Morning Brief Podcast

What is common to Amitabh Bachchan, Arijit Singh, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff? They have all acquired legal approvals to protect their personality rights? That is to protect their voices, body scans, any other kind of likeness or personality trait from AI misuse, and read AI cloning for commercial use. A-list celebrities in India are incorporating clauses in their legal contracts with film producers to protect themselves from the harmful impact of synthetic media. Are these enough in a space with scant rules and awareness? Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Sameer Nair, Managing Director at Applause Entertainment, Priyanka Sinha, Co-Founder & Partner at A&P Partners and creative consultant Amit A Vermaa.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has partnered with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to bring Starlink’s satellite communication services to India. This landmark collaboration between a global space-tech pioneer and India’s telecom giants could redefine connectivity, bridging gaps in areas with limited land-based infrastructure and bringing mobile connectivity to the 400 million people who are unconnected or under connected. But what led to this partnership between companies that were bickering over spectrum allocation weeks back? What makes this low-earth orbit satellite technology so revolutionary, and how might it transform India’s telecom sector? And will this tie up, which clearly has larger geopolitical implications, hasten regulatory nods for satcom in India? Host Anirban Chowdhury along with ET’s telecom expert Kalyan Parbat decodes it all. Tune in.

At first glance, Donald Trump and Willy Wonka share an unexpected similarity; both are influential, unconventional figures who control access to exclusive realms. While Wonka’s golden ticket sought a successor fueled by creativity and integrity, Trump’s Gold Card offers U.S. residency but only for those who can afford the hefty price tag. Hosts Neil Ghai & Prachi Verma, joined by Sukanya Raman, Country Head of Davies & Associates, Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com, and David Lesperance, Managing Director of Lesperance & Associates, unpack the sharp differences between the EB-5 visa, a long-standing route for foreign investors and Trump’s Gold Card, a glitzier, costlier option with fewer obligations. They dive into what the Gold Card truly offers, the tax incentives it teases for the ultra-wealthy, and whether it’s a groundbreaking approach or simply EB-5 with a premium upgrade. As America’s immigration doors open wider but only for those with deep pockets we ask: Is this the new face of the American Dream?

The 25th ET Awards for Corporate Excellence featured a fireside chat with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and ET’s Executive Editor Sruthijith KK, offering key insights into India’s economic priorities.The Finance Minister discussed plans to streamline GST rates, address concerns over inventory dumping, and navigate challenges in global trade. She also shared updates on India’s approach to bilateral trade agreements with the US, EU, and UK, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national interests amid shifting global dynamics.Tune in.

On this International Women’s Day, host Nidhi Sharma goes beyond boardrooms and corporate success stories to bring you the voices of women who have fought against deep-seated prejudices and unimaginable hardships to create change at the grassroots level. Meet Shaheen Mallik, an acid attack survivor who turned her pain into purpose by founding the Brave Souls Foundation, helping 300+ survivors rebuild their lives. Hear from Purnima Devi Barman, the wildlife conservationist who transformed societal perception of the endangered Hargila Stork, mobilising an army of women to protect the species. And listen to Dr. Shikha Meel Barala, a legislator and IVF specialist who battles the deeply ingrained bias of son preference to this day. Their journeys are filled with resilience, determination, and a wistful longing for a world where such battles aren’t necessary. Tune in as we bring you their extraordinary stories of courage and change. Credits: National Geographic, The Better India, Cornell Lab of Orinthology

What does a trade deal with the US really mean for India? How can we strengthen our global trade position while keeping crucial partnerships in defense, technology, and space safe from political crossfire? In this candid conversation, host Anirban Chowdhury sits down with ET’s Pranab Dhal Samanta to break down the brewing US-India trade tensions sparked by Trump’s latest move on reciprocal tariffs. They unpack the bigger picture: the geopolitics at play, the domestic pressures driving Trump’s decisions, and the tough calls India now faces, from rethinking its WTO commitments to negotiating a bilateral trade deal. With sharp insights into China’s economic strategies and the urgent need for trade reforms, this is a timely, no-nonsense look at what lies ahead for Indo-US relations.

Trump’s trade war is heating up, and India’s now in the crosshairs. With hefty tariffs already slapped on China, Mexico, and Canada, India’s trade relationship with the U.S. hangs in the balance. What does this mean for India’s booming exports—tech talent, generic drugs, textiles, and more? And can Trump’s tariff gamble really pay off? Host Anirban Chowdhury teams up with noted economist Nilanjan Banik to unpack the ripple effects of this global trade showdown and what’s at stake for India. Tune in. Credits: India Today

Shipping giant AP Moeller Maersk just announced its biggest investment commitment to India: $5 billion. The investment will mostly be spent in trying to renew an existing port contract and bidding for a new one. But are there other projects on the anvil? What about logistics and shipbuilding? The company has been slower than its rivals to expand: globally and in India. But will a recent blockbuster profit and an overhaul of the network unleash its animal spirits? Host Anirban Chowdhury talks about it all with Keith Svendsen, Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals and Christopher Cook, Managing Director, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

As the world moves towards streaming and cord-cutting, Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV are gearing up to merge their direct-to-home (DTH) businesses. The deal promises a combined subscriber base of 35 million, with Airtel holding a 52% stake and Tata owning the rest. But is this merger just a desperate attempt to salvage the struggling DTH segment, or does it signal a broader strategy? What does it mean for Tata’s media distribution ambitions and Airtel’s broadband expansion plans? Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Arijit Barman dive into the details of this mega deal, its implications for India’s media landscape, and whether it can revive the ailing DTH business. Tune in.

We take you to Rakhigarhi, the largest city of the Harappan civilization deep underneath a quiet village in Haryana. Despite its historical significance and being declared an “iconic site” in the 2020-21 Budget, Rakhigarhi remains a forgotten relic. Host Nidhi Sharma travels to the ruins and talks to Dr. S.K. Manjul, Archaeologist and current zila parishad member Dinesh Sheoran about fascinating discoveries from the site: from a mud-brick stadium that existed years before the Romans and Greek came up with them to evidence of ancient communal rituals. But preserving this heritage is a struggle, with no proper museum, viewing decks, or guided tours, fragile structures are reburied under tarpaulin, waiting for the day conservation efforts to catch up. Why does a site so crucial to understanding our civilization remain neglected? What’s stopping Rakhigarhi from becoming the next Dholavira or Mohenjo-daro?

It’s that time of the year again. Markets are abuzz once more with talks of Tesla coming to India. The race to woo Elon Musk’s EV giant has intensified. Andhra Pradesh has now joined the list of states offering incentives to attract the maker of cybertrucks and self-driving cars. From cheap land parcels to port access, to tax benefits on charging infra, state governments are pulling out all stops to convince Tesla to set up shop in their turf.Tesla which is facing tough competition and dented sales in strongholds like China has a lot riding on the India EV story. But will it bite? Host Anirban Chowdhury knocks it down with ET's Nidhi Sharma and Dia Rekhi.Tune in.Credits: Firstpost, NDTV Profit, India Today

India’s gaming industry is experiencing growth, driven by millions of players, a rapidly expanding esports culture, and increasing investments in game development. However, behind this success lies a complex landscape of regulatory challenges, evolving technology, and changing player preferences. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury sits down with Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, to discuss his journey, Krafton’s experience in navigating bans and regulations, and the company’s vision for the Indian gaming market. They explore how artificial intelligence is transforming game development and player experiences, Krafton’s $160 million investment in Indian startups, the rise of cloud gaming, and what the future holds for gaming in India over the next decade.

Sameer Nair’s career trajectory is co-terminus with the average millenial’s consumption of Indian television and media.From bringing international shows like Street Hawk and Knight Rider to national television in the late 80s to making us come of age with American soap operas The Bold and The Beautiful and Santa Barbara as programming head of Star TV in the late 90s; from reinventing prime time entertainment with Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and Kaun Banega Crorepati as Star India chief to bringing Balaji Telefilms to the OTT space as its Group CEO…and finally telling stories he wants as managing director of Aditya Birla Group’s Applause Entertainment which gave us Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, it’s been quite the journey for Nair.Joining him in today’s conversation is Vikramaditya Motwane, one of Bollywood’s rare auteurs with a remarkable body of work: from Udaan and Lootera to Sacred Games and the most recent Netflix show Black Warrant, produced by Nair’s Applause.Motwane and Nair talk about their latest show and upcoming projects; contemporary history and book adaptations; why the experience of cinema needs to change and why the entertainment industry needs disciplined fund raising; on Amar Chitra Katha and mafia; and why the Indian entertainment industry is looking at a positive 2025 after two difficult years.Tune in. Credits: MacPhoenix82, NBC Classics, Star Middle East and Africa, rt, Rj Motivation, Harshil Agarwal, Sony LIV, Manmarziyaan, Plexus Motion Pictures, Netflix India (1), Netflix India (2), Motwayne "

The life of Cipla, the Indian pharma giant, can broadly be divided into three parts: the first 8 decades of altruistic fervour; the second phase-a decade of sharper focus and soaring profits and the third upcoming phase of innovation, new frontiers and possible acquisitions. Steering the second two phases is the company’s global CEO and managing director Umang Vohra. How does a company so deeply rooted in its legacy adapt and scale in a rapidly evolving industry? How does Cipla navigate the seismic shifts in global pharma, from regulatory pressures in the US to the rise of AI-driven drug discovery? What does the future of pharmaceutical innovation hold, and where does Cipla fit into this changing landscape? In this episode, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Vikas Dandekar sit down with Vohra, to explore Cipla’s past, present and future shaped as much by business acumen as the Bhagvad Gita. Tune in

David S Waddell, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist at Waddell & Associates, joins host Dia Rekhi on The Morning Brief to dissect the global economic shifts under the Trump administration. From the impact of tariff wars on emerging markets like India to the potential productivity revolution driven by AI, he offers a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Waddell also shares why certain economic indicators provide comfort amidst market uncertainty and why he remains bullish on India’s growth story. Don’t miss this deep dive into the global and Indian economic outlook in the Trump era.

Indian stock markets are experiencing their longest slump in recent years, with FIIs selling at unprecedented levels and small- and mid-cap stocks taking significant hits. In this episode, we break down the factors driving this downturn, examine global market influences, and analyze whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a prolonged decline. Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with ET’s markets editor Nishanth Vasudevan about why India’s stock market—once considered the darling of global investors—is now under immense pressure, facing record sell-offs, declining corporate earnings, and increasing competition from China and the U.S. What triggered this dramatic shift? Is a rebound on the horizon?

From his first Phd thesis to his illustrious and tumultuous stint in Twitter to his current assignment as head of safety and trust at dating behemoth Match Group, Yoel Roth has been a crusader for safety on the internet, the social web and dating apps. Roth is in fact a crusader who hasn’t stopped short of raising his voice against his former boss Elon Musk and his close friend Donald Trump. At the Match Group which runs 20 of the world’s most popular apps including Tinder and Hinge, he is responsible for building guardrails against fake ids, data theft, financial scams, physical and sexual assault. It’s a tough job and Roth revels in it. On Safer Internet Day, tune in to this conversation in which he talks, among other things, about the radical transformation in Indian dating communities."

Tata Consumer Products has been on a transformative journey, evolving from a tea and salt company into a diversified FMCG business. With changing consumer preferences, rising competition, and the rapid growth of digital commerce, the company is navigating a dynamic landscape while expanding its footprint across multiple categories. Host Ratna Bhushan talks to Sunil D’Souza, CEO & MD of Tata Consumer Products discussing the company’s ambitions to become an FMCG leader, earnings, urban vs. rural demand trends, the evolving premiumization landscape in India, Starbucks, acquisitions, Trump and much more. Tune in.

Agentic AI—or an artificial intelligence system that can think, plan, navigate complex workflows and decide for itself—is at the forefront of the AI revolution. Companies across the world from Siemens to JP Morgan are investing in and finding use cases for agentic AI. Satya Nadella has said it will lead to the death of Saas, while Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce has said his biggest focus right now is to supply a billion agents to the world: agents that will soon be bigger than the internet. In this conversation, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India talks about the many use cases of AI for this market: from banking to farmers. Tune in. Credits: Peter H. Diamandis

Between finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s tax sops for the middle class and Donald Trump’s tariff missiles on three countries he really dislikes, it’s been a largely eventful three days. And as usual, The Morning Brief is buzzing with questions: From tax cuts and fiscal discipline to capital expenditure, is the so-called “impossible trifecta” too good to be true? Why was a tax bill introduced separately from the budget? Is the government pivoting from corporate India to the middle class? Trump’s latest executive decision can put global trade in limbo and has thrust the world into very uncertain times. What lies ahead? Host Arijit Barman talks to Swaminathan Aiyar about it all. And more… Tune in

A little-known Chinese AI startup just sent shockwaves through the global tech world—wiping off $593 billion from the market value of one of the world’s most valuable companies and challenging Silicon Valley’s dominance. How did DeepSeek, a newcomer, manage to rattle AI behemoths like OpenAI and Nvidia? And what does its rise mean for the future of AI, economics, and geopolitics? In this episode, Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi break it all down with Conor Grennan, chief AI architect at NYU Stern School of Business and Jeffrey Ding, assistant professor at George Washington University. They dissect DeepSeek’s cost-efficient AI model, its implications for U.S.-China tech rivalry, and whether this marks the start of a seismic shift in AI’s power balance.Is DeepSeek the future, or just a flash in the pan? And should Silicon Valley be worried? Tune in to find out.

At the Davos World Economic Forum Arijit Barman had an insightful conversation with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, about managing one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. From the rise of AI and Big Tech dominance to the impact of geopolitical tensions and shifting energy policies, Tangen breaks down the forces shaping global finance. He also shares insights on the role of India in the investment landscape, the risks of market concentration, and why transparency is key in managing $2 trillion.

Parth Jindal, Managing Director, JSW Cement and Priya Aggarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc talk to Arijit Barman about the yeas and nays of Davos 2025, the most interesting people they met there, overdoing AI, navigating China….and ESG and wokeism in the Trump era.

Arijit Barman is joined by Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, at the World Economic Forum 2025 where he sheds light on concerns around Trump’s pullout from the WHO, progress in achieving vaccine equity, status of key projects like the HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer, and upcoming vaccines for malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. He also discusses the institute’s $2 billion investment in cutting-edge research and facilities, the use of AI to aid clinical trials, and the development of needle-free vaccine delivery methods. Beyond healthcare, Poonawalla highlights his strategic diversification from financial services and insurance to films and music labels. Tune in

"Dreaming of studying abroad as an Indian student? The path to global education is becoming increasingly fraught with soaring tuition fees, inflation, and a depreciating rupee. From onerous education loans to repayment challenges, we’ll discuss whether these global degrees are worth the investment. Are there cost-effective destinations offering quality education, or is the dream becoming unsustainable? Host Neil Ghai talks to Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia at IDP Education and Aniket Dani, Director of Research at CRISIL Intelligence as they uncover the growing financial pressures faced by Indian students pursuing international degrees.

India reported 24 lakh TB cases last year, despite a government program launched in 2018 aiming to eliminate TB by 2025. This conversation examines critical advancements, including innovative diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and public-private partnerships. Host Vikas Dandekar is joined by a distinguished panel comprising Dr. Urvashi Singh, Deputy Director General (TB) from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. Randeep Guleria, Former Director of AIIMS and a public health advocate; Dr. Alpa Dalal, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Jupiter Hospital and Honorary Chest Physician at Sewri TB Hospital, Mumbai; and Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Director and CEO of Molbio Diagnostics. Together, they address key challenges such as stigma, treatment adherence, and the role of nutrition in recovery. Learn how India is leveraging technology, community involvement, and government initiatives to tackle one of its most pressing public health challenges. What progress has been made, where do we stand, and what’s next in the fight against tuberculosis? Tune in to find out.

From Eveready torches to luxury tents, and from ash-smeared sadhus to Instagram-worthy holy dips, a spiritual extravaganza like no other, where over 400 million devotees, brands, and marketers converge in Prayagraj. They discover how spirituality is shaping India’s consumer culture. With record-breaking revenues and global attention, the Maha Kumbh has become the Super Bowl of India for marketers. Host Ratna Bhushan Talks to Shuvadip Banerjee, Chief digital marketing officer, foods division, ITC, Sandeep Goyal, Chairman, Rediffusion and Anirban Chowdhury talks to Manan Bajoria, vice president, growth marketing at travel portal Ixigo.

Ola Electric’s recent announcement of its expansion plans on X before the exchanges and the resultant spike in its stock price has earned it the regulator’s ire. Sebi has accused it of flouting market disclosure norms. Are new age listed companies lax about sharing material information on social platforms for quick impact? Or should the regulator move with the times and make disclosure norms more inclusive of other more accessible platforms? Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to ET Prime Editor Shishir Prasad and its markets editor Pravin Palande as well as Sandeep Parekh, former Sebi board member and managing partner at Finsec Law Advisors. Tune in. Credits: TV9 Hindi News, Fatafat News

Chinese companies are embracing ‘Indianisation’ strategies. Because of an unsaid mandate from the Indian government, wary of security concerns that Chinese presence brings to the country’s industry. Over the last one year, Chinese giants in consumer electronics and automotive have been establishing joint ventures with Indian companies and appointing Indians on the boards of their units. The alternative is an endless wait for visas for Chinese executives or worse, an outright refusal to set up shop here. Will their efforts be enough to convince the govt? Also India needs Chinese presence to cut its trade deficit with its neighbour. But can it afford a deluge of Chinese expansion here?Host Anirban Chowdhury tries to explain the dichotomy with Writankar Mukherjee and Sharmistha Mukherjee of ET and Amit Bhandari, Senior Fellow, Energy, Investment and Connectivity at Gateway House.

As global tech layoffs make headlines, IBM is charting a different path in India with ambitious plans for talent expansion and innovation. The tech giant is doubling down on tier-two cities like Kochi and Ahmedabad, building labs, and partnering with startups to leverage AI and hybrid cloud technologies.In this episode, Dia Rekhi speaks to Sandip Patel, Managing Director for IBM India & South Asia, about how IBM is capitalizing on India’s tech talent, its growing market importance, and its vision for the future. From new use cases for watsonx to the role of AI in driving innovation, discover IBM’s evolving strategy in the world’s largest tech talent hub. Tune in. Credits: King 5 Seattle, CNBC

From debunking myths about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) to highlighting the importance of decentralized surveillance systems and rapid vaccine development, host Vikas Dandekar talks to Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, Dr. Vinod Scaria, Chief Data Officer, Karkinos Healthcare, and Dr. Raches Ella, Chief Development Officer (CDO), Bharat Biotech. They discuss the evolving landscape of viral outbreaks, greater pandemic preparedness, and the need for vaccine innovations.

India’s long-awaited Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is finally here, setting the stage for a new era in data privacy and security. The most interesting aspect of the rules is how it seeks to e-protect children. The act, among other things, mandates verifiable parental consent of children below 18 years of age for them to access social media, e-commerce sites and gaming apps. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with Aashish Aryan, Deputy Chief of Bureau, Technology at ET, Geetika Kapoor, a consultant school psychologist and founder of EdEssential, and Nehaa Chaudhari, Partner at Ikigai Law, to break down this key aspect of the Act. From how data fiduciaries will ensure age gating to how they will detect lies and misrepresentations.

India’s space program is poised for a transcend in 2025, marking its most pivotal year yet. With ISRO leading missions such as Gaganyaan’s uncrewed test flight, the Chandrayaan-4 lunar return mission, and the ambitious SpaDex docking experiment, India is set to join an elite club of spacefaring nations. Collaborations like the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite will advance climate science and strengthen India’s global scientific standing. Meanwhile, the private sector is gearing up for landmark contributions through cutting-edge satellite launches, propulsion technologies, and public-private partnerships. Host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Chethan Kumar, Senior Assistant Editor (Space, Science & Defence) at TOI, about these initiatives, which promise to redefine India’s space exploration capabilities and cement its leadership on the global stage.

India is eyeing a manufacturing leap, aiming to raise the sector’s GDP contribution to 25% by 2047. But inadequate housing near industrial hubs threatens this ambition. Enter dorm-style worker housing, inspired by successful models in China and Vietnam. Tamil Nadu is leading the charge with large-scale projects like Foxconn's Sriperumbudur campus housing 18,000 employees.Join Dia Rekhi and Dhruv Shekhar, Senior Associate at Koan Advisory Group, as they discuss this new industrial housing wave, its societal implications, government incentives, and lessons India can learn from global examples.Tune in.

Sriram Krishnan recent high profile appointment in Donald Trump’s government has sparked a row on immigrant employment and H-1B visas in the US. This episode examines the broader implications of the ongoing debates around immigration, and the gap it exposes between the US’ requirement for a skilled workforce and its immigration policies.Hosts Annapurna Roy, in conversation with Poorvi Chothani, Founder of LawQuest, and Anirban Chowdhury, speaking with Stuart Anderson of NFAP, unpack how these events may shape the future of U.S. immigration policy, and influence the dynamics of the American workforce.

Body positivity–which once held the promise of being a revolutionary movement that redefined beauty standards and empowered millions to embrace self-love–is now facing an unexpected challenge–the rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. As these drugs dominate global markets and reshape perceptions of “ideal” body types, their ripple effects are being felt across industries. From shrinking plus-size influencers to shifting apparel trends, from mental health implications of these transformations to the deeper societal questions they raise – what does the future hold for body positivity? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Shabori Das dives deep into the cultural and commercial crossroads with candid insights from plus-size influencer Neelakshi Singh, fashion entrepreneur Kartik Sapra, marketing expert Denish Shah, and aesthetician Pauline Brown. Together, they unpack the evolving dynamics of beauty, business, and self-worth. Is the body positivity movement on the wane? Or can it survive the sweeping changes brought about by these new “miracle” drugs? Tune in to find out.

By 2047, India aims to become a $30 trillion economy as it celebrates 100 years of independence. Despite recent GDP slowing to 5.4% and inflation concerns, the India Progress Report 2024, co-authored by The Economic Times and Crisil projects stable growth, with the economy expected to hit $7 trillion by 2031. Driving this are infrastructure investments, manufacturing growth, and renewable energy expansion. While challenges like geopolitical risks and trade uncertainties persist, hopes are pinned on private investments being unleashed and policy reforms. In this episode which is part of ET India Ascends, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to Dharmakirti Joshi, chief economist at Crisil, Josh Foulger, president of consumer electronics business at Zetwerk, and Anmol Jaggi co-founder of Gensol Group, about how India can navigate risks and utilise opportunities to achieve its ambitious goals.

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.