, and the readiness of India's infrastructure. Join the conversation on The Morning Brief podcast with host Dia Rekhi!

PVR Inox, India's largest multiplex chain, is at a critical juncture amid a challenging year for the film industry. Despite a sluggish start to 2024, impacted by weak content, heatwaves, elections, and the IPL T20 tournament, analysts are optimistic. A Nuvama Equities report forecasts improved ad revenues and margins for FY25, potentially benefiting PVR Inox, which secures 30-35% of its ad revenues from long-term deals. PVR Inox is actively focusing on debt reduction, capex-light models, real estate monetization, and exploring alternative business models. Innovative partnerships, like those with KFC and Pizza Hut operator Devyani International, are also in the works. Tune in to The Morning Brief with Ratna Bhushan from The Economic Times, as she chats with Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director at PVR Inox, about the future of India's largest multiplex chain!

VC firms in India have been shifting their strategies, mirroring the cautious approach of private equity peers. The growth-at-any-cost mentality has faded post-2021. VCs are now focusing on startups with clear paths to profitability. Is this shift a temporary response to the funding winter, or a fundamental change in Indian venture investing? Are VCs now content with modest returns instead of high-risk, high-reward ventures? Apoorva Mittal speaks with Abhay Pandey of A91 Partners, Anand Lunia of India Quotient, and ET’s in-house VC expert Digbijay Misra to explore these questions. Tune in to The Morning Brief to hear about the evolving landscape of venture capital in India!

From planning the perfect destination to capturing Instagram-worthy moments, travel thrills us all. Travel not only reduces stress but also boosts happiness, a trend backed by the Mastercard travel report showing 97 million passengers through Indian airports in just the first three months of 2024! Join ET's Prachi Verma on this episode of The Morning Brief as she dives into the latest travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. Hear from Madhavan Menon, Chairman of Thomas Cook, Rajesh Magow, CEO of MakeMyTrip, and Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com. Discover why Munich, Tokyo, and Albania are trending summer destinations and get inspired to choose your next adventure, whether it's beaches, mountains, or cultural escapades. Tune in to The Morning Brief!

Remember the market chaos during the last election? A massive upswing after the exit polls, followed by the biggest plunge in four years. Investors rushed to capitalise on the dip, but a technical glitch delayed transactions, causing missed profit opportunities. Imagine your screen freezing during a critical trade, or not being able to access your demat account when the market is volatile. Market glitches like these, while not frequent, can lead to losses worth hundreds of crores and impact discount brokers to full-scale brokers, and even commodity traders at MCX, which faced a four-hour outage in February. In today’s episode, we delve into the causes and impact of these glitches. Are they a Dalal Street peculiarity or a global phenomenon? Has the regulator noticed, and what actions are being taken? Join Anirban Chowdhury and Nikhil Agarwal as they discuss these issues with NSE's former CTO Sankarson Banerjee and ⁠Sivakumar Jayachandran, Founder & CEO, Oi Pulse & 1Cliq. Tune in to The Morning Brief to understand the hidden risks of market trading!

The first of two-part episode of The Morning Brief podcast dives into the tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, which took 58 lives and left over 200 people battling for survival. We tell the story through the eyes of those who lost their loved ones and others who are hoping upon hope that their family members pull through and come out alive. So, why is hooch so popular and how is it made? How does bootlegging work in India? How common are hooch tragedies, and is prohibition the solution? How does prohibition impact states that rely on alcohol revenue? Dr. Sukant Khurana and Dr. Brooks Robinson who have co-authored the book ‘A Case Against Alcohol Prohibition in India’, shed light on the making and dangers of illicit liquor with host Dia Rekhi. Tune in!

Government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras and chains like Generic Aadhaar offer medicines at a fraction of market prices, but pharma giants warn of quality risks. So, why is the All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN) advocating for the promotion of generic medicines despite quality concerns? How do pharmacy chains like Generic Aadhaar ensure the quality and affordability of their generic drugs? In the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast, host Kiran Somvanshi delves into the heated debate over low-cost generic medicines with Dr. Gopal Dabade from the Drug Action Forum, Arjun Deshpande of Generic Aadhaar, and ET's pharma expert Vikas Dandekar to explore the pros and cons of this pivotal policy move. Tune in!

Nvidia has dethroned Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company! Tune into The Morning Brief podcast to explore its meteoric rise, its dominance in the AI sector, and the strategic brilliance of CEO Jensen Huang. With a $3.335 trillion market cap and GPUs in high demand, Nvidia’s stock has soared 182% this year. What sets them apart and their future prospects in the AI-driven world? Host Dia Rekhi asks Bob O'Donnell, President of TECHnalysis Research and Rhys Williams, chief strategist at Wayve Capital and one of Nvidia’s earliest investors. Tune in! Credits: NDTV, Bloomberg Television, Sky News, CNBC, World Governments Summit.

Women investors are breaking the mold with gold. As more affluent women take charge of their wealth, they diversify into varied asset classes like listed equity, structured debt, and hermes bags as revealed in a recent study by Waterfield Advisors. In the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast, host Apoorva Mittal explores this trend with insights from Nupur Garg, founder of Winpe, Suhasini Sampath, co-founder of Yoga Bar, and Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder of Lxme. Discover how wealthy women are redefining investment strategies and taking a more active role in wealth management. Tune in!

Get ready for what could be the biggest IPO in India this year! Hyundai Motor India, the nation's second-largest automaker, is hitting the market. The car maker may raise between ₹21,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore. The listing could surpass LIC's record-breaking IPO of ₹20,600 crore! Why is India crucial for Hyundai's growth and how could this mega IPO pave the way for more global giants to enter the Indian market? Join Anirban Chowdhury on The Morning Brief podcast with Mahantesh Sabarad, a senior equity analyst, Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO Dynamics, and Sharmishtha Mukherjee of ET to explore what's in it for investors, Hyundai's ambitious expansion plans in India, and their promising electric vehicle strategy. Tune in!

India’s medical entrance exam NEET-UG 2024 is at the centre of a major controversy. Allegations of paper leaks, dubious marks, and inconsistencies surround one of the world’s largest competitive exams by number entrants, affecting millions of aspiring doctors. In the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast, host Prachi Verma explores the uproar with insights from TOI’s Manash Pratim Gohain, Dr. Sai Sairam from Sri Ramachandra Medical College, and Nitin Kukreja, CEO of Allen Career Institute. How did we get here, and what’s next for the future doctors of India? Tune in!

India’s government bond market is on the cusp of a massive transformation. Last September, JP Morgan announced the inclusion of Indian government bonds in its Emerging Market Bond Index, marking a major milestone after a decade of discussions with Indian authorities. In today's episode of The Morning Brief podcast, host Bhaskar Dutta dives into what this means for our economy, the potential influx of $20-40 billion of foreign investment, with G. Mahalingam, former Executive Director of RBI, and Saket Banka from HSBC India. Tune in to understand the euphoria and risks of India’s global bond index inclusion!Credits: Moneycontrol, News9 Live, WION, Bloomberg Television

Over the last three months, India faced at least 56 deaths from 25,000 heat stroke cases, with 5,000 occurring in May alone. Shockingly, this data excludes severely affected states like UP, Delhi, and Bihar. In the first part of this episode, we explored the devastating effects on agriculture, labor, and daily life. In the second episode, we focus on the challenges of detecting and tackling heat waves, and the urgent need for better data and solutions. Listen to host Anirban Chowdhury in conversation with Aditya Valiathan Pillai of SFC, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman - Research cell, Kerala state IMA, and Dr S Chatterjee, Internal Medicine Physician, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, in the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast!

Heat is scorching India, with temperatures in northern regions reaching unprecedented levels of 50 degrees Celsius. Delhi has seen highs of 52.9 degrees, while early monsoon drizzles in Bombay bring uncomfortable humidity. This escalating crisis threatens India's economy, with projections indicating a 4.5% GDP reduction by 2030 due to rising heat. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, and over 25,000 lives were lost to heatwaves between 1990 and 2020. This two-part episode of The Morning Brief podcast explores the devastating effects on agriculture, labor productivity, and public health. Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses with Avinash Kishore of IFPRI, Aditya Valiathan Pillai of SFC, Saransh Bajpai of WRI India and Ratna Bhushan of ET. The inadequate responses like increased air conditioning and highlight the urgent need for robust heat action plans. Listen to this very crucial episode as experts propose comprehensive strategies for developing a heat-resilient nation, aiming to safeguard both people and the economy from the relentless heat. Tune in!

Rahul Gandhi's comeback in India's blockbuster general elections defied every exit poll and expert prediction. Once the target of the ruling party and its IT cell’s jokes, Gandhi walked across the country..literally..twice..into many more hearts than people had given him credit for. From bearing the dynast cross, to taking countrywide barbs in his stride to leading an opposition that snatched unbelievable swathes of political territory from the NDA in elections 2024, the rise of Brand RaGa is a story to tell. Host Ratna Bhushan does that with Prathap Suthan, the man behind campaigns like Incredible India, brand specialist Santosh Desai, and senior editor CL Manoj of The Economic Times! Credits: Narendra Modi, Hindustan Times, Brut India (1), Brut India (2), Rahul Gandhi, India Today, Business Today

After a whirlwind seven-phase election spanning from April 19 to June 1, India has delivered a stunning verdict. Against all exit poll predictions, BJP faced a crushing defeat in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, while regional giants like Mamata Banerjee in Bengal and the DMK-INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu rose to prominence. With BJP falling short of the 272-seat magic mark, coalition politics is back after a decade. Now, the party's future hinges on the unpredictable support of allies like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. Join Nidhi Sharma with Swaminathan Aiyar, Consulting Editor at The Economic Times, Aditya Khemka, Fund Manager at InCred Asset Management, and Sanjay Kumar, Professor and former Director of CSDS as they dissect the election results, their implications for Modi 3.0's economic policies, the future of smaller political parties, and the anticipated market reactions. Tune in to this insightful analysis on Polls On My Pod!

The epic 7-phase election has concluded, and India’s choice will soon be revealed. Join us as the Economic Times' political bureau recounts their in-depth coverage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in our special election series – Polls On My Pod. In this final episode, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Nidhi Sharma take you behind the scenes, sharing untold stories and experiences from their travels across constituencies. Get the scoop on the chase for big interviews and hear from top journalists CL Manoj, Rakesh Mohan Chaturvedi, Kumar Anshuman, Jatin Takkar, Vatsala Gaur, and ⁠Krishna Thevar. Tune in for an exclusive peek into the adventures and anecdotes that shaped our election coverage!

Remember the sensation that was India's Most Wanted with Suhaib Ilyasi in the late 90s and early 2000s? Or maybe CID was your go-to for crime and comedy? Today, true crime has exploded onto streaming platforms, becoming one of the hottest genres. In this episode of The Morning Brief podcast, we dive deep into its deliciously murky world, exploring why it’s the flavour of every season. Also, the rise of true crime on OTT platforms, its production value, and the gripping stories that have us hooked. Join Dia Rekhi in a conversation with Aryaan Misra and Aishwarya Singh, Hosts of Desi Crime Podcast, Tom Wright, Co-Founder, Project Brazen, and Christo Tomy, Director of Curry and Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case. Tune in! Credits: 90s Time Travels, Ringtones Hub, The Unusual Chanel, Netflix 1, Netflix 2, Netflix 3, Netflix 4, Netflix India 1, Netflix India 2, Netflix 5, Humans of Cinema, KTLA 5

The skincare landscape in India has been significantly reshaped since the pandemic. Terms like serums, active ingredients, double cleansing, guasha tools, glass skin, and the Korean clear skin regime have become household names among skincare enthusiasts. A new phenomenon, ‘Sephora Kids’ is now making waves in the US, where preteens and early teens are increasingly using anti-aging products. This trend appears to be making its way to India, raising questions about its implications for the Indian skincare market and the young consumers embracing these practices. Host Shabori Das dives deep into this emerging trend with Denish Shah, Marketing Professor at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Dr. Chytra Anand, CEO of Kosmoderma, and Shankar Prasad, CEO and Founder of Plum Goodness. Tune in to this insightful episode of The Morning Brief for an in-depth analysis of the skincare revolution among Gen Alpha in India!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal exchange sharp accusations as the battle intensifies in the last leg of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections. In this episode of Polls On My Pod, we explore the unique electoral landscapes of Punjab and West Bengal, where local issues and state policies shape voter sentiment. From the farmer protests in Punjab affecting BJP’s prospects to Mamata Banerjee’s dynamic campaign in Bengal, we analyse the key factors at play. Join host Nidhi Sharma as she reports from the ground, offering insights into the complex political dynamics and the voices of the electorate. Tune in to The Morning Brief podcast as she speaks to ET’s Jayatri Nag, along with two farmers!

A small revolution has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir! Record numbers of people, from first-time voters to those who have boycotted elections for decades, came out to vote for a new government. Even Kashmiri migrants returned home to participate. In this election special series ‘Polls On My Pod’, we explore the implications of these elections, the highest turnout in 35 years for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, and the significant changes since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Listen to host Anirban Chowdhury in conversation with Anubhuti Vishnoi, Senior Editor at ET, Rahul Tripathi, Editor (Internal Security), ET, and Hakeem Irfan, Journalist, ET (Jammu and Kashmir). Tune in to the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast!

The ripple effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has stretched far beyond its epicenter, reaching as far as Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu -- India’s knitwear capital. Tiruppur, often dubbed ‘Dollar Town,’ is renowned for contributing over 50% to India’s knitwear exports. However, the city now faces a crisis. Rising energy costs, inflation, reduced Western consumption, and local challenges like insufficient government support and high yarn prices have taken a toll. Factories are closing, jobs are vanishing, and the city's once-bustling industry is grinding to a halt. Is this solely a Tiruppur issue or a broader industry problem? Can India achieve its ambitious $100 billion textile export target by 2030? Why is India’s textile industry losing to competitors like Bangladesh? Tune in to The Morning Brief podcast with host Dia Rekhi, M P Muthurathinam, President of Tiruppur Exporters and Manufacturer Association, Raja M Shanmugham, President of Tiruppur Exporters Association, and Neelesh Hundekari, Partner in Consumer & Retail Practice at Kearney. Tune in! Credits: Guardian News

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) proposed changes for project financing could significantly alter how infrastructure and real estate projects are funded. The central bank has suggested increasing the provisioning for all project-backed loans to enhance accountability and project viability. A recent government survey of 1,873 projects revealed substantial delays and cost overruns, highlighting the need for stricter regulations. Yet, the new guidelines have sparked debate among banks and companies, who argue that higher provisions could impact profitability and increase capital costs. With stakeholders invited to comment until June 15, host Anirban Chowdhury delves into whether these norms will ultimately benefit or hinder the sector. Tune in to The Morning Brief podcast for an in-depth analysis from Anil Gupta, head of financial sector ratings at ICRA, and ET’s Sangita Mehta.

Taunts and titters are flowing thick and fast as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections heat up after the apex court’s recent interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. In this episode of The Morning Brief's special election podcast, 'Polls On My Pod', we dive into the elections in Delhi and Haryana – two small but crucial north Indian states. Here, the fight isn't just about numbers; it's about prestige. Listen to Nidhi Sharma in conversation with ET’s Jatin Takkar, BJP’s Praveen Khandelwal and Congress’ Jai Prakash Aggarwal. Tune in!

Haldiram's, a bhujia maker that started from a modest shop in Bikaner, is now a multi-billion-dollar business wooed by private equity giants, at valuations topping a staggering Rs 70,000 crore. What makes Haldiram's so attractive? Is public listing a possibility too? Can its GenNext continue to steer the group towards more growth? In this episode, host Ratna Bhushan explores the group’s fascinating story of nearly nine decades: from Ganga Bhishen Agarwal’s vision to a thriving snacks empire. With Pavitra Kumar, author of Bhujia Barons, and ET’s associate editor Arijit Barman. Only on The Morning Brief. Tune in! Credits: Moneycontrol, Mint

After years of relentless effort, India has signed a contract with Iran to operate its port of Chabahar. The port can potentially give India a firm foothold in global trade opening up easy routes to Afghanistan, and access to Central Asia and Europe.It will help India rival Pakistan’s Gwadar port and China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. But US’ sanctions on Iran and its trade partners loom very large and could unsettle the project. Host Anirban Chowdhury analyses with Arun Kumar Gupta, former Managing Director of India Ports Global, and ET’s P Manoj in the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast. Tune in now!

In recent times, Indian holders of derivatives have faced significant financial losses, a concern that has caught the attention of the government and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This situation intriguingly intersects with the Wall Street-based hedge fund Jane Street Group, which is currently embroiled in lawsuits involving two of its employees and rival Millennium Management Global Investment. In this episode of The Morning Brief from the Economic Times, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Nikhil Agarwal delve into three critical questions: Why are small options traders losing money in India? Are larger financial players profiting at their expense? And how is the practice of daily expiry contributing to the challenges faced by small investors? Join us as we unpack these complex issues with Rahul Sharma, Head of Technical & Derivative Research, JM Financial Services Ltd & Chetan Panchamia, Index Options Expert & Trader.

For this episode of Polls On My Pod, we travelled through India's coal belt, where mining threatens elephants & villagers. Tribals, facing crop destruction, demand solutions. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, a once Naxal-controlled region recently held elections. Villagers, for the first time, voted in their own villages, boosting turnout! ️Is development possible without harming the environment? Can communities rebuild after Naxal influence? Catch Nidhi Sharma in the latest episode of the special election series by The Morning Brief podcast. She speaks to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar, and locals to understand the issues affecting the elections. Tune in!