The Morning Brief

Three years after the Ukraine war began, India has become one of Russia’s largest oil customers. From negligible imports before 2022, Russian crude now accounts for nearly a third of India’s oil basket delivering big savings for refiners and keeping fuel prices steady at home. But these benefits come with rising diplomatic costs, including pressure from Washington, the threat of higher tariffs, and accusations that India is profiteering by exporting refined Russian crude back to Western markets. Host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by energy markets expert Vandana Hari and Nandan Unnikrishnan, Head of Euraisan Studies, Observer Research Foundation. Together, they examine how much Indian refiners truly gain from Russian discounts, whether those margins are sustainable as sanctions tighten, what risks loom over India’s US trade ambitions, and how long New Delhi can balance its need for cheap energy with its strategic partnerships in the West.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Listen to Corner Office Conversation our new show:: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. CREDITS: Firstpost, BroaderlinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s biggest GST shake-up since 2017 is here. The new structure with just two slabs 5% and 18% plus a steep 40% for sin and luxury goods, promises cheaper essentials and faster refunds. But will consumers and businesses really feel the difference? On this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by Bipin Sapra, Partner - Leader, Indirect Tax & Economic Policy at EY, to unpack NextGen GST 2.0. From challenges of compliances to resolving inverted taxation issues, to Centre–State revenue tussle, to export efficiencies, they explore how these reforms could change spending, business margins, and the economy at large.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Listen to Corner Office Conversation our new show:: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.Credits: DD India, WIONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the ET World Leaders Forum 2025, Archana Rai, Economic Times’, Editor, South speaks with Rajat Taneja, President Technology at Visa, about how India is shaping the future of payments. The discussion spans India’s trillion-dollar digital opportunity, the growing role of AI in fraud prevention, and Visa’s cutting-edge innovations from tokenized credentials and biometrics to agent-led e-commerce. Rajat noted that one-time passwords are no longer foolproof as they can be compromised, arguing that trusted platforms will shape the future of secure payments. Stressing AI’s transformative role, he also called for closer cooperation with regulators to build safer, faster digital transactions. He further highlights India’s pivotal role in Visa’s global R&D, while offering perspectives on regulation, financial inclusion, and the essentials of safe online shopping. Tune in.You can follow Archana Rai on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Listen to Corner Office Conversation our new show:: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, US’ Tariff Blow: What can India Do?,Rare Earths to Rx: Explaining the India-China Reset, Ram Madhvani on Blending VR, AI and Bharat and much more Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when two of the world’s most populous nations attempt to reset ties amidst a multipolar order? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by ET’s Executive Editor, Politics, Pranab Dhal Samanta to unpack the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping. Against a backdrop of cordial but cautious exchanges, the conversation probes whether this rare chemistry signals a genuine shift or a pragmatic pause. From trade imbalances and supply chain vulnerabilities to the broader triangle of India, China, and Russia navigating U.S. dominance, the discussion examines how global realignments shape regional choices. With echoes of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan recalibrating their positions, the episode raises the subtle but pressing question: can India normalize ties with China while preserving balance in its wider strategic partnerships?Tune in: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow Pranab Dhal Samanta on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

800 episodes strong! The Morning Brief isn’t just a podcast—it’s your morning essential for sharp insights, credible voices, and conversations that matter. Here's what some of its best guests had to say on the milestoneRavi Kumar S (CEO of Cognizant)Rajesh Jejurikar (Executive Director & CEO (Auto & Farm Sector) at Mahindra Group)Ashok Kantha (Indian diplomat & Former Ambassador to India & China)Vinay Dubey (Founder and CEO of Akasa Air)Srikanth Fractal (Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive & Executive Vice-Chairman)Sunil Singhania ((Founder - Abakkus Asset Manager Pvt Ltd)John Strickland (Director at JLS Consulting)Tune inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Corner Office Conversations, host Ratna Bhushan sits down with Vipul Parekh, co-founder of BigBasket, to discuss how India’s leading online grocer is gearing up for the festive season amid the quick commerce boom. From IPO buzz and profitability challenges to category expansion beyond groceries, Parekh shares insights on competition with Swiggy, Zepto, JioMart, and Amazon, and BigBasket’s strategy around dark stores, assortment, and growth. With the Tata Group backing and a rapidly evolving e-commerce market, this conversation explores what it takes to stay ahead in a fiercely contested space.You can follow Ratna Bhushan on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Listen to Corner Office Conversation: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more. Catch the latest episode of “Corner Office Conversation” on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts,and wherever you get your podcasts from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last five weeks, The Morning Brief explored the investment stories shaping southern India through exclusive conversations with senior ministers from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. From manufacturing and infrastructure to IT, green energy, and start-ups each state is vying to stand out in India’s growth race. In this wrap-up episode of our special series South Capital, hosts Nidhi Sharma and Dia Rekhi break down the key takeaways, the sectors to watch, and how competitive southern states really are when it comes to attracting investments.​​You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterYou can follow our hosts Nidhi Sharma on their social media: Twitter & Linkedin Listen to our new show called Corner Office Conversation: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, US’ Tariff Blow: What can India Do?,Rare Earths to Rx: Explaining the India-China Reset, Ram Madhvani on Blending VR, AI and Bharat and much moreCatch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in film editing rooms — it is beginning to script, generate, and even direct visual storytelling. In the second part of our special series on AI filmmaking, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Rajesh Naidu speak to acclaimed director Shakun Batra — the creative force behind Kapoor & Sons and Gehraiyaan, now experimenting with AI-powered cinema. From building entire car chases through prompts, to rethinking workflows where “post becomes the new prep”, Shakun shares how AI is democratising imagination by freeing filmmakers from the traditional constraints of cost and scale. He also addresses the tough questions: authorship, ethics, data ownership, and whether AI can ever capture the “soul” of storytelling. Tune in.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Listen to our new show called Corner Office Conversation: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, US’ Tariff Blow: What can India Do?,Rare Earths to Rx: Explaining the India-China Reset, Ram Madhvani on Blending VR, AI and Bharat and much moreCatch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s Online Gaming law, 2025 has jolted the country’s fast-growing gaming industry. The law bans real-money games while promoting e-sports and casual play, a shift that could transform a sector valued at over ₹30,000 crore. Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with Vidushpat Singhania, managing partner at Krida legal and Rohit Agarwal, Founder - AlphaZegus Marketing to unpack the battles now unfolding, questions of state versus central authority, the unresolved debate of skill versus chance, and whether prohibition will truly safeguard users or simply drive betting underground. The fallout is already visible. Big-ticket sponsorships have been cancelled, major platforms have shut down operations, and creators who once thrived on gaming promotions are seeing sharp cuts in income. As courts weigh in and companies scramble to adapt, the future of gaming in India remains uncertain. What’s clear is that this legislation marks a turning point, not just for the industry, but for millions of players across the country.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Listen to our new show called Corner Office Conversation: Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, Corner Office Conversation with The New Leaders of Indian Pharma and much more.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, US’ Tariff Blow: What can India Do?,Rare Earths to Rx: Explaining the India-China Reset, Ram Madhvani on Blending VR, AI and Bharat and much moreCatch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.Credits: ET NOW, Business Today, WION, Sansad TV, NDTV ProfitSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of South Capital, the focus is on Tamil Nadu, India's manufacturing powerhouse and one of its most industrialized states. Known as the “Detroit of Asia” for its auto sector and the “Manchester of the South” for its textiles, Tamil Nadu plays a pivotal role in India’s GDP, exports, patents, and electronics manufacturing, including iPhone assembly. Host Dia Rekhi speaks with Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, who shares the state’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy, a goal built on decades of progress in education, manufacturing, IT, textiles, electronics, and renewable energy. He underscores the state’s strengths in women’s empowerment, robust infrastructure, and policy consistency, while highlighting new opportunities in semiconductors, technical textiles, shipbuilding, seafood processing, and offshore wind. Tamil Nadu also hosts India’s largest base of MSMEs, many of them women-led, which drive innovation and strengthen supply chains. Unlike states that compete domestically, Tamil Nadu positions itself against global economies, striving to stand out as a leader in industry, sustainability, and investment. With infrastructure upgrades, climate-resilient planning, and green energy targets set ahead of national goals, Tamil Nadu is firmly establishing itself as a global industrial hub.You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterListen to more of South Capital: South Capital: Andhra Pradesh’s Comeback, South Capital: Kerala Rising, South Capital: Karnataka Grows Beyond Bengaluru & South Capital: Telangana’s Push for Mini-HyderabadsCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For months, India has felt the squeeze of China’s export chokehold on rare earth magnets vital for EVs, fertilizers key to food security, and raw materials that keep pharma running. Automakers faced stalled assembly lines, farmers braced for higher costs, and drugmakers feared supply disruptions. Now, with Prime Minister Modi set to visit China for the SCO summit, a narrow trade package is on the table. Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with ET’s Sharmistha Mukherjee, Shambhavi Anand, Vikas Dandekar, and economist Sachin Chaturvedi to unpack the freeze, the fragile easing, and the big questions: Can India trust Beijing as a trade partner? Could pharma rivals really collaborate? And can China balance out an increasingly protectionist U.S. in this tense economic triangle? You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow our host Sharmistha Mukherjee on his social media: Linkedin & Twitter and read his Newspaper Articles.You can follow our host Shambhavi Anand on his social media: Linkedin & Twitter and read his Newspaper Articles.You can follow our host Vikas Dandekar on his social media: Linkedin & Twitter and read his Newspaper Articles.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: Bloomberg Television, DD India, ABC News (Australia), FirstpostSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week, another rulebook for India’s digital economy this time, a competition code. The Digital Competition Bill (DCB) would flip enforcement from ex-post litigation to ex-ante guardrails for “systemically significant” platforms, banning self-preferencing, data misuse against business users, coercive tying, and stealth blocks on interoperability under the CCI, not a new super-regulator. It’s meant to supplement the Competition Act, not replace it. In this episode Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of The Dialogue, a public policy think-tank, tells Anirban Chowdhury that India may not need a new statute now: first test the 2023 Competition Act amendments (settlements/commitments), build capacity, and let case outcomes prove speed and effectiveness citing the CCI’s recent 12-month Google Android TV matter as evidence that ex-post can work with resources.He also brings data from The Dialogue’s survey of MSMEs using digital platforms to show the rules may hobble Indian digital-first firms. Ex-ante code now or sharper ex-post tools first? Tune in: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naveen Tewari thrives on pivots and preempting market demand before it becomes obvious to everyone else.In this deep-dive with the founder and CEO of InMobi and Glance, host Anirban Chowdhury traces India’s earliest unicorn from its 2007 pivot from mKhoj (SMS search) to mobile advertising, SoftBank’s $200 million backing, and a “born-global” scale-up: InMobi today derives 65%–70% of revenue from North America. We also unpack the second act: Glance, the AI-led lock-screen platform with 400 million users, and its newest bet—AI commerce: a business built on a foundation model trained for shopping, with monetization via transaction take-rates and brand enablement. Tewari argues that his businesses’ US concentration is a feature, not a bug. He outlines why post-cookie privacy guardrails have largely stabilized, and explains why advertising keeps the internet free. He also predicts 80% automation of software coding at InMobi and what that means for talent, velocity, and quality—plus where an eventual IPO fits when you’re already profitable and well-funded. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Listen to the first installment of Corner Office Conversation called Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACeCatch the latest episode of the new show “Corner Office Conversation” on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts,and wherever you get your podcasts from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telangana, India’s youngest state, is charting an ambitious path to become a trillion-dollar economy by leveraging its strengths in technology, AI, and skilled talent. In a candid conversation host Dia Rekhi talks with Industries and IT Minister Sridhar Babu to analyse how Hyderabad, already a global hub for tech giants, pharma leaders, and GCCs is driving growth into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, expanding tourism, and adding value to agriculture through processing and market linkages. The state is making a bold push into AI with a planned 200-acre AI City, a dedicated AI university, and integration of AI across government services. Alongside, it is bolstering aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, and data centers, while ensuring sustainability through renewable energy and infrastructure planning. Competing fiercely yet strategically with its southern neighbors, Telangana is working to create multiple “mini-Hyderabads” and future-proof its workforce while speaking out against perceived biases in national project allocations.You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterListen to more of South Capital: South Capital: Andhra Pradesh’s Comeback, South Capital: Kerala Rising & South Capital: Karnataka Grows Beyond BengaluruCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI in films is no longer a fringe experiment. It moved from a backstage assistant to calling the shots. In three years, Gen AI models have evolved from conjuring massive battle scenes in Lord of the Rings to making full fledged feature films through prompts. Questions of course remain on credibility and credits, but film makers like Darren Aronofsky are helming AI film projects too. In this heady jamboree of tech, creativity and storytelling can India be far behind? In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury chronicles the rise of this technology and talks to Gurdeep Singh Pall, a former Microsoft veteran and co-founder of Intelliflicks, to unpack his journey in creating a full length hyper-real historical AI-generated feature film. They explore the creative breakthroughs and strange quirks of synthetic actors, the ethical minefields of authorship and consent, and why Pall is determined to push the limits of what’s possible on screen. It’s a front-row seat to the moment when technology becomes both the camera and the storyteller.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: TheClord123See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into why foreign investors have been quietly pulling billions out of India’s stock markets even as they talk up the country’s growth potential. We break down the main drivers: stock prices are high compared to history and other Asian markets, corporate earnings growth has slowed, the rupee has weakened, and economic activity has lost some steam. And then came the curveball hefty U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. This unexpected move has rattled investors already on the edge. While strong domestic inflows from Indian investors have helped steady the market, foreign money still matters, because it’s often seen as a measure of global confidence in the economy. Host Anirban Chowdhury with ETs markets editor Nishanth Vasudevan explore the different kinds of foreign investors from “hot money” chasing short-term opportunities to patient, value-focused funds waiting for the right moment. The question now is: will they return if the market takes a dip, earnings bounce back, or growth accelerates again? You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow our host Nishanth Vasudevan on his social media: Linkedin & Twitter and read his Newspaper Articles.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karnataka drives 65% of India’s aerospace and defence output, over half of its machine tools, and 60% of its biotech exports but much of that growth is concentrated in and around Bengaluru. This week, we unpack the state’s broader industrial ambitions and historic legacy from the Wadiyar dynasty’s investments in education to Asia’s first hydroelectric power in Mysore and the streetlights of Bengaluru in 1905. Host Nidhi Sharma speaks with Karnataka large and medium industries minister M.B. Patil on the state’s new industrial policy, the Invest Karnataka Forum, and its efforts to spread growth across districts. But with neighbouring states like Andhra snapping at its heels with faster land clearances and aggressive pitches, can Karnataka stay competitive and inclusive?You can follow our hosts Nidhi Sharma on their social media: Twitter & LinkedinListen to the Latest installments of South Capital called South Capital: Andhra Pradesh’s Comeback & South Capital: Kerala Rising.Check out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virtual Reality in India has long been seen as a futuristic gaming gimmick flashy, expensive, and niche. But that’s changing. Host Anirban Chowdhury and ETs Rajesh Naidu talk to national award winning film maker Ram Madhvani (Neerja, Aarya) who is reimagining VR as a cultural and spiritual experience. His latest project? A five-minute immersive film on the Bhagavad Gita not for streaming, but to be experienced through VR headsets in temples, forts, and museums across India. With plans to roll out 100 such films by 2028 and place headsets in cultural hubs, Madhvani wants to democratize VR not through Silicon Valley, but through Bharat. Priced at just ₹100, these bite-sized experiences could bring in pilgrims, students, and families, not just gamers and techies. As India’s spiritual tourism surges and the government pushes cultural pride, could this be the unlikely tipping point for VR adoption in the country? We dive into the vision, the tech, the economics and the big bet on storytelling as India’s gateway to the metaverse.Tune in.You can follow Rajesh Naidu on his Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read his Newspaper Articles. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.CREDITS: Jaroslav Beck - Topic, Happydent, DisneyPlus Hotstar_IN, Fox Star StudiosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when economic friction between two global partners sparks deeper strategic questions? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury talks to Agneshwar Sen, trade policy leader, EY India, to unpack the implications of recent US tariff on India and threats for more. From the unexpected 25% tariff to the intricate triangle of the US-India-Russia dynamic, the conversation navigates the fine line between trade penalties and geopolitical signaling. Is Washington's move a matter of policy consistency or a sign of deeper mistrust? Is the imminent India-US trade deal dead on arrival? As August 7 looms, the episode offers a nuanced look at how India can weather economic turbulence while safeguarding strategic autonomy. Tune in:: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.Credits: CNBC Television, USAToday, CNN, Business Today, WIONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s pharma sector is at a turning point transitioning from a global generics powerhouse to a serious contender in biotech and innovation. In this episode, host Vikas Dandekar is joined by Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Aman Mehta, Managing Director, Torrent Pharma, and Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences to explore what it takes to climb the innovation ladder. From regulatory roadblocks and pricing pressures to building a robust R&D ecosystem, the panel lays it all out. Patel reflects on Zydus’ early bet on research, Thapar shares Emcure’s commitment to women’s health and inclusive leadership, while Mehta highlights the shift toward patient-first thinking. Blending sharp insights, real-world data, and candid personal stories, this conversation asks the big question: Can India go from being the “pharmacy of the world” to becoming its “laboratory”?You can follow Vikas Dandekar on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin and read her Newspaper Articles.Listen to the first installment of Corner Office Conversation called Corner Office Conversation with Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACeCatch the latest episode of the new show “Corner Office Conversation” on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts,and wherever you get your podcasts from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerala, India’s smallest southern state by area, is often celebrated for its pioneering “Kerala Model,” where social progress laid the foundation for economic growth. Decades of focus on education and healthcare have led to high literacy, long life expectancy, and rising per capita income. But today, the state grapples with fresh challenges: outward migration of skilled talent, an ageing population, growing healthcare needs, and limited land for industrial growth. In this second installment of South Capital, host Nidhi Sharma speaks with Kerala’s Industries Minister P. Rajeev on how the state plans to attract investments while balancing growth with sustainability and social equity.You can follow our hosts Nidhi Sharma on their social media: Twitter & LinkedinListen to the first installment of South Capital called South Capital: Andhra Pradesh’s Comeback. Check out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once valued at over ₹1 lakh crore, Anil Ambani’s Reliance ADAG group is now facing one of its biggest reckonings. The Enforcement Directorate has launched a sweeping probe into alleged loan fraud and money laundering worth over ₹24,000 crore—spanning Yes Bank transactions, shell firms, and suspected quid pro quo deals with Rana Kapoor’s family offices. In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury, ET’s banking editor Sangita Mehta and its tracker of financial wrongdoings Rashmi Rajput unpack the Grand Thornton audit red flags, the delays in enforcement action, and the high-stakes legal and financial fallout. Tune in: You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin You can follow Sangita Mehta on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles.You can follow Rashmi Rajput on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Check out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: NDTV, NDTV Profit, TIMES NOW, Republic WorldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is set to lay off around 12,000 employees, its biggest workforce reduction to date. While the move might seem driven by automation, the company attributes it instead to a widening skills gap. As TCS shifts to newer technologies and agile delivery models, many existing roles especially at the mid and senior levels no longer align with business needs. Bench policies are also being tightened, with extended periods of unassigned time potentially leading to termination. TCS says it will offer support to affected employees, including severance pay, healthcare coverage, and job placement assistance. In this episode, Host Anirban Chowdhury, ET’s Beena Parmar and UnearthInsight CEO Gaurav Vasu unpack how this signals a larger industry shift where digital transformation is reshaping not just what tech companies do, but how they need to do it.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin You can follow Beena Parmar on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Check out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Tamil Nadu claimed the title of “India’s No. 1” in economic growth, Andhra Pradesh hit back with a sharp, self-aware message: “We are No. 2. We work harder.” Borrowing from a legendary advertising playbook, the move sparked a fresh wave of competition among southern states vying for investment and influence. In the first episode of our special limited series South Capital, we put the spotlight on Andhra Pradesh’s renewed push under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. From reviving stalled mega-projects to enticing investors across state borders, AP is pulling out all stops to reclaim its place on India’s economic map. Host Nidhi Sharma sits down with Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communications, to unpack the real story from leadership transitions and political recalibrations to whether Andhra’s promise of “speed of doing business” can challenge the established investor ecosystems of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.You can follow our hosts Nidhi Sharma on their social media: Twitter & LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the next billion-dollar idea wasn’t about making money but about making a difference? In this episode, host Anirban Chowdhury sits down with Varun Aggarwal, deeptech entrepreneur and AI researcher, and Shubham Bansal, a YCombinator alum turned social impact leader. Together, they lead Change Engine, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit accelerator aiming to build 20 nonprofit unicorns in India each impacting over a million lives. They discuss their bold vision for scaling nonprofits with startup-style speed and ambition, expose the cracks in India’s philanthropic funding model, and introduce their latest work, The Playbook for Nonprofit Unicorns, a practical guide to driving large-scale impact. From navigating government systems to using technology for grassroots change, this conversation reimagines what innovation and success can look like in today’s India. Tune in to discover how mission-driven ventures might just be the country’s most powerful engine of change. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Check out other interesting episodes like:The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Brandalore Rising! and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a turbulent fortnight for corporate leadership, with sudden CEO exits at companies like HUL, Coca Cola bottler HCCB, L’Oréal, Diageo, Kenvue and WPP. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Ratna Bhushan speaks to ET’s Associate Editor Arijit Barman and Vibhav Dhawan, Partner at Positive Moves Consulting to unpack what’s driving this churn: from slowing demand to soaring competition, from tariff pressures to slackening control over ad networks, from a lack of focus on growth to a push for next-gen leadership. Why is the top job turning into a revolving door? Are CEOs fall guys? Is the traditional playbook outdated? And are short tenures the new normal? Listen in.You can follow Ratna Bhushan on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is not just watching the space race — it’s entering the arena with serious firepower. In this Corner Office Conversation, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Nirmal John sit down with Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of IN-SPACe to explore how India is opening up the final frontier for private players. From transferring ISRO’s rocket technology to industry, to creating a Rs 1,000 crore space-focused VC fund and setting up new launchpads in Tamil Nadu, Goenka outlines the roadmap for turning India into a global hub for small satellite launches. He also discusses the upcoming Space Activities Bill, the boom in aerospace startups like Skyroot, Pixxel and Digantara, and the challenge of Series B-C funding in deeptech. If you've wondered how India plans to grow its space economy from $8.5 billion to $44 billion by 2033 — this episode offers answers from the man steering the catalyst in this journey. TUNE INYou can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow Nirmal John on his social media media: Twitter and Linkedin Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bengaluru is rapidly emerging as India’s new advertising epicenter, challenging the long-standing reign of Mumbai and Delhi. What’s driving this transformation? A dynamic combination of thriving startups, digitally native D2C brands, and a fresh crop of independent agencies that are reshaping the creative landscape. From fintech to fantasy sports, the city is drawing in forward-thinking advertisers eager to experiment. Its strong tech foundation positions it as a frontrunner in AI-enabled content, digital innovation, and hyperlocal campaigns. But the momentum isn’t limited to Bengaluru. Southern markets like Kerala, Chennai, and Hyderabad are also experiencing significant economic growth, rising consumer demand, and sectoral expansion. The pandemic only accelerated this shift, with remote work enabling talent to stay anchored in the South and flourish. Host Prasad Sangameshwaran is joined by Lloyd Mathias, business strategist and independent director; Kaustav Das, CEO and co-founder, Ralph&Das; and Rahul Vengalil, CEO & co-founder of TGTHR, as they unpack how Bengaluru and the broader South are rewriting the narrative of Indian advertising.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Also listen to Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more! Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s aesthetic legacy is lighting up luxury runways across Paris and Milan from Louis Vuitton’s “Voyage to India” to Prada’s controversial Kolhapuri-inspired sandals. But behind the global admiration lies a deeper story: one of borrowed beauty, blurred boundaries, and battles for credit. We explore the fine line between celebration and exploitation. Fashion scholar Phyllida Jay joins host Apoorva Mittal to unpack how India stands between being endlessly mined for design and finally demanding recognition. With GI tags, artisan invisibility, and IP inequalities at the forefront, this is a look at what happens when the world wears India without saying her name.You can follow our host Apoorva Mittal on her social media: Twitter & Linkedin Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.Credits: Louis Vuitton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a global FMCG giant hits pause on its playbook and places a bold new bet on leadership? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Ratna Bhushan speaks with Sandip Ghose, HUL veteran and currently Managing Director of MP Birla Cement, and ET’s Senior Editor Sagar Malviya to unpack the high-stakes leadership transition at Hindustan Unilever Limited, where the abrupt exit of CEO Rohit Jawa has made way for marketing veteran Priya Nair. From long-standing market pressures and legacy baggage like GSK’s Horlicks to shifting consumer trends, the conversation traces the strategic recalibrations underway at HUL. With insights into the contrasting legacies of Jawa and his predecessor Sanjiv Mehta, the episode explores what Nair’s digital-first, premium-led approach could mean for the company’s growth story. Will her vision reinvigorate investor confidence and steer HUL through a slowing consumer cycle? Or is this a bigger story about transformation, expectation, and the evolving DNA of leadership in Indian corporates?Tune inYou can follow Ratna Bhushan on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when 20% of your code is written by machines? In this Corner Office Conversation, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to Ravi Kumar, CEO at Cognizant, to unpack how the tech major is reimagining IT services through AI, automation, and open innovation.With a strong push toward interdisciplinary talent, Ravi explains how Cognizant is redefining productivity and expanding access to software development beyond traditional STEM fields. From open-sourcing its NEURO platform to preparing for an AI-led future, the company is building a more agile and inclusive tech ecosystem. As India positions itself as a global AI hub, the episode explores whether frugal innovation and a strong digital backbone can help it overcome constraints in computing power and regulation and power the next chapter of global tech transformation. Tune in. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sweeping revision of Bihar’s voter list has stirred debate. The Election Commission’s first Special Intensive Revision in over 20 years demands new, unfamiliar documents from thousands within just 30 days. Critics call it rushed, exclusionary, and potentially unconstitutional. The Commission defends it as essential housekeeping ahead of elections. But why now? Why Bihar? Is this a test run for a nationwide voter roll purge? Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with ET’s Anubhuti Vishnoi, former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, and political reporter Kumar Anshuman. As citizens wade through monsoon floods to prove they belong, one question looms: are we protecting democracy or locking people out of it?You can follow Anubhuti Vishnoi on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. You can follow Kumar Anshuman on his Linkedin profile and read his Newspaper Articles.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.Credits: The Indian ExpressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a significant development, SEBI has barred Jane Street, one of the world’s leading proprietary trading firms, from participating in Indian markets. The action follows concerns over aggressive options trading strategies and suspected manipulation, particularly around Bank Nifty’s weekly expiries. This move reflects the regulator’s growing focus on tightening control over algorithmic and high-frequency trading, especially by foreign players. Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses the implications with ET’s Sugata Ghosh and Reena Zachariah as well hedge fund executive Mayank Bansal, on SEBI’s toughest crackdown on a global trading firm Tune in.You can follow Sugata Ghosh on his Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. You can follow Reena Zachariah on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.Credits: Bloomberg Television, Business Today, CNBC-TV18 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women regardless of privilege or education continue to shoulder the invisible burden of caregiving and domestic work. They may appear independent and empowered but behind the scenes, most women are still doing it all, unpaid and unacknowledged. In this conversation host Apoorva Mittal talks with Sunaina Kumar, Senior Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, about the weight of domestic labor, the need for flexible policies, trustworthy childcare, and the cultural shifts essential to making real progress. Because recognizing invisible work is the first step toward equity. You can follow our host Apoorva Mittal on her social media: Twitter & LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labubu, the “cute but creepy” character from The Monsters series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has taken over the world….and now India. Once a niche designer toy, Labubu is now a global collectible phenomenon fuelled by Pop Mart’s blind box strategy and major celebrity endorsements from Rihanna to Karan Johar. With prices ranging from ₹4,000 to over ₹1 crore, Labubu is driving a fast-growing collectibles trend in India. From social media unboxings to resale site frenzies, the demand shows no signs of waning. Host Dia rekhi talks to resellers Nikhil Jain of City Kicks India and Abbas Ali Zaveri, founder at Hype Fly India about why Indian collectors are rushing to join this global club. Tune in:You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.Credits:  SmartKicks, Wu’s World, Jiny Maeng, Christi FritzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Axis Bank, MD & CEO Amitabh Chaudhry sits down with ET’s Saloni Shukla and banking editor Sangita Mehta for an unfiltered conversation on growth, competition, and resilience. Since taking over in 2019, Chaudhry has led Axis to become India’s third-largest private sector bank. Yet, questions remain about its relatively slower growth especially when compared to peers like ICICI and HDFC Bank. With the banking sector navigating fresh headwinds, sluggish deposit growth, stricter regulatory scrutiny on NBFC ties, tightening margins, and global uncertainty, Chaudhry offers a frank assessment of what’s next for Axis, the banking industry at large and much more. Tune in.You can follow Sangita Mehta on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. You can follow Saloni Shukla on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more!Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As India sends Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla into orbit on the Axiom-4 mission, we pause to meet his biggest cheerleader and strongest support system. Dr Kamna Shukla—Shukla’s wife, best friend since Class 3, a dentist and mother—opens up to TOI's Chethan Kumar about the daring, dedication and decisiveness that drives Shukla, his bonding with other astronauts, his goofiness and taking inspiration from Finding Nemo, their love across light years, parenting during countdowns, the quiet courage it takes to be grounded when your partner belongs to the sky..and why she never visualises his flights. The thumbnail is an AI generated reproduction of an image from Shubhanshu Shukla’s instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTF3b2yZA5/?img_index=1&igsh=MWRydTBoeGVxaHV0cw==Tune in:You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when long-simmering tensions between two regional powers erupt into a flashpoint for global concern? In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre to unpack the fragile but ferocious dynamic between Iran and Israel. Framed by the October 7th Hamas attacks and the Gaza War, the conversation traces the deeper history of Iran’s relationship with Israel and the rise of the so-called Axis of Resistance. From regime stability in Tehran to nuclear ambitions, Barbara offers insight into whether this conflict marks a shift in Iran’s regional strategy or simply a recalibration.The episode also probes the role of the United States, questioning why it acts as a combatant rather than a mediator and whether its long-standing “maximum deterrence” doctrine still holds water. Is there still hope for peace? Tune in:You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Air India flight took off on June 12 and within seconds, it became one of the deadliest air crashes in recent memory. Only one of the 242 people aboard survived. The official investigation has been hamstrung by a severely damaged black box that had to be flown to the NTSB lab for decoding. Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to Aurobindo Handa, former head of India’s air accident probe agency, to understand what it takes to uncover the truth after an air crash. Drawing on his years of experience including the Calicut crash of 2020 he also sheds light on what holds back India’s air safety investigations: low budgets and short-staffed teams.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad en route to London, Air India flight AI171 crashed, killing 241 of 242 people onboard, marking India’s worst aviation disaster in over a decade.In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury speaks with safety and flight ops expert Amit Singh, founder of Safety Matters Foundation as well as ET’s aviation experts Forum Gandhi and Arindam Majumder, to unpack the tragedy that has shaken the foundations of India’s aviation sector.With the black box recovered and investigations underway, the episode explores what is known so far, the hard questions around airline accountability, and whether lapses in safety protocols played a role.Tune in:You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, Health Hazards in your Grocery Bag, Trump vs Harvard: India Impact, Explaining India’s Record FDI Freefall and much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As rare earth shortages disrupt global manufacturing, India’s auto sector is feeling the crunch. In this episode of The Morning Brief, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Shally Seth Mohile speak with Ankit Somani (Co-founder, Conifer), Hemal Thakkar (Senior Practice Leader and Director, Crisil Intelligence), and Vinnie Mehta (Director General, ACMA) to unpack how China’s tightening grip on rare earth exports is sending shockwaves through India’s auto sector. With restrictions on critical elements and magnets used in EVs, defense, and electronics, Indian supply chains are strained. Rare earth magnets up to 15 times stronger than steel magnets and power everything from regenerative braking and sensors to infotainment and battery systems. Yet despite having the world’s fifth-largest reserves, India lacks the refining capacity, magnet-making infrastructure, and policy clarity to compete. The result? Deepening dependence on China, which controls more than 85% of global processing. As export approvals get entangled in a multi-agency licensing maze, Indian manufacturers are scrambling to respond from redesigning tech to lobbying for domestic capacity. This episode explores whether India can future-proof its clean-tech ambitions or stay magnetized to global risk. Tune InYou can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinYou can follow Shally Seth Mohile on her social media Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DHL Express, has made a strategic turnaround in the last 15 years to become a key revenue driver for the DHL Group. At the helm is its CEO John Pearson, a 40 year veteran at the logistics behemoth. But as geopolitical forces give new directions to global trade, DHL must find new anchors. In this Corner Office Conversation Pearson talks to Anirban Chowdhury, who joins him at DHL’s Dubai facility, and ET’s Forum Gandhi about how he and his company are navigating the shifting sands, air and waters of global trade and how India is playing a critical role in its recalibrated plans. Tune in.You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bottle of mango lassi, neatly sealed and within its expiry date, erupts like a shaken soda—over-fermented and undrinkable. Delivered in 10 minutes from a quick commerce dark store, it should’ve been safe. But it wasn’t. And it isn’t an isolated case. As India’s quick commerce boom races ahead with 10-minute deliveries, dark stores—those invisible micro-warehouses powering your convenience—are quietly falling short on food safety. From broken packaging and stale bread to near-expiry edible oils and infestations, hygiene violations are slipping through the cracks. With fragmented regulations and overstretched operations, are we walking blind into a public health risk? Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to ET’s Ratna Bhushan and Dr Arun Gupta, convenor, Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, about the systemic hygiene failures inside dark stores, the medical risks of spoiled food, and whether consumer convenience is quietly compromising our safety. Tune in:Credits: kubbrasaitYou can follow Ratna Bhushan on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Indian family businesses have operated on trust, tradition, and unwritten rules. But as generational transitions approach, and as businesses scale or seek external capital, these legacy structures are coming under pressure. Succession in Indian family businesses is no longer a backroom conversation, it's becoming a strategic imperative. And as new voices emerge in old rooms, the question is no longer if the change will come, but how prepared families are to manage it. Host Dia Rekhi talks to Falguni Shah, Partner at PwC and Srinath Sridharan, corporate advisor and author of Family and Dhanda about this shift. Why are more families writing constitutions? What role do generational gaps, investor pressure, and changing cultural attitudes play? And are these isolated cases or the early signs of a broader transformation? Tune in. You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterYou can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Havas Group, the world’s fifth-largest advertising network, counts India as one of its most successful markets. In this special Corner Office Conversation, Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas Group, talks to Ratna Bhushan about why Indian branding and advertising is a “completely different world”. With several big accounts such as Reckitt Benckiser, HUL and Tata Steel and a headcount that has grown 10X in eight years and poised to double in the next few, Havas is betting big on India's booming middle class, digital-first consumers, and world-class talent base. Bolloré shares how India’s digitisation story where digital ad spends have overtaken traditional media offers a blueprint for the future. He also explains why Havas embraced AI early, how it’s slashing production costs while enabling hyper-personalised campaigns and why he wants every Havas employee to be AI-trained. Bolloré also discusses how geopolitical uncertainty from Trump’s tariffs to regional tensions continues to have an impact on advertising. Tune in.You can follow Ratna Bhushan on her Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read her Newspaper Articles. If you like this episode, check out more Corner Office Conversations from the podcast: Adar Poonawalla, Sandip Patel, The Mega Listing Of Vishal Retail, Corner Office Conversation with Philippe Schaillee, Global CEO, Costa Coffee, Antonoaldo Neves, Rajesh Jejurikar, Srikanth Velamakanni, and more! Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump-Harvard tussle over international students has aspirants and their parents in a bind. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Prachi Verma explores the ripple effect of the clash and what it signals for the future of American higher education. With its federal certification temporarily stripped, Harvard now has less than 30 days to prove it complies with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. While a federal judge has paused the enforcement, the uncertainty is real—especially for the nearly one-third of Harvard’s student population that comes from abroad, including 800 Indians. As Indian families reassess their higher education plans, Prachi speaks to Naveen Chopra, founder of TC Global, and Deepak Ahluwalia, a U.S.-based immigration lawyer, to unpack what this means on the ground from admissions anxieties to long-term policy implications. From curriculum and diversity to global enrolment strategies, the question lingers: in a decentralized and competitive academic world, can a single institution still lead or is the age of institutional bellwethers coming to an end? Tune InYou can follow Prachi Verma on social media: Linkedin & TwitterCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Steve Jobs’s design obsession to Cold War-like entanglements in China, Apple’s supply chain story is as much geopolitical as it is operational. In this episode of The Morning Brief, hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Dia Rekhi speak with Financial Times’ lead Apple reporter, journalist and author Patrick McGee, whose new book explores how Apple’s reliance on China helped build both the iPhone and China’s manufacturing dominance. From Foxconn’s factory cities to Tim Cook’s “Uber of manufacturing” model, the conversation traces how Apple’s pursuit of speed and scale created strategic dependence. As trade tensions escalate and India eyes its own role, Patrick unpacks why China’s ecosystem is still unmatched and whether democratic countries can replicate its efficiency without compromising core values. In a world of fragile ties and rising tariffs, the episode asks can the company pivot from China without dismantling the very machine it built.Tune InYou can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & TwitterYou can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malta’s golden passport scheme once ranked #1 globally for citizenship-by-investment has been declared a violation of EU law by the European Court of Justice, signaling a major turning point in global wealth migration. As the EU cracks down on fast-track citizenship programs, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), including thousands of wealthy Indians, are reassessing their options for second citizenship and global mobility. Host Neil Ghai talks to Rajneesh Pathak, founder of GlobalNorth Residency and Citizenship and Andri Boiko, Founder & Global CEO , Garant In, as they discover how this landmark ruling could reshape investment migration trends, impact the future of golden visas, and shift demand toward more affordable residency and passport programs in the Caribbean and beyond.Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. You can follow Neil Ghai on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India has recently witnessed a dramatic decline in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), sparking concerns across economic and policy circles. In this episode, we explore the key factors behind this unexpected fall and what it could mean for the country’s growth trajectory. While foreign investment continues to come in, a surge indisinvestments and capital outflows as part of the IPO wave last year sharply reduced the net gain. What’s causing global investors to pull back? And why are Indian companies increasingly investing abroad instead of at home? Host Anirban Chowdhury speaks to ET’s Gayatri Nayak and Indranil Sengupta, noted economist and professor at Shiv Nadar University, to look beyond the headline numbers and see whether this is the sign of a maturing economy. They also examine how India’s position in the global investment landscape is shifting, especially as other emerging economies attract greater attention. Is this just a temporary correction due to global uncertainty, or are deeper structural issues at play? Tune inYou can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and LinkedinCheck out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more. Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we break down the big clash between PVR Inox, India’s largest cinema chain, and Maddock Films, the production house behind the Stree franchise, Chhava and now Bhool Chuk Maaf. Just days before the latest film was supposed to hit theatres, Maddock decided to skip the big screen and release it straight to Amazon Prime Video, citing the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan. That move didn’t sit well with PVR Inox. They hit back with a ₹60 crore lawsuit, accusing Maddock of breaching their agreement and causing major financial losses. The two parties settled out of court but the conflict raises questions. While Maddock cited a war as the basis of its decision, will production companies try to pass theatres more and more, abruptly? Will the window of theatrical shows reduce? Given that films are not being pre sold for hundreds of crores to OTT platforms, will the importance of cinemas as exhibition platforms and revenue generators reduce more and more? Host Anirban Chowdhury and Rajesh Naidu chat with Anushree Rauta, Equity Partner and head of the Media & Entertainment practice at ANM Global, and Amit Sharma, who heads entertainment at Miraj Group. Tune in You can follow Rajesh Naidu on his Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read his Newspaper Articles. You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Donald Trump made headlines once again.. this time by issuing veiled threats to Apple CEO Tim Cook over the company’s expanding operations in India. But despite the political noise, Apple is pushing full steam ahead with its India strategy, with Foxconn reportedly set to double iPhone production in the country this year. As Apple positions India as a key manufacturing hub and a potential alternative to China, host Dia Rekhi is joined by Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, and ET’s Suraksha P to break down the implications of Trump’s remarks. They explore the ground realities at Apple’s top supplier Foxconn’s new Bengaluru facility and examine whether Apple could truly shift away from China or even bring iPhone production to the US. Check out Dia’s other interesting episodes like: Move Aside Tech Bros!, Opus DEI: Will Trump’s pushback impact MNCs in India?, The Economics of Terror, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India's CCTV Crackdown, and more! You can follow Dia Rekhi on social media: Linkedin & Twitter Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube. Credits: NDTVSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.